The
I N A U G U R A T I O N of
THE 6TH PRESIDENT of mississippi v alley s tate university
Saturday, The twelfth day of September Two Thousand and Nine 10 O’clock in the morning H.G. Carpenter Auditorium The Valley Renaissance
Soaring to New Heights
The
I N A U G U R A T I O N of
THE 6TH PRESIDENT of mississippi v alley s tate university
Dr. J. H. White 1950-1971
Dr. Ernest A. Boykins
1971-1981
Dr. Joe L. Boyer
1982-1988
Dr. William W. Sutton 1988-1998
Dr. Lester C. Newman 1998-2007
Dr. Donna H. Oliver 2009-Present
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
History
of Mississippi Valley State University
Created by the state legislature in 1946 to train teachers for rural and elementary schools, and to provide vocational training, Mississippi Valley State University has significantly expanded its mission in the past decade. Today, the historically black university is known for its educational environment in which students can learn, discover, create, and grow in service to humanity. The College opened in the summer of 1950 with an enrollment of 305 in-service teachers. During the first academic year, 1950-51, fourteen regular students were enrolled and taught by seven instructors. The College offered the Bachelor of Science degree in fourteen areas and provided Extension Services. The name of the institution changed to Mississippi Valley State College in 1964. The College was authorized to offer the Liberal Arts degree, as well as Science and Education degrees. A third name change occurred on March 15, 1974 when the Honorable Governor William A. Waller signed into law the bill granting university status to the institution which has since been known as Mississippi Valley State University. The original vision has transformed during the years as Mississippi Valley State University focuses to attain preeminence in the quality of its students’ educational experience and its graduates. In addition, the University wishes to create the optimal living and learning environment that validates its conceptualization as the Valley of Scholars. The institution ultimately endeavors to produce ethical and capable students who are exceptionally prepared for graduate and professional schools and the world of work in a global society. MVSU houses the only B.B. King Recording Studio in the nation and is home to the Delta Research & Cultural Institute, both located on its 450-acre Itta Bena campus. Classes are also held off-site at Greenville and Greenwood centers. More than $41.5 million in new construction has been completed since 2007, including the new Science and Technology Building and two new residence halls that opened in August, 2009. The $8.5 million Business Education Building that opened in 2007 serves as home of the Master of Business Administration program that began in August 2006. The new facilities provide state-of-the-art learning environments and are equipped with the latest in computer technology. Renovation is under way on three existing residence halls, the James H. White Library, the Academic Skills Building, the Industrial Technology Building and the Sutton Administration Building. A Health and Wellness Center is in the pre-construction phase. Finally, the infrastructure is being updated, including water, gas, and sewer. In addition, a campus landscaping project has been implemented. Inauguration of Donna H. Oliver. Ph.D. The Sixth President
Among MVSU’s most impressive programs is its Community Service/Service Learning component that requires students to assist Delta communities through tutoring, mentoring, and working with needy citizens. Each MVSU student is required to complete service projects. Freshmen must earn 60 hours and transfer students must earn 40 hours. Unmatched by any other Mississippi institution of higher learning, this program boasts more than 25,000 community service hours since its inception in 2003. In the fall 2003 semester, the University reached a milestone of 3,011 students; the first time the University enrolled more than 3,000 students in 25 years. Current enrollment is 3,009 students. Twenty-eight undergraduate degree-granting programs and nine graduate degree-granting programs are available at MVSU. The Valley incorporates innovative academic programs to better prepare students for the changing marketplace, including certification in conflict resolution and conflict management, language immersion, including Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. MVSU offered its first master’s degree in 1976. Now, the University offers the Master of Science degree in Business Administration, Bioinformatics, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, Environmental Health, Rural Public Policy and Planning, Social Work, and Special Education; and Master of Arts in Teaching. Undergraduate Programs are offered through three colleges: Arts and Sciences, Education, and Professional Studies. The degrees through the College of Arts and Sciences are Art, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, English Education, Environmental Health, History, Mathematics, Math Education, Music, Music Education, Political Science, Public Administration, Science Education, Social Science Education, and Sociology. The College of Education degrees include Early Childhood, Elementary Education and Health, Physical Education and Recreation. The College of Professional Studies offers degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, Communication, Criminal Justice, Industrial Technology, Office Administration, Social Work, and Speech. Founded as an historically black college, MVSU now has a diverse population of students, including international representation from Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. Our highly qualified faculty offer enthusiasm and dedication that directly result in student success. Sixty-five percent hold doctorate degrees. With a 15:1 student/teacher ratio, students receive individual attention in and out of the classroom. MVSU, the third largest employer in Leflore County, has 543 full-time employees and 74 part-time employees with an annual payroll of more than $23 million. MVSU’s close ties with the business community enable our students to participate in activities in the corporate world through internships, networking opportunities and interaction with outstanding leaders of organizations such as Viking, The Alluvian, Mississippi Development Authority, Balkamp, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Staplcotn. Mississippi Valley State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Associations of Colleges and Schools.
