Social Sciences News

Court of Appeals to visit 91�첥 February 13

communications — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 16:33:16 +0000

Court of Appeals to visit 91�첥 February 13

Wed, 02/05/2020 - 12:00

communications Wed, 02/05/2020 - 10:33

ITTA BENA, Miss.—The Mississippi Court of Appeals will convene on the campus of 91�첥 in Itta Bena at 1 p.m. Feb. 13. A three-judge panel will hear oral arguments in a criminal appeal at the W.A. Butts Social Science Building Auditorium.

The Court of Appeals periodically schedules oral arguments on college campuses and occasionally at other locations in its Court on the Road program. Court on the Road helps educate students and the public about the judicial system and appeals court proceedings. Judges will answer questions from students after the oral arguments, but won’t talk about the pending case.

Court of Appeals Judge Latrice Westbrooks of Lexington said, “The Court on the Road program offers the opportunity for transparency and education. It will transform and elevate the public’s understanding of Mississippi’s judicial system. It also encourages civic engagement and exposes the public to the Court in a way that is not adversarial.”

The case to be heard is the criminal appeal of Matthew Jonathan Moberg v. State of Mississippi, cause number 2018-KA-1726. Moberg was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole in the May 23, 2017, slaying of 16-year-old Brian “Jessie” Parker. Parker’s body was found in Greene County, Mississippi. Moberg and Parker were from south Alabama.

The appellant brief filed on behalf of Moberg may be viewed on the Mississippi Judiciary website at this link: https://courts.ms.gov/appellatecourts/docket/sendPDF.php?f=web0001.COA…

The brief filed by the office of the Attorney General is at this link: https://courts.ms.gov/appellatecourts/docket/sendPDF.php?f=web0001.COA….

Moberg is represented by Mollie M. McMillin of the Office of State Public Defender Indigent Appeals Division. The State is represented by Special Assistant Attorney General Abbie Eason Koonce.

The oral arguments are expected to last approximately an hour. The appellant and appellee are each allowed 30 minutes.

People wishing to watch the proceedings are asked to be in their seats 15 minutes before the oral arguments are scheduled to begin.

The oral arguments will not be broadcast via the Court’s website, since the Court of Appeals is convening a special session away from its camera-equipped courtroom.

Any media organization which may wish to photograph or videotape the arguments must file a Camera Coverage Notice. Camera Coverage Notices should be directed to Clerk of the Court Jeremy Whitmire, fax 601-359-2407 or e-mail jwhitmire@courts.ms.gov, and to Assistant Court Administrator Camille Evans, fax 601-576-4708 or e-mail cevans@courts.ms.gov. The Camera Coverage Notice form is at https://courts.ms.gov/news/forms/camnotice.pdf.

Photographers and videographers must be familiar with and follow the Rules for Electronic and Photographic Coverage of Judicial Proceedings. The camera coverage rules are available at http://courts.ms.gov/rules/msrulesofcourt/rules_electronicphotographic_….

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MVSU History program to host veteran journalist Harvey Parson

communications — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 22:28:39 +0000

MVSU History program to host veteran journalist Harvey Parson

Thu, 09/20/2018 - 12:00

communications Thu, 09/20/2018 - 17:28

ITTA BENA, Miss.— 91�첥's History degree program will host a sit-down with Mississippi Today Managing Editor Harvey Parson to discuss media and journalism literacy as well as careers in the media industry at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26.

During the event, hosted in the Cliff E. Williams Auditorium of MVSU’s Business Education Building, Parson will show students the projected Mississippi Today website as well as explain the differences between editorials, commentaries and hard news articles. The trending term “fake news” will also be discussed.

Organizer Dr. Kathryn Green, MVSU associate professor of history, said the inspiration for the event came after working with students during the “History Behind the News” campus radio show.

“We’re trying to get that started again with students in history and other students interested in exploring sources behind the news articles and topics we see,” said Green. “I attended a symposium in Jackson this past summer on the press, networked with other people interested in the topic and got a commitment from Mississippi Today to come and talk with our students.”

Green said that understanding the intricacies of today’s media and journalism is vital.

“It is an issue that is important for all citizens. We should understand how to evaluate the news we read or hear so that we can become aware of what is legitimate and what is not,” Green explained.

