One JSU Excellence Awards 2012

One JSU Excellence Awards Dinner Tuesday, August 14, 2012 JSU Student Center Ballrooms A & B 6:00 P.M.

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Message from President Carolyn Meyers Good Evening Esteemed Honorees and Families, Fellow Jacksonians, and Friends: It is with much pride that we welcome you to tonight’s inaugural celebration of our “One JSU Excellence Awards.”

We are celebrating the accomplishments of 47 individuals steeped in the pinnacles of teaching, research, and service. Recognized and nominated by their respective unit heads and peers, tonight’s award recipients are being honored for their outstanding contributions to Jackson State University.

Through their innovative talents, our beloved Jackson Fair, Jackson Dear has had many accomplishments. We placed in top-tier collegiate rankings against some of the stiffest competitors with unlimited resources. We have been ranked number two in research and development expenditures among all Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to the National Science Foundation Research and Development expenditures report of U.S. institutions of higher learning. Our recent $5.4 million award for the Center for Minority Health Disparities also speaks volumes about the commitment of our research enterprise in elevating the condition of health care throughout our global communities.

To our teachers who dare now to dream with innovative ideas beyond the classroom; to our researchers who chart new territories in stem cell growth and unlocking cancer cures; and to our service engineers who challenge us every day to give of ourselves through our time and our gifts, we thank you all for charging us to leave a legacy to make our communities and our world a much more cultivated place for others to follow.

While we applaud our honorees for their individual efforts and pursuits, we also honor their families for their support. Thank you all for joining us at tonight’s “One JSU Excellence Awards” in saluting our honorees.

Best Wishes,

CarolynWMeyers Carolyn W. Meyers President

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Faces of our commitment to excellence!

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Row 1: 27–Mr. Timothy Abram, 15–Dr. Taunjah Bell, 19–Dr. Russell Bennett, 20–Dr. Gloria Billingsley, 16–Mrs. Nadia BodieSmith, 6–Dr. Donald Causey, 13–Dr. Alfonso Crump, Row 2: 6–Dr. Bobbie Daniels, 23–Dr. Himangshu Das, 15–Dr. Michelle Deardorff, 7–Dr. Fidel Ezeala-Harrison, 11–Dr. Ruben Gentry, 29–Dr. Ashton Hamme, 22-Dr. Raphael Isokpehi Row 3: 28–Ms. Lori Jackson-Stewart, 27–Ms. Tamka Jenkins, 27–Ms. Carolyn Johnson, 8–Dr. Lakitta Johnson, 12–Dr. Verna Jones, 10–Dr. Patricia Kennedy, 25–Dr. Abu Khan, Row 4: 9–Dr. Evornia Kincaid, 18–Dr. Mary Langford-Hall, 18–Dr. Jung Lee 17–Dr. Anna Marshall, 8–Dr. Jeton McClinton, 13–Dr. Preselfannie McDaniels, 20–Dr. Olga Osby, Row 5: 7–Dr. Samuel Perkins 21–Capt. LaTracia Price, 29–Dr. Paresh Ray, 9–Dr. Lou Helen Sanders, 19–Dr. Julie Schroeder, 26–Ms. Georgia Sims 26–Ms. Evette Stewart, Row 6: 12–Mr. Kenyetta Stewart, 24–Dr. April Tanner, 14–Dr. Teresa Taylor, 23–Dr. Shuangzhang Tu 25–Dr. Francis Tuluri, 11–Dr. Patricia VanDecar, 14–Dr. David Ware, Row 7: 28–Mrs. Vera Watson, 22–Dr. John Watts, 10–Dr. Deidre Wheaton, 26–Ms. Linda Wilson, 24–Dr. Zhenbu Zhang Note: Numbers pertain to pages on which the honorees may be found.

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Program Dr. Mark G. Hardy Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Presiding Prelude

The Jazz Quartet

Greetings

Dr. Evelyn J. Leggette Dean, Undergraduate Studies

One JSU Tribute to Excellence

Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers President

Invocation/Grace Dr. Daniel Watkins Dean, College of Education and Human Development ~DINNER SERVED~ One JSU Excellence Award Presentations Dr. Glenda B. Glover Dean, College of Business Dr. Daniel Watkins Dean, College of Education and Human Development Dr. Thomas C. Calhoun Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts Dr. Mario Azevedo Interim Dean, College of Public Service Dr. Paul Tchounwou Interim Dean, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology

“Reflections of Excellence�

Video Presentation

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One JSU Professionalism Award Presentations

Dr. Mark G. Hardy Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Felix A. Okojie Vice President for Research and Federal Relations Ms. Sandra Sellers Executive Director of Human Resources Mr. Michael Thomas Vice President for Business and Finance Mr. David Hoard Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Marcus Chanay Vice President for Student Life Presentation of Teacher of the Year

Dr. Mark G. Hardy Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Presentation of Alumnus of the Year Dr. Hilliard L. Lackey, III Immediate Past President of the JSU National Alumni Association Presentation of Community Service Award

Dr. Marcus Chanay Vice President for Student Life

Presentation of Researcher of the Year

Acknowledgements and Announcements

Dr. Felix A. Okojie Vice President for Research and Federal Relations

Dr. Dorris Robinson-Gardner Dean of Graduate Studies

Closing Remarks Dr. Nicole Edwards Evans

Assistant Provost for Institutional Research and Planning

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College of

Business

Accounting

Dr. Bobbie Daniels

State University where she completed a Ph.D. in Business Administration with a major in Accounting. She also holds the professional accounting designations, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).

uses practical examples to help students understand the difficult areas. Her goal is not to have students memorize countless formulas or rules, but rather to have them understand the key concepts, and be able to apply that understanding to practical situations.

Dr. Daniels’ teaching methods are innovative, and her style is engaging.

She is a gifted mentor who has made a lasting impact on many of her students.

Her compassion and empathy for students allows her to understand each student on an individual basis, and to build an excellent rapport with them. One student has described her this way: “Dr. Daniels has had a tremendous impact on my life and has helped me to realize the potential I have to be a great accountant.” Dr. Daniels has a clear, precise style of teaching, takes time to go over problems, and routinely

Prior to entering academe, Dr. Daniels worked as a Controller for a home health agency and as a Budget and Accounting Director for the State of Mississippi. Dr. Daniels has taught Financial, Managerial, Governmental and International Accounting courses. Her academic record includes publications in numerous professional journal articles and professional meeting presentations. She was voted “Teacher of the Year” in 2001 and 2009, and “Advisor of the Year” in 2007 in the College of Business at JSU.

D Entrepreneurship and Professional Development D r. Bobbie Daniels is an Associate Professor of Accounting at Jackson

r. Donald Causey is an Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship, a position held since 2007. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Master of Business Administration from Mississippi College, Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration from Jackson State University and post-doctorate in Entrepreneurship from the University of Florida. Dr. Causey’s post-doctorate is a signature accomplishment making him the only recipient among any “E” degree program in a HBCU institution. Dr. Causey was the first faculty appointment in Entrepreneurship as a new degree program, and his numerous contributions and outstanding achievements in teaching, research and service helped the College to achieve reaffirmation of accreditation in 2011.

