ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS TOUR LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL FIRM

Students from the Department of Engineering Technology at Mississippi Valley State University met with local architects, John Beard and Dale Riser, at their offices in downtown Greenwood, Miss. Five students from the Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) concentration and the Architectural Construction Management concentration learned about the career path to becoming a licensed architect from these accomplished gentlemen.A brief history of the firm’s origin was provided followed by the viewing of presentation boards showcasing some of the projects Beard and

Riser have worked on in the Delta. Projects of particular interest include the Isaiah Thornton Montgomery House restoration project in Mound Bayou, Miss. and the Mississippi Delta Community College Coliseum renovation. Software used in the completion of these designs was discussed and works in progress were examined. Mr. Beard demonstrated an old Leroy Lettering Set as an example of how far drafting technology has progressed over the years.

It was a terrific visit and the principal architects were very open, answering many questions about how they started the business and

explaining the day to day operations of a successful architecture firm. Drawing plans is only a small part of the business. Many hours are spent coordinating work between many professionals. Each project involves a set of drawings and a specification book outlining all of the details required to complete the project. Architects often work with civil engineers when preparing site plans, structural engineers when calculating structure loads, mechanical engineers when installing heating, cooling and plumbing fixtures, electrical engineers when detailing energy applications, and code compliance specialists to ensure all work meets quality standards.“We enjoy having students see what we do, and hope it inspires them as they continue their educations at Mississippi Valley and go out into the world,” said Principal Dale Riser. He added that Beard + Riser Architects looks forward to an opportunity to provide internships and learning opportunities to MVSU students who are driven to get hands-on real world experience. The Engineering Technology Department hopes to foster a relationship with Beard + Riser and possibly introduce student interns at the firm in the future. MVSU is grateful for the opportunity to visit one of the premier architectural companies in the Delta and truly appreciates the willingness of the owners to share their knowledge with Engineering Technology students.

A Publication of Mississippi Valley State University for Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends | June 13, 2017 • Vol. 14 • Edition 6

Pictured from left are Christine Buschman, architectural intern; Dale Riser, principal architect; Trenlon Harris Jr., John Beard, principal architect; Sarah Cenary, Kendrick Woods, Datreion Eatmon, and Deadrian Smith.

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY’S SAWYER SELECTED FOR NFL BILL WALSH DIVERSITY COACHING FELLOWSHIP

Mississippi Valley State University Assistant Football Coach Jeff Sawyer has been chosen as a participant for the 2017 NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. The Fellowship will take place this summer, with Sawyer being assigned to the Washington Redskins.

The program’s objective is to use NFL clubs’ training camps, offseason workout program and minicamps to give talented coaches opportunities to: observe, participate, gain experience and ultimately gain a full-time NFL coaching position.

The program was designed to increase the number of full-time NFL minority coaches, now all 32-teams participate each year. Several current NFL head coaches, including Super Bowl winning coach Mike Tomlin and current Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn, are graduates of the program.

Sawyer, who is in his first season as linebackers coach, will travel to Washington D.C., for a few days in July and August. In July, he will attend the minicamp and in August, he will take part in the Redskins’ training camp.

The former Memphis State University All-American has several years of experience on the professional level and has starred in the Canadian Football League prior to his coaching years, will participated in his first Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship.

ASHLEY WALKER NAMED FIFTH HEAD WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH

June

19 – Free men and women’s basketball camp, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Charles Lackey Recreational Center and R.W. Harrison Complex

19 – Twister Fest, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., Jacob Aron Student Union

20 – Free men and women’s basketball camp, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Charles Lackey Recreational Center and R.W. Harrison Complex

24 – Men’s Health Fair, 10 a.m. – 12 noon, Charles Lackey Recreational Center

26 – MVSU MGMM Summer High School Band Camp, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Walter Roberts Auditorium

27 – Outdoor Volleyball, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Jacob Aron Student Union

