Board of Supervisors - Southern University System

Southern University Board of Supervisors
4:00 p.m.
Friday, October 25, 2007
Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room
nd
2 Floor, J. S. Clark Administration Building
Southern University - Baton Rouge
AGENDA
1.
Call to Order
2.
Roll Call
3.
Adoption of the Agenda
4.
Public Comments
5.
Action Items
a. Minutes of the September 21, 2007 regular Board Meeting
b. Committee Reports and Recommendations
1.) Academic and Student Affairs Committee
2.) Athletics Committee
3.) Facility and Property Committee
4.) Finance and Audit Committee
5.) Legal Affairs Committee
6.) Personnel Affairs and Policy Committee
c. Resolutions
6.
Informational Item(s)
a. System and Campuses’ Monthly Reports
7.
Other Business
8.
Adjournment
Board
Item 6a
BOARD
Item 6b
The Chancellor’s Report to the
Southern University Board of Supervisors
NAME OF CHANCELLOR: Freddie Pitcher, Jr.
CAMPUS:
Southern University Law Center
DATE: October 2007
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Chancellor Addresses Alumni & Friends at Washington Reception
More than 100 alumni and friends attended Southern University Law Center’s reception in
Washington, D.C., September 27, in recognition and celebration of the Center’s 60th anniversary.
The event, one of several held or being held across the state of Louisiana and throughout the
country in cities that have a large concentration of Law Center alumni, was held in the Senate
Dirksen Building thanks to Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu. Local arrangements were also
spearheaded by Ben Cannon, ‘82 of BP International.
Senator Landrieu and Congressman William Jefferson were in attendance and addressed the
gathering acknowledging the significant contributions to the legal community that the Law Center
has provided in Louisiana and throughout the country where law graduates practice. The two also
complimented Chancellor Pitcher for the outstanding leadership that he has given the Law Center
in his five-year tenure.
Chancellor Pitcher told the group that the anniversary celebration has a three-fold purpose:
Paying Tribute to Our Past; Celebrating the Achievements of the Present; and Preparing to Meet the
Challenges of the Future. The electronic media production of the Law Center’s 2006-07 highlights
were presented and reception guests were invited to the November 9 black-tie anniversary gala.
In addition to law graduates from the Washington, D.C., areas, including Maryland, New
York and Philadelphia, a number of Louisiana residents, who were in the nation’s capitol for the
Congressional Black Caucus week, were present at the reception. Others in attendance included
Southern University System President Ralph Slaughter; System Vice President Andrea Jefferson;
State Representative Donald Cravins of Opelousas; and National Bar Association Vice President
Sonya Hoskins of Dallas, Texas.
Speaking Engagements to be made by Chancellor Pitcher
Chancellor Pitcher has a number of media and personal speaking engagements on the
calendar leading up to the 60th Anniversary.
- October 22nd - Appearance on WBRZ-TV’s 2une-In
- October 29th - Address the Baton Rouge Press Club
- October 30th - Address the Terrebonne Parish Bar Association
Southern University Law Center Holds Anniversary Gala
This fall, the SULC kicked off a media extravaganza highlighting its 60th Anniversary carrying
the theme “Sixty Years and Counting ...Changing the World Forever.”
This media extravaganza will culminate with a black-tie anniversary gala on Friday,
November 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Select. Chancellor Pitcher announced that Louisiana
Supreme Court Justice Pascal F. Calogero, will be the keynote speaker at the gala.
The Law Center’s administration, faculty, staff and students look forward to a spectacular
evening where they hope to bring back nearly one-third of the 3,000 plus alumni.
SULC ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS 2007
Chancellor Freddie Pitcher, Jr., and the SULC Faculty and Staff will honor the SULC
Endowed Professors and Donors with a reception on Thursday, October 11, 2007 from 6-8 p.m. at
The University Place. The recipients are as follows:
Professor Alfreda Sellers Diamond
Justice Revius O. Ortique, Jr. Endowed Professor of Law
Professor Ernest Easterly, III
B. K. Agnihotri Endowed Professor of Law
Professor Michelle R. Ghetti
Louisiana Outside Counsel Endowed Professor of Law
Professor Stanley A. Halpin, Jr.
Kendall Vick Foundation Endowed Professor of Law
Professor Russell L. Jones
Jesse N. Stone Endowed Professor of Law
Professor Okechukwu Oko
Dodson & Hooks Endowed Professor of Law
-2-
Professor Evelyn L. Wilson
Horatio C. Thompson Endowed Professor of Law
Clyde C. Tidwell Endowed Professorship
Johnny Cochran, Jr. Endowed Professorship
Office of Admissions
The Office of Admission is counseling persons inquiring about admission to the Southern
University Law Center. On-going requests for applications for the fall 2008 session are constantly
being received. All applications are being acknowledged once received. Applicants are encouraged
to check on their files periodically.
Law Center Alumni
Stephanie Finley ‘91 has been selected as a Lt. Colonel in the United States Air Force
Reserves and as the Senior Litigation Counsel for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District
of Louisiana.
Ms. Finley is a 1991 cum laude graduate of the Law Center where she served as Editor in
Chief of the Law Review.
Charlene Patterson ‘02, a former Assistant Attorney General for the Louisiana Attorney
General’s Office, now works full time in her Baton Rouge based real estate title company, Enelrahc
Title & Escrow Services, LLC.