His publication record is growing with several peer-reviewed academic papers in process, including: “Analysis of the

Causey has also co-authored several grant submissions including (1) National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance (NCIIA) Grant of Summer Youth Entrepreneurship Program; (2) EPA Women of Color Entrepreneurs Conference; (3) LIFE Summer Youth Entrepreneurship Training grant and (4) Summer Institute for European (SIE) Student Leader grant submitted to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Dr. Donald Causey Relationship Between Bank Size and Efficiency to Small Business Lending Participation”; “Market Concentration and Relative Prices of Long-term Care in Mississippi”; and “Are Older Entrepreneurs More Successful?” Dr.

He contributes to fundraising efforts at JSU and participates in many community organizations, alliances and partnerships to include the E.I. Institute, Nanjing, China; Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers; Green For All College Ambassadors; Students in Free Enterprise; Jackson Real Estate Investment Group; Mississippi Chartered Life Underwriters; Mississippi Economic Council; USASBE; Mt. Nebo Baptist Church; and a number of other organizations. He is married with five children and six grandchildren.

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Economics, Finance and General Business Business, after 11 years on the faculty of the University of New Brunswick, Canada.

He obtained his Ph.D. (1987) from the University of Manitoba, and M.A. (1983) from York University, Toronto, Canada; and received his undergraduate training from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana (1977). He has been teaching and researching economics and business for over 24 years now at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His fields of expertise are in applied microeconomic problems of the labor market, poverty alleviation, economic development, business policy, and international economics.

Dr. Fidel Ezeala-Harrison

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r. Fidel Ezeala-Harrison joined Jackson State University in 2002 as Professor of Economics in the College of

Dr. Ezeala-Harrison is the author of four books: Theory and Policy of International Competitiveness (Praeger, 1999); International Economic Growth and Development (IPWI Press, 1997); Economic Development: Theory and Policy Applications (Praeger, 1996); and

co-editor of Perspectives on Economic Development in Africa (Praeger, 1994). He has published nearly 100 research journal articles, book chapters, book reviews, and academic conference papers; and has given over 60 research and academic conference paper presentations.

At Jackson State, Dr. Ezeala-Harrison has taken pride in actively engaging, advising, mentoring, and instructing students while leading them on to pursue and reach for the highest heights. He insists on nothing but the best from his students while taking care to not be unduly overbearing, yet demanding of them to be the best. He received the College of Business Faculty Researcher of the Year Award for the year 2004, and again for the year 2006. He also received the Jackson State University Faculty Productivity Award for the year 2003-2004.

Management and Marketing

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the summer. Dr. Perkins teaches both quantitative and qualitative courses with an average of 50 plus students per course.

r. Samuel N. Perkins has served as senior advisor for the Department of Management and Marketing for 11 years.

In order to be an effective senior academic advisor, one must be knowledgeable of rules, regulations and procedures of all academic policies and processes.

In addition to serving as a senior academic advisor, Dr. Perkins also advises sophomore and junior Management and Marketing majors, and he is the Head Advisor for the College of Undergraduate Studies representing the College of Business, where he is charged with advising both freshmen and transfer students. Dr. Perkins spends approximately 30-35 percent of his time advising students.

Dr. Perkins also serves as a mentor for the McNair Scholars Program, which provides funding for selected students who are required to engage in research projects in areas covering a broad spectrum of disciplines. Dr. Perkins has been a

Additionally, Dr. Perkins is Advisor for the Society for the Advancement of Management (SAM), a member of the College of Business Recruitment Committee, member of the University’s Grievance Committee, and a member of the University’s Curriculum Committee.

Dr. Samuel N. Perkins McNair mentor for approximately six years, mentoring at least two students per semester.

Dr. Perkins teaches three courses per semester and at least two courses during

College of Business

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Dr. Perkins is actively engaged in educational research to determine whether there is a correlation between employee performance and participative management leadership style. Finally, Dr. Perkins spends time assisting high school students in improving their composite ACT scores in order to meet admission requirements for college primarily within the state of Mississippi and to obtain academic scholarships.

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College of

Education and Human

Development

School, Community and Rehab Counseling Certified Counselor, and an Approved Clinical Supervisor. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the Mississippi Counseling Association, Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, and Mississippi Association for Counselor Education and Supervision.

Her experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults with psychiatric disorders as well as addictions.

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r. Lakitta D. Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of School, Community and Rehabilitation Counseling. She received a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Loyola University of Chicago, a M.S. degree in Counseling from Jackson State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Tougaloo College.

Her current research interests include therapeutic communication, co-occurring disorders, and African American students’ retention, dropout prevention, bullying, and technology’s influence on children. Dr. Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Nationally

Dr. Lakitta Johnson

Educational Leadership

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r. Jeton McClinton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership. She received a Ph.D. from Mississippi State, M.Ed. from George Washington University, and a B.S from Washington State University. Her research interest includes faculty professional development in the 21st century, integration of electronic portfolios as a professional development tool, student learning styles in mobile learning environments, non-traditional students’ experiential learning styles in a knowledge driven society, and patterns of social interaction, discourse and cognitive processing in electronic

environments. She currently teaches Principles of Measurement, Methods of Educational Research, and Elementary Statistics at the graduate level. She has more than 15 years of experience in instructional technology, distance education design and delivery with extensive experience in e-learning systems methodology.

Dr. Jeton McClinton 8

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Educational Technology

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r. Lou H. Devine Sanders is a Professor/Librarian Emeritus in the area of Educational Technology.

Her educational matriculation includes a Ph.D. in Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh, an Ed.S in Educational Administration from Jackson State University, a B.A. in English Literature and Library Science from Jackson State University, and the AMLS in Library Science from the University of Michigan. From 19941998, she conceptualized and aided in the design of the $13.5 million H.T. Sampson Library expansion/renovation

project that won the 1998 Architecture Digest Best New Library Structure award for that year. Dr. Sanders has served as a full professor/librarian emeritus in the College of Education for the past 10 years.

She teaches Educational Testing and has become a strong proponent of the studentcentered teaching and learning process.

Dr. Lou Helen Sanders

Elementary Education

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r. Evornia Kincaid is an Assistant Professor of Elementary Education.

She received an M.S. and Ed.D. from Cardinal Stritch University, an M.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and a B.S.B.E. from the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She worked over 25 years as a K-12 teacher, counselor and school administrator in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has taught pre-service teachers in the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood at Jackson State University for three years.

She concurs with Gilbert Highet that,

“A teacher must believe in the value and interest of his subject as a doctor believes in health.� (Gilbert Highet, The Art of Teaching). She is a Southern Belle who moved north and has a passion for teaching and learning.

Dr. Evornia Kincaid

College of Education and Human Development

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Health, Physical Education and Recreation

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Dr. Patricia Kennedy

r. Patricia Riley Kennedy is a visiting professor in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department. She has a B.S. in Health, Physical Education and Recreation, an M.S. in Special Education, and an M.S. in Health, Physical Education and Recreation, and an Ed.D. in Early Childhood from Jackson State University. She teaches academic courses in the area of Therapeutic Recreation and Recreation Administration.

She also serves as the department’s Service Learning Coordinator and as a First Year Undergraduate Advisor. She has worked in various agencies throughout the state of Mississippi.

Dr. Kennedy is a Licensed Recreational Therapist (LRT), a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and has served as a professional consultant for over 25 years. Dr. Kennedy’s passion is encouraging others to restore health, wellness, and longevity through active involvement and participation in quality recreational activities. She thoroughly enjoys teaching outside of the box, and developing learning experiences for students that enhance their academic learning and eagerness for the profession.

