Wednesday, January 2, 2019   
 
Mississippi State, EMCC partnership opens door for future medical researchers
A partnership between Mississippi State University and East Mississippi Community College is providing a path into advanced degree programs for transfer students interested in the biomedical and behavioral research fields. The partnership is possible through a $1.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health Research Education Program, called an R25, which focuses on training a future workforce to meet the nation's biomedical, behavioral and clinical research needs. Called "Bridges to Baccalaureate," the program provides paid research opportunities for undergraduate students transferring from EMCC to MSU. Jonas King, assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology in MSU's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, is the grant's principal investigator. Among several MSU and EMCC administrators and faculty members who have helped build this new program, co-investigators on the grant are Bindu Nanduri, associate professor in MSU's Department of Basic Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine; Florencia Meyer, MSU associate professor in biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology and plant pathology; and Jairus Johnson, biology professor and science and math division chair at EMCC.
 
2019 PRIORITIES: MSU-Meridian plans to grow after 14 percent enrollment increase
Terry Dale Cruse, administrative director and head of campus at MSU-Meridian, writes for The Meridian Star: The completion of each year provides time to focus on the accomplishments of the past and opportunities for the future. It has been a great year for MSU-Meridian, and I am thankful for the work of our faculty, staff and students. Their dedication helped us achieve a 14 percent increase in fall enrollment. ... We are quickly approaching the launch of our new Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) will visit our Riley Campus in April. ... Community partnerships are critical to our success. One of the most important is our collaboration with Meridian Community College. ... Dennis Sankovich will retire from the Riley Center after 15 years of dedicated service. A national search for his replacement is underway.
 
A year of service: highlights from a year of communities serving each other
Hunger and poverty took a beating in north Mississippi in 2018, thanks to numerous projects and organizations, named and unnamed, who gave their time and money to put food on tables, or clothes onto the backs of those in need. Hunger is a big issue in Mississippi, where 23 percent of people are food insecure. This year, north Mississippi projects large and small made progress toward alleviating that hunger. These community service projects had tangible impact on hunger. In November, Society for St. Andrew program coordinator Andy Lemmon said the national organization intends to reach more farmers and food organizations in north Mississippi as part of its new partnership with the recently formed Food Insecurity Coalition. As part of the Society's program to "glean" leftover, misshapen or surplus produce from Mississippi farmers and redistribute it to the hungry, 12,000 pounds of sweet potatoes were given away to area food organizations and churches at Mississippi State University.
 
Year in review: 2018 sees arrest in Starkville's most infamous cold case
This year Starkville saw the first ever arrest in one of its oldest and most infamous cold cases. Betty Jones, 65, and Kathryn Crigler, 81, were attacked in Crigler's home on Highway 82 East on Sept. 3, 1990 -- an attack which left Jones dead and Crigler so injured that she died several months later. On Oct. 6 of this year, Starkville Police Department had the man believed to be responsible in custody. Michael Devaughn, 51, of Rienzi, was charged with capital murder and sexual battery in the case after investigators matched DNA taken from one of his cigarette butts to the DNA profile from Crigler's rape kit. It was the first break in the 28-year-old case, which SPD Sgt. Bill Lott had predicted before the arrest would be cracked because of advances in forensic technology made since the murders. Lott said Monday that the case was not only an important milestone in his long career, but for the Starkville Police Department.
 
'Meet the MAC' at the next SAAC business skills workshop
Next up in the Business Skills Workshop series by Starkville Area Arts Council is a "Meet the MAC" session with the Mississippi Arts Commission. Cohosted by Starkville Community Theatre and SAAC on Friday, Jan. 11​, 2019​, at 5:30 p.m., MAC will offer a session on its Artist Roster -- what it means, how it helps you as an artist or performer, and how to apply. MAC's Artist Roster is a listing of artists who have been accepted to the Teaching Artist Roster, the Mississippi Artist Roster, or both. Each artist, performer or group must apply and is reviewed by a panel of artists, presenters and educators, but, perhaps more significantly, MAC also offers mini-grants that may be used to hire these creatives. Immediately following the workshop will be a panel discussion on the impact of arts in the community. Panelists will include Executive Director Malcolm White from the Mississippi Arts Commission, Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors President Orlando Trainer, Mayor Lynn Spruill from the City of Starkville, and Gabe Smith, chief administrative officer of Starkville Community Theatre.
 
Lowndes County seeks state's help on hospital trust fund
When the Mississippi Legislature opens its 2019 session on Jan. 8, constituents will ask their legislators for a variety of things, both big and small. And then there is a request by the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors, who will be asking the Legislature to turn back the hands of time. At stake is as much of $700,000 in hospital trust funds the county could withdraw if the Legislature approves the supervisors' request to change the valuation date of the fund from Dec. 31 to Aug. 31. By law, the county can withdraw up to 3 percent of profits from trust investments based on the value of the fund when the stock market closes on Dec. 31 each year. In the five years since the Legislature allowed the county to invest the hospital fund in the market, the county has withdrawn almost $4 million in profits. But a fourth-quarter slump led to the worst year for the market in a decade, turning what had looked like a healthy profit for the fund into no profit at all, said board president Harry Sanders.
 
