sus_newsletter_Jan_2010

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S O U T H E R N

O F F I C E

President’s Message

Dear SU Family,

I hope that you had a great holiday and enjoyed the break.

Last year, the Southern University System enjoyed many accomplishments and achievements despite challenges brought on by hard economic 3mes and state budget reduc3ons. 2010 has begun with similar threats. Mid-year mandated cuts to our state budget are in progress and we hope to minimize any harsh impact on the en3re System as we look to fulfill our obliga3ons.

We remain focused on our strategic plan goals (page 9) that will be the driving force behind the enhancement and growth of the Southern University System. Please visit our Web site, www.sus.edu, for news and updates as we make progress toward mee3ng our targets.

We con3nue to be present and involved in ma4ers related to the proposed transforma3on of higher educa3on in Louisiana. We are monitoring developments very closely and providing updates through an integrated communica3on strategy.

We are also working diligently to prepare for the 2010 Legisla3ve Session. Jason Wynne Hughes and the rest of our legisla3ve team are enthusias3c and ready to work to advance the SU legisla3ve agenda.

2010 will be a great year for SU despite the challenges.

Happy New Year!

Kassie Freeman, Ph.D. Interim President

U N I V E R S I T Y

S Y S T E M

NEWS

Volume 1, Issue 4, January 2010

O F

T H E

P R E S I D E N T

SU welcomes 17th head football coach Southern University and A&M College introduced Lyvonia “Stump” Mitchell, former assistant head coach/running backs coach for the Na3onal Football League’s (NFL) Washington Redskins, as the 17th head football coach for the Jaguars during a press conference, Wednesday, January 13.

“Stump Mitchell’s 21 years in the NFL, 10 as a player and 11 years as a assistant coach, combined with his head coaching experience, will bring a wealth of diverse knowledge to our football program,” says Greg LaFleur, Southern’s director of athle3cs.

Mitchell joined the Redskins’ coaching staff in 2008 a$er leaving the Sea4le Seahawks, where he spent the previous nine seasons coaching the running backs.

Lyvonia “Stump” Mitchell became the 17th head football coach for the Jaguars. Welcoming Mitchell during a January 13 press conference were SU System Interim President Kassie Freeman, SUBR Chancellor Kofi Lomotey, SU Athle0c Director Greg LaFleur, and SU System Board of Supervisors Chairman Tony Clayton.

“I am very excited to have Lyvonia “Stump” Mitchell joining the Jaguar Na3on as our 17th head football coach. I am confident that he will help us bring the fans back to A.W. Mumford Stadium and that he will help us achieve our goal of strengthening the rela3onship between SUBR and the community surrounding the campus,” says Kofi Lomotey, chancellor of the Baton Rouge campus.

“We are happy to have Coach Mitchell join the Jaguar Na3on and we have great expecta3ons of him. However, we have the utmost confidence in his ability to lead our football program. Being a former student athlete, Coach Mitchell understands that our primary goal must be the development of our students to their greatest poten3al on and off the field,” said Southern University System Interim President Kassie Freeman.

Mitchell joined the Seahawks following three years as head coach at Morgan State University (MSU). Mitchell’s coaching career began in 1991 when he served as an assistant coach on the World League of American Football's San Antonio Riders’ staff. He played nine years in the NFL as a standout running back with the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals.

He is a na3ve of Kingsland, Georgia.

Hughes appointed to community health center board

Jason Wynne Hughes

Jason Wynne Hughes, SU System execu3ve director for governmental and external affairs, was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Capitol City Family Health Center (CCFHC) in Baton Rouge.

Capitol City Family Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center, was founded in 1997 by a group of dedicated people with the goal to ensure that affordable, accessible, quality health services were accessible to people in the community.

All Capitol City Family Health Center services are provided without regard to race,

color, na3onal origin, sex, age, or ability to pay.

The CCFHC is led by a chief execu3ve officer and a full array of competent, qualified, compassionate doctors, den3sts, nurse prac33oners, nutri3onists, case managers, and other medical and administra3ve personnel.

SUBR students discuss technology, business in China A team of Southern University and A&M College students recently went to China to discuss technology and business ideas. Company representa3ves were so impressed, they offered all of them jobs.