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
DONNA H. OLIVER, PH.D.
President of Mississippi Valley State University Dr. Donna H. Oliver is the sixth president and first woman to lead Mississippi Valley State University. She is also the first African-American female president to lead a public University in the State of Mississippi. Since assuming her position on January 1, 2009, she has launched The Valley Renaissance, the institution’s five-year strategic plan, which is pictorially depicted by the African Adinkra symbol of a Sankofa – a bird that flies with its head facing backwards as it advances forward without getting off track. Through President Oliver’s initiatives, The Valley is building on the strengths of the past and advancing forward with purpose for a promising future of distinction, uniqueness, and longevity. The Valley Renaissance focuses on the University becoming a public square of 21st century America—the meeting ground for higher education and the society it serves. Prior to being named MVSU’s President on October 21, 2008, Dr. Oliver served as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Edward Waters College, and as vice president for Academic Affairs at Bennett College from 1998 to 2007. She has a distinguished career as a K-12 public school biology and chemistry teacher, a college professor and K-16 administrator that spans 30 years. She is the 1986 North Carolina Teacher of the Year and the 1987 National Teacher of the Year having been selected from among America’s 2.5 million K-12 teachers. As a result, she was presented the Crystal Apple Award by President Ronald Reagan during an Oval Office Ceremony in the White House. Dr. Oliver is also recognized in the 1987 Annual Edition of Britannica Encyclopedia and Scholastic Magazine as an outstanding teacher and during this same year traveled to Madrid, Spain to serve as an educational consultant and lecturer at the American School. Dr. Oliver began her college studies at Elon College where she completed her undergraduate degree in biology and education. After teaching five years at the high school level, she earned a Master of Education degree in Biology and Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. After being named the North Carolina Teacher of the Year, she earned a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration with licensure as a K-12 principal from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University. Once she began her career as a college educator, she returned to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Teaching with a concentration in Multicultural Education and began to conduct research in the areas of teacher education and multicultural education.
Inauguration of Donna H. Oliver. Ph.D. The Sixth President
In 2004 as a Bush Scholar, she completed the Higher Education Institute for Educational Management Certification at Harvard University. She continues her research today by having students identify what they perceive to be barriers to their education. She has published numerous articles on multicultural teacher education in professional journals and has presented her research at numerous national professional meetings and conferences. She continues to conduct workshops for public schools and university teacher education faculty. Dr. Oliver made history in 1987 by becoming the first African American to receive the Distinguished Young Alumnus of the Year Award at Elon College, now Elon University. During that same year, she was recognized by Howard University as an outstanding African American Woman of Achievement, and was named to the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and the White House Commission for a Drug Free America. In 1995, she was featured in the Chronicle of Higher Education as the weekly Profile for the January 28 volume. She has been recognized in more than 40 states and three foreign countries for her contributions as a teacher, administrator, and educator. She is the recipient of the Kentucky Colonel Award, the Arkansas Traveler Award presented by former President Bill Clinton, and “Keys to the City” in 10 different states. She has received more than 100 Outstanding Educator Awards from local, state, national and international, civic, education, community, and religious organizations. Dr. Oliver serves as vice-chairman of the Delta Health Alliance Board of Directors. She is a member of the Mississippi Economic Council, the Greenwood-Leflore Chamber of Commerce, the Burlington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and the Tri Beta Psi Honorary Biological Society. She is a lifetime member of Girl Scouts of America. Dr. Oliver has received numerous awards, including the Alamance Burlington NAACP Educators Award, the Democratic Women of Alamance County Woman of Achievement Award, the Bennett College Faculty Service Award and the Belle Ringer Award, the National Science Teachers Association’s Biology Honors Teaching Award, the Governor’s Teaching Award in Science and Mathematics, the Burlington Jaycees Outstanding Young Educator Award, and the UNC-Greensboro Alumni Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Oliver and her husband, James C. Oliver, have one daughter, Rachel Oliver-Cobbin, the 1987 Miss Black America and R&B recording artist with Atlantic Starr; son-in-law, Keith James Cobbin, who is a financial and estate planner; a four-year-old grandson, Cameron James Oliver Cobbin; and one-year-old granddaughter, Raina Lael Oliver Cobbin. Dr. and Mr. Oliver are lifetime members of Wayman’s Chapel A.M.E. Church in Graham, N.C. where Dr. Oliver served as church organist for more than 25 years, was a member of the Steward’s Board, a former class leader, vice chair of the Layman’s Society, assistant church secretary, co-chair of the church’s 100 Year Celebration Steering Committee, and choir director for the Senior and Gospel Choirs. Dr. Oliver continues speaking, consulting, and engaging in community service while continuing her work at Mississippi Valley State University.