EVENT CALENDAR

Mississippi Valley State University’s Director of Athletics Dianthia Ford-Kee announced Ashley Walker as the fifth head women’s basketball coach on May 5, 2017. Walker believes her track record for recruiting student-athletes and discipline philosophy that focuses on mental and physical growth through teaching will continue the upward momentum of the women’s basketball program. She brings 12-years of collegiate coaching experience. “I am elated Coach Walker accepted the opportunity to lead our women’s basketball team. Her competitive drive and ability to transition that drive to the young ladies will make for exciting basketball at the Valley,” stated Ford-Kee. “She is vested in developing champions of character through sports on and off the playing surface. Her ‘get it done’ attitude and strategic approach to the game will lead

our program to be a force to reckoned with sooner rather than later in conference as well as non-conference play.”Walker comes to Mississippi Valley State after serving two years at Wiley College (May 2015-17). While at Wiley, she tallied

an overall record of 39-17. Walker has the experience to propel the hungry Devilettes team forward. She was responsible for the day-to-day decision making for her program at Wiley. In addition to the day-to-day operations, Walker oversaw the budget, served as a liaison for Champions of Character with the N.A.I.A and spearheaded the program’s fundraising efforts.

Before taking on the head role at Wiley, Walker spent three seasons as an assistant at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. While at South Carolina State, she helped the team to an impressive 20-9 record in her first season and coached two-time All-MEAC performer Kourtney Williams, who finished her career as the seventh all-time leading scorer in South Carolina State women’s basketball history. During her tenure, South Carolina State also record victories over Clemson University and several teams from the Big South, SoCon, Atlantic South and Ohio Valley Conferences.Prior to SC State, Walker was an assistant coach at Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas for seven

See “Coach” page 7

2

WALKER

TURNIPSEED TO PRESENT AT COLLEGE OF CHARLESTONDr. Cassie Sade Turnipseed, assistant professor of history at Mississippi Valley State University is a busy professor. In the month of June, she will be engaged in, yet, another project giving her the opportunity to share her research at

the College of Charleston.

The conference, ‘Transforming Public History from Charleston to the Atlantic World’ will be held June 14-17.

It is hosted by the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, Carolina Low Country and the Atlantic World Program (CLAW), Addlestone Library and the Race and Social Justice Initiative at the College of Charleston.

Dr. Turnipseed, along with Ed Dwight, both of Khafre, Inc. will present on Wednesday, June 14 during a session on Black Monuments, Culture and Historical Narratives.

She will present research on ‘The Building of a National Park: The Cotton Pickers’ Monument Project.’

“This is a great opportunity that I plan to take full advantage of,” said Dr. Turnipseed. “What we are talking about carries huge historical significance. It is so relevant and timely to where Mississippi Valley State sits, that it’s important to give that story a voice.”

“This monument project presents an opportunity to not only give dignity to those who made cotton ‘king,’ but also to say thank you to those who with their sweat equity investments made cotton production the number one industry in America for over two-hundred years.”

As the founding member and executive director of Khafre, Inc., a 501 c3 not-for-profit Mississippi based organization, she works on a volunteer basis to lead the community driven movement to erect a monument and establish a national park in tribute to enslaved workers, sharecroppers, tenant farmers and day laborers of the cotton fields of the American South.

The keynote speaker for the conference is Lonnie G. Bunch, Ph.D., director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum for African American History and Culture. In this position, he works to set the museum’s mission, coordinate its fundraising and membership campaigns, develop its collections, establish cultural partnerships and provided oversight for the design and construction of the museum.

EVANS RECOGNIZED IN CONGRESSIONAL RECORDUnited States Congressman Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi recently recognized and honored Dr. Elizabeth D. Evans as an educator, leader and public servant for her dedication to serving others and giving back to the African American community.

Congressman Thompson bestowed this acknowledgement on Dr. Evans on April 25 in his Congressional Record. The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress, published by the United States Government Printing Office and issued when Congress is in session.

Dr. Evans is the associate vice president for academic affairs at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU). She joined the Valley in the fall of 2003. In addition, Evans serves as an assistant professor in the social sciences department and the public administration program. She teaches freshman through senior level courses, manages the internship program, advises all students in the public administration program and serves as coordinator for the public administration program.

“I am both honored and blessed to be listed in the annals of the United States Congress,” said Evans. Serving others and giving back to the African American community have guided my entire professional life I share this achievement with my family, friends, professional colleagues and communities as so many of them have contributed to shaping the person that I have become.”

Dr. Evans earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Mississippi Valley State University, where she was commissioned as a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program.

She earned a Master of Arts degree in public management from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Texas, and a Ph.D. in public policy and administration from Mississippi State University.