Rep. Steve Holland Previews Upcoming Legislative Session
Mississippi lawmakers are preparing for the 2019 legislative session. As he gets ready for his 36th session, Democrat Representative Steve Holland knows there will be differences with Republican lawmakers, but he doesn't believe things will get nasty. "I don't think it will be that contentious a session, budget, no matter what year it is, no matter if it's an election year, always commands the bulk of our time," Holland said. Holland believes a pay hike for teachers will be at the top of the agenda, but he also hopes state employees will see bigger paychecks. "State employees are on about their ninth year without a pay raise, that is just horrific, they need to be included too if we have that kind of extra money, the economy is looking pretty good," he said. Lawmakers start the new session January 8th.
 
Qualifying for state, county elections begins Jan. 2
Qualifying for state and county elections will start Wednesday, Jan. 2 in Mississippi. This year is expected to be a busy one as races are open to fill several positions, including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and many state offices. Voters will also decide on various county positions, including supervisors, sheriffs and court clerks. Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley will seek his fourth term. He said he expects this year to be "a big one for the people." "I think so," Presley said. "With so many races on the ballot, that usually means a big turnout, and I think you will see that throughout the state this last election year. We have an increase in turnout in our state, and that is good. The more turnout, the better." State Sen. Chad McMahan also plans to qualify for re-election on Wednesday as well. If elected, he will serve his second term in the state legislature. McMahan told WTVA he also believes 2019 "is important for everyone."
 
Local legislators will take up several issues at state capital
The Mississippi Legislature begins its regular session Jan. 8 with a twist. As District 55 Rep. Oscar Denton put it, "This is an election year." "I don't think there will be as many bills filed this year or taken up by the committees this year because this is an election year, and traditionally, election years are leaner on the numbers of bills being filed and being pushed," State Sen. Briggs Hopson, R-Vicksburg, said. "That said, I think there's going to be some things on strengthening school safety, probably some criminal justice modifications, maybe some slight Medicaid modifications, and then I think the rest of the session is going to be focused on appropriations and finances." District 54 Rep. Kevin Ford doesn't believe the coming elections later in the year will have that much of an effect. Ford said he hoped the human trafficking bill is one of the first bills the House addresses.
 
Session outlook: District 29 Sen. David Blount and District 70 Rep. Kathy Sykes
Lawmakers to take on voter reform as one of their top priorities for the 2019 legislative session. District 29 Sen. David Blount hopes the recent elections will bring more attention to the state's early voting laws, and spur lawmakers to support voter reform efforts during the 2019 legislative session. The session is slated to begin January 8, and Blount will again introduce bills calling for online voter registration and no-fault early voting. "The interest in this year's elections shows a need for improvements," he said. "We do need early voting. Thirty-seven states have early voting. We do need online voter registration. Most state's have this, including our neighboring Southern states." State employee pay raises, voter reform and criminal justice reform are among major items District 70 Rep. Kathy Sykes would like to tackle during the 2019 legislative session.
 
Senate candidates Cindy Hyde-Smith, Mike Espy spent $6.6M in closing weeks of race
Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and her Democratic opponent Mike Espy spent more than a combined $6.6 million in the closing weeks of a race that wound up being closer than many originally expected, according to Federal Election Commission filings posted this week. In the days after the general election Nov. 6 through the runoff contest at the end of last month, Hyde-Smith spent about $1.7 million on the way to her win, while Espy dropped nearly $4.9 million. The late stages of the race were marked by a frenzy of national attention -- and fundraising -- after the release of a video of Hyde-Smith talking about how she would be "on the front row" if a supporter invited her to a "public hanging." Hyde-Smith ultimately beat Espy by about eight points. The filings show Espy brought in about as much as he spent over that period, with Hyde-Smith raising about $1.6 million.
 
Gov. Phil Bryant declares state of emergency for eight counties
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant signed a state of emergency proclamation on Tuesday for eight counties that were affected by severe weather beginning last week. Bryant announced the proclamation Tuesday night on Twitter. The emergency was declared for Covington, Forrest, Jasper, Jones, Perry, Wayne, Clarke and Lauderdale counties. The proclamation said state assistance will be necessary to support local government response and recovery efforts in these areas that were hit with severe weather, a tornado and flash flooding.
 
Michael Guest Announces Staff for Offices in Washington and Mississippi
Congressman-elect Michael Guest has announced his new staff that will operate from his Washington, D.C. and Mississippi offices. "We believe we have assembled a staff of individuals who are dedicated to the people of Mississippi and who also possess the experience to be successful. I'm very proud of these individuals who have agreed to join our team. Every one of them has a proven record of success, commitment to bettering the lives of the people around them, and the humility required of a successful public servant. With this great team, I'm ready to go to Washington, D.C. to fight for you and our values in Congress," Guest said.
 
