Monday, November 18, 2019   
 
MSU, Hinds Community College sign MOU for Bachelor of Applied Science degree program
Mississippi State University and Hinds Community College signed a memorandum of understanding last Thursday to formalize partnership programs for students enrolled in technical education programs. The agreement outlines a pathway for HCC students to complete MSU's new Bachelor of Applied Science program, leveraging the strengths of both institutions to provide more opportunities in technical education and meet current and future workforce demands. "We need more two-year and four-year graduates to move Mississippi forward," MSU President Mark E. Keenum said. "By working together, I believe we'll be able to better assist our fellow Mississippians in gaining the education they need to compete for the jobs of the 21st century. We are committed to helping all of our BAS students excel, succeed, and earn a bachelor's degree -- building on the excellent foundation they have been given at Hinds."
 
Fall enrollment increases 12% at MSU-Meridian
Mississippi State University-Meridian reported a 12% enrollment increase over last fall, with 654 students enrolled compared to 584. The university also reported more undergraduate students enrolled at both its College Park and Riley campuses in Meridian, according to a university news release. "It's invigorating to see a continued pattern of enrollment growth on our Meridian campuses," Terry Dale Cruse, associate vice president and head of campus, said in a statement. "Our largest increases are primarily in business and accounting, and we've seen significant growth in the number of students taking advantage of the flexibility offered by synchronous online delivery." "We're excited over the growth of the Division of Business," said William Hill, division head, said in a statement. MSU-Meridian's graduate student enrollment also saw increases, primarily in the Division of Education.
 
Christmas tree vendors try to keep up with demand
Mississippians pondering ideas for a side business could consider investing in land and planting stem cuttings of Leyland and Murray cypress trees. These two varieties, trees that can grow well in a humid climate, are popular choices for live Christmas trees in the state. Each year, Christmas tree growers struggle to meet high demand. John Kushla, professor and forestry specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said more growers are getting on board. "Overall, prices for a real Christmas tree have been rising," he said. "In some markets, there is strong demand for tall trees, which are considerably more per foot in price. These trees take longer to grow and may require specialized equipment to cultivate." He expects prices for a 6- to 7-foot, choose-and-cut tree to run in the $80 to $85 range across the state this year. According to data collected from surveys of more than 20 growers across Mississippi in the Southern Christmas Tree Association, 31,500 to 32,000 Christmas trees will be sold in the state this year.
 
Rural Mississippi is more valuable than ever
Hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, enjoying nature and other outdoor activities put dollars in Mississippi's coffers. In fact, wildlife-related recreation generates an economic impact of about $2.9 million per year in the state. A portion of the money spent on wildlife-related recreation ends up in small, rural Mississippi communities that would not see these expenditures otherwise. Scientists with Mississippi State University conducted a survey with representatives of the Federal Land Bank of Mississippi and Mossy Oak Properties. The researchers found that individuals purchased property in Mississippi specifically for wildlife-related recreation. In fact, one-third of the dollar value of rural lands (or $634 per acre, on average) was due to outdoor recreational potential, as reported on 800 Mississippi properties in our survey.
 
Seventh worst weed in the world invading Mississippi
Mississippi is under attack from a seemingly unlikely invader -- a plant. Imperata cylindrica, more commonly known as cogongrass, was introduced, accidentally and purposely, from East Asia to the southern United States in the early 1900s -- and researchers say it is no ordinary plant. "Cogongrass is a highly invasive weed that the Mississippi Forestry Commission is actively working to eradicate," said Russell Bozeman, MFC state forester. "We are constantly working with our landowners to help identify and eliminate this devastating plant." Research into the control and eradication of cogongrass heightened when the weed began to infest timber stands across the Southeast. Mississippi State University began its cogongrass research in 1996. Over the last 20 years, MSU weed science researcher Dr. John Byrd and his team have been looking at various methods to control and, hopefully, eradicate cogongrass from Mississippi. MSU has looked at burning, tilling, planting systems and herbicide application as ways to help stop the spread.
 
Volunteers take pride in keeping beaches clean for Mississippi Coastal Cleanup
Up to 1,000 volunteers spread out across Jackson, Harrison and Hancock counties to pick up trash during the 2019 Mississippi Coastal Cleanup. "They've picked up quite a lot, actually. One lady picked up a blanket out of the water," Jessica Gooch, who managed one of 30 registration stations across the Coast. The Mississippi State University Extension Service helped volunteers at 30 stations prepare for the busy morning. "We're giving them all of their supplies needed and instructing them the do's and don'ts of the day," said Gooch, an MSU Extension intern. That advice included staying away from sharp objects and hazardous waste. Volunteers were encouraged to use data sheets to keep track of what they find. The findings from the cleanup track major sources of marine pollution on the Coast. The data will be used by scientists around the world.
 