Lifelong Learning

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r. Deidre L. Wheaton is an Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies in the School of Lifelong Learning. She has a B.A. in English with a minor in African World Studies from Dillard University. Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, Dr. Wheaton began working toward her Ph.D. in the Program in American Culture at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor. Dr. Wheaton has also maintained an active research agenda.

She had a chapter selected for inclusion in Jose Armengol’s edited collection, Men in Color: Racialized Masculinities in US Literature and Cinema (2011). She presented a work in progress at the College Language Association Convention on Memory and Identity in Randall Kenan’s A Visitation of Spirits (1989) — a novel about black communities, religion, and homosexuality. In November, she presented research from a pilot study at the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education. She is currently working on two research projects designed to examine non-traditional students’ writing and reading habits. She hopes to use the data collected to develop workshops and make recommendations 10

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regarding strategies for improving the written communication skills of students in the College of Lifelong Learning. Dr. Wheaton was selected to participate in the Mellon Foundation Undergraduate Fellowship Program. She was awarded the Benjamin E. Mays-Samuel DuBois Cook Presidential Scholarship Award, which recognized the academic accomplishments. Her graduate course work in this interdisciplinary program emphasized African American Literature and culture as well as black identity and masculinity. While at the University of Michigan, Dr. Wheaton was designated a Michigan Teaching Fellow by the University’s nationally recognized Center for Research on Learning and Teaching.

While teaching undergraduate courses that she designed such as “Race and Racism in American Literature” and “Black Religion in African American Literature,” Dr. Wheaton completed a dissertation titled “Seeking Salvation: Black Messianism and Racial Formation in Late 20th century Black Cultural Texts” in December 2008.

She volunteers in the Richard Wright Center for the Written Word as a tutor. Dr. Wheaton also serves on the University’s

Dr. Deidre L. Wheaton Writing across the Curriculum Leadership Team. She is faculty advisor for the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society, co-chair of the Spirit of Safety: Educators as Peacemakers 2011 Conference, and editor of the School’s alumni informational magazine — Triumph.

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Special Education

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r. Ruben Gentry is a Professor of Special Education. He has an Ed.D. from the University of Florida, M.A. from Atlanta University, and a B.S. from Jackson State University.

He has done further study in Gifted Education, School Psychometry, School Psychology, Administration, and Management Development through Webster College (St. Louis), Memphis State, Jackson State, Mississippi State, Harvard University and Cornell University.

As a scholar, he has co-authored one book chapter and authored or co-authored numerous journal articles and other

publications. Many of his writings address effective administration and teaching strategies. He has made presentations at professional conferences, participated on organizational boards and advisory committees, and has been a consultant at the local, state, and national levels. He has received many certificates, plaques, and other awards for exemplary professional work. He served as department chair of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, and he concurrently served as Visiting Coordinator of Academic Affairs at the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board Office.

Dr. Ruben Gentry

Social Sciences

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r. Patricia VanDecar is an Assistant Professor of Social Science. She has a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University, Ph.D. and M.ED. from Georgia State University, and a B.A. from Birmingham Southern College. In keeping with her research interest in internationalizing the curriculum, Dr. VanDecar collaborates with the Office of China Initiatives and has also formed Jackson State University Peace Builders, an international service-learning project in her Social Institutions classes.

Students investigate socioeconomic stratification and research standards of living in developing countries. They then have the opportunity to participate in a class microlending project that primarily targets

impoverished women in those countries.

The program fosters a sense of global stewardship among its participants. She has won two departmental teaching awards during her time at JSU and the Chairman’s Service Award from International Studies for work on JSU International Week. She was Co-Chair of the 2012 International Week celebration.

Dr. Patricia VanDecar

College of Education and Human Development

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College of

Liberal Arts

Art

Mr. Kenyetta Stewart

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r. Kenyetta Stewart, an Assistant Professor, is in his fourth year with the Department of Art and holds an M.F.A. degree is graphic design from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Mr. Stewart has a passion for teaching and is genuinely interested in providing the experiences that will ensure that students succeed once they graduate from Jackson State University. Professor Stewart has designed and implemented two new courses in the graphic design curriculum; Art 327 Sound Design, and Art 443 Motion Graphics. He has developed his own website with videos to augment the courses he is teaching. His contributions have been essential in making our graphic design program current for the industry.

Professor Stewart has been working as a curator and visual designer with the

Smith Robertson Cultural Center and Museum. All permanent installations are under his design and direction. Recently he has received approval for the visual and physical design of the Mayor Harvey Johnson exhibit that is scheduled to open in the near future. Other notable exhibits that he has designed and helped organize include “Freedom Sisters”, and “Women of the Movement”, which have gained national attention. Mr. Stewart also handles marketing collateral, designs brochures, posters, ads, etc. in conjunction with these exhibits. Mr. Stewart has designed new brochures for the Department of Art and has been engaged in promoting the department in the community and metro Jackson area.

Future plans involve developing a CD for recruiting purposes.

Criminal Justice and Sociology

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recognition is being told by students that she is an inspiration to all.

r. Verna Riley Jones is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice in the College of Liberal Arts. Dr. Jones received her education from Jackson State University, earning a B.A. in Criminal Justice (1979), M.P.P.A. in Public Administration (1983) and Ph.D. in Education Administration (1999).

Education at Jackson State is a family tradition for her. Other family members who have also earned degrees at JSU include her two children, Jessika and Jerome Jones, who both received their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and a sister — Dr. Patricia Riley Kennedy. Dr. Jones’ favorite quote is, “If you’re not talking good about Jackson State, then you’re not talking to me.”

Dr. Jones began her career in the field of criminal justice in 1979 with the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

In 1980 she received a position with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics; from there she was hired with the Governor’s Office of Criminal Justice Planning as a Licensing Officer Professional.

Dr. Jones has presented at several conferences and workshops such as the Spirit of Safety Conference, Teaching Tuesdays, and the 4th Annual Criminal

Dr. Verna R. Jones Justice Conference. She has also received many accolades, but her most cherished

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English and Modern Foreign Languages

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r. Preselfannie McDaniels, Associate Professor of English, completed her undergraduate studies at Jackson State University, Masters studies at Mississippi College and holds a Ph.D. in English from Louisiana State University. She has served Jackson State University with distinction.

As a result of her accomplishments in teaching, research, and service, she has achieved name recognition and visibility across the entire campus. She is known especially in the Department of English and Modern Foreign Languages as a successful coordinator of the Freshman English Program, a highly sought after academic advisor and professor, sponsor of departmental organizations, and organizer of departmental events.

Dr. McDaniels’ exemplary performance as a classroom teacher and mentor has earned her a reputation for excellence. She is recognized as a capable teacher/scholar

who holds students to high academic standards. Because of her enthusiasm, both inside and outside the classroom, Dr. McDaniels is an excellent motivator and role model for young scholars. As an illustration, her emphasis on research and scholarship has led to successful applications for 2011-2012 and 20122013 mini-grants through the Center for Undergraduate Research. Through Senior Seminar, the capstone course in English, she has directed the research of English majors in a project that measures the impact of service learning on the education of undergraduate students. Through successful mentoring, she has also guided her students in preparing successful proposals for conference presentations.

Most notably, she accompanied nine student presenters at the 2012 College Language Association Conference in Atlanta, serving as panel organizer and co-presenter.