In addition, she completed the Air Force’s three-tier Professional Military Education program (Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and Air War College) and

Academic Instructor School while serving in the U.S. Air Force.

“Her primary interests are in continuous personal improvement and student achievement,” said Thompson in his Congressional Record. “She believes that teaching is more than the giving of information; it is working to ensure learning takes place and students must be engaged with exciting instruction, materials, examples and demonstrations of real world situations to excite their desire to learn and use what they learn for a lifetime.”

3

TURNIPSEED

JACKSON RECEIVES MCRAE PUBLISHING INTERNSHIPShaquetta Jackson, an English graduate, received the McRae Publishing Internship from the University Press of Mississippi after a successful interview with the editors.

“I’m excited and eager to work with UPM,” said Jackson. “I love books, and I like to read. This experience will almost be like a behind the scenes of how a book is actually prepared. I can’t wait to learn more about the south and the culture with the scholarly books that UPM will publish.”

According to Dr. John Zheng, department chair of English and Foreign Languages, this is the first time for a Valley Scholar to receive the McRae Publishing Internship.

“The Department of English and Foreign Languages congratulates Shaquetta Jackson as

a record breaker and as a role model for other Valley Scholars.”

The McRae Publishing Internship, generously supported by the Richard and Selby McRae Foundation, provides valuable, hands-on experience. Through the McRae Publishing Internship, the Press offers a singular educational opportunity to young men and women interested in book publishing to start their careers as interns and gain valuable practical knowledge about the publishing industry. Interns will learn about publishing while providing assistance to and working under the supervision of the Press’s full-time staff in a variety of tasks. Previous interns have gone on to jobs in publishing or related fields or continued their education by attending university-affiliated publishing programs. She will begin her internship in May.

The Office of Communications and Marketing staff at Mississippi Valley State University recently won seven awards at the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi (CPRAM) Conference held in Ocean Springs, Miss. on May 22-23.

The University’s Communiqué won a first place award in the newsletter category. On the winning team were Maxine Greenleaf, director; and Joseph Cotton, associate graphic designer.

Senior Graphic Designer John McCall won second place in the single piece artwork – sports category for his ‘Purpose’ athletic stadium banners.

Greenleaf and McCall won second place honors for the University’s commercial in the creative partners category. The commercial was a partnership with Tellos Creative based in Starkville, Miss. Both members of the team won second place honors for an admissions travel brochure and third place for an acceptance brochure. Also, the pair won first place for a single piece artwork - non sports, BB King Day poster.

Cotton, Greenleaf and D’Auna Hudson, the area’s work study student, won first place in

the brochure category for a facts and figures brochure.

Greenleaf has been elected as vice president of CPRAM for the 2017-2018 term.

The team competed against other senior public and private institutions in the state of Mississippi – Alcorn State University, Institutions of Higher Learning, Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University and Mississippi College.

CPRAM promotes excellence in public relations at public and private four and two-year educational institutions in the state. Mississippi’s four-year institutions compete in the senior division and community colleges in the junior division. This year, the organization received over 250 entries in both divisions.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING TEAM WINS 7 CPRAM AWARDS

4

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS

Luncheon

The 65th Commencement

Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) was well represented during the International Organization of Black Security Executives (IOBSE) Conference held in Bentonville, Ark. on April 24-28 at Walmart headquarters.

Marissa Ware, Laquita White, Tayilah Riddick-Waters and Jaishone Cornelius who are all criminal justice majors participated in the conference along with Raveen McKenzi who is majoring in computer science.

Over $9,000 in scholarships were awarded to some of the deserving students. Riddick-Waters and Cornelius were both chosen to receive the Loss Prevention Certification scholarship, which was valued at $495, totaling $990.

Students were given the opportunity to compete for an educational scholarship by writing a 500-word essay about their interest in security, leadership and campus community involvement. Cornelius won this scholarship in the amount of $1,500. He was the only male student to win either of the scholarships, and the only student to win both scholarships.

Valley students participated along with 26 other students from universities across the United States including Spelman, Clark Atlanta, Grambling, Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University and Southern University Law Center.

“The conference’s purpose is to help students navigate from academia to the professional world,” said Dr. Rochelle Cobbs, assistant professor of criminal justice.