Southern University students are on the cu5ng edge of change, thanks to a new push to partner with China. Eight engineering students traveled halfway around the world to work with energy conserva3on companies.

“I just want to thank you for the opportunity,” said one mechanical engineering student.

The Southern University engineering students spent two weeks in China with four different companies. Their challenge was working on ways to conserve energy in China and in the United States.

“We're the ambassadors for our university to our connec3ons in China and you can just see so many opportuni3es that can come from it,” said Maisha Robins, a junior at Southern.

East Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden believes so strongly in the partnership that he’s assigned Eugene Ji as Baton Rouge's official ambassador to China.

“They offered you guys a job, so we're pleased to tell you about that today,” said Michael Stubblefield, vice chancellor for research and strategic ini3a3ves, SUBR. “Everyone of them offered them a job.

They want to hire them all,” said Eugene Ji.

A team of SU students recently traveled to China to discuss technology and business ideas. The Southern University engineering students spent two weeks in China with four different companies.

Ji says a$er their visit, all four Chinese companies were sold on the Southern students. They want them to either work for them in China or help establish Chinese businesses in North America, possibly even in Baton Rouge.

“I think there's a lot more coming,” said Ji. “I'm definitely pleased with the opportunity.

I'm going to probably take it up as soon as I can,” said senior Anthony Bain.

Bain could graduate as soon as this summer. Other students, like Maisha Robins, have a li4le more 3me.

“Big surprise that they'll offer us a job and I'm excited,” said Robins.

Robins plans to use her extra days to sharpen her skills.

“I have to learn more Chinese,” said Robins.

The mayor's ambassador says he also plans to implement a similar program at LSU. Their goal is to establish friendships among Chinese students and among Chinese businesses.

“To be globally relevant and compe33ve, SU must increase student travel abroad. This trip proves the poten3al available for our students,” said SU System Interim President Kassie Freeman.

SU System News, page 2

SUNO students move into its first housing complex A$er more than 50 years, Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) took a monumental step toward becoming a residen3al campus with the opening of its Student and Faculty Housing complex. Residents started moving in January 4.

Chancellor Victor Ukpolo says that 244 units are available, and the rest will be ready in August. Ukpolo says about 120 students have signed up for apartments. The rent is $632 per student per month for a two-bedroom apartment and $438 per student per month for a four-bedroom flat.

The official grand opening of SUNO’s Student and Faculty Housing was held on Monday, January 8.

For Times Picayune story go to: h4p://www.nola.com/educa3on/index.ssf /2010/01/suno_apartment_complex_ready _f.html

For the first 0me, Southern University at New Orleans is offering campus housing this semester. SUNO is offering a combina0on of 2- and four-bedroom apartments in the 700 unit, $44 million complex.

Recent SULC alumni dona3ons total $30,000 Chancellor Freddie Pitcher Jr., said these funds will provide much needed, general support for the Law Center.

Cleo Fields

Zorraine “Zoey” Waguespack

Recent generous dona3ons by alumni Cleo Fields, ‘87, former congressman and Judge Zorraine “Zoey” Waguespack, ‘88, have added $30,000 to SULC for general support and scholarships.

Fields made a gi$ in the amount of $20,000 from Cy Pres funds from the Allied Signal South Works Se4lement Fund.

SU System News, page 3

“The financial support of our graduates allows us to con3nue to make programma3c enhancements, including access to the best resources in legal educa3on, which are of great benefit to our students,” said Chancellor Pitcher.

The gi$ by a4orney and former U.S. representa3ve Fields, a 1992 Dis3nguished Alumnus and a 2006 Hall of Fame inductee, qualified him for membership in the newly established Chancellor’s Circle.

The Chancellor’s Circle is a gi$ society of the annual fund inclusive of graduates and other supporters who have made cumula-

3ve contribu3ons of $1,000 or more to the annual fund.

Judge Waguespack, who was inducted into the 2009 SULC Hall of Fame, contributed $10,000 as a joint gi$ to the annual fund (Chancellor’s Circle) with the remaining $9,000 being designated for student scholarships. Nine $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to female law students from Livingston Parish who will be selected at the discre3on of the SULC Scholarship Committee, led by chairman, Russell Jones, vice chancellor for academic affairs.