LINK provides economic development update, results of workforce survey
The Golden Triangle Development LINK held a presentation Friday morning to update local business owners on the state of economic development in the region. Joe Max Higgins, the LINK's CEO, led the conversation by telling those in attendance that Mississippi was not the leading destination for businesses it has been billed as. "We've been told for at least the last four years that Mississippi is winning, right?" Higgins said. "You're not. We're not winning. Not on a national level." Higgins said the last four years had hit the Golden Triangle hard, pointing to the average amount of capital investment and jobs created dropping 40% since 2015. This downward trend, as well as mismanagement from the Mississippi Development Authority, has removed Mississippi and the Golden Triangle from development consultant's radars, Higgins said. Further demonstrating the decline, Higgins said the amount of projects on his desk had dropped from consistently being between 10 and 15 to him currently having only two. Because of this statewide mismanagement, Higgins said he expected Governor-elect Tate Reeves to appoint a new head of the MDA after being sworn in to his office in January. "First of all, shoot me in the head if we don't," Higgins said.
 
LINK plans to bring national attention back to Golden Triangle industry
The Golden Triangle Development LINK's average annual investment dropped $216 million from 2014 to 2018. The LINK still created an average of 303 new jobs and invested an average of $229 million per year, which is not bad for a rural area, CEO Joe Max Higgins told a crowd of about 100 stakeholders who attended the LINK's economic development update at the Communiversity on East Mississippi Community College's Mayhew campus Friday. Even so, up until 2014, the LINK boasted a $445 million average annual investment and an average of 470 new jobs created since it started in 2003, he said. The LINK used to have 10 to 15 ongoing projects at a time but is currently only working on the North Star Industrial Park in Starkville. Higgins attributed the lack of attention from consultants and businesses to a lack of engagement from state leadership, including the Mississippi Development Authority. "We've got to correct this," Higgins said.
 
Aldermen hear recycling findings at work session
At its work session Friday afternoon, the Starkville Board of Aldermen received an update on the progress of the city's ad hoc recycling committee. The committee was formed earlier this year to look at the city's recycling programs and make recommendations for changes for improvements to the system. The board will vote on a resolution acknowledging the receipt of the recommendations at its upcoming meeting Tuesday. Ward 2 Alderman Sandra Sistrunk discussed some of the committee's findings, and the state of the recycling industry. "The truth of the matter is we are not recyclers, we are collectors," Sistrunk said. "We collect the material. We don't sort it. We don't bale it. We don't process it in any way and then it's hauled on to the next step in the recycling process." She said materials from Starkville are sent first to Tupelo and then on to Chattanooga.
 
Mississippi Aquarium will reach hearts and minds beginning in April
Occupying 5.8 acres in downtown Gulfport, the Mississippi Aquarium expects to open on April 30, 2020. All Mississippians can be proud of this new attraction that's located on Highway 90 across from Jones Park and Gulfport Harbor. It will contain more than 80,000 square feet of exhibits connected by landscaped walkways with plants representing all the physiographic regions of the state. The Aquarium will include indoor and outdoor interactive habitats with more than 200 species of animals from the land, water and air. At the entrance, guests will be greeted by three massive sails standing 65 feet in height, each representing one of the Aquarium's three pillars: education, conservation and community. The University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi State University are education partners. Southern Mississippi will participate in saltwater research and education and Mississippi State will support veterinary services to provide their students with hands-on opportunities.
 
Lottery countdown: About 1,200 retailers ready for Nov. 25 rollout
A week from Monday, customers can get a haircut, massage and a lottery ticket at Gameday Haircuts & Spa. The business is one of nearly 1,200 retailers statewide that will be selling lottery scratch-off tickets. Although a bit unusual for a hair salon to offer lottery tickets, Mississippi Lottery officials say there are several outlets that will be selling them. Primarily, sellers will be convenience stores, gas stations, supermarkets, grocery stores and tobacco/beer stores, but other businesses are eligible. Licensed casinos are also applicable. Meg Annison, the director of communications for the Mississippi Lottery, said about 1,600 applications are currently being reviewed for retailers looking to sell lottery tickets. The first $80 million of lottery proceeds will go toward the state highway fund to help with the state's infrastructure, with the remaining going to the education enhancement fund. That deal is in place for the first 10 years of the lottery. After that, the first $80 million will go to the general fund.
 
