MVSU Celebrates Founder’s Week

 Mississippi Valley State University is currently preparing for its Annual Founder’s Week Celebration, scheduled for April 22 – 26, 2013.  This year’s theme is, “An Esteemed Past to Cherish, A Great Destiny to Be Fulfilled.”  There will be a wealth of activities to commemorate the founding of the University.

The highlight of our Founder’s Week activities is the Founder’s Day Convocation, scheduled, Thursday, April 25 at 11:00 a.m. in the H.G. Carpenter Auditorium.  Our guest speaker for this event is Dr. Claude G. Perkins `64, President of Virginia Union University.  Dr. Perkins’ achievements include increases in enrollment, scholarships, retention and the university’s net assets. Under his leadership, Virginia Union has added new faculty and new academic programs, including two new graduate programs, a new Fine Arts program, the Center for the Study of the Urban Child and the Center for International Studies.

Dr. Perkins earned his Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Curriculum and Supervision from The Ohio University, a Master of Arts Degree in Economics Education from Purdue University and a Bachelor of Science Degree (with Distinction) in Political Science from Mississippi Valley State University.

For additional information or questions regarding any of the 2013 Founder’s Week activities, please contact the Office of University Advancement by calling (662) 254-3790.

BANKPLUS PARTNERS WITH MVSU JACKSON-HINDS ALUMNI CHAPTER

Left to Right: MVSU Acting President, Dr. Alfred Rankins, Jr.; Senior Executive Vice President of BankPlus, Mr. Bryan Jones III; President of the MVSU Jackson-Hinds Alumni Chapter, Mrs. Mary Crump; Senior Vice President and Director of Community Development of BankPlus, Mr. David E. Johnson; and Mayor of Jackson, Miss., Mr. Harvey Johnson.

ITTA BENA (February 7, 2013) Mississippi Valley State University’s (MVSU) Jackson-Hinds Alumni Chapter recently spearheaded a fundraising effort that netted over $25,000.00 to help MVSU students seeking higher education. Having embraced the university’s ‘town and gown’ initiative, the Jackson-Hinds Alumni Chapter, under the leadership of chapter president Mary Crump, collaborated with their local business community in support of MVSU students. During the chapter’s 21st Annual Luncheon in Jackson, Miss., BankPlus issued a challenge to MVSU alumni and supporters to contribute $10,000 to the University. In return, BankPlus would match the amount. The Jackson-Hinds Alumni Chapter took the challenge and exceeded the $10,000 goal. Overall, the Jackson-Hinds Chapter raised $16,000. Through the partnership match with BankPlus ($10,000), $26,000 was recently donated to MVSU for student scholarships.

“We are delighted that we could assist with motivating alumni to give to Mississippi Valley State University. We gave with the hope of being a catalyst for more dollars coming to the University,” said David E. Johnson, senior vice president and director of Community Development at BankPlus.

“The University sincerely appreciates Bank Plus’ investment in higher education and our Valley students,” said MVSU Chief of Staff & Interim Vice President of University Advancement, Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr.

“Mrs. Crump’s leadership, as well as the elected chapter officers and general members of the J-H Chapter are a shining example of superlative alumni leadership and we are thankful for their support of the Valley,” Faison said. For over 21 years, the Jackson-Hinds Alumni Chapter has consistently organized various fundraising events in support of MVSU.

Initially created by the state legislature in 1946 to train teachers for rural and elementary schools in the Mississippi Delta, Mississippi Valley State University is one of eight state supported institutions for higher education in the state of Mississippi’s consortium of Institutions for Higher Learning (IHL).

Mississippi Valley State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Ga., 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Mississippi Valley State University.

Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Convocation scheduled for January 24

Each year, Mississippi Valley State University holds an annual Convocation to celebrate the teachings and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  As such, we would like to invite you to attend our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation on Thursday, January 24, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., in the H.G. Carpenter Auditorium.  The theme of this year’s program is “Celebrating the Legacy: Passing the Torch!”  Our Convocation speaker will be Senator Derrick T. Simmons of Greenville, MS.  Senator Simmons serves as state senator for Senate District 12, which covers parts of Bolivar and Washington Counties in the Mississippi Delta.

We will also honor the life and legacy of Dr. King by holding a symbolic march to commemorate the works of Dr. King during the Civil Rights Movement.  Correspondingly, the march will take place on the campus of Mississippi Valley State University and will be held on January 21, 2013 at 3:30 p.m.  The march will begin at the rear of the H.G. Carpenter Auditorium and end in front of the Jacob Aron Student Union.  We are inviting the surrounding communities to participate in this historic event and we would be elated if you would consider joining us.

We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming activities.  If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Portia Weeks, Manager of Alumni Engagement, in the Office of University Advancement at (662) 254-3790 or via email at portia.weeks@mvsu.edu .

MVSU ACCREDITATION REAFFIRMED BY SACSCOC

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

The Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmed the accreditation of Mississippi Valley State University at its meeting held recently in Dallas. The decision marked the culmination of a 30-month process to demonstrate the university’s compliance with the Principles of Accreditation. Reaffirmation is awarded for 10 years.

“I would like to acknowledge Dr. Donna H. Oliver for her leadership as well as all members of the university administration, faculty, staff, students and the members of the university’s SACSCOC leadership team,” said Dr. Alfred Rankins, Jr. Acting President of Mississippi Valley State University. “Their diligence over the past four years leading to this very significant accomplishment for the university is commendable.”