“Thanks to the generosity of Cleo Fields, Judge Waguespack and other SULC graduates and supporters, we are able to con3nue ‘Reaching New Heights of Excellence’ in legal educa3on,” said Chancellor Pitcher.

For more informa3on about giving opportuni3es at SULC, contact April Brumfield, Annual Fund Coordinator, by telephone: (225) 771-5044 or by email: abrumfield@sulc.edu.

Ag Center awarded grant to enhance meat goat industry

The SU Ag Center's animal science program in collabora3on with four ins3tu3ons, was awarded a three-year, $388,000.00 USDA AFRI integrated research project grant with $45,000 coming to the Center.

The project, “Enhanced economic benefits for meat goat producers through produc3on, meat yield and palatability, and consumer informa3on,” is a joint project of five ins3tu3ons: LSU Ag Center, SU Ag Center, Angelo State University, Fort Valley State University, and Tuskegee University.

The lead ins3tu3on is LSU Ag Center.

The SU Ag Center research team members are researchers Fatemeh Malekian and Sebhatu Gebrelul, and research associate Janet Gager.

This project will iden3fy produc3on prac3ces and product traits at each segment of the meat goat industry that will increase the net economic benefits and produc3vity of meat goat producers.

The meat goat industry is the most rapidly growing livestock category in the U.S., but is highly unstructured compared to other livestock industries. Specific informa3on is

The SU Ag Center's animal science program in collabora0on with four ins0tu0ons, was awarded a three-year, $388,000.00 USDA AFRI integrated research project grant with $45,000 coming to the Center. The project, “Enhanced economic benefits for meat goat producers through produc0on, meat yield and palatability, and consumer informa0on,” is a joint project of five ins0tu0ons: LSU Ag Center, SU Ag Center, Angelo State University, Fort Valley State University, and Tuskegee University. The lead ins0tu0on is LSU Ag Center.

needed about each segment so that poten3al common market and product linkages can be iden3fied and rela3ve product values in each segment can be dis3nguished. The research will determine purchase and consump3on pa4erns for goat meat through a na3onal survey of consumers to evaluate live, carcass, and meat traits of kid and yearling goats representa3ve of meat goats being marketed in the U.S. and to survey producers on produc3on and marke3ng prac3ces needed to increase net margins and produc3vity within the next five years.

This informa3on will allow cohesion in communica3on and linking of product valua3on among the produc3on, processing, and retail market sectors. The mul3state inves3ga3on will integrate research and outreach ac3vi3es by using extension personnel to iden3fy producers to answer addi3onal ques3ons about produc3on and marke3ng a$er ini3al producer and consumer survey queries and analyses of animal and product characteris3cs have been conducted.

Student-a4orneys garner first win in criminal trial

Three Southern University Law Center Clinical Educa3on Program student-a4orneys have won their first criminal trial in District Court.

Kennisha Firstley, Quiana Hunt, and Diedre Pierce were successful in defending a client charged with simple ba4ery, that occurred as a result of a brawl at the local Bennigan’s.

“We are beginning to see a change in the level of confidence in the students and their trial skills seem to be improving,” Professor Donald North, director of clinical educa3on, said.

Thanks to Professors Michelle Ghe5, Shenequa Grey, Maurice Franks, and Arthur Stallworth, along with the Trial Advocacy instruc3on of Vice Chancellor Rus-

Kennisha Firstley

Quiana Hunt

sell Jones, student-a4orneys are increasing their evidence skills, North said.

“We must con3nue to promote sound trial skills as a complement to the substan3ve coursework,” he said.

Diedre Pierce

Clinical Educa3on student-a4orneys and Professor North will meet soon with a federal judge to enroll in the program’s first set of federal cases, involving the Coast Guard and the Federal Avia3on Administra3on.

SU System News, page 4

SUBR Con3nuing Ed, 6Sigmatek offer business training

Southern University and A&M College Division of Con3nuing Educa3on, in partnership with 6Sigmatek, LLC, is now offering Lean Six Sigma specialized training and deployment for businesses.