Amazon plans DeSoto County fulfillment center, will create 500 jobs
Less than one year after announcing a fulfillment center in Marshall County, online retail giant Amazon has plans to open a second Mississippi warehouse in DeSoto County, state officials say. The 1 million square foot fulfillment center will open in the Legacy Park industrial center in Olive Branch off State Highway 302 just south of the Tennessee-Mississippi state line. "Amazon's decision to locate a second consumer goods fulfillment center in North Mississippi is a tremendous milestone for DeSoto County and our entire state," Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said in a written statement. While the Marshall County fulfillment center promised to create 850 jobs late last year, the new DeSoto fulfillment center has promised another 500. Amazon is expected to receive two kinds of incentives for the move. State and local officials will provide financial assistance to pay for improvements to the public roads leading to the site and around the industrial park. Local officials will also negotiate a "fee-in-lieu agreement."
 
Former speaker remembered as family man, public servant
In the state's halls of power, he was Mister Speaker or Representative McCoy, but to those who knew and loved him best, he was Billy Joe, Billy, or, to his beloved grandchildren, just Bill. William J. McCoy was buried Friday afternoon in Prentiss County, committed to the earth in the cemetery across the street from Gaston Baptist Church, where he worshipped most Sundays for decades. A 32-year member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, McCoy died Tuesday in Tupelo at age 77 following a period of declining health. His casket positioned at the sanctuary's front and flanked by the flags of the United States and the state of Mississippi, his official portrait designating his tenure as speaker of the House of Representatives positioned nearby, family, friends, colleagues and even a few one-time political foes gathered to remember McCoy.
 
Analysis: Billy McCoy leaves legacy of roads, schools, service
Former Mississippi House Speaker Billy McCoy died last week, but his legislative work remains visible in the form of four-lane highways in rural areas and schools that are better funded and better equipped than they once were on track to be. McCoy served in the 122-member House from January 1980 to January 2012, presiding as speaker during the last eight years of his tenure. He was a farmer and Yellow Dog Democrat from northeast Mississippi's Prentiss County -- an unapologetic believer that government programs could improve the quality of life for people of modest means. McCoy said he always felt an affinity with the Mississippi House, where his father, E.E. McCoy, served from 1936 to 1952 and helped found the state community college system. As a child, Billy McCoy often traveled to Jackson with his father to watch legislators working.
 
Petition in motion to help Sun-N-Sand Hotel become protected landmark
The legendary Sun-n-Sand hotel in Downtown Jackson could soon be demolished, but one local organization is working to save it. "It's a great piece of Mississippi history," said Lolly Bash, executive director of the Mississippi Heritage Trust. "so much of Mississippi's political history happened there when the legislators used to stay there." But it's going to be knocked down. That historical political playground closed and boarded up in 2001. The crumbling remains, which now belong to the State of Mississippi, are set to be torn down and turned into a parking lot, while leaving up the iconic Sun-N-Sand sign. Bash wants to stop that from happening. "We're asking people to reach out to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and let them know that the Sun n Sand is worthy of preservation and should be listed as a Mississippi landmark," said Bash.
 
Will Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith face a serious primary challenge?
After Democrat Mike Espy announced his 2020 run against Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith earlier this week, a rematch of 2018 seemed inevitable. Espy and Hyde-Smith are both established candidates with long political histories in Mississippi. But in 2018, Hyde-Smith did face a scare from a hardline conservative, state Sen. Chris McDaniel, who nearly toppled her predecessor, Thad Cochran. In the end, McDaniel only got 16 percent of the vote in an open primary, and Hyde-Smith defeated Espy in the runoff election by more than seven percentage points. Justin Brasell, an official with the Hyde-Smith reelection campaign, said she is "ready for any challenge." "Sen. Hyde Smith is doing a terrific job for Mississippi, she's very popular with Republican primary voters, and she is well organized across the state having just won a competitive special election in 2018," Brasell said. "This race will be a very steep hill to climb for anyone who decides to run."
 
Months After Massive ICE Raid, Residents Of A Mississippi Town Wait And Worry
On the morning of Aug. 7, Tony McGee was driving to work in Morton, Miss., when he noticed something unusual happening at one of the local chicken processing plants. McGee is superintendent of the county schools, and it was the second day of classes. "There was some activity there with law enforcement that had the parking lot barricaded," he recalls. "I actually called one of our assistant superintendents because it's relatively close to the school." What McGee soon learned was that he was witnessing part of the biggest workplace immigration raid ever in a single state. Three months later, Morton is coping with the fallout of the massive raid. Almost a quarter of the people in Morton are Latino, and the arrests have rippled across town, from banks to churches to shops. Some Morton residents are rallying around their neighbors. Others are defending the actions of ICE. For the Latino community, there is worry and waiting.
 