Dr. Preselfannie McDaniels

History and Philosophy

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Dr. Alfonso W. Crump

r. Alfonso W. Crump is an Associate Professor of Philosophy, Logic, Ethics and Aesthetics in the Department of History and Philosophy. He has an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Religion from Clark Atlanta University, Master’s of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Mississippi State University. He was recommended as the Department of History and Philosophy’s nominee for faculty of the year. Professor Crump’s selection was based on his manifestation of commitment to duty, service and professional productivity. Clear illustration of these attributes includes the instruction of the largest number of students per class each semester in the department, averaging

College of Liberal Arts

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the largest total matriculants taught in all four classes each semester, and serving on thesis committees of Master of Arts history and criminal justice candidates.

He was promoted to Associate Professor and was granted tenure in May 2011.

Dr. Crump has performed distinguished instruction in the Core II Curriculum Title III Activity 7: Enhancing Instruction & Improving Learning Outcomes in the Core Curriculum. He has lectured and written on Integration of Technology and Instruction: Best Practices; and Symbol and Symbolic Interaction in Teaching and Learning. Recently, Dr. Crump was honored as Humanities Teacher of the Year for Jackson State University, awarded by Mississippi Humanities Council.

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Mass Communications Dr. Teresa Taylor is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mass Communications.

She received her undergraduate degree and Ph.D. in Mass Communications from The University of Southern Mississippi. She received her Masters in Mass Communications from the University of New Orleans.

Dr. Taylor serves on department and university committees. She has been selected to serve on several search committees, including co-chair of the Search committee for the Department of Mass Communications and the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. She worked on the ACEJMC reaccreditation visit

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for 2011 and has set up an electronic database to collect vital data for the next accreditation visit. Dr. Taylor is the coordinator of the master’s program for the Mass Communications Department and fosters the introduction and application of interactive technologies such as teleconferencing, video, podcasting, and Smart board technologies.

Dr. Teresa Taylor

His specializations are problem-based learning in music education, music for trumpet ensembles and marching band, jazz improvisation, and blues education.

in the Jazz Education Journal, the International Trumpet Guild Journal and the School Band and Orchestra Magazine.

His five method books, Flexibility Studies for Brass Instruments, were released

by Cimarron Music Press in Ledyard, Connecticut, in 2006. His most recent book, Interviews with 16 Band Directors at Historically Black Colleges: Their Attitudes, Opinions, and Methods, was released by Edwin Mellen Press in 2008.

Dr. Ware, a 2008 University Scholar, collaborated with scholars in the field and examined the lives of numerous Mississippi Delta Blues legends in his work titled, Headhunters and Wolfmen: The Chicago Blues Convergence. He has a forthcoming book, The King of the Chit’lin’ Circuit: The Life and Music of Bobby Rush. Dr. Ware was also named a JSU Service-Learning Fellow in 2010 and was a Global Inquiry Faculty Training Seminar recipient in the summer of 2011. The fellowship enabled JSU undergraduate students to teach applied trumpet lessons for one school year to fifth-graders at George Elementary School in Jackson.

His multiple publications include articles

Currently,

r. David N. Ware is an Associate Professor of Music in the Department of Music at Jackson State University, where he directs the Jazz Combo, Brasswind Ensemble and Trumpet Ensemble.

He currently teaches Music Appreciation online, General Music History, Jazz History and Music in the 20th Century as well as Applied Trumpet and Applied French Horn to undergraduate and graduate level students. He joined the faculty in Fall of 2000 from Alcorn State University, in Lorman, Mississippi, where he was an Assistant Professor of Music in the Department of Fine Arts. Dr. Ware holds the degrees of Doctor of Music from Florida State University, a Master of Music Performance and the Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music, and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Wyoming.

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Dr.

Ware

is

Dr. David N. Ware research on the following projects: The Characteristics of Arts Administration Programs at HBCUs; The Effects of Jazz as Background Music on the Math Test Scores of Undergraduate Students; and Attitudes and Opinions of Music Department Chairs at HBCUs.

conducting

College of Liberal Arts

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Political Science

Dr. Michelle D. Deardorff

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r. Michelle D. Deardorff, Professor of Political Science and Interim Department Chair, has developed a national reputation in Political Science, particularly in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Dr. Deardorff received her undergraduate degree in Political Science

and History from Taylor University and her Masters and Ph.D. in Political Science from Miami University. Dr. Deardorff is known for her innovative teaching in the discipline — her research on teaching and learning in political science has been published multiple times in the two leading journals on the subjects, including The Journal of Political Science Education, of which she serves as a board member.

This year she published an essay on Black Political Thought in The Encyclopedia of Political Theory, which is edited by the leadership of the Foundations of Political Theory section of the American Political Science Association. Last year she had an essay on Christian Political Thought published in a similar reviewed venue.

In 2011, the Department recognized her as a Trailblazer for students. In addition, Dr. Deardorff was recognized by the American Political Science Association/Pi Sigma Alpha for Outstanding Teaching in Political Science at the annual conference in September 2011.

As part of the Hamer Institute, Dr. Deardorff is working with the Jackson Public Schools in implementing its Department of Education Teaching American History grant. Leading a team of consultants, she and the team offer four day-long professional development workshops for history teachers and a two-week summer workshop. This project is in year four of five. During the 2011-2012 academic year, Dr. Deardorff added to her publication portfolio, publishing a law journal article with Angela Kupenda (Professor of Law at Mississippi College School of Law); she also presented the work at the University of Florida Law School, led a plenary panel on the topic at a national teaching conference, and published a review of a new book in her field in an international journal of legal reviews. McGraw-Hill has contracted with her to be the new third author of its primary American Government textbook titled American Democracy Now. It is currently in the second edition, and she is in the process of revising chapters for the third edition.

Psychology

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r. Taunjah P. Bell, Assistant Professor of Psychology, is in her second year as a tenure track faculty member in the Department of Psychology. Dr. Bell earned her Ph.D. from the University of IllinoisCarbondale, Master’s from University of North Iowa, and undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida.

She has established excellent teacherstudent relationships with both graduate and undergraduate students. Dr. Bell has established an ongoing research program named The Anxiety Study Group, which is the first laboratory-established group in the Department of Psychology. The group’s purpose is to design original research which involves students in the investigation of autonomic indicators, specifically blood pressure and heart rate, associated with psychological factors such as anxiety, depression and cognition. Dr. Bell has published two peer-reviewed papers based on her research studies. Dr. Bell volunteered for the initial training

with the university QEP program which was designed to improve instructional skills of teachers in the beginning core courses for undergraduate students. She has successfully completed this training and is prepared to assist other faculty with improved teaching strategies.

Dr. Bell has taken the initiative in organizing undergraduate study groups of students who are academically high achieving and training them to serve as tutors for low-achieving students. It has been noted that students are using the tutorial services as a way of improving their learning skills. These activities have made a significant impact on student learning in the Department of Psychology. It is for these and other related achievements that Dr. Bell is recognized as an Outstanding faculty member.

College of Liberal Arts

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Dr. Taunjah P. Bell

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Speech Communication and Theatre

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of each year. Dr. Bodie-Smith compiled the necessary information and collaborated with the graphic designer on the department’s brochure, and she maintains and updates the department’s website and just recently added a department newsletter. She creates student forms, reading lists, and manuals for student use on the department website.

r. Nadia Bodie-Smith, Assistant Professor in the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre, was selected as Outstanding Faculty because “Her presence has made a difference.”