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
M I S S I S S I P P I VA L L E Y S TAT E u
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RENAISSANCE DISTINCTION | UNIQUENESS | LONGEVITY
Since 1950, Mississippi Valley State University has been providing quality education in the Mississippi Delta. Now, under the leadership of its sixth president, Dr. Donna H. Oliver, The Valley is positioning itself to be a catalyst in the Mississippi Delta and beyond. Sankofa – in the Akan language of Ghana, Africa – is a principle and cultural custom that means there is wisdom in learning from the past to both understand the present and shape the future. The Asante use an Adinkra symbol of a bird with its head turned backwards taking an egg off its back to symbolize one taking from the past what is good and bringing it into the present in order to make positive progress through the benevolent use of knowledge.
The Inauguration of DR. DONNA H. OLIVER Saturday, September 12, 2009
PROCESSIONAL ANNOUNCER Ms. Wanda Young
Coordinator/MVSU Public Broadcasting-WVSD Radio Station
PRESIDING
Dr. Glenell Lee-Pruitt
Assistant Professor of Social Work/Director, Renaissance Learning Program
THE PRELUDE AND PROCESSIONAL MUSIC “Pomp and Circumstance” Edward Elgar arr. by James Ployar
THE ACADEMIC PROCESSION GRAND MARSHAL MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY MARCHING BAND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ MARSHAL MVSU International Students Flag Delegation
ROTC MARSHAL MVSU ROTC
CHOIR MARSHAL MVSU Concert Choir
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ MARSHAL
Leflore County Public and Private High School Students
STUDENTS’ MARSHAL MVSU Students
CLERGY OF SCHOLARS’ MARSHAL Members of the Clergy
MAYORS’ MARSHAL
Mayors from the Mississippi Delta MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
DELEGATES’ MARSHAL
Representatives from Colleges, Universities, and Professional Organizations
ALUMNI MARSHAL MVSU Alumni
FACULTY & STAFF MARSHAL MVSU Faculty and Staff MVSU Retired Faculty and Staff
TRUSTEES’ MARSHAL
Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning
SPEAKERS’ MARSHAL
Speakers and Greeters University Provost President of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning Commissioner of Higher Education President of the University
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
arr. by Steven Smith Mississippi Valley State University Symphonic Band Mr. Michael Torregano, Conductor
CLARION CALL Trumpet Fanfare Brass Trio
INVOCATION
The Reverend Dr. Fred L. Grosse, Sr. President of Elon Homes and Schools for Children, Inc., Elon, N.C.
CHORAL RESPONSE
“Faith of our Fathers” MVSU Symphonic Band and Concert Choir Mr. Michael Torregano, Conductor Mr. Orlando Moss, Choir Director
WELCOME
Ms. Le’Andria Williams Miss Mississippi Valley State University 2009-2010
Inauguration of Donna H. Oliver. Ph.D. The Sixth President
MUSICAL CELEBRATION
“Hallelujah Amen” from Judas Maccabeus George Frideric Handel MVSU Concert Choir Mr. Orlando Moss, Director
SALUTATIONS GREETINGS FROM THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS The Honorable Roger Wicker • United States Senate
The Honorable Bennie Thompson • United States House of Representatives
FROM THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI Office of the Governor Mr. Johnny Franklin
Education Policy Advisor to the Honorable Haley Barbour
The Honorable David Jordan Mississippi State Senator
The Honorable Willie Perkins Mississippi State Representative
FROM THE CITY OF ITTA BENA The Honorable Walter Parker Mayor
The Honorable Elmus Stockstill Alderman
FROM THE CITY OF GREENWOOD The Honorable Carolyn McAdams Mayor
FROM THE STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING Dr. Mark Keenum
President of Mississippi State University
FROM HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Dr. George Ross
Alcorn State University
FROM THE CLERGY
The Reverend Dr. D. Lovett Sconiers Edward Waters College Chaplin and Religion Professor Jacksonville, Florida MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
FROM THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Ms. Carolyn Upkins President
FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING Ms. Amy Whitten
2008-09 Board President
FROM THE FACULTY & STAFF Dr. Joseph Martin Stevenson
University Provost/ Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
FROM THE STUDENT BODY Mr. James Hudson
Student Government Association President
MUSIC INTERLUDE
“The New Renaissance” Mr. Orlando Moss, MVSU Choir Director
A TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT DONNA H. OLIVER Dr. Gloria Randle Scott
12th President of Bennett College for Women (1987 - 2001)
THE INVESTITURE
Presentation of the Candidate Dr. Hank Bounds Mississippi Commissioner of Higher Education
Presentation of Medallion Dr. Bettye Henderson Neely Vice President of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning
Investiture Mr. Scott Ross President of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning
THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS President Donna H. Oliver
Inauguration of Donna H. Oliver. Ph.D. The Sixth President
MUSICAL CELEBRATION
“Order My Steps” Mrs. LeKeisha Taylor-Cotton/MVSU Concert Choir
ALMA MATER Hail to thee our Alma Mater Colors Green and White MVSU our sons and daughters Always stand for right. We will love and cherish thee Through all our lives Green and White we will honor Keeping standards high. When the days of joy and laughter Fade upon our sight, We will love our Alma Mater Dear old Green and White. Chorus
Grateful, loyal, true and faithful We will be true; May thy name be everlasting Dear old MVSU.