Dwayne M. Murray ‘87, an active and visible attorney in Baton Rouge has been elected
Grand Polemarch for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He served four years as a member of the Grand
Board of Directors and Chairman of the Grand Board of Appeals. He was elected senior Grand Vice
Polemarch in 2003 and re-elected in 2005. He has served as chairman of the Council of Province
Polemarchs for four years and actively supported the 30th Grand Polemarch in the administration’s
vision set forth in the Kappa Score Kard.
Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid has reviewed all of the student financial aid awards for the 2007 2008 school year.
The research assistant program continues to operate smoothly and all payrolls are processed
on a timely basis.
This office continues to assist students and the public regarding their financial aid questions
and concerns.
-3-
Career Counseling & Development
Fall 2007 On Campus Recruitment/Resume Collect program continues through October 31,
2007. Approximately 19 employers will participate in October.
The Sunbelt Minority Recruitment Program was held in Dallas, TX on Friday, September 7,
2007. The following SULC students participated:
Ezinne Abengowe
Marc Batte
Brandy Branford
Harry Brown, Jr.
RaShema Collins
Paul DeRouselle
Kenya Ellis
Koshaneke Gilbert
LaDonna Jackson
LaToya Jones
Tracy Joseph
Yodit Tweolde
The Equal Justice Works Career Fair was held on Friday, and Saturday, October 6-7, 2007 in
Washington, D.C. The following students and alumni registered.
Tamesha Bendaw
Ashley Darville
Lillian Dunn
Kinnisha Firstley
Danté McKay
Chevita Phifer
Daphne Tervathan
Crystal Turner
LaKetha Walker
The Lexis Career Research Tools seminar was held on September 13, 2007 at 12:00 p.m., presented
by Susan Cedotal Lexis representative.
Publications and Electronic Media
During the month of September 2007, the staff of the Office of Publications and Electronic
Media produced or helped produce five publications: the 2008 Studies Abroad brochure, 6 Reasons
/Save the Date Anniversary brochure, Washington D.C. Anniversary Reception Invitation, Endowed
Professors and Donors Reception Invitation, and SULC Application reprints. The 2007-08 Speakers
Series posters/programs, 2006-07 Annual Report, Reflections, endowed Professors of SULC
brochure, and anniversary advertisements/billboard/invitations are in production.
Recruitment Services
As of September 30, 2007, 588 applications were received for fall 2008.
On September 21, 2007, 100 students from Tennessee State University toured the Law Center
facility. Recruitment Committee scheduled Honors Colloquium Class Meeting October 2007.
-4-
During the month of October, the following visits will be made:
McNeese State University
University of Lafayette-Monroe
University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Grambling State University
University of North Florida
Florida State University
Tuskegee University
University of Georgia
Fort Valley State University
Lemoyne Owen
Florida Memorial University
Tulane, Loyola
Florida Atlantic
SUNO
Bethune Cookman
LSU
Xavier/Dillard
Atlanta Law Forum
Phi-Alpha Delta pre-Law Conference
Paul Quinn
Southern University
Academic Support Programs and Academic Counseling
1.
Academic Assistance Component
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
A total of 4,080 tutorial hours were provided to first year students through individual
and group sessions.
Held 204 one-on-one weekly sessions with 34 Teaching Assistants.
Provided daily supervision to 34 Teaching Assistants.
Reviewed 34 Teaching Assistants weekly assignments.
Attended and/or monitored four (4) Tuesday and (4) Thursday academic assistance
bi-weekly sessions.
(1) Basic Civil Procedure
(2) Contracts
(3) Criminal Law
(4) Torts 1
F.
G.
Provided Orientation to 34 Teaching Assistants.
A total of 121 entering students participated in the pilot program Students were
introduced to the following essential skills: Preparing Your Life for Law School, Note
Taking, Case Briefing and Course Outlining, Learning Styles and Study Strategies,
analytical Skills and Preparing, approaching and Mastering Law School Exams.
Law Library
The month of September was a month of upgrading the effective ness and efficiency of the Law
Library. Staffers were involved with in-house activities to upgrade our level of service to faculty,
staff, students and outside patrons.
The monthly Professional Librarians meeting was held on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at 2:15
P.M. The main topic of discussion was the continued preparation for the ABA visit in 2008.
-5-
The monthly Staff Meeting was held on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at 2:15 PM. The
entire staff was again reminded of housekeeping duties and other changes which have been effected
to better serve out patrons. Staffers were also reminded of the ABA site visit.
The Supervisors (and some staff members) in Library Services completed and submitted a
“First Draft” for their respective sections to be included in a Library Services Procedures Manual.
After review and editing by the Director, each Section will be compiled into a Library Services
Procedures Manual. Current plans are to also cross train staff members to become competent in
performing duties in sections other than their own. His will allow for better library coverage in the
absence of key personnel.
Clinical Education
Clinics
Active Cases
Closed Cases
Enrollment
Criminal Law
Externs Placement
40
3
34
Divorce Law
48
4
2
Juvenile Law
42
3
7
Administrative/Civil Law
34
4
5
Non-Support
27
3
Elder Law
22
2
8
Low-Income Taxpayer Law
25
6
7
Mediation Law
Evening Program
43
23
7
9
Motion Practice
(none)
(none)
10
Significant Events
The Mediation Law Clinic students are unique among the clinics in that students do not
represent clients. They instead serve as neutral third parties to help individuals in disputes involving
evictions, personal injuries. Katrina insurance claims, and age discrimination cases. In September,
they visited the America Arbitration Center, located in New Orleans, LA.