She earned her undergraduate degree in Music from Florida Memorial University in Miami, Florida, Master’s in Theater from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, and a Ph.D. in theater from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Recently, Dr. BodieSmith was able to create a fully functioning costume shop with 15 sewing machines, washer and dryer, and a custom cutting table for drafting and building costumes.

Through her guidance, students working in the costume shop move on to summer internships with professional companies and graduate programs in design. She also developed a fully functioning box office, with an automated ticketing system. Dr. Bodie-Smith supervises and instructs the student box office staff, and house management staff in promotions and marketing and Arts Administration.

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Dr. Nadia Bodie-Smith Under Dr. Bodie-Smith’s advisement, theatre students have attended and ranked at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival competition.

She has revised the theatre concentration curriculum in accordance with accreditation guidelines, developing juries to assess theatre majors at the end

Along with her full teaching load, she also directs department productions, including her recently concluded directing of a musical in the Fall of 2011, with 30 cast members. She continues to design and build costumes for four major productions per year. She mentors new faculty and serves as First Year Faculty Advisor, and Co-Advisor for the Shakespeare Club.

She also serves on several committees, including the Recruitment Committee, Scholarship Banquet Committee, Curriculum Committee, and most recently an NEA grant committee.

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College of

Public Service

Bachelor of Social Work Program from The University of Southern Mississippi, and Doctor of Philosophy degree in social work from Jackson State University.

Dr. Marshall’s teaching interests include graduate and undergraduate courses in the areas of human behavior and diversity, gerontology, and health of women and children. Her course syllabi are consistently well developed, and students rate her above average in their evaluation of her performance in the classroom.

Dr. Anna M. Marshall

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r. Anna M. Marshall is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Tougaloo College, Master of Social Work degree

Dr. Marshall provides substantial service through committee work at the University.

As advisor for the Undergraduate Social Work Student Association over the past three years, she has involved the students in several service-learning opportunities with various community agencies. Most impressive is a recent project sparked by her selection as a Service Learning Fellow with the JSU Center for Service and

Community-Engaged Learning. Through the project, her undergraduate class presented ponchos and umbrellas to all students at Poindexter Elementary School.

The presentation, which was made at a school-wide assembly, was well received since most of the students walked to school and a number were absent on rainy days.

The social work students also emphasized the importance of attending school every day – rain or shine.

Dr. Marshall resides in Jackson, Mississippi. She was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where many of her family members currently reside. She has two children and four grandchildren. Her hobbies are photography and gardening.

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Communicative Disorders

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r. Mary Langford-Hall is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Undergraduate Program in Communicative Disorders.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and anthropology from Tougaloo College, Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology from The University of Southern Mississippi, and Doctor of Philosophy degree in clinical psychology from Jackson State University. She also earned a specialist certificate in psychology, guidance and school counseling at Mississippi College.

Dr. Langford-Hall has taught several courses during her 20 years at Jackson State University in the areas of anatomy and physiology, speech and hearing science, neurology, motor speech disorders, fluency, and adult language.

Students always express great satisfaction with her teaching performance, and most former students admiringly refer to her as

“Dr. A & P,” a reminder of the anatomy and physiology course. They view her as a “tough” instructor who imparts a wealth of knowledge and challenges students to strive for the best. Moreover, as the students exit the University, she is often cited as the faculty member who most profoundly influenced them during their matriculation.

In addition to her classroom teaching this past academic year, Dr. Langford-Hall played a critical role in transforming and improving the undergraduate and post-baccalaureate programs in Communicative Disorders.

Demonstrating great leadership, organization, and vision, she effectively led the team in drafting new policies and procedures for both programs.

Dr. Langford-Hall is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. She is a member of the Amazing Institutional Church of God

Dr. Mary Langford-Hall in Christ, where she serves as the radio broadcast announcer. Her hobbies are reading and gardening. She and her husband, Van, have two adult children and two grandchildren.

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

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r. Jung H. Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in health education from Ewha Womans University, Master of Public Health degree from Seoul National University, and Doctor of Science degree in biostatistics from Tulane University.

Dr. Lee’s statistical areas of interest are categorical data analysis, semiparametric regression modeling, latent class modeling, and longitudinal data analysis. She is a Principal Investigator for the Jackson Heart Study’s Vanguard Center in the College of Public Service, which facilitates translational research for investigators using large data sets. She also serves as a Co-Investigator for the Vaccination Status and Health Outcomes Study, which evaluates the impact of 18

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routine vaccination on children’s health by comparing prevalence rate ratios of selected chronic conditions among a large group of vaccinated and unvaccinated homeschooled children.

Dr. Lee has an impressive record of scholarship including 17 peerreviewed articles and 43 presentations at international, national, and regional conferences. As evidence of her highly valued mentorship, she has published and co-presented six different abstracts at international and national conferences with doctoral students.

Dr. Jung H. Lee

Dr. Lee was born in South Korea. She and her husband, Jae Eun, and children, Ji-Young and Hojin, live in Madison, Mississippi. She enjoys playing golf and traveling.

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Health Policy and Management

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r. Russell L. Bennett is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, and Master of Science degree in nursing administration at The University of Southern Mississippi. He earned his Master of Public Health degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree in public policy at Jackson State University.

Dr. Bennett is well grounded in public health, particularly in the areas of health policy, healthcare administration, managed care, human resource management, health and hospital systems, and advocacy. He effectively imparts his wealth of knowledge and, as an outstanding

instructor, he is an exemplary role model for many students. He sets high standards that bring out the best in students, thus creating feelings of empowerment, accomplishment, sound work ethics and professional commitment. He consistently encourages original and critical thinking among students. His fairness, integrity, and transparency with students and colleagues are apparent throughout the academic community.

Dr. Bennett resides in Jackson, Mississippi. He was born in McComb, Mississippi, where most of his family members currently reside. He enjoys fishing and gardening.

Dr. Russell L. Bennett

Master of Social Work Program Millikin University, Master of Social Work degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Doctor of Philosophy degree in social work at Tulane University.

Dr. Julie A. Schroeder

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r. Julie A. Schroeder is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in experimental psychology at

Dr. Schroeder has an impressive record of research and publications primarily involving the nexus between the criminal justice system and social justice. Her most current research includes using geographic information systems (GIS) to track settlement patterns of over 126,000 ex-offenders in North Carolina, with a particular interest in former inmates who suffer from mental health disorders, addiction, AIDS and Hepatitis C. Her most recent publication in the Journal of Social Service Review, a top tier journal, focuses on treatment outcomes of adult and juvenile offenders in federally funded residential substance abuse treatment in Louisiana prisons and juvenile detention centers. Dr. Schroeder has actively

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engaged in grantwriting while at Jackson State University. She is currently a CoPrincipal Investigator on a Department of Justice domestic violence prevention grant which provides funding for the program titled “Not On Our Campus.�

The program is prevention focused and includes education and intervention for intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and campus stalking. She also serves as the evaluator for the Mississippi Department of Human Services funded Educational Enhancement Project in the School of Social Work.

Dr. Schroeder resides in Brandon, Mississippi. She was born in Kankakee, Illinois. She has two children, Courtney and Logan, who reside in Louisiana. Her affinity for Zuzu, Penny, and Trooper, a mother-daughter Doberman duo, and a miniature pincher is apparent through her active membership with the Humane Society of the United States.