BENEDICTION
The Reverend Dr. Ricky A. Woods First Baptist Church West Charlotte, N.C.
THE RECESSIONAL “Song Without Words” Peter Tchaikovsky
Audience will remain seated during recessional.
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
ACADEMIC REGALIA The history of academic regalia dates back to practices of Medieval European Universities of the 14th Century. The academic regalia of the scholar for both student and teacher was the dress of a cleric. The gown and its attached hood served the dual function of keeping the students warm in unheated buildings and identifying the particular order to which the students belonged. Modern academic costume in the United States is based upon an intercollegiate code established in 1895. These early agreements have been revised periodically to cover standardization of the cap (two basic styles), the gown (three basic styles), and the hood (subject to greater variation than either cap or gown).
THE GOWNS Gowns representing the master’s and doctor’s degree vary in style. The master’s gown has long, narrow closed sleeves, which extend below the knees. The doctor’s gown is an elaborate, full-cut, flowing costume distinguished by velvet panels down the front and around the neck and by three bars on the voluminous bell-shaped sleeves.
THE HOODS Traditionally, the hood’s silken linings have been the color of the wearer’s university or college. The color of the bordering velvet indicates the special area of study. The length of the hood worn for the bachelor’s degree must be three feet, for the master’s degree three and one-half feet, and for the doctor’s degree, four feet. The hood worn for the doctor’s degree only shall have panels at the sides.
THE TASSELS The tassel should be black or the color appropriate to the subject, with the exception of the doctor’s cap that may have a tassel of gold. A long tassel is to be fastened to the middle point of the top of the cap only and to lie as it will thereon. Tassels on the “mortarboards” or tams correspond in color to the velvet borders of the hoods.
Inauguration of Donna H. Oliver. Ph.D. The Sixth President
COLORS For all academic purposes, including trimmings of doctor’s gowns, edging of hoods, and tassels of caps, the colors associated with the different disciplines are as follows: Agriculture....................................................................................................................................................Maize Arts, Letters, Humanities............................................................................................................................White Commerce, Accounting, Business……………………............................................................................……….Drab Dentistry............................................................................………………………………………………………………..Lilac Economics.........................................................................…………………………………………………………….Copper Education..........................................................................………………………………………………………..Light Blue Engineering.......................................................................…………………………………………………………….Orange Fine Arts, Architecture......................................................…………………………………………………………….Brown Forestry..............................................................................……………………………………………………………..Russet Journalism.........................................................................…………………………………………………………...Crimson Law...................................................................................……………………………………………………………….Purple Library Science.................................................................……………………………………………………………..Lemon Medicine.............................................................................……………………………………………………………..Green Music..................................................................................………………………………………………………………..Pink Nursing..............................................................................…………………………………………………………… Apricot Oratory (Speech)...............................................................……………………………………………………….Silver Gray Pharmacy...........................................................................………………………………………………………Olive Green Philosophy.........................................................................…………………………………………………………Dark Blue Physical Education………………………………….………………………………………………………………………Sage Green Public Administration, including Foreign Service…………………………………………………………….Peacock Blue Public Health...................................................................…………………………………………………….. Salmon Pink Science.............................................................................……………………………………………………Golden Yellow Social Work......................................................................………………………………………………………………Citron Theology, Divinity...........................................................………………………………………………………………Scarlet Veterinary Science...........................................................………………………………………………………………….Gray
THE UNIVERSITY MACE The mace is the official symbol of the University’s power and authority, and is carried in today’s inaugural procession by Dr. Garfield Burke, Associate Professor of Math, Computer Information & Science. The ceremonial mace is a highly ornamented staff of metal and wood, carried before a procession on formal academic occasions by a mace-bearer, intended to represent the official’s authority. The University mace features the official University seal surrounded by a crescent laurel wreath, both of which are finished in an antiqued patina. The circular image mounts a sturdy two-inch wide fluted oak staff with three ornate metal bands intervening between the total staff length of 42 inches. This mace was designed by the Medallic Art Company.
THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDALLION The ceremonial medallion is the official insignia of the University President, and is worn at commencements and other ceremonial occasions. The medallion with ten links are non-precious metals with an antiqued finish. The medallion is a high relief of the University Seal, encased in a laurel wreath. The chain links alternate between the University’s general shield logo and the words: Longevity, Distinction, Excellence, and Uniqueness. The inauguration steering committee of Mississippi Valley State University designed this ceremonial medallion.