Criminal Law Clinic Students represented a client in an Expungement case. The student
attorneys were able to have the client’s record cleared.
-6-
Special Problems
Significant Administrative or Policy Changes
None
-7-
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
to the
Southern University Board of Supervisors
October 18-19, 2007
SUNO Alumni Making a Difference!
Victor Ukpolo, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Southern University at New Orleans
A. DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Report of Activities
September, 2007
and
Achievements
for
Student Success Committee is working on several
initiatives. One subcommittee is working on developing
a report on student success for First Year Freshmen and
another subcommittee is working on designing a
program to implement learning communities.
Quality Enhancement Plan first draft is completed.
Effective October 14, 2007, the QEP committee will have
a Town Hall meeting with each college to include faculty,
staff and students. This is to ensure that everyone in the
Southern University at New Orleans family will have an
opportunity to share ideas and make suggestions so that
our QEP will be the best that it can be with full campus
contribution.
AACTE. Southern University at New Orleans was visited by a team from AACTE in preparation for their conference in New
Orleans in February, 2008. They visited three schools in the area: Sophie B. Wright Middle School, Martin Luther King
Elementary and O. Perry Walker High School. They are planning to visit the schools at their national conference and make
book contributions to each of these schools.
Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) was privileged to have world renowned motivational speaker and entrepreneur
Les Brown to serve as keynote speaker for the kickoff luncheon for our Leadership and Mentoring Program for Students
initiative (LAMPS). The event took place Wednesday, September 26, at Zea’s Restaurant on St. Charles Avenue. Attorney
Warren A. “Chip” Forstall, a member of the Southern University Board of Supervisors, underwrote the cost of the luncheon.
Mr. Brown, a longtime friend of Dr. Donna Grant, Executive Director for Enrollment Management Services, gave an
inspirational presentation designed to encourage each of us to expand our minds and fight to accomplish our goals. The
goal of the LAMPS program is to effectively address the issue of retention among freshmen. In addition to thanking Dr.
Grant for graciously working to secure Mr. Brown for this event,
College of Arts and Sciences:
Report on Major College of Arts and Sciences Activities: September, 2007
Department of Social Sciences:
Dr. John. Penny and Dr. George Amedee chaperoned students for a trip to Jena, LA to witness and observe civil
disobedience and political protest in action. Dr. Penny was interviewed by WVUE-TV television station regarding violent
crime amongst women. He was also interviewed by a local public service station in regards to the civil rights movement with
Dr. Martin Luther King.
Dr. Guillarne. Leary, Dr. Joseph. Coleman and Dr. Christopher Linn participated as faculty advisors for the SUNO
Psychology Club. Dr. Linn had a publication: “The adaptive advantage of prolonged mating: a test of alternative
hypotheses” published in Animal Behaviour, a top tier journal in behavioral science. He also has a manuscript in
preparation concerning the effect of male locomotion and mate search strategies on reproductive success in animals. Dr.
Joseph Coleman has submitted his in the article “The Challenges to the Foster Care System Post Katrina and Rita“, which
will be published in the Africana Review Journal.
Dr. Ashraf Esmail, along with Dr. Adnan Omar and Dr. Lisa Eargle, presented at the JK Haynes Conference in Baton
Rouge, La. Dr. Esmail has also accepted to be part of the Freshman Mentor Program at Southern University at New
Orleans. Dr. Ashraf Esmail recently published a book chapter entitled “Hurricane Katrina and Its Impact on Education” in
the Sociology of Katrina: Perspectives on Modern Castastrophe. Dr. Lisa Eargle and Dr. Shyamal Das served as coauthors He also recently presented a paper entitled “Coexistence Of” or “Clash Between” Islamic Orthodoxy and the
Support for Democratic System: Which face is more Egalitarian in Six Muslim Societies?” presented at the American
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Southern University at New Orleans
Sociological Association Conference in New York, New York. Dr. Lisa Eargle and Dr. Shyamal Das served as copresenters.
Dr. George Amedee attended the "Advancing Excellence and Public Trust in Governmental Symposium," in Washington
D.C. at the National Press Club. He also served on a panel of the National Task Force for Advancing Excellent and Public
Trust in Government. Dr. Amedee also met with Opehlia Wilson of the University Partnership Office of the Department of
Housing and Urban Development in Washington D. C. to discuss the SUNO University Rebuilding America Partnership
project. He also traveled to Shreveport to participate in Regional Grant writing Workshop at SUSLA. Dr. Amedee attended
two meetings of the City Planning Commission. Dr. Amedee and Dr. Cynthia Honere-Collins attended a meeting of the
SUNO University Faith Based Partnership at St. Matthew Lutheran Church.
Dr. Collins attended the Pontilly Neighborhood Collaborative meeting and supervised student volunteers in a survey of
Pontilly neighborhood.
Natural Sciences Department Activities for September 2007
Ms. Cynthia Singleton gave a presentation at the Fourth Annual J. K. Haynes Teacher Preparation Conference, at the
Southern University at Baton Rouge, September 18 & 19, 2007. The title of the presentation was “E-learning for college
Mathematics: What Works and What Does not Work”.