Road ahead: Impeachment suspense drowns out government funding debate
Seldom does an imminent deadline to avoid a government shutdown fly under the radar, but that might happen this week with most eyes on impeachment hearings in the House. Congress will need to pass another continuing resolution to keep the government funded past Thursday, as leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations panels look to finalize subcommittee allocations for the delayed fiscal 2020 bills, in conjunction with top leadership and representatives from the administration. On Friday, House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer formally announced plans for a CR running through Dec. 20. While the stopgap spending will headline House and Senate floor action, the middle of the week will be jampacked with impeachment hearings at the House Intelligence Committee, as Democrats continue their attempts to convince the American public that President Donald Trump tried to bribe Ukraine to open investigations into his political rivals by withholding U.S. security assistance and a White House meeting with new Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
 
The W reports enrollment increase
Mississippi University for Women is reporting an enrollment increase of 102 students, which reflects a 3.8 percent increase compared to fall 2018. The 2,813 overall fall enrollment is the second highest over the past 10 years. "We are proud that more students are choosing The W. Enrollment is up in every class -- freshman through graduate level. In addition to attracting more new students, our focus on student success is reflected in better retention and graduation of our students," said President Nora Miller. The W has seen an increase in the number of transfer students, with 744 new transfers, an 11 percent increase from 2018. Additionally, the university maintains a 13 to 1 faculty-student ratio in its colleges, including Arts, Sciences and Education; Business and Professional Studies; and Nursing and Health Sciences.
 
Students react on low enrollment at U. of Mississippi
For the third year in a row, the University of Mississippi saw a decrease in student enrollment. "We recognize that it is a challenging environment to recruit students because of declining numbers of college and university students nationally, and we are addressing this challenge through additional investments in technology, marketing and recruiting," Boyce said. Students like senior Chauncey Taylor says he believes that the enrollment rate is decreasing because of the recent climate of the university. "Personally, I'm not surprised. A lot of times just being a student I see a lot of things that make me think man that probably looks bad from the outside looking in, so it doesn't surprise me seeing outsiders not wanting to come into this situation," said Taylor. However he also says work is being done or a shift is being made.
 
U. of Mississippi to open new center for racial reconciliation
The University of Mississippi is planning to launch the Open Society Initiative, a new center for racial reconciliation. The purpose of the new center is to build upon the foundation of the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation and "continue the university's work in modeling civil discourse and enhancing race relations," according to a university spokesperson. The William Winter Institute moved to Jackson on April 1, 2018, after nearly two decades on campus. The search process to find an executive director for the Open Society Initiative is currently underway. A university spokesperson said that whoever fills the position will "connect and coordinate its activities in research, education and engagement around the issue of racial healing."
 
Elisha Krauss lecture discusses media bias, victim mentality and freedom of speech at UM
Conservative speaker Elisha Krauss lectured at the University of Mississippi Wednesday night to a filled-to-capacity auditorium, sharing her thoughts on freedom of speech, the victim mentality and social justice warriors. The event, sponsored by conservative student group Young Americans for Freedom, was the subject of controversy over the last week, after the group was informed it could not host the lecture in its original location, the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics. Krauss tweeted her disappointment over the cancellation, and the University responded via its official Twitter account in attempt to reschedule the lecture. The University has given no further statement regarding the situation, but in its tweets stated that "two individuals" made the decision to cancel the event "unilaterally," without consulting UM administration. One individual was later identified as Overby fellow and professor Curtis Wilkie, who release his own personal statement explaining the situation.
 
U. of Alabama will help NASA develop tech for future missions
The University of Alabama and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center will collaborate to enhance research that will help the space agency develop advanced technology for future missions. The collaboration will also create opportunities for UA students and researchers to be part of cutting-edge technologies. "Our partnership with NASA is an important priority in our efforts to provide opportunities for our students and researchers to offer solutions to leading-edge challenges," UA President Stuart R. Bell said. "Working to further in-space manufacturing will establish the University's expertise in the area while training a skilled workforce our state can rely on to remain competitive in the global economy." Since 2015, the Marshall Space Flight Center has worked with UA through multiple agreements, under which NASA shares resources, personnel and expertise with UA to advance aerospace research or achieve mission goals.
 
