I am delighted to announce the newest addition of our executive staff, Dr. Johnny Jones, as vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. He knows MVSU extremely well – having graduated in 1996 with a degree in health, physical education and recreation.

We are fortunate to have someone of Dr. Jones’ caliber to return to his “home” in the Delta and join our team as we continue with the Valley Renaissance. Dr. Jones brings experience not only in leadership and strategic planning, but a plethora of experience in understanding the needs of today’s collegiate population.

He is on campus this week meeting with staff and students. I understand on Tuesday that he enjoyed having lunch with SGA representatives. He is eager to join our team as we move this beloved institution forward.

I know you will join me in giving him a warm Valley welcome!

 We have another busy week at The Valley. Sponsored Programs is hosting a joint workshop for rural health grant writing on Thursday, June 4. The wonderful ninth annual B.B. King International Blues Workshop is Friday, June 5.

 We have student groups on campus this week, including high school seniors participating in the Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation Bridge Program. Welcome to all!

 On Sunday, May 31, we will visit the Episcopal Church across from The Alluvian. Services begin at 10:30 a.m. I do hope you will join us.

 Have a wonderful weekend.

Hello again! Please forgive the lack of posting – we have been going 24/7 it seems, working toward implementing new programs and activities. The Public Relations staff is working on photographs from many of our recent activities and will get those posted soon so you can see them. We were delighted to having principals, headmasters and superintendents on campus recently. I was honored to speak at our MVSU Preschool Graduation and I can not wait for you to see those precious children! Our own Valley commencement was exhilarating, with a promise from State House of Representatives Percy Watson, who was our featured speaker. More about that later.

Meanwhile, please join me in congratulating our Provost, Dr. Joseph Martin Stevenson, as he is one of 24 higher education leaders throughout the country selected for the inaugural class of the 21^st Century Leadership Institute for Provosts and Chief Academic Officers.

The Institute is sponsored by the American Academic Leadership Institute, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and the Council of Independent Colleges. Through the year-long program, the provosts will experience two seminars in Washington, D.C., readings, experiential activities and a mentorship experience.

The program will focus on presidential areas of responsibility not typically found in the role of the chief academic officer, such as fundraising, comprehensive campaigns, endowment development and management, board development and board relations.

Dr. Stevenson will work with me in proposing and carrying out activities and initiatives to gain hands-on experience in the conduct of the day-to-day activities covered in the content areas of the program. These initiatives and projects will be customized and fit the individual needs of The Valley.

Congratulations, Dr. Stevenson.

 My first gala at Mississippi Valley State University – and can I tell you that Mr. Oliver and I have experienced a wonderful evening. It was an honor to present the 10^th annual J.H. White Preeminence Awards to Congressman Bennie Thompson, MVSU’s second President Ernest Boykins, Valley alumnus Willie Gregory Sr., Valley professor Lawrence Goldman, and Greenwood chiropractor and Valley supporter, Dr. Dorothey Pernell. Congratulations to each on receiving this prestigious honor. You join a prestigious field of business people, educators and community leaders who have supported Valley, many from its founding days.

GOVERNMENT/POLITICS/ADVOCACY

Honorable Bennie Thompson

Each time Mississippi Valley State University calls upon this man, he responds – whether as commencement speaker or to guide through federal initiatives – he assists in every way possible. This individual has assisted with funding of curriculum development for Natural Disaster and Homeland Security, as well as funding for a Center of Excellence for Economic Development, which provided technical assistance and consultation services to small businesses in the Delta.  This center provided employment opportunities and internships for alumni both in his state and federal offices.

Congressman Thompson is currently serving his eighth term for Mississippi’s Second District and third term on the Homeland Security Committee. The Second District stretches from Tunica in the north to Jefferson County in the south and all points in-between, creating a rare blend of agricultural economies and the hustle and bustle of city life.

Congressman Thompson has spent his entire adult life giving a voice to the voiceless. With more than 40 years of continuous public service, he is the longest-serving African-American elected official in the state of Mississippi. He served as alderman and mayor in his hometown for years, after which he served as Hinds County Supervisor for 13 years before being elected to Congress in 1993. With six district offices – Bolton, Greenville, Greenwood, Jackson, Marks, and Mound Bayou – Congressman Thompson is committed to empowering those who gave him an opportunity to represent the Second District of Mississippi. His reputation as a no-nonsense problem solver has earned him the trust of his constituents and the respect of his colleagues in Washington.