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Public Policy and Administration

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r. Gloria J. Billingsley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Policy and Planning. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business, Master of Business Administration degree, and Doctor of Philosophy degree in public administration at Jackson State University.

Dr. Billingsley teaches courses in program management and health care administration. She utilizes her wealth of professional experiences gained outside the classroom to create a learnercentered classroom environment where students have hands-on opportunities to integrate theory, research, and practice.

For example, in her Seminar in Program Development and Evaluation course, she

teaches students how to develop programs by responding to funding announcements.

Her requirements are demanding and lead to outstanding student performance.

She is an exemplary faculty member who believes that faculty-student relationships should go beyond academic advisement to one of mentoring.

Dr. Billingsley resides in Florence, Mississippi. She was raised in Flora, Mississippi, in rural Madison County, where many of her family members still reside. She and her husband, Jimmy, have one daughter, Jimmya. She is an ardent JSU Tiger football fan.

Dr. Gloria J. Billingsley

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work Program

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r. Olga N. Osby is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in political science, Master of Social Work and Doctor of Social Work degrees from Howard University.

Dr. Olga N. Osby

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Dr. Osby’s teaching interests include undergraduate and graduate courses in gerontology, human behavior and diversity, social welfare policy, and research. She has served as Chair of five dissertation committees and currently chairs three. Her breadth of knowledge, skills and creativity in the development and implementation of course syllabi are shown through her use of technology, community resources, and other instructional aids. In her social welfare policy classes, she requires students to prepare and present papers demonstrating their ability to think critically and analyzing social policies.

She also requires the students to “leave the

classroom” and engage in civil rights and civil liberties issues affecting individuals and families in Jackson and communities in the Mississippi Delta. Her students have hosted campus town hall meetings on such topics as “Racial Profiling” and “Personhood’s Impact on Women’s Rights.” Relatedly, she has formed a Student Forensic Social Work Association to develop projects that engage students with attorneys and social service and human rights organizations involved in various social justice projects.

Dr. Osby and her mother, Mrs. Susie S. Osby, reside in Jackson, Mississippi, and attend Anderson United Methodist Church. She was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and lived in Chicago for a number of years. Her hobbies are traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends.

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College of

Science, Engineering and

Technology

Aerospace Science University Air Force Reserves Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. Captain Price has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Jackson State University and a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Marquette University.

Captain LaTracia Price

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aptain LaTracia Price serves as Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies and as Recruiting Flight Commander for the Jackson State

In her position as Recruiting Flight Commander, Captain Price leads, recruits, motivates and counsels 50 highly qualified young women as prospective Air Force officers. As an assistant professor, she instructs three different sections of a freshman-level course on the Foundations of the United States Air Force, integrating both written and verbal communication skills. For the past year, Captain Price has clearly excelled in all facets of her career. Her recruiting initiatives yielded a freshman class with an average GPA of 3.01. Her targeted recruiting goals produced five percent more technical majors and seven percent more minorities

than the previous year’s freshman class.

Her efforts helped the ROTC program retain 84 percent of the fall recruits for the spring semester. As an advocate for the program, she routinely briefs state/ civic leaders and visits high schools in the Jackson Public School system and surrounding areas to expose them to the educational and career opportunities available through the Air Force ROTC program at Jackson State University.

Captain Price was competitively selected and served as a Flight Commander for the summer cadet Field Training Leadership Development Camp in Montgomery, Alabama. During this five-week program, she flawlessly executed an intense and highly structured military training program for 28 officer candidates from various universities across the nation.

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Biology

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r. Raphael Isokpehi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology and the Director for the Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. He holds the following degrees: B.S. (Microbiology), M.S. (Medical Microbiology), and Ph.D. (Medical Microbiology).

During the Fall 2007 semester, Dr. Isokpehi launched the Department’s compulsory Service Learning course. The course provides semester-long volunteer experience to students at selected institutions, including the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Isokpehi introduced course activities that have enabled students to become familiar with topics that are not part of the Biology curriculum. In Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 semesters, students were introduced to visual analytics as a new approach for making sense of biological data and concepts in biology. He received a grant from the U.S. National Science

Dr. Raphael Isokpehi Foundation to plan the establishment of an international network of educators and researchers that are interested in incorporating visual analytics into the undergraduate biology curriculum.

Dr. Isokpehi is very active in grant work and innovative research. During the 20112012 academic year, he received two new research grants with a total award of $850,000. The three-year, $500,000 award from the Department of Homeland Security included funding for development of a Ph.D. candidate (Shaneka Simmons) into a faculty member. The second award for $350,000 from the Southeast Region Research Initiative managed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory focused on conducting research to develop visual analytics embedded algorithms for surveillance and detection of microbial threats. In addition, Dr. Isokpehi also organized the 2012 Bioinformatics Awareness Month that brought experts from renowned academic institutes, research facilities, and small businesses to Jackson State University.

Faculty, staff and students had the unique opportunity of receiving training in bioinformatics.

Chemistry and Biochemistry

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r. John D. Watts is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He is one of the most outstanding teachers and active research scholars in the department.

Dr. Watts has taught honors General Chemistry classes for over eight years.

He has demonstrated skill and dedication for teaching.

Faculty and students agree that he conducts thorough and masterful lectures. In 2007, Dr. Watts was nominated and awarded the Alumni Faculty of the Year Award. In addition, he has been nominated twice as the Chemistry Department’s representative for the University Higher Education Appreciation Day, Working for Academic Excellence (HEADWAE) Award. This past year, Dr. Watts was voted by students as the “Best Teacher of the Year” in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

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Dr. Watts has also excelled in research and scholarly activities. He has over 100 peerreviewed publications with an h-Index number of 28, the third highest in the Department and possibly the University.

(The h-Index measures both the quality and quantity of a scientist’s research productivity.) Dr. Watts has developed new courses and revised course materials for several courses. He has also served on many students’ thesis/dissertation committees and provided substantial feedback. He has had active research grants during his 14 plus years at JSU as a faculty member.

Dr. Watts is also one of the leaders in the department for service. He serves on several vital university committees.

Dr. John D. Watts

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Civil and Environmental Engineering since August 2008. He received his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of South Carolina in 2002.

Dr. Das spends a lot of time mentoring students. He incorporates meaningful subjects and creative methods into his classes. He is consistently rated by students as a top teacher.

Dr. Himangshu Das

Dr. Das’s research areas include mathematical modeling of fluid flow and sedimentation, storm surge modeling, watershed/water quality modeling, 2-D/3-D circulation, shallow and deep sea geohazard analyses, and application of Geographic Information System (GIS) to address watershed and water quality problems.

r. Himangshu Das has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Dr. Das also serves as the adviser for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter. He oversees all

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activities of the chapter and the various competitions. He has been especially instrumental in the students’ performances in Concrete Canoe Competitions. JSU has attended the competitions for three years. For the second year in a row, the JSU ASCE student chapter had a very successful presence at the ASCE Deep South Regional Student Conference held at the University of Tennessee, Martin. This conference featured the annual concrete canoe competition, as well as other competitions related to civil engineering.

This year, the concrete canoe team captured four important first and secondplace awards in different categories, while the surveying competition team secured another first-place victory.

Computer Engineering

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r. Shuangzhang Tu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering.