Trump urges Romney to be a team player hours after scathing op-ed
President Trump fired back at incoming senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah) on Wednesday, urging him to be a "TEAM player" hours after the publication of a scathing op-ed in which Romney said Trump has not risen to the job. Romney also drew flak from Ronna McDaniel, the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee -- and Romney's niece. "Would much prefer that Mitt focus on Border Security and so many other things where he can be helpful," Trump said in a tweet. "I won big, and he didn't. He should be happy for all Republicans. Be a TEAM player & WIN!" Trump questioned whether Romney, who lost the 2012 presidential election, would now seek to play a similar role as the retiring Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), among the few GOP lawmakers who have frequently criticized Trump's actions. "Question will be, is he a Flake?" Trump said of Romney. "I hope not."
 
How Joe Biden Has Paved the Way for a Possible Presidential Run
When officials at the University of Utah invited Joseph R. Biden Jr. to speak there in December, Mr. Biden's representatives listed a number of requirements for the appearance. His booking firm, Creative Artists Agency, said the school would need to fly Mr. Biden and his aides to Salt Lake City by private plane. It would have to buy 1,000 copies of his recent memoir for distribution to the audience. There would be no insertion of the word "former" before "vice president" in social media promotions. And the speaking fee would be $100,000 -- "a reduced rate," it was explained, for colleges and universities. But three days before the event, Mr. Biden's aides learned that the public university would be using state funds to pay his fee. They already had a policy against taking tuition dollars, and decided that accepting taxpayer dollars for such a windfall might appear just as politically distasteful. Mr. Biden made the trip anyway but declined to take a check. That costly last-minute reversal exposes the complicated balance Mr. Biden has attempted since leaving the vice presidency two years ago: between earning substantial wealth for the first time and maintaining viability as a potential 2020 presidential contender.
 
Legal weed is everywhere -- unless you're a scientist
Americans can legally buy high quality marijuana in most states, but when scientists want to study pot in a lab, they're basically stuck with schwag. A little-known research facility at the University of Mississippi is the only place in the country that is authorized to grow and test marijuana for medical research purposes. But this effort is stymied by a slow process for certifying scientists, a lack of funding and according to pot experts, an inferior product compared to what the booming cannabis sector has rolled out in recent years. "It's brown, muddy garbage," said Peter Grinspoon, a physician and board member of Doctors for Cannabis Regulation, describing the Mississippi stock. Meanwhile, 33 states now allow medical marijuana, including 10 states and the District of Columbia, which have taken further steps to decriminalize or legalize pot for recreational use.
 
Ole Miss to Return Most of $400,000 Given by Ponzi Convict
The University of Mississippi has agreed to return most of the $400,000 its athletic foundation was given by a businessman who pleaded guilty to a $100 million Ponzi scheme. The Clarion-Ledger reports that the federal receiver appointed to try to get back investors' money says the university has agreed to return $310,000 donated by Arthur Lamar Adams. A recent report from Alysson Mills says that's in addition to nearly $40,000 already returned for unused football and baseball tickets. The university and foundation were not involved in the scheme.
 
U. of Mississippi removes Meek's name from Farley Hall
The process to separate Ed Meek from the University of Mississippi's School of Journalism and New Media is complete. Earlier this month the university removed "Meek" from the exterior sign attached to Farley Hall. The sign now reads "School of Journalism and New Media." The removal comes after Meek requested to have his name removed from the school on Sept. 22 following an outcry over his controversial Facebook post on Sept. 18 which caused several university organizations and students to demand Meek's association with the journalism school be dissolved. Meek, a two-time graduate of the university, donated $5.3 million to the journalism school and subsequently had his name added to it in 2009. The university employed him for 37 years before his retirement in 1999.
 
USM taking students out of the classroom to serve and learn
Linda Allen is a big proponent of combining community service with education. As the University of Southern Mississippi's faculty liaison for service learning, she had the students in her Multi-ethnic American Literature course do research on Hattiesburg's Little Free Libraries -- free books housed in small containers around town for citizens to pick up and read. "They went into the community and interviewed members to see what multi-ethnic literature they would be interested in having incorporated into the libraries," she said. "The pedagogy of service learning implies the service hours have to be connected to the learning -- it has to reinforce what you're teaching in class." The university would like more professors to incorporate service learning into their classes, and more professors would like to do so. In an effort to help faculty engage students in service learning opportunities, the school's Center for Community Engagement is sponsoring a series of weekly seminars during spring semester.
 