Dr. Zheng Chen gave a presentation at the Fourth Annual J. K. Haynes Teacher Preparation Conference, at the Southern
University at Baton Rouge, September 18 & 19, 2007. The title of the presentation was “Visualization in Volumes of Solids
of Revolution”.
Dr. Penney Heath and Dr. Ibrahim Ekaidi gave a presentation at the Fourth Annual J. K. Haynes Teacher Preparation
Conference, at the Southern University at Baton Rouge, September 18 & 19, 2007. The title of the presentation was “Using
PowerPoint to Personalize Instruction”.
Dr. Mostafa Elaasar, Dr. Murty Kambhampati, Joe Omojola, Dr. Solomon Adekunle, and Ms. Cynthia Singleton became
members in the Freshmen Mentor Program.
Dr. Lisa Mims-Devezin organized a workshop on the new RiboPrinter for microbial characterization system August 28-29
College of Business:
Report on Major College of Business Activities: September, 2007
Accreditation:
The College of Business & Public Administration (CBA) completed an initial draft of its AACSB Accreditation Gap Analysis,
September 4, 2007. While the CBA faculty is working on revisions of the draft Gap Analysis, several copies of the draft have
been sent to external reviewers for additional input.
Ms. Denise Shanklin, President, Expancia Consulting Group, conducted an intensive workshop with CBA faculty and Staff,
September 21-22, 2007, to review and revise CBA’s Strtegic Plan. The initial focus of the workshop was the evaluation of
the current CBA vision, mission, and goals, to see if they are understood by the faculty, and if they correctly capture the
essence of the college. Thereafter, the participants embarked on an exercise aimed at revising the vision, mission, and
goals to make them the primary drivers of CBA’s activities. Other workshops are planned for the months of October and
November. The final Strategic Plan will be completed by Spring 2008.
Dr. Julius Alade, Dean, School of Business & Technology, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, accepted an invitation to
serve as CBA’s Gap Analysis consultant. He visited SUNO from September 23 to 25, 2007. During his visit, he met the
faculty and administration to clarify and modify various aspects of the draft Gap Analysis to ensure a holistic view of AACSB
standards during the accreditation effort.
Research: (Publications & Working Papers)
Drs. Louis Mancuso, Robert Hardy, and James Pittman, “The Results of Teaching Minority Undergraduate Students
Entrepreneurial Business Planning Concepts Using Androgogy and Service Learning,” (working paper)
Drs. Obyung Kwun, Adnan Omar, and Mr. Samuel Eweni, “Moderating Effects of Attributional Style on the Relationship
between User Participation and Fairness Perception of Information Systems Development” (working paper)
Page 3
Southern University at New Orleans
Dr. Obyung Kwun, “The Effect of Organizational Culture on E-Commerce Adoption” (working paper)
Conferences/Seminar:
Dr. James Pittman, Chair of Public Administration Department, participated in the Advancing Excellence & Public Trust
in Government Conference in Washington, D.C., September 17, 2007. The event was sponsored by Auburn University.
Dr. James Pittman, Chair of Public Administration Department, met with the Personnel Director and key public
administrators for the City of Baton Rouge (September 26, 2007) to discuss opportunities for creating access to Public
Administration courses to city and state employees in the Baton Rouge area.
University/Community Services:
Dr. Frank Martin, Chair of Business Entrepreneurship Department served as a member of the Disadvantaged Business
Enterprise Panel to review applications for DBE certification for Aviation Board, Sewage and Water Board and City of
New Orleans, September 28, 2007
September Highlights – Division for Student Affairs
Board of Supervisors Meeting – October, 2007
Highlights of the Division for Student Affairs activities that were conducted during the month of September are presented
below.
Thurgood Marshall College Fund Representative’s Visit
Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) representative, Ms. Candice Staples, visited the SUNO campus on September 67, 2007. The purpose of the visit was to recruit students for the TMCF Leadership Conference to be held in New York in
early November. Over 30 juniors and seniors were interviewed by Ms. Staples and six were selected to attend the
conference. A TMCF Student Ambassador and some of the six students will be included in TMCF’s internship pool for
consideration for internship positions in the summer of 2008.
Voter Registration Drive
The A.C. Carey Political Science Club and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. hosted a voter registration drive on campus on
September 12, 2007. The fraternity provided music and a festive atmosphere which resulted in a number of students
coming out to register.
Meeting with TMCF Vice President of Programs
Dr. Adrell Pinkney, Director of Student Activities and Organizations/Housing and who also serves as the TMCF Campus
Coordinator, attended a dinner meeting with Ms. Eve Hall, Vice President of Programs for TMCF. The purpose of the
meeting, which was held on September 12, 2007, was to discuss the exciting opportunities that TMCF is offering to
students via its partnership with SUNO. During the meeting, Ms. Hall committed to the TMCF/SUNO partnership and to
providing services to SUNO students.
Fraternity Informational
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. hosted an on-campus informational on September 12, 2007, to provide information to those
young men interested in seeking membership in the organization.