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is the recognized regional accrediting body in the 11 U.S. Southern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia) and in Latin America for those institutions of higher education that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degrees. The Commission on Colleges’ Board of Trustees is the representative body of the College Delegate Assembly and is charged with carrying out the accreditation process.

To gain or maintain accreditation with the Commission on Colleges, an institution must comply with the standards contained in the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement and with the policies and procedures of the Commission on Colleges. The Commission on Colleges applies the requirements of its Principles to all applicant, candidate, and member institutions, regardless of type of institution (public, private for-profit, private not-for-profit).

“This has been a comprehensive evaluation of the institution’s operations, and an opportunity to engage the entire campus community in a continuous improvement effort,” said Dr. John D. Jones, Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness, Research, and Strategic Planning/Accreditation Liaison.

“This decision indicates that the institution is operating at its highest level and adhering to higher education standards that address the needs of students and society,” said Dr. Rankins. “It also indicates that the university is poised to continue its upward trajectory by providing sustainable resources, programs, and services sufficient to accomplish MVSU’s mission.”

MVSU’s Mission Statement                                                                                           To be committed to excellence in teaching, learning, service, and research–a commitment resulting in a learner-centered environment that prepares critical thinkers, exceptional communicators, and service-oriented, engaged, and productive citizens. MVSU is fundamentally positioned to positively impacting the quality of life and creating extraordinary educational opportunities for the Mississippi Delta and beyond.

Bank Plus issues CHALLENGE at Jackson-Hinds 21st Luncheon

The Jackson-Hinds Chapter of the Mississippi Valley State University National Alumni Association, Inc. held is 21st Luncheon on December 7th 2012, at the Fondren Plaza in Jackson, MS.  Among the list of attendees were representatives from various businesses in the Jackson area, as well as administrative and staff representatives from the University.  The speaker for the event was Mr. Bryan Jones III of Bank Plus.  Mr. Jones is the Senior Executive Vice President for Bank Plus in Jackson, MS.  During his speech, Mr. Jones issued a CHALLENGE to alumni and supporters of MVSU by challenging attendees of the luncheon to contribute to the University and in return, Bank Plus will match each gift dollar for dollar (up to $10,000) by December 31, 2012.  This is a prime opportunity to raise $20,000 (or more) in scholarship dollars for our wonderful students at MVSU!  Support the students at MVSU and GIVE TODAY!

To make your contribution online please click HERE.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Mary Crump, President of the MVSU Jackson-Hinds Alumni Chapter via email at marye717@aol.com or the Office of University Advancement at (662) 254-3790.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPOINTS GREENVILLE NATIVE AS ACTING PRESIDENT OF MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

(Press Release from MS Public Universities)

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning recently appointed Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr. as acting president of Mississippi Valley State. He will begin meeting with students, faculty and staff today.

A Greenville native, Dr. Rankins currently serves as the associate commissioner for academic and student affairs for the Institutions of Higher Learning and has extensive higher education experience. As the university system’s chief academic officer, Dr. Rankins has administrative oversight for several units, including Academic Affairs, America Reads Mississippi, College Knowledge, Gear Up Mississippi, Nursing Education, P-20 Initiatives, Strategic Data Management and Student Affairs.

“The Board of Trustees is committed to the success of Mississippi Valley State University,” said Ed Blakeslee of Gulfport, President of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. “We are pleased that Dr. Rankins has agreed to step into this important role to work with the faculty, staff, students, alumni and community as they continue to move the university forward.”

As head of IHL’s Division of Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Rankins manages a $14 million dollar budget and advises the IHL Board of Trustees and Commissioner of Higher Education on all matters pertaining to academic programs, policy, and planning; student access, readiness, and success; and faculty affairs.

“I am happy to serve the university in this capacity at this important time in its history,” said Dr. Rankins. “While change is never easy, I am excited to work with the university community and make this a seamless transition for students and staff as we continue to fulfill the university’s mission to prepare students to be the leaders of tomorrow.”

Dr. Rankins holds a bachelor of science degree from Alcorn State University and both the master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees from Mississippi State University. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Authority for Educational Television and University Press of Mississippi. He also serves on the Mississippi Commission for College Accreditation and as Secretary-Treasurer for the Mississippi Association of Colleges. Dr. Rankins and his wife, Juandalyn, have two children, Aftyn and Alfred.

“Dr. Rankins has a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of higher education,” said Dr. Bounds, Commissioner of Higher Education. “His breadth of experience and deep understanding of the Delta region will serve the university well during this time of transition.”

Dr. Rankins will continue serving as acting president until an Interim President is named by the Board of Trustees. A timetable for the search for the next president of Mississippi Valley State University will be announced at a later time.

 

The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Jackson-Hinds to hold 21st Business Scholarship Luncheon

The MVSU Jackson-Hinds Alumni Chapter will host its 21st Annual Business Scholarship Luncheon on December 7th 2012 at 11:45am.  The Luncheon is an annual event held by the chapter to galvanize support for MVSU and generates scholarship dollars to support students attending the University.  The event will be held at the Fondren Hall Center (formerly Primos Northgate) on North State street, in Jackson, MS.  Each year the event receives participation from people and businesses throughout the Jackson area.  For more information regarding this event or to purchase tickets for the event, please contact Mrs. Mary Crump (President of the Jackson-Hinds Alumni Chapter) at marye717@aol.com.