Congressman Thompson long been considered a leading voice on civil rights, equal education and healthcare reform, Congressman Thompson has helped to make a real difference in the lives of his constituents. In 1975, he filed a lawsuit to increase funding at Mississippi’s historically black universities. With Congressman Thompson as lead plaintiff, the case was settled in 2004 for an unprecedented $503 million. In 2000, Congressman Thompson’s legislation creating the National Center for Minority Health and Health Care Disparities became law.

To begin the 110th Congress, Thompson was promoted by his colleagues to serve as the first ever Democratic Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, a committee which was created by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002 in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. As Chairman, Congressman Thompson introduced and engineered House passage of the most comprehensive homeland security package since September 11th, H.R. 1, the “9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007.”

Congressman Thompson is a lifelong member of the Asbury United Methodist Church in Bolton Mississippi.  He has been married to his college sweetheart, London Johnson of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, for 40 years. The couple has one daughter, BendaLonne; one granddaughter, Jeanna and one grandson, Thomas Gordon.  

EDUCATION/ACADEMICS

Dr.  Ernest A.  Boykins

In 1971, Dr. Ernest A. Boykins Jr. became the second president of Mississippi Valley State University. He came to MVSU as a noted scholar, scientist, educator and administrator. In assuming the role of president, he quickly became known as a man endowed with relentless courage, vision, sound judgment and exceptional abilities to provide educational opportunities for the entire campus community.

The Vicksburg native earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from Xavier University-New Orleans in 1953. He received the master of science degree in biology at Texas Southern University in 1958. Further graduate work in cell biology was done at the University of Connecticut from 1959 to 1960. In 1964, Dr. Boykins earned the doctor of philosophy degree with a major in zoology from Michigan State University. Prior to coming to The Valley, Dr. Boykins worked at Alcorn State University as chairman of the Division of Arts and Sciences.

Under Dr. Boykins’ inspired leadership, the curriculum at MVSU was expanded to include Aerospace Studies, Family and Community Services, Library Science, Military Science and Environmental Health. The first master’s level program was added. In addition, Dr. Boykins orchestrated the inception of the Academic Skills Parlor, an academic support program that was uniquely designed to assist students in developing their full range of potentials. The Academic Skills Parlor received regional and national recognition with the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning accepting it as the model academic support service program in Mississippi. The trustees also recommended that the remaining seven institutions create an academic support program based on MVSU’s design. 

Dr. Boykins is married to the former Beverly Malveaux of Lafayette, Louisiana, who served graciously beside him as the second First Lady of MVSU.  The couple has four children: son, Darryl, and three daughters, Rhea, Constance and Karen. 

 LEADERSHIP/COMMUNITY SERVICE/CIVIC ENDEAVORS

Dr. Dorothey Pernell

Dr. Pernell has spent the past two years volunteering her time and service to MVSU’s athletic program with assistance from her daughter, Dr. Erin Jacobs. They both are currently practicing at Murphree & Pernell Chiropractic, located in

Greenwood. Dr. Pernell has spent countless hours, resources and personal funds to assist in the holistic development of MVSU student athletes. Dr. Pernell and Dr. Jacobs have been providing post-game meals for the MVSU women’s basketball team, in addition to many other sports. As team doctors, they have worked with the young women and men as part of their training to prevent injuries, enhancing endurance, as well as overall strengthening.

The partnership has now expanded to a new venture with the chiropractors’ alma mater, Logan University College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, Missouri. As a result of Dr. Pernell’s commitment to Valley, all student athletes were afforded an overall assessment by Logan University’s College of Chiropractic. Dr. Pernell helped to fund the expenses of Logan University’s trip to our campus. As a result of this initiative, Logan University brought Graduate Program Directors, Dr. Laney Nelson, Dr. Adam Morrell, and 10 interns for two days.  During their visit, they provided a comprehensive assessment of approximately 230 student athletes. Each individual student athlete received a customized program to assist with strength, conditioning and agility, and a plan to maximize their athletic performance. Following the two-day assessment, a summary of results was shared with all head coaches to assist with areas of weakness and identify opportunities to increase athletic performance.

Dr. Pernell has demonstrated an unwavering commitment and dedication to her craft, as well as student athletes of The Valley. Dr. Pernell is currently assisting the University in maintaining an ongoing relationship with Logan University to include interns from the University working with our student athletes in the area of power performance throughout the upcoming academic year.

 PHILANTHROPHY

Willie Gregory, Director

 When it comes to supporting your alma mater, there’s not too many that fall in the ranks of this person. Their support extends in so many ways, through mentoring, guiding, and even sometimes as sideline coach, but most importantly through time, resources, and contributions this individual continues to give.  His support has impacted those on the playing field to those in the classroom, as well as the President’s office.