Lean Six Sigma is a business improvement methodology that maximizes shareholder value by achieving the fastest rate of improvement in consumer cost, sa3sfac3on, produc3on speed, invested capitol and quality. Lean Six Sigma is a sta3s3cal term that measures process capability.

Lean Six Sigma, which pledges to radically improve quality, provide companies with a compe33ve capacity for business, is designed specifically for Engineers, Project Managers, Supervisors, Team Leaders or key people in the organiza3on who are responsible for con3nuous improvement and bottom line results.

Some training objec3ves of the session will include:

* Proficiency in root causa3on techniques.

* Learning to write a clear business case, problem statement, measure of success and goal. * How to effec3vely scope your con3nuous improvement efforts. * How to choose projects that will drive bo4om line results. * Team crea3on, forma3on and facilita3on.

Open enrollment for all interested businesses began Jan. 1.

SUSLA, port host forum

In an effort to boost its profile in the eyes of minority- and women-owned businesses, the Port of Shreveport-Bossier held an economic opportuni3es forum on December 16 at Southern University at Shreveport’s Small, Women and Minority Owned Business Incubator in Bossier City.

Port officials highlighted its tenants, facili3es, Web site, and the bidding process for projects.

Rick Nance, the port’s director of engineering and planning, noted from the beginning that the bidding process only applies to projects under the port's jurisdic3on. It does not apply to projects by the port’s tenants.

Interested companies can look for project announcements in The Shreveport Times, The Bossier Press Tribune, The Advocate in Baton Rouge and on the port’s Web site.

Increasing minority- and women-owned business par3cipa3on in the bidding process has been a challenge, said James Pannell, president of the Caddo-Bossier Port Commission.

SU System News, page 5

In addi3on to the public adver3sing requirements, the port has access to lists of professional organiza3ons like the Associa3on of Minority Contractors and Building Associates.

Despite these efforts, minority par3cipa3on has fallen short of the port's goal of 25 percent. So the port partnered with SUSLA to tackle the problem. The December forum was the first a4empt to gain more exposure to minority- and women-owned companies.

For more informa3on or to register a business, contact Barbara Carpenter or Yvonne Campbell at 225.771.2613, Stephen Griffin at 704.604.9470 or visit www.6sigmatek.com.

Marshall-Brennan project awarded LBF grant

The SULC Marshall-Brennan Cons3tu3onal Literacy Project was awarded a $26,250 grant from the Louisiana Bar Founda3on.

The grant, which will be distributed on a quarterly basis over the next 18 months, was among the more than $4.1 million presented to 66 organiza3ons by the LBF Board of Directors at its November 6 mee3ng.

These grants were awarded in the areas of legal assistance to the poor, children’s legal services, law-related educa3on, loan repayment assistance and building capital development (BCD).

“With other fund’s already received, this grant will see the Project through 2010,” according to Vice Chancellor Russell Jones, project director.

The Marshall-Brennan Cons3tu3onal Literacy Project is a na3onwide program dedicated to teaching high school students about their cons3tu3onal rights.

USDA’s Hawkins visits SU Ag Center The Southern University Ag Center welcomed Clarence W. Hawkins, the new Louisiana State Director of USDA Rural Development, to the campus on December 17.

Hawkins told the crowd that his “task is to pick up the baton and carry on, to change the paradigm, and make the philosophy a reality. “Our task is to change the nega3ve percep3on of rural communi3es and it’s just that simple. I’m serious about accountability and I’m serious about service. Service is the rent I pay to stay here. We must build coopera3ons and colabora3ons. My hope is that Southern University con3nues to grow and to serve,” said Hawkins.

The former Bastrop mayor was appointed director by President Barack Obama in September 2009. In this capacity, Hawkins is responsible for the direc3on and delivery of the agency's rural development programs in Louisiana.

SU Ag Center Chancellor Leodrey Williams showed his support, saying, “we must do everything possible to give the people who are qualified and happy to live in rural parishes opportuni3es to thrive there.” The Southern University community including interim system president Kassie Freeman along with representa3ves from the system and community showed their support for Hawkins and USDA.