2019 PRIORITIES: Meridian CC sets goal of solidifying partnerships in education, business
Thomas Huebner, the president of Meridian Community College, writes for The Meridian Star: At Meridian Community College we have an incredible history of connecting opportunity and motivation with success and I am truly proud to lead an institution focused on the premise that together we can make a true difference in the community we serve. As we move toward 2019, I believe we need to think even more about how we can partner with others to create growth and open doors for all of us to invest in the future our region. ... Our relationship with MSU-Meridian is also important. Communities our size rarely have a nationally ranked community college and a campus of one of the finest research institutions in the country, but we have both! A student, in fact, can receive a high quality and extremely affordable education without leaving Lauderdale County. While we have many pieces of a solid relationship in place, we're just getting started exploring how the MCC and MSU-Meridian partnership can impact our community and are committed to working together to create even more higher education opportunities for those who call this place home.
 
U. of Alabama names new dean of students
The executive director of the national office of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will join the University of Alabama administration in February as the next dean of students. "I am thrilled to join the University of Alabama," Jamie R. Riley said in a statement released by the university. "I have always been committed to working with students as well as campus and community partners to ensure that all programs and services are accessible and inclusive and that the campus community is safe and vibrant." Riley, who now serves as the executive director and chief operating officer of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., has been named the assistant vice president and dean of students effective Feb. 25, 2019. Kathleen Cramer has served as the interim dean of students. Riley has a doctorate in counseling and student personnel services from the University of Georgia and a bachelor of science degree in health care administration and planning and a master of education in leadership from Tennessee State University.
 
U. of Alabama adding advanced dance degree
The University of Alabama's department of theater and dance will begin offering a master of fine arts degree in dance in fall 2020. The three-year program will use the 2019-20 academic year to recruit and audition prospective students. The new degree program was approved by the UA System board of trustees in June. "An MFA in dance is the terminal degree in our field for performance and creative research," said Sarah M. Barry, UA associate professor of dance. "A lot of people who pursue the degree want to go on to teach in higher education, and we will place an emphasis on pedagogy so we can train excellent teachers if that is what they want to do." The push for the program started with growth in the dance program's talent, enrollment, national reputation and students' curiosity in the breadth of the dance field, Barry said. At the same time, the college was looking to expand its number of graduate programs to support UA's strategic plan.
 
Auburn University continues to grow research
When Auburn University faculty, staff and students begin the spring semester, they will do so at one of the nation's top research institutions. Just before Christmas break, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education named Auburn to the R1 classification -- a category reserved for doctoral universities with the highest level of research activity."With this designation, we are now among the nation's top 100 research universities," said Jennifer Kerpelman, interim vice president for research at Auburn. "And I would say it also validates that Auburn is a global thought leader, and it's moving toward groundbreaking discoveries and life-changing breakthroughs." Since university President Steven Leath joined the Auburn Family in 2017, he has continued to champion research at the land-grant institution. Leath announced a goal of hiring 500 tenure-track faculty by 2022, some of whom will replace faculty members who leave or retire, while others will grow the number of faculty.
 
U. of Kentucky College of Engineering plans to add thousands of students by 2025
The University of Kentucky recently announced ambitious growth plans for the next five years, with more students, more faculty, and more space for classrooms, offices and research. But nowhere will that growth be more apparent than the College of Engineering. According to Dean Rudolph G. Buchheit, who started this summer, the college is recruiting 20 new faculty to keep up with a 90 percent increase in student enrollment over the past decade. Buchheit's goal is to expand the school's current 3,900-student enrollment to 6,000 by 2025. That also means doubling its 500 graduate students to almost 1,000. In order to teach all those students, UK will need to hire approximately 70 new faculty over the next five years, he said. "Across the country, there's a surge in engineering enrollment, it's very much in response to market forces and economic development policies in states," including Kentucky, Buchheit said. "It wouldn't happen if there wasn't a demand."
 
LSU names Stacia Haynie as its new executive vice president and provost
Louisiana State University has named Stacia Haynie as its next executive vice president and provost, pending approval by the LSU Board of Supervisors. Haynie has served as the school's interim executive vice president and provost since April."Throughout her nearly 30-year career at LSU, Dr. Haynie demonstrated her leadership ability and commitment to promoting research and creative scholarship, as well as ensuring our students get the exceptional educational experience they deserve from Louisiana's flagship university," LSU President F. King Alexander said in a statement. Haynie was selected after a national search for the job. LSU invited four candidates to campus for interviews and open forums with students, faculty and staff, according to a news release. Haynie replaces Richard Koubek, who departed from the role in July to begin his new job as president of Michigan Technological University. Haynie arrived at LSU in 1990 as the J.W. Annison, Jr. Family Alumni Professor in LSU's department of political science.
 
