THE DAILY
MISSISSIPPIAN
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Volume 106, No. 26
T H E S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R O F T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F M I S S I S S I P P I S E R V I N G O L E M I S S A N D OX F O R D S I N C E 1 9 1 1
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4 Greek organizations under hazing investigation LANA FERGUSON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Four Greek letter organizations are under investigation following reports of hazing, according to Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Brandi Hephner LaBanc. “I can’t speak any further on that right now because
of the investigations, but I can confirm that is the case,” she told The Daily Mississippian on Tuesday evening. Hephner LaBanc said she is happy the issues are being reported. “We’re taking (the reports) seriously, and, frankly, we are happy that people are reporting,” she said.
“We want people to elevate that this risk is occurring so we can intervene quickly and eliminate or drastically reduce those risks, with the goal being elimination.” She said the administration wants these issues to be reported both to take care of the university community and to be used as an educational opportunity to
let people know hazing is not tolerated on campus. “It’s not like this is a new trend. We’ve received reports in the past, but I think that because of the amount of effort that we’ve put into pushing out a clear message, we’re seeing a response to that,” Hephner LaBanc said. Hephner LaBanc said
the university has taken new steps to prevent hazing, including requiring education workshops for potential new members before they went through the recruitment process. The workshops addressed violence prevention, which includes hazing prevention,
SEE HAZING PAGE 3
‘His blood runs blue and red’: Wilkin named provost MADDIE MCGEE NEWS EDITOR
Noel Wilkin was named provost and executive vice chancellor of the university after serving as interim provost since January 2017. As provost, Wilkin will serve as the chief academic officer of the university and will be responsible for both academic and budgetary affairs. The provost works closely with academic deans and department heads to fulfill academic priorities and missions and plays a large role in the dynamics of the university as second-in-command to the chancellor. In a statement, Wilkin said he is excited to serve the university as provost. “It is the creativity, commitment and dedication of our people that enables us to make a positive difference in the lives of our students and society, and I am honored to have the opportunity to work with them to do this important work,” he said in the statement. Donald Cole, assistant provost and math professor, said Wilkin is uniquely qualified to be the provost of the university. “No one knows more about the academic operations of our institution than Noel,” Cole said. “He has the experience, the temperament, the work ethic and the confidence.” Wilkin’s experience at the university includes roles as interim provost, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, professor of pharmacy administration and research professor in the Re-
search Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Cole said Wilkin’s previous experience at the university will be a huge benefit. “We have avoided a one- to two-year learning curve for a provost by choosing Noel, and we have maintained the quality, respect, integrity and moral leadership expected in a provost,” he said. “No one will be more dedicated to our institution, and no one is going to outwork Noel.” Cole said that becoming provost was naturally the next step for Wilkin and the university can expect big things from him. “His blood runs blue and
OPINION A violation of basic human rights This week, ‘infamous’ HB 1523 takes effect. What can happen, and how can we respond? PAGE 2
LIFESTYLES
red, and he brings a stabilizing confidence to this position,” Cole said. “With Noel, we can expect years of dedicated, forward-thinking, progressive leadership to guide our institution into the next decade.” Rich Forgette, associate provost and interim director of the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies, said the university is lucky to have Wilkin as provost. “Provost Wilkin has great judgment, integrity and vision,” he said. “He brings a wealth of experience to the provost position. This ex-
PHOTOS BY: BILLY SCHUERMAN
SEE PROVOST PAGE 3
Noel Wilkin was selected for the role of provost late last month after a nationwide search. The provost serves as second-in-command to the chancellor.
IN THIS ISSUE...
Crime, confessions, convictions Find a new favorite podcast with our resident expert PAGE 5
LIFESTYLES
SPORTS
SFA celebrates Latino cuisine
Men’s golf ties for eighth
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This year’s symposium will be centered around Latino food and culture
Thornberry’s top-five finish was the highlight of the tournament, now they look ahead to Nashville