U. of Arkansas rises in rankings for research spending
An 11% increase in research spending boosted the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville two spots to 126th nationally in an annual National Science Foundation survey of research expenditures by institution. The rankings rise continues a trend for UA-Fayetteville, while the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences saw its ranking hold steady at 141st nationally after two years of sliding downward. The National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development survey, released Wednesday, is based on research spending in fiscal 2018. The National Science Foundation survey listed UA-Fayetteville's research spending as increasing to about $175.5 million in fiscal 2018, up from approximately $157.8 million the previous year. among large public universities in nearby states, UA-Fayetteville trailed Louisiana State University, ranked 81st with about $286.7 million in research spending; the University of Tennessee, ranked 90th with about $259.6 million in expenditures; the University of Missouri, ranked 93rd with about $256.2 million in research spending; and Mississippi State University, ranked 98th with about $244.1 million in expenditures. UA-Fayetteville ranked higher than the University of Mississippi, which came in at 142nd with about $137.5 million.
 
U. of Tennessee expects big rankings boost by uniting Knoxville campus, ag school
Uniting the leadership of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and the UT Institute of Agriculture would dramatically increase the school's national ranking and help recruit more students and faculty. The new structure will be similar to that at other universities, and brings more opportunities for collaboration and recruitment, as well as the added benefit of higher national rankings. UT-Knoxville currently ranks 72nd and UTIA ranks 123rd in the National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development rankings. If it were one institution, it would be ranked 55th. Although the plan was approved at the June board of trustees meeting, the two institutions and other stakeholders have been discussing since then how to implement it. Though the plan has widespread support across the university community, UTIA faculty members said at Friday's board of trustees meeting they wish they would have had a bigger role in the decision-making. UT System interim President Randy Boyd acknowledged their concerns.
 
South Carolina's Bob Caslen became president amid controversy. After 100 days, how is he doing?
The unlikely duo posed next to each other, smiling for a Twitter-ready photo. University of South Carolina President Bob Caslen was presenting senior Lyric Swinton with one of his signature Excellence coins for her being named to the Forbes Under 30 Scholars program. Three months earlier, Swinton led a group of students to protest Caslen and the process by which he was named president of S.C.'s largest school. In Caslen's first 100 days as president, this interaction typifies the sort of relationship Caslen has had with the university community that largely opposed his candidacy and the process by which he was selected president. Caslen has been trying to build bridges with the university, and many -- even some who protested his candidacy -- seem hesitant but willing to give him a chance. In the process, they are learning that Caslen is a different type of leader than his predecessor, Harris Pastides.
 
Home away from home: UF unveils new Black, Hispanic-Latino student cultural centers
La Casita was a place that Andrea Drausal felt connected to her culture again. The 24-year-old University of Florida higher education graduate student was an undergraduate in 2014 when she became involved with the Hispanic Student Association and frequented an early 1900s building across the main campus on W. University Avenue. "It helped me get back in touch and come to terms with my own culture," she said. Drausal's parents hail from Argentina and Bolivia, and her first language was Spanish. But she felt that she looked more Caucasian than other Latinos, she said, and felt disconnected until she made a home at the Institute of Hispanic and Latino Cultures. This weekend, two ribbon-cutting ceremonies announced the end to a $9.9 million project completed by UF to promote diversity and better serve its underrepresented student populations. A new pair of buildings at 1504 and 1510 W. University Ave. are the new hubs for the Institute of Black Culture and the Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures.
 
Grieving father of slain U. of South Carolina student works for laws to improve ride-hiring safety
Seymour Josephson has turned his grief into a cause. "People do move on. I will never move on," said the father of the University of South Carolina senior Samantha Josephson, who was kidnapped and slain in March after getting into a car she thought was her Uber ride in Columbia's busy Five Points district. "I will move forward." The northern New Jersey sales manager and his wife, Marci, are working to make ride-hiring services safer with the What's My Name Foundation, named after a question riders should ask drivers before getting into vehicles. It became a rallying call after the 21-year-old's killing. He is pleased three states, including South Carolina, have passed laws in the wake of his daughter's horrifying death that require services like Uber and Lyft to help riders identify their assigned drivers. Now he wants them to do more.
 
UGA study uses cats to evaluate companionship in older adults
A collaborative study out of Athens is trying to determine if having a pet can improve the mental state of older adults. Foster cats are being placed with people 60 and older, and researchers are evaluating the impact of the companionship. Research has shown that seniors with pets are 36% less likely to report loneliness than non-pet owners, experience reduced stress, have fewer doctor visits, have reduced blood pressure and risk for heart disease, and develop a sense of purpose that comes with helping a homeless cat. "Much suffering among older people living alone is the result of boredom, and feelings of helplessness and loneliness," said Dr. Sherry Sanderson, an associate professor at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, who is conducting the study. "Animal companionship is a known antidote to loneliness."
 