Jaguars pick up postseason honors

D’nae Capron

Ramon Chinyoung

Senior quarterback Bryant Lee was one of six Southern University players honored on the All-Southwestern Athle3c Conference team announced in early December.

Also named to the first team were offensive lineman Ramon Chinyoung, 3ght end Warren Ma4hews, wide receiver Juamorris Stewart and defensive back Jason House.

Punter Josh Duran was named to the second team.

The team was voted on by conference head coaches, sports informa3on directors and selected members of the media.

Stewart was named to the 2009 AFCA Football Championship Subdivision Coaches' All-America First Team announced December 16 by the American Football Coaches Associa3on.

Stewart wrapped up one of the most successful s3nts in the history of Southern University football. He finished his career as

Josh Duran

Jason House

Bryant Lee

SU’s All-Time leading pass catcher with 201 career recep3ons. He also had 2,668 career receiving yards and 25 touchdowns.

In the 2009 season alone, Stewart led the SWAC with with 81 catches for 1,028 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Stewart and House were also been named 1st team Black College Football All-Americans by Boxtorow.com/BASN, as chosen by selected members of the media that cover Black College Football. The team is comprised of 27 of the top Black College Football players in the country.

The Southern University Ag Center welcomed Clarence W. Hawkins, the new Louisiana State Director of USDA Rural Development, to the campus on December 17.

Pictured are (le" - right) Southern University Ag Center specialists Eual Hall and Gloria London, USDA state director Clarence Hawkins, Southern University System director of alumni communica0ons Robyn Merrick, and SU Ag Center chancellor Leodrey Williams.

Warren Ma1hews

Juamorris Stewart

Capron, a na3ve of Nassua, Bahamas, ended her first collegiate season totaling 103 saves in 17 contests while allowing 54 saves a$er seeing 246 shots on the year.

This is D'nae first collegiate honor a$er compiling a 4-12 record.

The LSWA All-Louisiana Women's Soccer Collegiate Team is selected by the state's sports informa3on directors and media members.

Lee and Ma4hews were named honorable men3on BCF All-American by Boxtorow.com/BASN. Southern University”s women's soccer goalie D'Nae Capron was named to the 2009 All-Louisiana Sports Writers Associa3on honorable men3on list.

SU System News, page 6

SUBR, SUSLA hold fall commencement exercises

Southern University and A&M College held its fall commencement exercises on December 11 in the F. G. Clark Ac3vity Center.

Thomas Dortch Jr., chairman emeritus of the 100 Black Men of America, Incorporated gave the address to the 517 graduates.

Terry McCullum Jr., of Baton Rouge, was honored as the chief student marshal. McCullum, a mechanical engineering major, graduated with a 3.9 GPA. On Saturday, December 12, Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) held its first fall commencement in the university’s Health & Physical Educa3on Complex. The 2009 Fall Class had 83 graduates.

The Honorable Patrick O. Jefferson, member, Southern University Board of Supervisors, was the keynote speaker for SUSLA’s first fall commencement. Eighty-three students received degrees and cer0ficates during the ceremony.

The Honorable Patrick O’Neal Jefferson, Esq., member, Southern University Board of Supervisors, gave the keynote address for the occasion.

Jefferson, a member of the SU Board of Supervisors since 2009, joined the Newell Law Firm in September, 2005. He prac3ces primarily in the civil area, but he also prac3ces criminal defense and serves on the Bienville Parish Police Jury, district 2 having been elected in October, 2007. Immediately a$er finishing law school, Jefferson joined the presiden3al administra3on of Dillard University where he served as dean of students, director of the Samuel DuBois CookDaniel C. Thompson Honors Program, and special assistant to the president.

Southern University and A&M College held its fall commencement exercises on December 11 in the F. G. Clark Ac0vity Center. Terry McCullum Jr., of Baton Rouge, was honored as the chief student marshal. McCullum, a mechanical engineering major, graduated with a 3.9 GPA. Pictured is McCullum receiving his degree from SUBR Chancellor Kofi Lomotey. Also pictured are SU Board of Supervisors members Hon. Walter Dumas and Hon. Randall Gaines.