During the conference students were presented in-depth information regarding the vast components of the security industry, and how to professionally market themselves in today’s competitive work environment.

“Executives observed the students and at the end chose students who they wanted to interview and possibly offer jobs. All five of MVSU students who participated at the conference were invited for interviews with some of the companies participating in the conference.”

MVSU STUDENTS ATTEND IOBSE CONFERENCE

Pictured from left are Raveen McKenzie, Marissa Ware, Jaishone Cornelius, Laquita White and Ms. Tayilah Riddick-Waters.

seasons (2005-2012). During her time, the team compiled a record of 135-81.Walker, a Bryan, Texas native, played two years at Angelina College after leaving Bryan High School as a highly sought-after recruit. In the 1999-2000 season, she was part of the team that broke the program record for wins in a season as her team finished 24-7. Her success at the junior-college level led to a scholarship at Texas Wesleyan University, which was in the Red River Athletic Conference where she played for another two seasons before receiving her Bachelor of Science in exercise of sports studies in 2005.Upon graduating, Walker returned to Angelina College as an assistant to head coach Bryan Coleman. During her time there, the team set a school-record 26 wins in the 2009-10 season, and she helped coach three National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-Americans, two Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-Americans and two freshmen of the year. Additionally, the 2006-07 team earned Academic All-American honors. Several of Walker’s Lady Roadrunner players went on to play Division I basketball.Walker is the daughter of Thomas and Dorothy Walker, who still reside in Bryan, Texas. Walker has one sister, Amanda, who lives in Austin, Texas.

Coach continued from page 2

7

WELCOME ABOARD

Carla CopelandGeneral Service PersonFacilities Management

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I would like to start off by stating one of my personal favorite quotes, which is “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal.” Since I have discovered the meaning behind this quote, my life has continued to become better and better. My name is Kendall Tanner, and I am a proud new member of the Valley family. I’m a native of Indianola (home of the mighty Gentry Rams). I attended college at Delta State University, where I earned a BBA in Computer Information Systems, as well as a Master of Business Administration degree. I am very fortunate to a have career background that has developed me in the various fields, such as customer service, sales, finances and public speaking. In my current role as Director of Development, I look to use my skills and past experiences to assist Mississippi Valley State University with its vision for progress. I love positive energy, and I have a passion to motivate others.

How do you approach providing service?

Matthew 20:26 states, he that wishes to be the greatest finds a way to service the many. Think on that one for a second. Life is all about service, and more importantly, it is vital for each and every one to discover their purpose in life. I’m still developing my understanding of what life is all about, but I do understand that I would like to do my part to service God’s people. Through service at work, as well as service through volunteering, I aim to have a positive, uplifting impact on as many people as I can. From my position here at Valley to organizations I am actively involved

in, such as Make a Wish Foundation, Salvation Army, and most notably Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., I hope to leave a positive mark on the lives of those around me.

Where are we most likely to find you when you are not at work?

During the weekend I’m all over the place, because I really love to travel. I make it a priority to do something rewarding when I’m away from work.

What is something we would be surprised to learn about you?

I think a lot of people are surprised when I mention how adventurous I am. I have gone skydiving, scuba diving, canoeing, snowboarding, and the list goes on. People are also a bit surprised when I perform karaoke. I might not be the best singer, but I will definitely give you an entertaining performance.

Kendall TannerTwoMinuteswith... Director of Development

The Communiqué is published for faculty, staff, alumni and supporters of Mississippi

Valley State University by the Office of Communications and Marketing

Editorial material should be sent to news@mvsu.edu or mailed to:

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

AND MARKETINGMississippi Valley State UniversityMVSU 7233 • 14000 Hwy. 82 W.

Itta Bena, MS 38941-1400

For more information, call 662.254.3578news@mvsu.edu

Dameon A. ShawInterim Vice President for University Advancement

Maxine GreenleafDirector of Communications

and Marketing

John McCallSenior Graphic Designer

Joseph CottonAssociate Graphic Designer

Donell MaxieCommunications Specialist

Shanae CurryProject Coordinator

Dr. William B. Bynum Jr. President

Mississippi Valley State University complies with all applicable laws regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity in all its activities and programs and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or group affiliation, age, disability, handicap, or status as a veteran or disabled veteran.

@MississippiValley @MVSUDEVILS

New Hashtag: #GOMVSU