Texas A&M research team: Scanner can detect grain's healthiness
Texas A&M researchers have developed a way to scan produce to determine its nutritional value and detect diseases before visible signs develop, opening doors to improving food production. In a recently published study, assistant professor of biochemistry and physics Dmitry Kurouski and his team used a device called a handheld Raman spectrometer to assess the nutrient content of maize kernels. In an earlier study, the team was able to diagnose plants with a citrus disease before they started dying. Kurouski said the development could be used to help estimate the economic value of grain and allow people to determine nutrient values quickly for personal diets.
 
International enrollments declined at the undergraduate, graduate and nondegree levels in 2018-19
The number of enrolled international students at American colleges and universities decreased at all academic levels -- undergraduate, graduate and nondegree -- in the 2018-19 academic year, according to new data from the "Open Doors" report. The number of international undergraduate students declined by 2.4 percent, the number of international graduate students declined by 1.3 percent and the number of international nondegree students declined by 5 percent. Despite these drops, the total number of international students in the U.S. actually increased slightly, by 0.05 percent, due to a 9.6 percent increase in the number of international students participating in optional practical training, a program that allows international students to stay in the U.S. to work for up to three years after graduating while staying on their student visas.
 
Study finds fewer foreign undergraduates in U.S. colleges -- the first drop in 13 years
The foreign undergraduate head count in U.S. colleges and universities fell about 2 percent in the last school year, the first annual decline on that measure in more than a decade, according to a study. The report from the Institute of International Education, funded by the State Department and made public Monday, suggests challenges for the United States as it seeks to maintain dominance in global higher education. International undergraduates in U.S. schools totaled about 431,900 in the 2018-2019 academic year, down more than 10,000. That ended 12 straight years of growth of a crucial source of tuition revenue for colleges and universities. International students pay higher out-of-state rates at public universities and tend to receive far less financial aid than domestic students. They also contribute to the education of U.S. students, educators say, by helping to create a more diverse and cosmopolitan campus climate.
 
'Open Doors' data show continued increase in numbers of Americans studying abroad
A total of 341,751 students studied abroad for credit in 2017-18, representing a 2.7 percent increase from the previous academic year, according to the annual "Open Doors" report, published by the Institute of International Education with funding from the U.S. Department of State. The number of students studying abroad has grown steadily over the last 25 years. IIE estimates that about 10.9 percent of all undergraduates (including community college students), and 16 percent of all students enrolled in baccalaureate programs, study abroad at some point during their degree program. The gender breakdown of students studying abroad remains skewed toward female participation. About two-thirds (67 percent) of all students studying abroad in 2017-18 were women, a percentage that has increased slightly over the past decade, from 65.1 percent in 2007-08.
 
Most college students work, and that's both good and bad
Most college students are working as they study, but the amount and type of work varies widely. And the forces behind those variances aren't random. Low-income working students tend to work longer hours than their high-income counterparts. They also are more likely to be black or Latinx, older and female, according to a 2018 report from the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University. "To me, it boils down to the story of how higher ed is compounding social inequity," said Lindsay Ahlman, associate director of research at the Institute for College Access and Success. The Georgetown report found that 70 percent of full-time college students are working. While more students are working, the number working full-time has decreased, from 40 percent in the late 1980s to 26 percent in 2012. Still, low-income working students are more likely to work full-time than those who are high income (26 percent versus 22 percent). The majority of students across income brackets are working 15 to 35 hours per week.
 
Saving poor children -- a government thing, a kingdom thing, or nothing? |
Syndicated columnist Bill Crawford of Meridian writes: Single moms living in poverty and children born into those households didn't capture much attention in recent statewide elections. Trends suggest paying attention might be very important. This past summer The Phil Hardin Foundation in Meridian brought 10 Millsaps College students into the community to work as interns with various agencies. Assignments varied, but political science major Evan Jones got to do some interesting research. His task was to investigate key social and economic challenges facing the city. After documenting population trends and increasing disparities in income, educational achievement, and racial composition, Jones came across data he found shocking -- the plight of single mothers, particularly those of color, and their children.
 
15-minute Hobo Volunteer Fire Station speech captures life and convictions of former speaker
Bobby Harrison writes for Mississippi Today: A speech at the Hobo Fire Station in rural Prentiss County sent reverberations throughout Mississippi's political environment amid the 2003 elections. In 2003 as Republican Haley Barbour waged the most modern campaign in the state's history to upend incumbent Democratic Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, state Rep. Billy McCoy, D-Rienzi, was speaking at an old-time political gathering organized by the Hobo Volunteer Fire Department as a fundraiser. McCoy died recently at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo after suffering a stroke. He was 77. That roughly 15-minute Hobo Fire Station speech encapsulates the life and political philosophy of the populist from the foothills of Appalachia in northeast Mississippi. He was combative and was a gifted speechmaker who had a knack for turning a phrase. Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley, then a 25-year-old mayor of Nettleton and admitted political junkie, heard the speech on a Booneville radio station. "It changed my political life," he said recently.