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
CITATIONS AND LETTERS OF COMMENDATION Alabama State University
William H. Harris, President
Albany State University
Everette J. Freeman, President
American Association of State Colleges & Universities
Muriel A. Howard, President
Appalachian State University
Kenneth E. Peacock, Chancellor
Arkansas State University - Jonesboro
Robert L. Potts, Chancellor
Black Hills State University
Kay Schallenkamp, President
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
David L. Soltz, President
Boise State University
Robert Kustra, President
Bowie State University
Mickey L. Burnim, President
California Polytechnic State University
Warren J. Baker, President
California State University - Channel Islands
Richard R. Rush, President
California State University - Chico
Paul J. Zingg, President
California State University - San Marcos
Karen S. Haynes, President
California State University - Stanislaus
Hamid Shirvani, President
California State University - Long Beach
F. King Alexander, President
Central State University
John W. Garland, President
Central Washington University
James L. Gaudino, President
Chadron State College
Janie C. Park, President
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Michelle R. Howard-Vital, President
Clayton State University
Thomas J. Hynes, Interim President
Clemson University
James F. Barker, President
College of Charleston
George Benson, President
Columbus State University
Timothy S. Mescon, President
Dakota State University
Douglas Knowlton, President
Dalton State College
John O. Schwenn, President
East Stroudsburg University
Robert J. Dillman, President
Eastern Connecticut State University
Elsa Nuñez, President
Eastern Washington University
Rodolfo Are’valo, Presidént
Elon University
Leo M. Lambert, President
Emporia State University
Michael R. Lane, President
Edward Waters College
Claudette H. Williams, President
Fayetteville State University
James A. Anderson, Chancellor
Ferris State University
David L. Eisler, President
Fitchburg State College
Robert V. Antonucci, President
Florida Gulf Coast University
Wilson G. Bradshaw, President
Georgia College & State University
Dorothy Leland, President
Georgia Southern University
Bruce Grube, President
Governors State University
Elaine P. Maimon, President
Grambling State University
Horance A. Jackson, President
Grand Valley State University
Thomas J. Haas, President
Indiana State University
Daniel J. Bradley, President
Indiana University East
Nasser H. Paydar, Chancellor
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Tony Atwater, President
Inauguration of Donna H. Oliver. Ph.D. The Sixth President
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Charles R. Bantz, Chancellor
James Madison University
Linwood H. Rose, President
Kalamazoo College
Eileen B. Wilson-Oyelaran, President
Kenncsaw State University
Daniel S. Papp, President
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
Keith T. Miller, President
Longwood University
Patricia P. Cormier, President
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Mary K. Grant, President
Metropolitan State College of Denver
Steve Jordan, President
Minnesota State University Mankato
Richard Davenport, President
Mississippi Valley State University Foundation
Walter Roberts, Chairman
Morehouse School of Medicine
John E. Maupin, Jr., President
Murray State University
Randy J. Dunn, President
New Jersey City University
Carlos Hernández, President
North Georgia College & State University
David L. Potter, President
Northeastern State University
Don Bentz, President
Northeastern Illinois University
Sharon Hahs, President
Northern Illinois University
John M. Peters, President
Northern Kentucky University
James C. Votruba, President
Old Dominion University
John R. Broderick, President
Oswego State University
Deborah F. Stanley, President
Prairie View A&M University
George C. Wright, President
Purdue University - Calumet
Howard Cohen, Chancellor
Rust College
David L. Beckley, President
Saint Augustine’s College
Dianne Boardley Suber, President
Saint Paul’s College
Robert L. Satcher, Sr., President
Salem State College
Patricia Maguire Meservey, President
San Diego State University
Stephen L. Weber, President
Savannah State University
Earl G. Yarbrough, Sr.,President
Shippensburg University
William N. Rudd, President
Slippery Rock University
Robert M. Smith, President
Sonoma State University
Ruben Armiñana, President
Southern Connecticut State University
Cheryl J. Norton, President
Southern Oregon University
Mary Cullinan, President
Southwest Minnesota State University
David C. Danahar, President
Spelman College
Beverly Daniel Tatum, President
St. Cloud State University
Earl H. Potter, III, President
State of Mississippi
Haley Barbour, Governor
State University of New York College at Buffalo
Dennis K. Ponton, Interim President
State University of New York College at Cortland
Erik J. Bitterbaum, President
State University of New York College at Old Westbury
Calvin O. Butts, III, President
State University of New York College at Oswego
Deborah Stanley, President
State University of New York College at Plattsburg
John Ettling, President
State University of New York College at Purchase
Thomas J. Schwarz, President
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
State University of New York College at Staten Island
Tomás D. Morales, President
Stout University of Wisconsin
Charles W. Sorensen, Chancellor
Texas A&M University - Commerce
Dan R. Jones, President
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Flavius C. Killebrew, President