Renovations underway for UGA engineering center
The University of Georgia College of Engineering this month launched a major renovation of the Driftmier Engineering Center. Scheduled to open in fall 2019, the first phase of the project will significantly expand and enhance the College of Engineering's undergraduate teaching laboratories and classrooms. The new space is designed to promote project-based learning and teamwork. "In the six years since the College of Engineering was formed at UGA, enrollment in engineering has grown exponentially. We've added more than 30 new faculty members, and we've significantly expanded the breadth of our research activities," said Dean Donald Leo. "All of these changes mean we must examine our facilities and plan effectively for the future." The majority of the new space will be assigned to modern wet and dry instructional labs designed to support the college's undergraduate and graduate degree programs and undergraduate research.
 
U. of Florida professor's invention makes voting more accessible
University of Florida professor Juan Gilbert has developed technology to make voting more accessible. The question remains whether Gilbert's invention, Prime III, will become more widely used at polling locations throughout the country. But the software interface already has been used in New Hampshire for the 2016 presidential election and in Ohio in the 2018 midterm elections with no reported hiccups. Before coming to UF in 2014, Gilbert first developed Prime III at Auburn in 2003 as a secure, electronic system accessible for voters with physical disabilities. Gilbert modified it in 2011 to run through Google Chrome. By implementing the technology through a browser, Gilbert was able to add speech support, voice recognition, and text and speech in multiple languages. With the use of a headset or microphone, voters can cast their ballots by voice, touch or both. Now chair of the Department of Computer and Information Systems and Engineering at UF, Gilbert has spent his academic career researching human-centered computing.
 
U. of Tennessee fires adviser who harassed women at his last job; he wasn't vetted
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, on Friday fired Lee Waldrep, an academic adviser in the College of Architecture and Design, after placing him on administrative leave Monday upon learning he had sexually harassed female students at his last university job. Tyra Haag, director of media relations at UT, acknowledged the university did not adequately check references for Waldrep before hiring him. In a termination letter College of Architecture and Design Dean Scott Poole sent to Waldrep on Friday, he wrote, "I regret that CoAD potentially compromised the safety of its students by hiring you, and your employment is terminated effective today." The letter was part of Waldrep's personnel file, which the USA TODAY NETWORK-Tennessee obtained through a public records request. Poole also called Waldrep out for lying to him about why he was applying for a lower-paying position at UT, noting he misrepresented to Poole that he was "furloughed" by his former institution, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
 
Bicycles, phones among most commonly stolen items at U. of South Carolina
We've all been there. You're in a hurry to cash in on that extra credit or the last-minute drink special and you forget to lock up your bike. Maybe you forget your backpack at the library. Maybe you thought you locked your car doors but didn't. Sometimes you just get unlucky. The State assembled a list of most commonly stolen items on the University of South Carolina's campus and found students are more likely to lose bicycles to street thieves and money, phones or purses from unlocked cars. The list is based on a sample of USC police records from Nov. 9 to Nov. 28. Campus thefts tended to be crimes of opportunity, such as the thief taking unlocked bicycles from the street and riding off with them, or a string of car thefts where the perpetrator was breaking into Jeep Wranglers by unzipping the canvas cover and stealing money or purses.
 
AgriLife Extension experts offer their thoughts on 2018 Farm Bill
President Donald Trump signed the $867 billion Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 -- commonly referred to as the 2018 Farm Bill -- earlier this week, capping an at-times contentious, months-long legislative process. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension experts weighed in on the bill, referring to the legislation as providing a safety net for farmers, producers and others in agriculture industries. Joe Outlaw, a professor and economist who works as co-director of the A&M Agriculture Food Policy Center, said the "wide-reaching" legislation is "the last line of defense between bad financial outcomes for [producers]." "This has been a terrible year for our producers. We had a drought for most of it, and now it's rained almost every day. The crops were messed up because of either too much rain or not enough of it," Outlaw said. Outlaw said that the legislation builds upon the 2014 farm bill.
 
Missouri's MUTV move postponed 'until further conversations can occur'
MUTV may move locations after being told that it would need to start paying rent -- an estimated $40,000 to $50,000 annually -- for space at its location in the University of Missouri Student Center. On Dec. 5, Kathy Murray, associate director for student life, and Dean of Students Jeffrey Zeilenga informed MUTV managers that there was a possibility the station might move. On Monday, MUTV was told that the official move date was Jan. 7. In an email to Zeilenga, MUTV managers, including general manager Aviva Okeson-Haberman, expressed concerns over the short notice. The move is not totally unexpected, however. "As you probably know, last year, the Missouri Students Association removed and eliminated funding for several auxiliary student organizations, including MUTV, but provided one time funding so university administrators (working with MUTV) could develop a sustainable, financial model for the future," the chancellor's office wrote to Okeson-Haberman.
 
Federal shutdown includes agencies that are key supporters of university research
Numerous federal agencies that are important to higher education were shut down when a standoff over President Trump's proposed border wall was not resolved. Trump has vowed not to sign a measure to keep the government fully functioning unless more than $5 billion is included for the wall. Democrats have refused to provide the votes to do so. The shutdown applies to agencies that are not covered by appropriations bills already signed into law. The bill for the Education Department has been signed into law, and so that agency and the student aid funds it provides should not be affected. That same bill also includes the National Institutes of Health, a major provider of research grants. But many other funding agencies that make numerous grants to higher education -- including the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Endowment for the Humanities -- are funded by appropriations bills that have not been signed into law. So these agencies are effectively closed.
 