SPORTS
 
MSU Homecoming Uniforms to Benefit T.K. Martin Center
When the Bullies take Scott Field, this (11/23/19) weekend, for homecoming, they'll have a whole new look. Get ready for a blackout in Starkville! This year's uniforms, by Adidas of course, have several inspiring new features. Dr. Kasee Stratton-Gadke is the Director of T.K. Center Martin Center on the campus of Mississippi State. She says, "They have a jersey called the Selfless Jersey, and it was to partner with an institution that has a center or someplace that was really valuable to that institution that was serving others." The T.K. Martin Center more than fills the bill. Its services include a thriving preschool that helps scores of children work through developmental delays. Christan Toney is a Speech Language Pathologist at T.K. Martin. She explains, "I think the biggest thing is that when we have children that start with us very young, and we see them grow and just learn in all areas of development, and then when they leave here, they are ready to go to kindergarten, and be in regular class, that's our goal for all students that come through here."
 
Career day from Robert Woodard II leads Mississippi State men to fourth straight win
New Orleans' Damien Rosser was a step too slow. When he turned his head, Mississippi State's Robert Woodard II had already cut to the basket. Woodard II caught a pass from teammate KeyShawn Feazell, and let his vertical leap do the rest. Rosser had no choice but to foul. It didn't matter. Woodard II converted the basket despite the contact. "AND-ONE," the Columbus native bellowed. That wasn't the first time he'd get to yell that phrase Sunday. The sophomore forward's career-high 21 points and 16 rebounds led Mississippi State to a 82-59 victory over New Orleans at Humphrey Coliseum. "It's just a matter of playing hard," Woodard II said. "You can't put a limit on how hard you play."
 
Robert Woodard's double-double lifts Mississippi Stte to 4-0
Mississippi State coach Ben Howland read Robert Woodard II's stat line aloud during his postgame press conference on Sunday afternoon. Woodard had a career-best 21 points and 16 rebounds to go along with four assists, three steals and two blocks in the Bulldogs' 82-59 victory over New Orleans. "He might as well have served popcorn and been handing out the drinks," Howland said. Woodard, a sophomore wing from Columbus, already had a new personal best with 15 points at halftime and secured his first career double-double with a rebound less than three minutes into the second half. "It feels great to go out and play as hard as I can to achieve what I did," Woodard said. The Bulldogs will now venture out onto the road for the first time this season as they participate in the Myrtle Beach Invitational in Conway, South Carolina. Mississippi State is scheduled to meet Tulane on Thursday at 1 p.m. on ESPN2 or ESPNU.
 
Mississippi State beats New Orleans on Robert Woodard's career day
Robert Woodard threw his fist through the air and let out a roar. The Mississippi State sophomore forward had just grabbed an offensive rebound and scored a second-chance bucket, plus a foul. It was his second and-1 of the first half. Woodard was all over the court at Humphrey Coliseum Sunday afternoon in leading the Bulldogs to a 82-59 victory over the University of New Orleans. Woodard finished with 21 points and 16 rebounds, both of which were career-highs. Woodard also had four assists, two blocks and two steals. Flicking his mouthpiece in and out of his mouth and strutting up and down the floor with confidence, Woodard looked every bit like the two-time Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year out of Columbus High School. "He just had an incredible line," Howland said. "He might as well have been serving popcorn as well and handing out the drinks."
 
No. 10 Bulldogs close homestand against Troy
No. 10 Mississippi State set a school single-game scoring record in its 81-point victory over Murray State on Friday. Vic Schaefer's squad will try to continue that success tonight as they take on Troy at 7. It will be the finale of the Bulldogs's four-game homestand to begin the season. MSU is scoring 99 points per game and winning by an average of 50 during its 3-0 start. Sophomore forward Jessika Carter is putting up 18.7 points and pulling down 11.7 rebounds. Troy is also 3-0 and coming off a 94-64 home victory over Jacksonville State on Saturday. The Trojans have five players averaging in double figures led by senior forward Japonica James at 16 points per game. The Bulldogs are 12-2 all-time against Troy and last met the Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament. Mississippi State won that meeting 110-69 in Starkville.
 