Jefferson earned his juris doctorate from The Ohio State University where he was a Dorothy Danforth Scholar and Moot Court Finalist and his baccalaureate degree in English from the pres3gious Dillard University where he graduated summa cum laude as the valedictorian. Honored by mul3ple academic organiza3ons, Jefferson was a semifinalist for the Rhodes Scholarship and was a guest of the German government as a Alexander con Humboldt Fellow.

Walterius Braggs, a computer science major from Shreveport who graduated with a 3.55 GPA was SUSLA’s chief student marshal.

SU System News, page 7

Thomas Dortch Jr., chairman emeritus of the 100 Black Men of America, Incorporated gave the address to the 517 graduates during the Southern University and A&M College fall commencement on December 11. Pictured with Dortch is SU System Interim President Kassie Freeman and SUBR Chancellor Kofi Lomotey.

JANUARY 16

Upcoming Events

27 2010 MLK Unity Celebra3on Li$ing Our Voices-the Power of Unity jointly planned by Southern, LSU and BRCC 6 p.m.

Lod Cook Alumni Center 30

Featuring New York author Gilbert King who will address “Race, Murder and Capital Punishment in Louisiana, and the Execu3on of Willie Francis, ” based on his book published by Basic Books in 2008.

Noon A.A. Lenoir Hall Southern University Law Center

February

23 Black History Month High School Poster Contest 6 p.m.

Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union

2010 Honda Ba4le of the Bands Invita3onal Showcase 3 p.m.

Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA

Sprite Step-Off 7p.m.

F.G. Clark Ac3vity Center Get 3ckets at SPRITESTEPOFF.COM/TICKETS 18

1 The Resurrec3on of Harriet Tubman Na3onal Tour Show 7 p.m.

Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union 2 Black History Month Quiz Bowl 6 p.m.

Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union 4 LA Postsecondary Educa3on Review Commission mee3ng, through February 5 8:30 a.m.

House Commi4ee Room 1 State Capital

Mar3n Luther King Holiday observed Alpha Phi Alpha candlelight vigil and processional from the Smith Brown Memorial Union to the MLK Catholic Student Center 5:30 p.m.

Mar3n Luther King Mural unveiling M.L. King Student Center 6 p.m.

The Southern University System Newsle4er is published monthly by the Southern University System to highlight news and accomplishments throughout the SU System. Campus news provided by the Office of Media Rela0ons (SUBR), the Office of Public Rela0ons (SUNO), Office of Communica0ons (SU Ag Center), Office of Publica0ons and Electronic Media (SUBR, SULC), Department of University Communica0ons (SUSLA), and Sports Informa0on (SUBR).

Please e-mail any ar0cles, photos, and announcements for the SU System Newsle4er by the last week of each month to: susystemnewsle1er@sus.edu

5 17th Annual Pre-Law Day 9 a.m.

Southern University Law Center 10 Chancellor’s Lecture Series--Sister Souljah 7 p.m.

Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union 11

Support Southern University Athle3cs! for event schedules: Southern University BATON ROUGE

h4p://gojagsports.com

Southern University SHREVEPORT

h4p://web.susla.edu/athle3cs/Pages/a thle3c-toc.aspx

Southern University NEW ORLEANS

h4p://www.suno.edu/Athle3cs/ index.html

Support the

2009 Southern University United Way Campaign

Southern University Law Center’s 2009-2010 Speakers Series

For pledge forms or addi3onal informa3on, contact: Janifer B. Peters SU United Way Campaign Chair 225-771-3798 or email peters@engr.subr.edu.

SU System News, page 8

STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS 2007 – 2012

• ENHANCE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

• DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A SYSTEM-WIDE CULTURE OF ASSESSMENT, QUALITY ENHANCEMENT, AND ACCOUNTABILITY • ENHANCE SYSTEM-WIDE ATHLETIC PROGRAMMING AND FACILITIES • CREATE AND EXECUTE A COMPREHENSIVE ADVANCEMENT PLAN

• CREATE AND IMPLEMENT A SYSTEM-WIDE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE MASTER PLAN

Five Campuses, One Vision. . .GLOBAL Excellence

SU System News, page 9