The name NIKE often reminds us of sports icons and legends who have impressive endorsements: sports legends and icons such as Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and Serena Williams. When you add the words, business, community, employees, government and media to the name NIKE, you get another image; the man who connects all of those areas to benefit the community at large.

Willie Gregory has been serving as the deal maker for communities with more than 20 years of experience in sports, community and business investment, as well as marketing and sales experience.

Before joining NIKE, Willie was regional marketing/sales manager with IBM. An alumnus of Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Mississippi Valley State University and the University of Memphis, Willie supports a variety of local and national initiatives that promote education, cultural awareness and civic responsibility.

His dedication and commitment has not gone unnoticed, as he is the recipient of several awards including The 100 Black Men Honoree, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Florence Howard Award, NIKE’s African American Network Person of the Year, LeMoyne Owen College’s Beacon of Hope Award and Memphis City Schools 2007 Hall of Fame inductee.

His passion for giving starts with his church, Mt. Olive CME Cathedral, where he serves as the chairperson of the Finance Committee and it ends with his family, as the father of two young adult sons, Benjamin and Will Jr., who is a student at his father’s alma mater, MVSU.

When the popular phrase of “show me the money” is mentioned in the Memphis and Shelby County area, community organizations do not see visions of slam dunk artists, or individuals in Masters tournament green blazers. The face and the name that comes to mind is Willie Gregory – the man who gives credibility to the NIKE slogan, “Just do it.”

ARTS

Dr. Lawrence Goldman

A native of Santa Rosa, California, Dr. Lawrence Goldman has been a faculty member at Mississippi Valley State University for the past 29 years. During that time, he has become well-known for his many appearances both as a solo piano recitalist and collaborating artist. He has participated in more than 300 concert performances on the MVSU campus, throughout the Southeast and in other regions of the United States. His duties as a faculty member include teaching both applied piano and class piano, serving as departmental accompanist and student recital coordinator, and coordinating applied music juries and administering piano proficiency requirements. He has held the rank as tenured full professor since 1992 and the second longest-serving faculty member within the Department of Fine Arts. For the past 15 years, Dr. Goldman has led the MVSU Piano Festival which attracted students throughout the state and region to compete for awards and scholarships and has been an instrumental recruitment event. Dr. Goldman attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, and pursued graduate studies at the University of Michigan, where his principal teacher was noted Hungarian-American pianist György Sándor. He received his doctor of musical arts degree from the University of Southern California where his distinctions included winning the concerto and the Department Award in Keyboard Studies. Goldman has appeared as a solo recitalist, chamber musician, and as a soloist with an orchestra in numerous areas of the United States. His performances in the South have included recitals in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama and Louisiana, in addition to his Mississippi performances. He has performed on multiple occasions for the state conventions of the Mississippi Music Teachers Association and the Mississippi Federation of Music Clubs, and his performances have been a regular feature for more than 20 years on the Mississippi Public Broadcasting Radio Network. Goldman was a 2006 recipient of the HEADWAE award, recognition of academic excellence presented annually by the Mississippi State Legislature. Goldman is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, the Mississippi Music Teachers Association, the College Music Society, the National Piano Foundation, and the Mississippi Federation of Music Clubs, for which he serves as the state chair for Music in Schools and Colleges. He is also an inductee of Pi Kappa Lambda, national music honorary society.

So many people worked hard to ensure the Gala was a success. I won’t name names at the risk of missing someone, but for each of you who moved a chair, cooked food, took a picture, decorated a table – you all have my thanks!

MVSU Women's Softball: Undefeated in the SWAC Conference!

I am delighted to let you know that the Mississippi Valley State University Softball Team is undefeated in SWAC Conference play, 17-0! The record comes as the women sweep Jackson State University in a three-game series this weekend. The ladies finish the regular season with a 33-12 overall record.

Congratulations to coach Lee Smith and team members: Rashundra Brass of Philadelphia; Haleigh Eubanks of Cleveland; Shanika Randle of Houston; Ta’Niya Wallace of Ocean Springs; Angelia Jones of Biloxi; Kimberly Palmer of Stone Mountain, Ga.; Lauren Derting of Cedar Park, Texas; Megan Hays of Houston, Texas; Ashley Hobbs of Freeport, Texas; Aysha Jackson of Double Oak, Texas; Cortney Davis of Round Rock, Texas; Ashley Lawrence of Del City, Okla.; Angelica Wade of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; Lisa Jansen of Dietzenbach Germany; Courtney Carson of Lithonia, Ga.; Tiana Parks of  Rex, Ga.; Nikki Stouder of Dallas, Ore.; Brittany J. Franklin of Rescue, Calif.

We are proud of you!