Page 4
Southern University at New Orleans
Jena Six Peace and Protest Rally
On September 20, 2007, approximately 200 SUNO students, staff and faculty donned in black boarded four chartered
buses and traveled to Jena, Louisiana to participate in the Jena Six Peace and Protest Rally. The trip was coordinated by
Ms. Yolanda Mims, Director of Services for Students with Disabilities. The rally was televised nationwide and was held to
show support of the six African American Jena High School students accused of beating a white student after a racially
propelled incident. One of the Jena Six students, Michael Bell, was initially charged as an adult and was incarcerated for
nine months. The alleged beating occurred after three nooses were hung from a tree where several African American
students decided to congregate. Until recently, only white students socialized under the tree.
Miss SUNO and Royal Court Attend SUBR Coronation
Miss Southern University at New Orleans, Niesha
Williams, and her Royal Court traveled to Southern
University at Baton Rouge (SUBR) to participate in the
Coronation of Miss SUBR. The ladies wore beautiful
lavender evening gowns and their escorts wore black
tuxedos with matching vests and ties.
Royal Jewels Dance Team Performs
SUNO’s Royal Jewels Dance Team made their first
performance for the semester on September 21, 2007 “on
the yard.” The dance team, with the support of their
sponsor, Ms. Joy Tillis, University Recruiter, provided the
student body the opportunity to meet the newly selected
members. The Royal Jewels are slated to perform at the
Knights’ basketball games. The dance team was the
brainchild of the former SGA President and Student
Representative for the Southern University Board of
Supervisors, the Honorable Quinten Atkins.
Mr. Austin Badon Honored
State Representative, Austin Badon, who serves as SUNO’s Community Service Learning Coordinator received the
“Legislator of the Year Award” from the Alliance for Good Government. Mr. Badon received the award in September in
honor of his outstanding service as a State Representative.
Dr. Janice Winder Attends LACUSPA Conference
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr. Janice H. Winder, attended the Annual Conference of the Louisiana Association of
College and University Student Personnel Administrators (LACUSPA). The Conference was held on September 24-26,
2007, at the Le Pavillion Hotel in New Orleans. The theme of the Conference was “Student Affairs in the Electronic Age.”
SUNO Co-hosts HBCU Career Fair
On September 25, 2007, Southern University at New Orleans served as co-host with Xavier University for the Annual HBCU
Career Fair, which was held on the campus of Xavier University. Over 100 employing organizations and more than 50
SUNO students participated in this fair. Mr. Joseph Marion, Director of Career Counseling and Placement at SUNO,
coordinated this activity for the SUNO campus.
Harrahs’ Community Outreach Breakfast
Mr. Joseph Marion, Director of Career Counseling and Placement, along with several other members of the SUNO family
attended a Community Outreach Breakfast hosted by Harrahs’ Casino on September 27, 2007. Over 150 guests from local
businesses, organizations, etc. were in attendance. The breakfast is held annually in an effort to foster partnerships
between Harrahs and other institutions. These partnerships can result in internship, employment, and networking
opportunities for students, staff and others, as well as provide grant opportunities for participating organizations.
Page 5
Southern University at New Orleans
Ice Cream Social
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. hosted an Ice Cream Social in the University Center on September 27, 2007. The purpose
of this activity was to offer the student body an opportunity to meet and greet members of their organization.
Community Service at Senior Citizens Center
On September 28, 2007, the staff of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) and a student intern in that department
visited Ferncrest Manor Living Center in New Orleans, where several graduates from SUNO’s Social Work Program are
employed. Student intern Debra Robert coordinated this activity, which is just one of SSD’s community service activities.
Residents of the Center, which included three SUNO alumni, were presented socks tied with colorful ribbons. The SSD
staff and student intern also played Bingo with the residents. The winner of each game received $1.00 and $10.00 for the
“blackout game.” Money for the Bingo activity was donated by the SSD staff.
Hispanic Heritage Day
The Student Development Center (SDC) organized the first ever Hispanic Heritage Day on Friday, September 28, 2007.
Southern University at New Orleans currently has students from Costa Rica, Columbia, and Nicaragua. The guest speaker
for this event was Dr. Diana A. Velasques, who gave an informative overview of the Latin culture. In addition, professional
Latin American Dancers demonstrated several dances including the Salsa and Tango. To conclude this event, students,
staff, faculty and administrators sampled several Latin dishes. There was an impressive turn out of approximately seventyfive attendees. “This event will now be an annual event which the SUNO community hopes to celebrate during the entire
month of October,” stated Mrs. Josephine Okoronkwo, SDC Director. Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15
and ends October 15.
Page 6
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND
EXTENSION CENTER
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
Presented to:
Southern University
Board of Supervisors
October 2007
Number 243-10
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER
Community and Faith Leadership Development Conference Huge Success
M
ore than 200 leaders from community and faith-based organizations were exposed to the latest
management and outreach techniques during the 2007 Community and Faith Leadership Development Conference September 26-28 at the Baton Rouge Marriott.
The conference stems from the Southern University Ag Center's mission to engage leaders in community and economic development programming. This year, the center celebrates the conference's 10th
year and hosted national speakers and local honorees along with emerging leaders interested in community empowerment.
The 2007 Community and Faith Leadership Development Conference included tracks designed to
spark leaders to move their organizations' visions, develop powerful mission statements, and design
working programs and ministries that transform lives within their communities.
This year marks a decade-long work of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension
Center as it has used this conference and its agents, researchers and specialists to empower the citizens of Louisiana.
Participants connected with other leaders and ministers who shared their wealth of knowledge and experiences to help each other explore opportunities for development and community transformation.