Dealing with the Funding Crisis in Archaeological Research
In the summer of 1894, archaeologist Ernest Volk of Harvard University was excavating a promising prehistoric site in New Jersey's Delaware River Valley when he hit an unyielding obstacle: money. "Owing to lack of funds," he lamented in his journal, he had to suspend the dig. More than a century later, Volk's financial frustration has a familiar ring to many archaeologists working in the United States. Although archaeological research is less expensive than many other scientific endeavors -- there's no need for a billion-dollar atom smasher or interplanetary spacecraft -- archaeologists often struggle to find the cash they need to conduct digs, date objects, and catalog and curate collections. Some spend as much or more time writing grant proposals and fundraising as they do conducting research. "There's a lot of anxiety around funding," said Peter Gould, a consulting scholar at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. "You get the sense that everywhere money is tight, and the competition is intense." The angst is understandable.
 
Under-the-radar USDA lending provides big boost for financially pressed colleges
Iowa Wesleyan University found itself facing closure in November as a cash crunch left it needing additional money in order to operate for the spring semester. But soon after the 700-student university in southeast Iowa went public with its peril, it rallied. Leaders determined they had received enough in gifts and newly favorable financing from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to remain open, at least for the short term. Both the gifts and the loan modifications were necessary for the university's survival, said its president, Steven E. Titus. Could Iowa Wesleyan have announced in November that it was staying open if it hadn't secured changes to its outstanding loans? Titus's answer was simple. "No." The university was able to extend the time frame on an existing USDA loan from 35 to 40 years. It deferred some interest and principal payments, and it changed its collateral requirements. What, exactly, was Iowa Wesleyan doing with a USDA loan in the first place? Colleges and universities receive funding from a variety of sources, including the federal government, for any number of research initiatives and other projects. When it comes to sources from which they can borrow, though, the Department of Agriculture isn't necessarily the first place that comes to mind.
 
Mississippi is winning as 2018 comes to close
Glenn McCullough Jr., the executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, writes: As 2018 comes to a close, it is a good time to reflect on the bountiful blessings of the past year in Mississippi. The people of Mississippi are our state's greatest asset. Our values, our way of life and our diverse, natural beauty make Mississippi a special place. Business leaders around the world are investing private capital and creating exciting new careers in Mississippi. ... In Mississippi, we win with people. Gov. Phil Bryant, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, Speaker Philip Gunn, our Legislature and Mississippi's economic development partners -- including our utilities, K-12 education system, community colleges and universities -- play as one team to create an environment that attracts private capital investment, leads to more and better careers for Mississippians and brings more visitors from around the world.
 
2019 will be a big year for Mississippi politics
Syndicated columnist Bill Crawford of Meridian writes: It's upon us, the new year, the much anticipated big political year for Mississippi. Yep, 2019 is the year when most state, regional and local officials will be up for re-election and/or replacement. But, the really big thing will be the gubernatorial showdown between Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and Attorney General Jim Hood. Oh, that November confrontation is not a sure thing just yet. Both will have August primary challengers, though none so far with much money or name recognition. Meanwhile, the big time jockeying for the Reeves vs. Hood battle has begun.
 
New Congress will test and realign Mississippi's congressional clout
Syndicated columnist Sid Salter writes: During the 2018 federal election cycle, The New York Times, The Washington Post and other national news organizations examined the question of what they saw as Mississippi's declining clout on Capitol Hill. Clearly, the 2018 retirement of 45-year veteran Republican U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran -- who held the vastly influential post of Senate Appropriations Committee chairman -- represents a tremendous loss of clout for the state. Republicans and Democrats alike statewide recognize that fact. Couple that loss with the decision by Republican congressional leaders in 2011 to do away with the practice of congressional "earmarks" (allowing lawmakers to direct spending to specific projects in their home states and districts) and Mississippi's longstanding ability to attract federal funding for a myriad of state projects is significantly impaired.


SPORTS
 
Year in Review: Baseball's run to Omaha caps banana-filled year of Mississippi State sports
After spending parts of five decades in the business, Mississippi State broadcaster Jim Ellis has to feel like he had seen it all. Then along came the totally bananas season for the 2018 Mississippi State baseball team. A year that opened with coach Andy Cannizaro resigning after three games ended with MSU falling to Oregon State in the semifinal round of the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. "It doesn't matter how long you have been in the business, you still see something new," Ellis said. "If you get in (a regional), you have a chance at Omaha. If everything falls exactly right, you can be there. Everyone loves the underdog story. You see a lot of those in Omaha." MSU's miraculous run to baseball's promised land ranks as the top Mississippi State sports story for 2018. "The thing about this team is the guys in the locker room never gave up," MSU outfielder Jake Mangum said. "Inside our clubhouse, everybody kept believing and doing their thing."
 