I just left tonight’s International Banquet and it was such a joy to see the young boys and girls of our Languages and Cultures Institute share their new languages in skits and songs! Four groups displayed articulate skills in speaking French Russian, Arabic and Chinese (Dr. Golden calls the group her FRAC students).

There were more than 250 attending the banquet and fashion revue. We enjoyed the musical beat of Joe Caploe & Neck-n-Neck of Platteville, Wisc. It was so nice to see some of Valley’s own assist Mr. Caploe — Dr. Alphonso Sanders and Mr. Ben Arnold of the Fine Arts Music Department.

Rounding out the evening was the delicious cuisine made by our Valley faculty, staff, students, supporters and area restaurants. It was a tasty event!

I want to personally thank Dr. Kathie Stromile Golden, Mrs. Sylvia Gray and Dr. Abigail Newsome and the International Week Committee for all of their hard work. It was a pleasure to have our international friends from the Itta Bena and surrounding communities join us as we celebrate the rich heritages. I especially enjoyed having so many young boys and girls on campus who were able to experience music and dance from other countries.  I look forward to next year’s events! 

Tomorrow The Valley will welcome teachers throughout Mississippi as they converge for our Professional Development Day. In addition, PRAXIS students will complete their workshop studies. Also, our Upward Bound students will have their awards program. Welcome to each of you! I hope you enjoy your visit on the Valley campus.

On Sunday, please join us as we attend Sunday services at St. John’s United Methodist Church, located on 1001 Grand Boulevard. Services begin at 10:55 a.m. I hope to see you there!

I thoroughly enjoyed playing the instruments on Tuesday!

Mr. Oliver and I are heading to North Carolina to spend time with our family during the Easter break. I can not wait to see our precious grandchildren, Cameron and Raina and the rest of our family.

I do hope that each of you have the opportunity to spend this very special time with your family and loved ones.

Rest up so that when we return to The Valley, you can join me for a plethora of activities. Please take a moment to learn about all of the many wonderful activities coming up at The Valley. Mark your calendars!

THEATER

Our outstanding theatrical students are planning their one-act play, “ A Funny Way of Showing It,” during April 14-15. The free performance begins at 6:30 each night in the Royal Room of the MVSU Student Union. Under the capable direction of Ms. Barbara Baymon, you will enjoy watching our students perform.

Members of the cast include LaShundra Harris, Keyona Smith, Jack Flagg, Leroy Lucas and Sharhonda Chandler, all of Greenwood; Eatchett Johnson of Belzoni; Jerome Petty of Rosedale, Yolanda Brown of Shaw; Yolanda Alexander of Greenville; and Delorise Lofton of Mound Bayou.

SPRING CONCERT

Many of you know how much I love music. The annual MVSU Concert Band Spring Concert will be held Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the H.G. Carpenter Auditorium. Please come listen to the outstanding students. I have an IHL meeting and I need you to attend and tell me about it!

EDUCATION CONFERENCE

As you know, Valley was founded as a teacher education college. We have expanded in many areas but we have not strayed from our roots – our College of Education is holding its second annual Professional Development Conference, “Our Challenge: Improving Student Achievement,” on Saturday, April 18 beginning at 8:15 on the MVSU campus.

Share with your teacher friends and invite them to come!

 INTERNATIONAL WEEK

International Programs’ Director, Dr. Kathie Stromile-Golden, and coordinator Ms. Sylvia Gray, along with the International Week Committee have done an outstanding job of bringing cultural activities to the campus next week.

Mark your calendars for these events:

Tuesday, April 14: 11 a.m. Beatin’ Path Rhythm Drum Circle, On the Quad; in case of rain, moved to Charles R. Lackey Recreation Center

Wednesday, April 15: 11 a.m. Student Luncheon “Pizza Around the World,” H.M. Ivy Cafeteria; 2 p.m. Diabetes Forum, H.G. Carpenter Auditorium

Thursday, April 16: 9 a.m. Parade of Flags (begins at Charles R. Lackey Recreation Center and continues to the H.G. Carpenter Auditorium); 10 a.m. Convocation featuring Nontumbi Tutu, H.G. Carpenter Auditorium

Friday, April 17: 9 a.m. Cultural Exhibits, Charles R. Lackey Recreation Center; 11 a.m. World Music Clinic, Fine Arts Building; 7 p.m. International Banquet/Fashion Revue/Silent Auction/Language Institute featuring Joe Caploe & Neck-n-Neck of Platteville, Wisc., Charles R. Lackey Recreation Center

And there’s so much more! I’ll stop for now, but check back here for activities surrounding our 59^th Founder’s Week Observance and for our April 28 Health Disparities Conference.