Texas State University - San Marcos
Denise M. Trauth, President
Texas Woman’s University
Ann Stuart, Chancellor and President
The College of New Jersey
R. Barbara Gitenstein, President
The California State University
Charles B. Reed, Chancellor
The University of Alabama - Huntsville
David B. Williams, President
The University of Pittsburgh - Johnstown
Jem Spectar, President
The University of Texas - San Antonio
Ricardo Romo, President
The University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
Richard H. Wells, Chancellor
Troy University
Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor
Truman State University
Darrell W. Krueger, President
United States Senate
Thad Cochran, Senator
University of Central Missouri
Aaron Podolefsky, President
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Rose Tseng, Chancellor
University of Michigan - Dearborn
Daniel Little, Chancellor
University of Nebraska
James B. Milliken, President
University of Nevada - Las Vegas University of North Alabama University of North Dakota University of North Texas University of Pittsburg at Greensburg University of Puerto Rico University of Puerto Rico at Cayey University of South Alabama University of South Carolina - Aiken University of South Carolina - Beaufort University of South Florida - St. Petersburg University of West Georgia University of Wisconsin - Green Bay University of Wisconsin - La Crosse University of Wisconsin - Parkside University of Wisconsin - Superior
David B. Ashley, President William G. Cale, Jr., President Robert O. Kelley, President Gretchen Bataille, President Sharon P. Smith, President Antonio Garcia-Padilla, President Ram S. Lamba, Chancellor V. Gordon Moulton, President Thomas L. Hallman, Chancellor Jane T. Upshaw, Chancellor Margaret M. Sullivan, President Beheruz N. Sethna, President Thomas K. Harden, Chancellor Joe Gow, Chancellor Deborah L. Ford, Chancellor Julius Erlenbach, Chancellor
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Utah Valley University Virginia State University Voorhees College Washborn University West Texas A&M University Western Carolina University Winona State University Winston-Salem State University Worcester State College
Richard J. Telfer, Chancellor Matthew S. Holland, President Eddie N. Moore, Jr., President Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr., President Jerry B. Farley, President J. Patrick O’Brien, President John W. Bardo, Chancellor Judith A. Ramalay, President Donald Julian Reaves, Chancellor Janelle C. Ashley, President
Inauguration of Donna H. Oliver. Ph.D. The Sixth President
University ORGANIZATIONS EXECUTIVE CABINET Dr. Donna H. Oliver, President Dr. Joseph Martin Stevenson, University Provost Dr. Anna M. Hammond, Chief of Staff Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., Special Assistant to the President for Legal and Legislative Affairs Mr. Andre’ Curry, Vice President for Business and Finance Dr. Johnny Jones, Vice President for Student Affairs, Enrollment Management & Diversity Dr. Moses Newsome, Vice President for Economic Development & Public Service Mr. Donald R. Sims, Interim Director of Athletics FACULTY SENATE OFFICERS Dr. Gwendolyn Costello-Catchings, President Dr. Bertha Ealey, Vice President Dr. Udai Kudikyala, Secretary Ms. Elizabeth Evans, Parliamentarian STAFF COUNCIL OFFICERS Ms. Earlean Anderson President Ms. Mabel L. Robinson, Vice-President Ms. Veronica Tucker, Recording Secretary Mr. Preston Robinson, III, Correspondence Secretary STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCATION Mr. James Hudson, President Ms. Venishia Morgan, Vice President Ms. Precious Aldrige, Secretary Mr. Christopher Clay, Elections Commissioner Ms. Shadricia Day, Director of Activities Mr. Travis Leland, Treasurer Mr. Gregory McGee, Director of Greek Affairs Mr. Demarcus Thomas, Chief of Staff Mr. Marquez Thomas, Director of Communications Ms. Le’Andria Williams, Miss Mississippi Valley State University Mr. Leroy Lucas Mississippi Valley State University MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION Dr. Walter Roberts, Chairman Mr. Billy McCain, Vice Chairman Mr. Harry Bonner, Treasurer Ms. Katherine Barrett-Riley, Esquire Ms. Stellanda Davis Mr. Victor Byas Mr. Fred Esco, Jr. Dr. Harvey M. Jackson Mr. George Jarman Ms. Clara T. Reed Mr. Dickey Stevens Ms. Carolyn Upkins
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS Ms. Carolyn Upkins, President Ms. Emma Golden, Secretary Mr. Tommie Barry, Treasurer
MVSU National Alumni Association National Board of Directors Dr. Harvey M. Jackson, Chairman Mr. Reginal L. Henderson, First Vice Chairman Mr. John Rhymes, Second Vice Chairman Ms. Francine Miller, Secretary Dr. Carl Roberts The Reverend Oscar Stokes Mr. Bernard Bridges Ms. Mary Ann Tompkins Ms. Eartha Briggs Dr. Walter Roberts Lt. Col. Cephas Franklin Mr. Curtis Granderson Mr. John H. Johnson Mr. Ralph Nash
Dr. Jimmy Louis Stokes Dr. William Butts Mr. Charlie Hall Mr. Carl Toole Ms. Deloris Odoms Dr. Gary McGaha Dr. Patricia Higgins Mr. Robert L. Jackson Mr. Tommie Barry Ms. Emma Golden
Mr. Albert Don Stewart Ms. Carolyn Upkins Mr. Ulysses Jackson Ms. Bessie Zeigler Mr. Elijah Handy Mr. Jerry Redmond Mr. Howard Austin Dr. Chresteen Seals Dr. Cherae M. Farmer
Inauguration of Donna H. Oliver. Ph.D. The Sixth President
Music Dr. Lawrence Goldman, Pianist Mr. Orlando Moss, Choir Director Mr. Michael Torregano, Band Director Mr. Kenneth Milton, Assistant Band Director
Mississippi Valley State University Concert Choir SOPRANOS
BASSES
Precious Aldridge, Laurel, Miss.