THE STATE of 2018: Mississippi State turns around disappointing start to baseball season for excellent finish
It was a story that literally came out of left field. At one point during the 2018 college baseball season, the Mississippi State Bulldogs were struggling with a 14-15 overall record and were 2-7 in the Southeastern Conference. There were some, except for a few within the MSU circle, that gave up on the season in March as the Bulldogs sank lower and lower in the SEC standings. When the calendar flipped to April and then May, so did a switch for MSU. The Bulldogs were able to win 23 of 35 games and made the 10th appearance at the NCAA College World Series in school history. For that accomplishment, the MSU baseball team's latest run to Omaha, Neb., was chosen the top local sports story of 2018 by The Starkville Daily News sports staff.
 
Color the 2018 Mississippi sports year: Maroon
Mississippi sports columnist Rick Cleveland writes: The sports year 2018 was a colorful one. In Mississippi, you could mostly color it maroon. Mississippi State women's basketball and baseball teams were huge national stories, competing on the highest levels of the sports. Meanwhile, Joe Moorhead's first State football team overcame a slow start to finish 8-4 and claim a New Year's Day bowl bid. Today's task is to recount Mississippi's top sports stories of the year that ends today, including the fact that for the first time in state history, Mississippians could legally place a bet at casino sports books. This is one guy's guy's opinion on the Magnolia State's top sports stories of 2018.
 
No. 7 Mississippi State women turn focus to SEC play
Mississippi State women's basketball coach Vic Schaefer understands what a Southeastern Conference championship team looks like. Last season, Schaefer guided MSU to a 16-0 finish in league play for the program's first SEC regular-season title. MSU turned its focus to SEC play minutes after its 104-36 rout of Louisiana on Sunday at Humphrey Coliseum. The victory helped MSU close the non-conference slate with a 12-1 record. The loss was an 82-74 setback at No. 5 Oregon. SEC play will start at 6 p.m. Thursday against Arkansas (11-3) in Fayetteville, Arkansas. "These students-athletes are getting ready for a two-month grind," Schaefer said. "That's exactly what life in our league is all about. It's a grind. Each night you are facing some of the elite teams and coaches in this nation. We survived that grind a year ago. It takes a special team. Do I like where we are right now? Yes. We have established we are a good team, even on some nights, a great team. That doesn't mean there isn't room to grow and get better. I believe in this team a lot. I think there is still enormous growth that we can make, so take where you are and be happy. Don't be satisfied."
 
Iowa rallies past No. 18 Mississippi State in Outback Bowl
Safety Jake Gervase made an interception in the end zone to help preserve a late lead, and ball-hawking Iowa Hawkeyes beat No. 18 Mississippi State in the Outback Bowl 27-22 Tuesday. Gervase also batted down an errant fourth-down pass to end the Bulldogs' final drive at the Iowa 32 with 25 seconds left. Two earlier Mississippi State threats in the fourth quarter led to only three points. The Hawkeyes totaled just 199 yards, with 75 coming on a touchdown pass from Nathan Stanley to Nick Easley, but they converted three takeaways into 17 points. With fifth-year senior Nick Fitzgerald departing, the Bulldogs will have a new starting quarterback -- possibly Thompson -- when they open the 2019 season Aug. 31 in New Orleans against Louisiana.
 
Maroon and White caravan follows Mississippi State to bowl game
Once college football teams were given postseason assignments on the first Sunday in December, fan bases began altering holiday plans to accommodate the season finale. In and around Starkville, Mississippi State fans pondered the 650 miles of road between Davis Wade Stadium and the Outback Bowl in Tampa. And many of them deemed the drive worth it. Over the weekend and on Monday morning, maroon and white caravans packed up in driveways, met in church parking lots, and headed southeast. "I've made the trip to Tampa five or six times, and I think my record is 11 hours 15 minutes," said Roan Johnson, who graduated from Mississippi State in 1991 but hasn't seen the Bulldogs outside of Starkville since college. "I'm estimating that it will take us more than 12 hours to get there. If you can do it in less than that, you're doing really good." Roan Johnson, her husband, Jimmy, and three of their fives kids were part of a four-car and 12-person caravan that left Northeast Church of Christ at 3 a.m. on Monday.
 
Football fans ring in 2019 by watching their favorite college teams
College football bowl games are as much a New Year's tradition as seeing the ball drop on New Year's Eve, and football fans on the Coast couldn't think of a better way to ring in 2019 than by watching their favorite teams in action. At Buffalo Wild Wings in Gulfport, it was wall-to-wall football, making it the perfect spot a group of Mississippi State fans to root on the Bulldogs in the Outback Bowl. The outcome of the game wasn't what they were hoping for. State fell to Iowa 27-22. But the camaraderie was what it's all about. "We don't get together as much as we'd like to," said State fan Hank Cuevas. "So we got to hang out and watch the game, it's always fun."
 