He received a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in December 2001. He worked as a postdoctoral research associate at Clark Atlanta University from June 2002 until December 2004 and joined the Jackson State University family in January 2005.

Dr. Tu is enthusiastic about teaching, and he is always available to the students. He has taught many required and elective courses offered in the department. These courses include Engineering Analysis, Signals and Systems, Digital Signal Processing (both undergraduate level and graduate level), Control Systems (graduate level), Advanced Engineering Analysis (graduate level), Parallel Computing and Programming and Computational Methods (graduate level).

and robust numerical solvers for solving physical problems modeled by partial differential equations.

His numerical solvers are aimed at high performance computing on state-of-the-art parallel and vector computers. Dr. Tu has published over 20 full-length research articles in prestigious technical journals and presented at various conferences.

Dr. Shuangzhang Tu In addition to teaching, Dr. Tu is also actively involved with research in the area of the development of accurate, efficient

Dr. Tu’s research has been continuously supported by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research for the past four years. He has also been one of the primary participants in several other research proposals funded by federal agencies.

Dr. Tu’s research grants have supported several JSU students inside and outside the department.

Dr. Tu is married to Qing, and they have two children, Jason and Landon.

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Computer Science

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r. April Tanner joined the Computer Science Department in the fall of 2011. She has approached her teaching responsibilities with a high degree of integrity and dedication. She taught both undergraduate and graduate courses during the fall and spring semesters and has brought a new level of knowledge to the classroom with her experience in cyber forensics.

Dr. Tanner holds a B.S. (2003) from Tougaloo College and M.S. (2005) and Ph.D. (2010) in Computer Science from Mississippi State University. Her dissertation work on the application of concept mapping to the problem of organizing evidence in a digital forensics investigation has resulted in the publication of a monograph, one book chapter, two refereed journal papers, and one refereed conference publication.

Prior to joining the JSU faculty, she worked as a research assistant at Mississippi State University, a research associate at JSU, and served as a senior academic member of Cyber Crime Fusion Center, located in Jackson, Mississippi. She has also interacted with state prosecutors and law enforcement personnel on a regular basis.

Her research interests include digital forensics, knowledge mapping, computer security, and information assurance. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she leads a research effort in Cyber Security under the National Nuclear Security Agency’s (NNSA) Massie Chair, where she mentors students in research and technical communications.

Dr. Tanner has served as a reviewer for professional journals and organizations.

She also serves as a member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Emerging Trends & Technology

Dr. April Tanner in Computer Science (IJETTCS).

Dr. April Tanner and her husband Wade have two children, Anye’ and Wade, III.

Mathematics

Dr. Zhenbu Zhang

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r. Zhenbu Zhang is a tenured Associate Professor of Mathematics who cares about the development and growth of students in general, and particularly those who study under his 24

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direct supervision. He holds the following degrees: B.S. (Mathematics), M.S. (Applied Mathematics), M.S. (Statistics) and Ph.D. (Mathematics). Since joining the Department of Mathematics in the Fall of 2004, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to collegiality, academic citizenship, university service, teaching excellence, and classroom performance.

He has taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses, ranging from College Algebra to Functional Analysis.

He has adopted continuous assessment and appraisal of students as a teaching pedagogy that engages students and provides them the opportunity to continuously learn and improve their grades throughout the course of the semester.

him academic and professional recognition as evidenced by invitations to present at prestigious international and national gatherings and by citations of his work by other researchers. He has been a CoPrincipal Investigator of a $300,000 NSF funded grant and has received support from the JSU Center for Undergraduate Research to engage mathematics undergraduate majors in year-long research projects. He is also a member of the editorial board of a professional journal in his area of research, teaching, and in the field of mathematics.

Dr. Zhang’s service excellence is mainly to his department, college, and the professional community. His service demonstrates that his interest in mathematics is beyond the classroom.

Dr. Zhang has authored or co-authored at least seven scholarly articles published in peer-reviewed mathematical journals.

These scholarly publications have earned

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Physics, Atmospheric Science and Geosciences Resources Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka Bangladesh. He also holds an M.S. and Ph.D. in Civil and Geological Engineering from the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Dr. Abu Khan

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r. Abu Khan is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, Atmospheric Sciences and Geoscience. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Water

Dr. Khan has shown a commitment to excellence in teaching. He has worked diligently and admirably as the General Physics I lab coordinator. He coordinates laboratory sessions and develops laboratory manuals. He is consistently upgrading and modernizing labs to keep student learning opportunities up to date. Dr. Khan is also active in the Earth System Science program. He instructs the Hydrology course and serves as a valuable resource for the Geoscience students. He has many years of experience teaching science and engineering, and he uses a combination of traditional and novel multimedia methods. He also brings an array of experience from industry that has been

significant in enhancing student learning experiences.

Dr. Khan’s specialty areas of teaching, research and publications have included surface and subsurface flow computation, statistical analysis, design of regulatory structures, numerical and physical modeling of surface flow systems, analysis of urban and rural drainage systems, and storm water management. Recently, he has been active in issues associated with technology in the classroom. He presented his associated work at the 2012 Creating Futures Through Technology Conference held in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Dr. Khan works very hard to provide a comfortable learning environment for students. He consistently makes efforts to involve faculty in endeavors associated with collective teaching that leads to increased student success, for which he has shown a true passion.

Technology

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Summer Program 2012 for talented high school students. UNITE is a program of the Army’s Youth Science Cooperative Outreach Agreement (YSCOA), a subset of the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP). It is coordinated by the Technology Student Association (TSA).

Dr. Tuluri has active collaborations with other advanced institutes. He has been awarded two summer research fellow awards at University of Colorado, Boulder with Professor Noel Clark and two summer research fellow awards at Virginia Tech with Professor Louis Madsen.

r. Francis Tuluri is an Associate Professor in the Department of Technology. He holds the following degrees: B.S. (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry), M.S. (Physics, with specialization in Solid State Physics), and Ph.D. (Physics).

Dr. Tuluri has longstanding teaching and research experience that spans more than two decades. He has taught a wide variety of courses, such as Analog and Digital Electronics, Semiconductor Physics and Devices, and Engineering Physics. He has developed teaching methods utilizing technological teaching tools for pedagogy.

Dr. Tuluri’s research interests include Solid State Electronics and Devices, Sensors and Electronics Instrumentation, Soft Materials Science and Computations, Biomedical Engineering, and Bio Imaging. He has published over 40 research papers in peer reviewed journals

Dr. Francis Tuluri of national and international reputation.

He has also presented his work at national and international seminars and conferences.

He hosted the UNITE

Dr. Francis Tuluri is married to Sheila Tuluri, and they have one son, Vineeth Paul, who earned a B.S. (Computer Engineering) at Jackson State University and M.S. (Computer Engineering) at Mississippi State University. Vineeth is currently employed in Texas as a software engineer.

