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.