October 2007 Chancellor’s report page 1
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER
USDA/CSREES Liaison Visits Southern University Ag Center
Southern University
Ag Center
Leodrey Williams
Chancellor
Adell Brown, Vice Chancellor
for Finance and Administration
Kirkland Mellad
Vice Chancellor for Research
Gina Eubanks
Vice Chancellor for Extension
Christopher Rogers
Director of Technology Services
Editors
Bridget Udoh
Candace Semien
A. O. Williams Hall
P.O. Box 10010
Baton Rouge, LA 70813
Tel: 225/771-2242
Fax: 225/771-2861
T
he Southern University Ag Center hosted distinguished guests from
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) headquarters in Washington DC.
Dr. Gary Jensen, CSREES liaison to LSU and SU visited our campus, September 26-28. Jensen was accompanied by Dr. Mark Poth, research director for
the USDA National Research Initiative (NRI). They jointly presented a seminar on partnering with the USDA/CSREES and available funding opportunities. They also emphasized the importance of building infrastructure to gain
competitive advantage in obtaining external funds.
Faculty and staff of the Center as well as the College of Agricultural, Family
and Consumer Sciences were in attendance. They gathered new information
about funding opportunities for education, research, and extension programs.
Additionally, faculty had an opportunity to dialogue with the guests resulting
in the potential to create mutual benefits.
The team presented a seminar on “Finding Your Competitive Advantage,”
“Agency Liaison Partnership Initiative,” and “Competitive Programs”, on September 26. They toured the Center’s education, research, and extension facilities on September 27, and gave an exit report on the 28.
The CSREES liaison position was created to foster stronger partnership between CSREES and land-grant institutions. In addition, it helps to carry out
the mission of CSREES: to advance knowledge for agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities.
Website:
www.suagcenter.com
Southern University Agricultural
Research and Extension Center,
an entity of the Southern System,
Leodrey Williams, Chancellor,
Ralph Slaughter, System President, Johnny Anderson, Chairman, Board of Supervisors. It is
issued in furtherance of the Cooperative Extension Work Act of
December 1971, and the Agricultural Research Program, in cooperation with the U.S. Department
of Agriculture. All educational
programs conducted by the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center are
provided to all persons regardless
of race, national origin, or disability.
Cross sections of the workshop presented by the CSREES officials.
Facing the audience, left to right are Kirkland Mellad, PhD, vice chancellor for research
Southern University Ag Center, Gary Jensen, PhD, CSREES liaison, and Mark Poth, PhD,
research director for the USDA National Research Initiative.
October 2007 Chancellor’s report page 2
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER
Southern University Ag Center Meat Facility Hosts USDA Training
T
wenty two USDA Livestock and Grain Market News employees conducted a correlation and meats
demonstration at the Southern University Meat Laboratory, September 10-12. The trainers for the
class included: Steve Olson, Orlando Phelps and Justin Ransom, from USDA, AMS; Curtis Chisley, and
Albert Howard, Southern University Ag Center. The demonstrations were conducted on beef and pork
“Institutional Meat Purchase Specification” (IMPS) cuts, skeletal and muscles identification. The trainees are expected to transfer the knowledge acquired to the meat market news reports.
On September 13-14, the focus shifted to assisting the USDA, AMS Standardization Branch in processing approximately 60 goats and 30 beef pictorials to be used in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Standards. These photographs will be used to facilitate fair international
trading of goat and beef in international markets to provide a common trading language for sellers and
buyers, and promote consistency in products.
Photos courtesy of John Oubre, Southern University, Baton Rouge
October 2007 Chancellor’s report page 3
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER
FF-NEWS Nominated For CSREES Award
I
n 1997, four 1890 Institutions in the Southwest Region formed a consortium to plan and
implement a food stamp nutrition education program, working in collaboration with the
Southwest Region Food and Nutrition Service. The Families First: Nutrition, Education and
Wellness System (FF-NEWS) program in of support CSREES Plan of Work was born. Until
the development of FF-NEWS, 1890 Institutions were not participating in the Food Stamp
Nutrition Education Program.
An award in recognition of successful multi-state efforts of the 1890 FF-NEWS Consortium in
disseminating nutrition education information to culturally diverse audiences has been established to honor those who have gone beyond the call of duty.
The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center – Cooperative Extension Program along with Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program,
Langston University Cooperative Extension Program and University of Arkansas at Pine
Bluff Cooperative Extension Program have been nominated by Linda Williams-Willis, Dean
and Extension Administrator, to receive this year’s award.
The award ceremony will take place at the annual CSREES Day of Appreciation, October 10,
in Washington, DC with all expenses paid for one individual of the winning team.
Through FF-NEWS, food stamp recipients are taught to plan, select and prepare meals consistent with their cultural traditions and family resources, while improving their overall health
and that of their family members.
Eleven 1890 institutions are now members of the Consortium. Over $6 million has been generated by this program to support nutrition education activities in the 1890 System.
Dr. Gina E. Eubanks, project director and Mrs.
De’Shoin York-Friendship, project coordinator
continue to provide leadership for the FF-NEWS
in 12 Louisiana parishes.