There is much to experience at The Valley. We invite you to come visit us and enjoy one or all of these outstanding events. Come see us!

It’s a beautiful spring day and I hope you’re able to enjoy it! Especially after last night’s storm that passed through.

If you’re in the Itta Bena area, please stop by campus and support the women’s softball team as they hope to continue their undefeated conference streak to lucky 13! If you are staying inside, turn to EPSNU and watch The Valley as coach Lee Smith and the ladies take on Alabama A&M beginning at 1 p.m.

The Valley won last night against the Bulldogs, 14-7! That’s super!

After the game, The Valley will recognize the two seniors, catcher Megan Hays and pitcher Nikki Stouder. We are incredibly proud of these ladies and wish them the very best as they complete their matriculation through MVSU.

Coach Smith has now won 203 games at Valley. Did you know that in his eight seasons, he has been named the SWAC Coach of the Year for six straight seasons? Outstanding!

Go MVSU!

The academic year is winding down as evident by the Easter observance and awards programs. Today we recognized the students involved in the TRiO programs at The Valley.

Congratulations to all the students who were recognized. I’ll list them at the end of the blog. If you know them, please congratulate them on their achievements. We have outstanding students at The Valley!

Congratulations to Mrs. Joyce Roundtree-McCoy, program director, and her staff for a wonderful Student Support Services Annual Awards Program. They include Anthony McClung, tutorial coordinator and counselor; Deunderia Smith, academic counselor; Sandra Brim, secretary; and Marilyn Jones-Bryant, data entry specialist. Mrs. Bryant, a Valley graduate, served as the keynote speaker. Did you know that she has published her first book, “365+1 Days of Prayer Journal” published by Xlibris?

I wanted to personally thank the tutors who work with students to ensure their success. They include: Oriana Bledsoe            , chemistry and biology; Krista Jones, English and history;

Chiquita Lee, chemistry, college algebra and physical science; Cordario Lipsey, English and college algebra; Chiquita McDaniel, biology and chemistry; Sherry White, English; and Ilyas Zeynalov, accounting and business administration.

Special awards were given to several students. Sabrina Wilson received the Highest Achievement Award given to an exceptional student who holds the highest grade point average in Student Support Services.

The Most Outstanding Award was presented to Megan Newton. The award recognizes the student who is in good academic standing and who participates regularly in both Student Support Services activities and the classroom.

Ricardo Holliman received the Most Improved Award for his remarkable improvement in academic endeavors at Mississippi Valley State University.

Tutor Chiquita McDaniel received the Jacob Wilson Award which is given to the student who participates in Student Support Services and exemplifies Jacob’s characteristics. Jacob was a Student Support Services student and an Upward Bound tutor. He possessed faithfulness, attentiveness, and determination which made him loved by staff and students. Jacob graduated The Valley with a degree in social work, and he was later accepted to Morehouse College where he received his graduate degree in divinity. He served as a youth and associate pastor for Mt. Horeb Church. He was a member of the National Baptist Christian Education Association and a teacher at Coleman Junior High School.

Congratulations to all of these students and the scholars listed below. We are so proud of each of you!

Summa Cum Laude , 3.80-4.0: Sabrinna Wilson and Rickey Raine.

Magna Cum Laude, 3.50-3.79: Joshua Brown, Prikeeta Fort, Sheria Hicks, Alexis Jones, Chiquita Lee, Chiquita McDaniel, Marquida Morgan, Lakeisha Mosley, Tyrainne Norton, Christy Shaffer, Whittney Rector, Daniel Smart, Shawnee Spruell, Jasmine Taylor, Charity White and Stacy Williams.

Cum Laude, 3.21-3.49: Jonathan Allen, Nakeshia Anderson, Jessica Baymon, Angela Briggs, Minnie Brown, Sharon Brown, Viola Brown, Jenaelle Coleman, Shadricia Day, Tedetrion Epps, David Fletcher, Lashaunda Fryson, Rose Giachelli, Jasmine Good, Konnquita Horn, Corie Jordan, Passion Lewis, Latonya Morgan, Rachandra Peoples, Venkeysha Pittman, Jarrod Randle, Christopher Roberts, Devita Scott, Tangeneika Stephens, Darren Woodson and Donna Young.

Honors, 3.0-3.2: Brittany Baker, Lorletha Brown, Justin Davis, Youwna Dent, Lazavarus Griffin, Anthony Kyser, Learnall Montgomery, Megan Newton, Lajoi Sanders, Alberta Selders, Corey Smith,  Angelica Wade, Sherry White, Beatrice Winford, Candace Young and Randy Young.