Billy Benson, Greenville, Miss.
Malyssa Billings-Nash, Itta Bena, Miss.
Gerald Blake, Greenwood, Miss.
Nathalia Bracey-Hill, Chicago, Ill
James Hudson, Jackson, Miss.
Quanta Clay, Goodman, Miss.
Alford Redmond, Greenville, Miss.
Carischa Foster, Greenville, Miss.
Demond Reed, Cleveland, Miss.
Elyse Jeries, Meridian, Miss.
Cameron Taylor, Moss Point, Miss.
Wilshonda Johnson, Natchez, Miss.
Patrick Walker, Clarksdale, Miss.
Carlissa Simpson, Indianola, Miss.
ALTOS Vera Cotton, Biloxi, Miss Reshonda Dantzler, Itta Bena, Miss. Shamillia Foster, Greenville, Miss. Sheria Hicks, Greenwood, Miss. Brittany James, Smyrna, Ga. Venisha Morgan, Minnetonka, Minn. Andreka Walker, Cleveland, Miss. Kiara Williams, Greenwood, Miss. Shiquita Wingo, Carthage, Miss.
TENORS Tiara Clayton, Itta Bena, Miss. Travis Key, Jackson, Miss. Harvey Jackson, Cleveland, Miss. Justin Morgan, Memphis, Tenn. Rickey Raine, Itta Bena, Miss. Marquez Sanders, Jackson, Miss. Timothy Wilks, Itta Bena, Miss. LaMarlon Wilson, Itta Bena, Miss. Carl Woodson, Picayune, Miss.
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
The Mississippi Valley State University Symphonic Band FLUTE Madeline Huddleston, Memphis, Tenn. Ochauntice Spann, Greenwood, Miss. OBOE Erica Jones, Atlanta, Ga. CLARINET Laqruisha Banks, West Helena, Ark. Johanna Cager, New Orleans, La. Sharde Farley, Atlanta, Ga. Jessica Harris, Memphis, Tenn. Jamilyah Thompson, Greenwood, Miss. BASS CLARINET Charnecca Barnes, Winona, Miss. BASSOON Jayla Lyons, Jackson, Miss. ALTO SAXOPHONE Anthony Hubbert, West Helena, Ark. Skylah Mays, Fort Smith, Ark.
FRENCH HORN Devin Hayes, Atlanta, Ga. Caleb Johnson, Natchez, Miss. Christopher Williams, Jackson, Miss. Quirrinius Wilson, Jackson, Miss. BARITONE Victoria CoeďŹ eld, Atlanta, Ga. Michael Harris, Jackson, Miss. Demarco Powell, Atlanta, Ga. TROMBONE Fantasia Maine, Atlanta, Ga. Latonya Morgan, Hollandale, Miss. Rex Oatis, Leland, Miss. TUBA Jesse Hill, Starkville, Miss. Jarvis Jackson, Memphis Tenn. Richard Noble, Meridian, Miss. PERCUSSION Carlton Williams, Greenville, Miss. Mario Brownridge, Jackson, Miss. Reginald Shoddie, Greenwood, Miss.
TENOR SAXOPHONE Jonathon Allen, Park Forest, Ill. BARITONE SAXOPHONE VeCarlos Tillman, Jackson, Miss. TRUMPET Omar Baeza, Chicago, Ill. Fred Brown, Chicago, Ill. David Fletcher, Jackson, Miss. Karl Gibbs, Greenwood, Miss. Jason Jossell, Marks, Miss. Rodney Rice, Eupora, Miss. Jordan Winters, Grenada, Miss.
Inauguration of Donna H. Oliver. Ph.D. The Sixth President
Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning Mr. Scott Ross, President
West Point
Dr. Bettye Henderson Neely, Vice President
Grenada
Mr. Ed Blakeslee
Gulfport
Dr. L. Stacy Davidson, Jr.
Cleveland
Mr. Bob Owens
Jackson
Mr. Aubrey Patterson
Tupelo
Mr. Alan W. Perry
Jackson
Ms. Christine Lindsay Pickering
Biloxi
Ms. Robin Robinson
Laurel
Dr. Douglas W. Rouse
Hattiesburg
Mr. C.D. Smith, Jr.