Poachers suspected in deaths of 2 university research deer
Two deer that were a part of a Mississippi State University and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks study are dead and poaching is suspected to be the cause. The Clarion Ledger reports Steve Demarais of the MSU Deer Lab says one of the animals was found shot about a month ago. A second buck was found dead recently. The deer were part of a study that tracks and records the movement of mature bucks in parts of Madison and Yazoo counties along the Big Black River. It also records the bucks' movements as they relate to hunting pressure.
 
LSU players say UCF likely wouldn't fare well in SEC, isn't as physical as other teams
The LSU-Central Florida-Southeastern Conference chatter didn't simmer down just because the Fiesta Bowl was over. Asked about the caliber of UCF after the Tigers' win, a couple of LSU's star players offered candid assessments that complimented the Knights but stopped short of praising the American Athletic Conference champions as world-beaters. "I don't really think (UCF) could play in the SEC week in, week out with the style of play they play with," said All-American linebacker Devin White, who earlier in the week said he thought UCF's claim to be the 2017 national champions was one of "the most embarrassing things I've ever seen." Quarterback Joe Burrow, who set a career high for passing yards and passing touchdowns in the Fiesta Bowl, said he thought the Tigers had played more physical games than Tuesday's.
 
'I miss him already': Frank Martin, U. of South Carolina salute equipment manager retiring after 46 years
Before Frank Martin gave his take on South Carolina's 97-46 win over North Greenville on Monday, the USC coach took time to salute a retiring legend of the program. "Today was the last game for a guy that's been part of this university for 46 years, a part of what we do," Martin said. "Mac Credille. He's retiring this week. Today is the last game where he will be the equipment manager. He doesn't want to speak to the media, but somebody needs to do a big spread on his life. Speak to the former players, speak to managers, me, administrators. That man has given 46 years of his life to make sure that men's and women's basketball around here functioned like second to none." Credille has been a staple of the Gamecocks since the 1970s and became basketball equipment manager in 1993. In 2008, The State named him as one of the "10 most intriguing people in USC sports."
 
If the Jets give Todd Monken a chance, he has the guts and swagger to make it in NYC
If there's one result of this year's NFL coaching carousel that needs to take place, it has to be Todd Monken landing the head coaching job with the New York Jets. The arrival of the Buccaneers' offensive coordinator would finally make the Jets entertaining again. Rex Ryan wasn't exactly dull as the Jets' head coach from 2009-14, but he can't match the quick wit and abrasive honesty that Monken brings to the table. Monken, who has been known to curse a blue streak, is anything but corny. When Monken accepted the job at Southern Miss in 2012, he gave a glimpse at how he might approach his first head coaching position in the NFL. "Don't ask me a question if you don't want what's on my mind," Monken said on Dec. 11, 2012. Monken left USM in January of 2016 to join the Tampa Bay staff under Dirk Koetter, who was let go by the Buccaneers on Sunday.
 
Bevo vs. Uga: When good mascots go bad
It was meant as a feel-good moment before the Sugar Bowl on Tuesday night, but it devolved into a mascot-on-mascot incident when Bevo, the Texas Longhorns' 1,700-pound steer, went all "I've got horns and I know how to use 'em" on Uga, the Georgia Bulldogs' unsuspecting pooch. Someone thought it would be cute to get the critters together for a photo opportunity and, boy howdy, they got one as Bevo briefly charged at the English bulldog, clad jauntily in a red (duh) Georgia sweater. Uga was pulled out of harm's way, which is more than can be said for a few unlucky folks and a couple of photographers who made contact with the longhorn's head and horns. Perhaps this would be as good a moment as any to point out that having a longhorn on the sideline isn't the greatest idea. Especially since this 3-year-old's horns are still growing. Most of the time, Bevo roams a private ranch and just rubs his horns on cedar trees. There’s no word on how he felt after the Longhorns beat the Bulldogs, 28-21.
 
Tyler Trent, Purdue superfan and cancer hero, dies at 20
Tyler Trent, the Purdue student who sparked hope amid tears from a nation that followed his journey with terminal cancer, has died. He was 20. Trent, who was battling a third round with the rare bone cancer osteosarcoma, died Tuesday, the family confirmed to IndyStar. The unlikely sports hero -- a kid with a shy grin, near perfect SAT score and dreams of becoming a national sportswriter -- broke through the cluttered world of social media, inspiring a flood of support nationwide. Trent's story, bolstered by his extraordinary maturity and positivity inspired millions and, in turn, generated awareness and donations for cancer research. The Purdue super fan was the subject of ESPN features, named an honorary team captain for the Old Oaken Bucket game and received the Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest honor for Indiana civilians.



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