October 2007 Chancellor’s report page 4
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER
Bayou State Trail Riders Award Scholarships to SU Students
D
uring the Bayou Black Rodeo in Monroe, the Bayou State Trail Riders Association presented
two scholarships to Southern University animal science students in Baton Rouge. The $1,000
gold scholarship was awarded to Courtney Anderson of Rayville and the $500 silver scholarship went
to Calvin Adams of Wisner.
"We're very excited about this because scholarship programs through our livestock program are something new we're starting," said Renita Marshall, livestock program director at Southern University Ag
Center.
Marshall received the two awards on behalf of Anderson and Davis, who were notified of the awards.
The awards were later presented to the recipients in Baton Rouge.
Pictured left to right: Gina Eubanks, vice chancellor for extension, Calvin Adams, recipient of the
silver scholarship award, Courtney Anderson, recipient of the gold scholarship award, and Renita
Woods-Marshall, director of livestock show.
October 2007 Chancellor’s report page 5
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER
Bitter Sweet Farewells
E
mployees and administrators of Southern University Ag Center gathered on September 6 to say
goodbye to Betty McCoy with some cake, ice cream and gifts. Ms. McCoy has moved on to embrace other opportunities after 28 years of service at the Center.
It was bitter because Betty will be missed at the Center where she ended one career and sweet because
she was starting a new one. McCoy hung up her hat as administrative assistant at the Livestock Office to become a counselor. Friends and well-wishers shared words of encouragement and advice as
they parted ways.
On September 24, the Center gathered again to bid farewell to Theresa Walsh (Teri). Teri had been
with the Ag Center team for barely three years when opportunity came knocking. Ms. Walsh was research associate on the mixed species grazing project. She now works as a grain evaluator.
Teri, left— receives gift and parting wishes from
former supervisor, Sebhatu Gebrelul, professor,
animal science.
October 2007 Chancellor’s report page 6
Betty , left–standing, shares refreshment with
colleague, James Mahomes, facility manager.
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER
Faculty and Staff Accomplishments and Activities
Zhu Ning, professor of urban forestry, elected vice president of the International Society
of Arboriculture Research and Education Academy
During the 83rd annual conference of International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Zhu H. Ning, PhD,
professor of Urban Forestry, was elected the Vice President of the ISA Research and Education
Academy. The International Society of Arboriculture is a world-wide professional organization dedicated to fostering a greater appreciation for trees and to promoting research, technology, and the
professional practice of arboriculture.
The Southern University Urban Forestry Program has been collaborating with ISA in research and
education. Ning’s leadership position in ISA would certainly enhance the collaboration. She is also
serving on the ISA Student Activity Committee to develop opportunities for Southern University
Urban Forestry students.
Besides her involvement in ISA, Ning also serves as the Chair elect of the Society of American
Foresters (SAF) International Forestry, and co-chair of the SAF National Committee on Cultural
Diversity.
Zhu H. Ning, PhD, urban forestry presented three papers:
•
Ning, Z. H. et al. 2007. Climate Change and Its Impacts on the Coastal Ecosystems of the Gulf of
Mexico, at the Oxford Roundtable on Global Warming and Sustainable Development: Governing
a Crisis, Oxford, UK.
•
Ning, Z. H. et al. 2007. Enhance Teaching Effectiveness through Experiential Training, at the 4th
Annual J. K. Haynes Teacher Preparation Conference, Baton Rouge.
•
Ning, Z. H. et al. 2007. Urban Forest Ecological Analysis in China, at the Joint session of the International Union of Forestry Research Organization (IUFRO) and the International Society or
Arboriculture Research and Education Academy, International Society of Arboriculture 83rd
Annual Convention.
October 2007 Chancellor’s report page 7
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER
Faculty and Staff Accomplishments and Activities contd.
Vegetable Gardening and Consumption Workshop
On Thursday, September 20, Southern University Ag Center conducted a vegetable workshop for producers and community members in Opelousas.
The activity featured soil preparation, drip irrigation installation, seedling preparation, transplanting
seedlings, nutritional benefits of vegetable crops, fall crop recipes, and free seedling give away.
The coordinating team for the workshop included Yemane Ghebreiyessus, PhD, professor soil science,
Chris Robichaux, PhD, agricultural county agent, LaVonya Malveaux, director, Southwest Center for
Rural Initiatives, and Ronald Nicholas, county agent. The event was sponsored by Southern University
Ag Center Mini-grant program.
Certification:
Judith Morris, internal auditor, Southern University Ag Center, recently passed the Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP) examination. CGAP is the Certified Government Auditor Professional designation issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Morris successfully completed the CGAP examination offered throughout the world. The CGAP exam is
a specialty exam designed specifically for, and by audit practitioners in various levels of government.
The CGAP exam explores comprehension of government auditing practice, methodologies, and environment. Related standards, including IIA standards and government auditing standards, are tested along
with control/risk models.
Publications:
•
Glenda S. Johnson, PhD, RD, associate professor, Southern University Ag Center, submitted a
manuscript entitled “Documenting the Need for Nutrition and Health Intervention for Middle-aged
and Older Adults in the Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD) Region" for publication. The manuscript has
been accepted for publication in the Journal of Nutrition for the Elderly, Volume 26, Issue 3/4.
•
Yadong Qi, PhD, urban forestry, and her undergraduate student, Sonya Self, recently published a
refereed research article entitled “Effects of Tree Growth Regulator on Growth Performance of Three
Tree Species” in The HBCU-UP SMART Findings, An Undergraduate STEM Research Journal 1
(1):20-24.