Meridian
Ms. Amy Whitten
Oxford
Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Hank Bounds
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
DELEGATES Founding Date
Delegate
Institution
Official Title of Delegate
1826
Dr. Lee Royce
Mississippi College
President
1833
Mr. Max Christopher Garriott
Kalamazoo College
Alumnus
1837
Dr. Adrienne M. Israel
Guilford College
Vice President & Academic Dean
1848
Dr. Daniel Jones
University of Mississippi
Chancellor
1865
Dr. Claude G. Perkins
Virginia Union University
President
1866
Dr. Ishmell H. Edwards
Rust College
Vice President
1869
Dr. Marie O’Banner-Jackson
Southern Illinois University
Associate Dean
1870
Dr. David H. Swinton
Benedict College
President
1871
Dr. George E. Ross
Alcorn State University
President
1873
Dr. Bettye Rogers Coward
BlueMountain College
President
1873
Dr. Yasuhiro Kobayashi
Southeast Missouri State University
Assistant Professor
1878
Dr. Mark E. Keenum
Mississippi State University
President
1881
Dr. Jacqueline Pollard
Morris Brown College
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
1884
Dr. Claudia Limbert
Mississippi University for Women
President
1889
Dr. Gerald L. Francis
Elon University
Executive Vice President
1889
Ms. Kim R. Bush
Elon University
Alumna
1891
Dr. Myrna Colley-Lee
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Alumna
1896
Mr. Frank Drayton
South Carolina State
Alumnus
1910
Dr. Martha Dunagin Saunders
The University of Southern Mississippi President
1924
Dr. John M. Hilpert
Delta State University
1927
Dr. Jacqueline H. Stennis
East Mississippi Community College - Scooba
1949
Dr. Vivian M. Presley
Coahoma Community College
President
1974
Dr. Gary A. McGaha
Atlanta Metropolitan College
President
Inauguration of Donna H. Oliver. Ph.D. The Sixth President
Jackson State University
Delta State University
President Vice President for Student Affairs
CLERGY OF SCHOLARS The Reverend Dr. Calvin Collins New Zion Baptist Church
Pastor Augusta Quinn
Greenwood, Mississippi
Shekinah Tower of Power and Love Ministries Itta Bena, Mississippi
The Reverend Dr. Roy Farley
The Reverend Dr. D. Lovett Sconiers
Pleasant Green M. B. Church Moorhead, Mississippi
The Reverend Anjohnette Gibbs Evans Chapel United Methodist Church Belzoni, Mississippi
Bishop Milton Glass New Green Grove Church of Faith Greenwood, Mississippi
The Reverend Dr. Fred L. Grosse, Sr. President of Elon Homes and Schools for Children, Inc.
Pastor Lamar Moore Lily of the Valley Doddsville, Mississippi
Edward Waters College Chaplin and Religion Professor Jacksonville, Florida
The Reverend Allen Warren. St. John AME Church Raleigh, North Carolina
The Reverend Dr. Leroy Williams, Jr. Jones Chapel Church Greenwood, Mississippi
The Reverend Tommy Williamson Immanuel Baptist Church Greenwood, Mississippi
The Reverend Dr. Ricky A. Woods First Baptist Church West Charlotte, North Carolina
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
INAUGURATION STEEERING COMMITTEE HONORARY CO-CHAIRPERSONS The Honorable Bennie Thompson, U.S. House of Representatives Mr. Lee Abraham Mr. Suresh Chawla Mr. Bill Crump Mr. Chip Morgan Dr. Bettye Henderson Neely Ms. Clara Reed Dr. Walter Roberts
CHAIRPERSONS Dr. Anna M. Hammond, Chairperson Dr. Joseph M. Stevenson, Co-Chairperson Ms. Dallas Reed, Co-Chairperson Dr. Jacqueline Pollard, Co-Chairperson Ms. Brenda Bellard-Harris, Co-Chairperson
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Ms. Jannette Adams Ms. Earlean Anderson Mr. Derrick Bell Ms. Maxine Bowen Ms. LaShon Brooks Dr. Gwendolyn Castello-Catchings Mr. Andre’ L. Curry Ms. Barbara Gosa Dr. Marvin Haire Mr. James Hudson Dr. Johnny Jones Mr. Leroy Lucas Ms. Debbie Montgomery Dr. Moses Newsome Dr. Alphonso Sanders Dr. Samuel Shingles Ms. Cynthia Stancil Ms. Beth Stevens Ms. Veronica Tucker Ms. Carolyn Upkins Ms. Le’Andria Williams Mr. Corey Young Ms. Wanda Young
Inauguration of Donna H. Oliver. Ph.D. The Sixth President
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Inaugural Steering Committee gratefully acknowledges the contributions of our sponsors, contributors and dozens of volunteers who have made this celebration a tremendous success.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION Facilities Management Staff Mr. Derrick Bell, Director
Public Relations Staff
Ms. Debbie Montgomery, Director
Special Occasions Committee
Ms. Jannette Adams, Chairperson
Thompson Hospitality
Mr. Corey Young, Director
University Police Department Mr. Robert Sanders, Chief
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
THE 6TH PRESIDENT of mississippi v alley s tate university
The
I N A U G U R A T I O N of
THE 6TH PRESIDENT of mississippi v alley s tate university