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One JSU Professionalism Award Recipients

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Ms. Evette J. Stewart Student Service Specialist Computer Science

BUSINESS AND FINANCE Ms. Georgia Sims Administrative Assistant Auxiliary Services

HUMAN RESOURCES Ms. Linda Wilson Process Manager and Banner Administrator Human Resources

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One JSU Professionalism Award Recipients (continued)

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Mrs. Carolyn Palmer Johnson Executive Assistant Institutional Advancement

RESEARCH AND FEDERAL RELATIONS Ms. Tamka S. Jenkins Administrative Assistant Sponsored Programs

STUDENT LIFE Mr. Timothy Abram Director Veteran Affairs

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One JSU Award Recipients ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR, Mrs. Vera Banks Watson

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rs. Vera Banks Watson is a 1972 and 1976 graduate of Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Masters of Art in Teaching. Mrs. Watson has been employed

by the Clinton Public School District for 35 years. She also has served as an Adjunct Professor in the Education Department at Jackson State University for over five years. Currently, she is the President of the Clinton Association of Educators, Teacher of the Year, Superintendent’s Advisory committee, Honor Society Selection Committee, Past Board Member of the Mississippi Association of Educators, Past-President of Jackson-Hinds Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University where she served two terms, Life Member of Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Past First Vice President of Jackson State National Alumni Association, Board Member of the Blue Bengal Athletic Association Incorporated, Jackson State University Honor Roll of Donors and a member of the Clay-Lackey Society. Currently, she is serving as the JSU National Alumni Mississippi Regional

Vice President.

Mrs. Watson is very involved in the community. Some of her community service activities include the League of Women Voters, Past President and current Board Member of the Clinton Christian Community Corporation, Secretary of the C.A. Williams Federated Women’s Club, Vice Chair and Board Member of the Mississippi Association for the Preservation of the Smith Robertson Museum and Alamo Theatre and Life Member of the NAACP, serving as Treasurer of the Clinton Branch NAACP, and Secretary of the Mississippi Coalition on Black Higher Education.

Vera has two daughters, Jocylynn Watson Coleman (Kenneth Coleman) and LaTrenda Watson, both graduates of Jackson State University; and three grandchildren, Wisdom, Kayla, and Kenneth Jr.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD, Ms. Lori Jackson-Stewart Counseling from Jackson State University.

Ms. Jackson-Stewart’s matriculation at Jackson State encompassed many facets of campus life. She was active in the JSU Student Government Association, elected Miss Sophomore Class 1996-1997, Dean’s List Scholar; Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities; Junior Class Vice President; President of JSU’s modeling squad and member of JSU Pathfinders, (Jackson State’s first student mentoring organization). During her senior year, Ms. Jackson-Stewart reigned as Miss Jackson State University 1998-1999.

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s. Lori Jackson-Stewart is a native of Jackson, Mississippi, and serves as Associate Director for Campus Life at Jackson State University. Ms. JacksonStewart received a B.S. in Speech Pathology and M.S. in Guidance and

Actively involved with her community Ms. Jackson-Stewart gives her time with various community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, where she has served on the Board of Directors and chaired its annual Women Build project for the past 10 years.

She is a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Mississippi Board of Directors,

Jackson Zoological Park Advisory Board, Dress for Success Metro Jackson Board of Directors, Leadership Greater Jackson Board of Trustees and served as President of the Leadership Greater Jackson Alumni Association 2009-2010. She is a proud Lifetime member of both the Jackson State University National Alumni Association and Jackson-Hinds Chapter. She was recognized by the Mississippi Business Journal as a 2008 Top 40 Under 40 recipient and in 2010 was named one of the Mississippi Business Journal’s 50 Leading Business Women in Mississippi. She is a member of the Jackson Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Junior League of Jackson. Ms. Jackson-Stewart enjoys spending time with her family, especially nephews Cameron, 15, and Kendall, 11, and her german shepherd, Callie.

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One JSU Award Recipients (continued) TEACHER OF THE YEAR, Dr. Ashton Hamme

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r. Ashton Hamme is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry. He received a Bachelor of Science from Jackson State University and went on to pursue a Ph.D. from Ohio State University in Chemistry where he specialized in Synthetic Organic Chemistry.

patents. Dr. Hamme has served as PI and Co-PI on a variety of externally funded research grants and has published a number of scientific manuscripts.

Dr. Hamme earned a Predoctoral Fellowship from the National Science Foundation. After completing his doctorate, he worked for Monsanto/Pharmacia Corporation in St.Louis, Missouri. While there he performed medicinal chemistry-related research in cardiovascular drug discovery, and he was a co-inventor of more than 10

RESEARCHER OF THE YEAR, Dr. Paresh C. Ray Columbia University. He worked for Blacklight Power Inc. as a research scientist before coming to Jackson State University.

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r. Paresh C. Ray is a Professor of Chemistry. He received his Master’s degree from Kalyani University, India, and pursued a Ph.D. from Indian Institute of Science. He has done post-doctoral fellowship work at the University of Chicago, Ohio State University, and

Dr. Ray is the author and co-author of over 120 peer-reviewed publications in national and international journals and has made over 100 presentations. His research has been funded by the National Science Foundation; National Institute of Health; Army Research Office; Army Research Lab; and Universal Technology Corporation. He has served as program director for NSF-PREM grants for the last seven years, department safety and curriculum committee, associated editor for three international journals and editor for one book series. Dr. Ray received the HEADWAE award in 2009. He has organized several research symposiums on material science and education at ACS National meeting in New Orleans, NSF workshops in Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

His vision is to continue to explore new chemical strategies for the imaging and therapy of cancer cells and multidrug resistant bacteria. He also wants to create new nanobased sensors for different chemical and biological toxin, design multifunctional nanomaterial for multimodal imaging, and enhance our understanding of biomolecular interaction with nanosurface.

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Student Hosts and Hostesses Ms. Meron Asnake Mr. Kinsley Bridges Mr. Raymond Brown Ms. Dominique Carodine Mr. Calvin Carter Ms. Princess Carter Ms. Jalysa Edwards Ms. Kristin Evans Lauren Franklin Mr. Christopher Hamler Calandria Jackson Ms. Lenethra Laster Mr. Brent Newell Ms. Victoria Norwood Mr. Marquis Reed Ms. Olivia Simpson Mr. Marvin Thomas Ms. Nakeisha Walker

Staff Hosts and Hostesses Ms. Janieth Adams Ms. Marjorie Bolden Mr. Gene Bradley Ms. Stephanie Chatman Mr. Rodney Denne` Ms. Bonita Harris Ms. Sherree Hooker Ms. Carolyn Laury Mr. James Lehaman Ms. LaSaundra McQuitter Mr. Keith Riley Ms. Tai Shelby Ms. Adrianne Swinney Mr. Cedric Walker

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UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers, President Ms. Ruby J. Carlson, Executive Assistant to the President Dr. James C. Renick, Senior Advisor to the President Dr. Mark G. Hardy, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Vivian Fuller, Director of Athletics Mr. Michael Thomas, Vice President for Finance and Operations Mr. David Buford, General Counsel Ms. Sandra Sellers, Director of Human Resources Dr. Deborah Dent, Interim Vice President for Information Management Dr. William McHenry, Executive Director MS e-Center Dr. Felix A. Okojie, Vice President for Research and Federal Relations Dr. Marcus Chanay, Vice President for Student Life

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PLANNING COMMITTEE Dr. Nicole Edwards Evans, Chair Dr. James Maddirala, Co-Chair Dr. Robert Blaine Mrs. Dana Brown Mrs. Jean Frazier Ms. Jennie Griffin Dr. Mark G. Henderson Ms. Jacqueline Humphrey Mrs. Alicia K. Jefferson Mr. Spencer McClenty Dr. Alisa Mosley Dr. Ingrad Smith Dr. Susie Spence

Joe L. Whitfield, Graphics Design, Photography & Program Layout

One JSU: Ensuring Deep Quality Through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation

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