October 2007 Chancellor’s report page 8
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER
Faculty and Staff Accomplishments and Activities contd.
Gloria London, director of Center for Rural and Small Business Development and Eual
Hall, business development outreach specialist:
•
Sponsored Entrepreneurial Training at Southern University Ag Center, September 4.
•
Conducted Focus Group Meeting at Southern University Ag Center, September 11.
•
Attended “Funding Opportunity” meeting, September 13.
•
Paid site visits to Tangipahoa, St. Helena, East Feliciana, and Iberville Parishes, September 18.
•
Attended the “Community and Faith Leadership Development Conference,” September 26-28.
Fatemeh Malekian, Ph.D., associate professor, nutrition:
•
Set up a nutrition education table with handouts at the Youth Summit in Saint Landry and St.
Martin Parishes, August 17, 24, and 31st.
•
Gave a presentation on New Dietary Guidelines and MyPyramid and handed out educational
materials as a part of YWCA Alpha & Omega Project at Shiloh Baptist Church, September 4.
•
Accepted an invitation to serve as a member of the “Louisiana Obesity Council,” headed by the
Department of Health and Hospitals to fight childhood obesity.
•
Gave a presentation on New Dietary Guidelines and MyPyramid and helped to coordinate and
prepare healthy meals at the “Vegetable Gardening and Health Benefits” workshop in Opelousas,
September 29.
•
Accepted an invitation to participate and judge foods at the Culinary Classic event in Baton Rouge,
September 24.
•
Participated with a display of nutrition and health educational materials and facilitated the
“Health Ministry” session at the Community and Faith Leadership Development Conference,
September 26-28.
James McNitt, PhD, professor of animal science:
•
Hosted a visitor from Makouti Agro Entreprise, Cap Haitien, Haiti to provide training and information on rabbit production, September 13-17.
•
Met with the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program to describe poultry and rabbit research activities at Southern University Ag Center, September 18, 2007.
October 2007 Chancellor’s report page 9
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER
Faculty and Staff Accomplishments and Activities contd.
Southern University Ag Center Scientists Attend ARD Committee Meeting
Four research scientists, Yadong Qi, PhD, professor, urban forestry, Sebhatu Gebrelul, PhD, professor
animal science, Fatemeh Malekian, PhD, associate professor and Fulbert Namwamba, PhD, associate
professor, urban forestry attended the 1890 Association of Research Directors (ARD) Strategic Initiative
for Enhancing Multi-institution Research Collaboration Workshop, September 5-7 in Atlanta, GA.
The scientists actively participated in eight strategic initiative committee sessions: Bio-energy and Biobased Product, Bioremediation and Environmental Quality, Food Safety, Human Nutrition and Obesity,
Special Crops, Meat Coat and Other Alternative Livestock, Small Farm & Rural and Community Development, Water Quality and Quantity. The workshop was very productive and successful in identifying
top research priorities in those areas. The partnerships established with other institutions will forge
collaborations among 1890 and other communities to seek research funding in the future.
Sarah Sims- Extension Aide Madison Parish
organized:
• 1st Thursday Homemakers program
• Home visits, YES youth
• Fall Garden
• Council On Aging
• Staff Conference
• Historical Society meeting
• Teddy Bear Festival Planning meeting
• City of Tallulah Beautification meeting
• Civil Defense Training and certification—
American Red Cross
• Delta Head start Parent Advisory
• Family Services
• Resettlement Conference Hampton, Virginia
• Workshop – School Based Health
• Farmer’s Market
• Youth garden project
• HWY 65 meeting
• USDA Commodities mini nutrition
demonstration
• Home visits, rural communities
• Hand washing workshop with 83 participants
At the New Del Resettlement Conference,
Hampton, Virginia
Hand washing workshop
October 2007 Chancellor’s report page 10
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER
Up Coming Events
•
October 18, “The River Road African American Museum: Preserving Our Rural Treasures”,
seminar presented by Kathe Hambrick Jackson, Museum Curator, and Owusu Bandele, PhD,
professor, horticulture, Southern University Ag Center.
•
October 27, Southern University Ag Center to hold Sustainable Ag Workshop and Tour. The event
will include tours of the Red Stick Farmers Market, the LSU organic community garden, Greenhand
Nursery, Yardbird Farm, and Southern University Ag Center hibiscus and organic mustard trial
fields.
Bus Tour begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. from Southern University Ag Center. Lunch featuring local farm
products will be provided.
For further information, call Owusu Bandele, PhD, professor, plant science at 225-771-2262 or via email:
owusu_bandele@suagcenter.com. For directions on getting to Southern University Ag Center, visit us at:
www.suagcenter.com
The event is jointly sponsored by Southern University and Louisiana State University Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Professional Development Project
•
November 1, “You break it, You bought it: How not to pay for unnecessary mistakes”, a review of
Southern University Ag Center Policies and Procedures, seminar presented by Kretrice Joseph.
•
November 15, “What Happens in Europe Stays in Europe”, seminar presented by Doze Butler, PhD,
associate dean, College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences.
•
November 29, “Production of Vegetable Crops Using Drip Irrigation in the Underserved Communities”, seminar presented by Yemane Ghebreiyessus
October 2007 Chancellor’s report page 11