Bowl aspirations boil down to Egg Bowl
This year's edition of the Egg Bowl may not mean much to those outside of the Magnolia State. Both Mississippi State and Ole Miss are currently on the outside looking in where bowl eligibility is concerned with four wins apiece. The Bulldogs still have a shot to extend their bowl streak to 10 years if they can win out. MSU hosts FCS foe Abilene Christian for homecoming on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. before wrapping up the regular season at home against the Rebels on Thanksgiving night. "We just have to go out there and continue to compete," said MSU center Darryl Williams. "We've got a lot left to play for this season. We have two more home games with an opportunity to get bowl eligible. That's something I think this team is trying to do and something we continue to work on." The Bulldogs have lost five of their last six games, including a 38-7 setback to No. 4 Alabama over the weekend. Abilene Christian (5-6) has seen its share of struggles as well this season, losing its last two outings at home to Sam Houston State 24-10 and Southeastern Louisiana 35-14.
 
Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa to have hip surgery in Houston
Tua Tagovailoa will go to Houston for hip surgery on Monday, Dr. Lyle Cain said in a Sunday evening statement. Dr. Cain is the Alabama football team's orthopedic surgeon of the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Clinic. "For the past 24 hours our medical team has consulted with multiple orthopedic experts across the country, who specialize in hip injuries and surgeries," the statement read. "Based on that research, Tua is being flown to Houston tonight to be evaluated and is scheduled to have hip surgery Monday. As previously stated, we anticipate a full recovery. The main focus has been, and will remain, on Tua, his family, and making sure we are providing them the best medical care possible." Alabama's junior quarterback was injured late in the second quarter of Saturday's game against Mississippi State in Starkville. Tagovailoa left the game on a cart and was flown to Birmingham.
 
Couple gives $10M for new Auburn football center
Auburn University announced the largest donation to its athletics program before Saturday's home tilt against Georgia. Walt and Ginger Woltosz have committed $10 million to build a new performance center for the university's football program. "We wanted to help Auburn be in a more competitive position for recruiting," said Walt, who earned bachelor's (1969) and master's (1977) degrees in aerospace engineering from Auburn University's Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. "We felt like this was something we could help with. We love Auburn and appreciate what it means to be a member of the Auburn family." Comparing Auburn's 30-year-old football facility with the newer facilities of SEC peers motivated the Woltoszes. "We were really behind the eight ball," Walt said.
 
Attendance up at Mizzou Tiger home games
For the first time since 2015, the average attendance at the first five Tiger home games in Memorial Stadium has increased over the previous year. And despite the team's road woes, the University of Missouri Athletics Department expects another good turnout against Florida. The completion of the South End Zone Project cut capacity in the stadium by about 8,500 seats, to 62,621 from 71,168. One game, Homecoming on Oct. 12 against the University of Mississippi, was recorded as a sellout. It was the first time the stadium was sold out since 2014, when it happened twice. Those were the only two sellouts under the previous configuration of seats. Attendance at games fell for four straight years after players on the team joined in the 2015 protests over racial issues on campus. When graduate student Brandon Butler went on a hunger strike, many players announced they would boycott athletic activities -- including games -- until then-President Tim Wolfe resigned. He stepped down about 48 hours after the players joined the protest and longtime coach Gary Pinkel resigned to concentrate on cancer treatments at the end of the season.
 
Sen. Mitt Romney Meets With Utah Athletic Directors To Talk Student Athlete Pay
Debate is heating up on how universities should move forward after the NCAA's recent announcement that college athletes may be paid for the rights to use their name, image and likeness. The conversation came to Utah on Friday, when U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, held a one-hour roundtable with nearly a dozen college athletic directors from 10 Utah schools. Romney said a fuse has been lit after California passed its Fair Pay to Play Act in September, which would allow student athletes to sign endorsement deals or hire agents beginning in January 2023. "Utah's gonna have to grapple with this and so are other schools across the nation," he said. "And so there's going to have to be some action taken by the NCAA and potentially by Congress within that three-year time window." The decision could have major implications for Utah's student athletes, particularly in the biggest money-making sports like football and basketball, which bring in millions of dollars for universities every year.
 
SEC's original office, in downtown Jackson, finally will have a historic marker
This Wednesday (Nov. 20) at 10:30 a.m., a historic marker will be unveiled at the Standard Life Building on Roach Street in downtown Jackson, signifying the grand, 90-year-old, art deco building as the site of the original office of the Southeastern Conference. That's right, the SEC's first non-campus, centrally located office was on the building's 13th floor in what had been the law offices of ex-Mississippi governor Martin Sennet (Mike) Conner, the league's first full-time commissioner beginning in 1940. What follows is the story of how this historic marker came about.



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