“I also want students to consider career options in media organizations—majors in History, Social Sciences, English and of course Mass Communications have a wide number of career options available to them in journalism and media fields," she added.

A veteran journalist, Parson is a 1983 graduate of Mississippi State University and has nearly 30 years of newspaper experience, including leadership roles in Arizona, Georgia and Ohio.

At the Arizona Republic in Phoenix, Ariz., where he worked for 17 years, Parson wore many hats including that of News Editor and City Editor for the East Valley.

In 2004, he moved to Atlanta and served as Senior Editor for nights at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution until 2012. He then relocated to Dayton, Ohio, where he was the Copy Desk Operations Manager for Cox Media Group, a division of Cox Enterprises whose properties include the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Parson was born in Northeast Mississippi and graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1979.

For questions or more information, contact Green at (662) 254-3362.

MVSU’s Hawkins to chair Rural Poverty Research Interest Group

communications — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 16:26:22 +0000

MVSU’s Hawkins to chair Rural Poverty Research Interest Group

Mon, 09/10/2018 - 12:00

communications Mon, 09/10/2018 - 11:26

ITTA BENA, Miss.—Dr. Cassandra Hawkins may be new 91�첥 (MVSU) faculty, but she is already making an impact on campus.

Hawkins, who is an assistant professor of public administration /rural public policy and planning, has been nominated to serve as the chair-elect of the Rural Sociological Society’s Rural Poverty Research Interest Group (RIG) for 2018-2019. She will serve as chair of the Rural Poverty RIG in 2019-2020.

The Rural Sociological Society (RSS) is a professional social science association that promotes the generation, application, and dissemination of sociological knowledge to enhance the quality of rural life, communities, and the environment. The association’s Research and Interest Groups (RIGs) reflect the substantive interests of RSS members and serve as an important avenue for connecting members with similar interests.

The Rural Poverty RIG welcomes, fosters, and promotes research from diverse theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches that contribute to a broad understanding of the dynamic intersecting factors that produce and perpetuate conditions of poverty for rural individuals, families, communities, and regions in both the United States and in other nations.

“This opportunity will allow me to expose my students in the MA Rural Public Policy and Planning program to research, networking, and career opportunities,” Hawkins said.

“I look forward to preparing for the 2019 RSS National Conference and having students present their work,” she added.

Hawkins teaches in the Rural Public Policy and Planning graduate program as well as the Government and Politics program in the Department of Social Sciences at MVSU.

Her research interests include student pedagogy, American literature, agriculture policy, rural policy, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and food insecurity in Mississippi.

“Dr. Hawkins is an addition to our capacity building for research in agricultural policy and rural policy," said Dr. Richard Mushi, chair of MVSU’s Social Sciences Department and coordinator of the Rural Public Policy and Planning program.

“We are so excited about research and grantsmanship possibilities she brings to Rural Public Policy and Planning graduate program, Social Sciences department and our 91�첥.”

For information about the Rural Poverty RIG, visit www.ruralsociaology.org

To learn more about MVSU’s Rural Public Policy and Planning program, call (662) 254-3352 or visit www.mvsu.edu

MVSU history professor assists in national project

communications — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 19:42:12 +0000

MVSU history professor assists in national project

Mon, 08/06/2018 - 12:00

communications Mon, 08/06/2018 - 14:42

ITTA BENA, Miss.— This summer, 91�첥 history professor Dr. Kathryn Green participated in a national project to explore how philosophy and history faculty members at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) can improve the work of scholarly societies, and how the scholarly societies can improve access to the resources, professional, and academic networks they provide.

The American Historical Association (AHA) and the American Philosophical Association (APA), supported by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, began this project last fall to work towards deeper collaboration between scholarly societies and HBCUs, including exploring how scholarly societies can offer professional development opportunities that address particular needs of faculty at under-resourced HBCUs.

This initiative, “Extending the Reach of Scholarly Society Work to HBCU Faculty” convened three focus groups in June 2018: at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans on June 8, at Spelman College in Atlanta on June 15, and in Washington, D.C. on June 22.

Members of the project’s steering committee along with the executive directors and staff members of the AHA and APA listened to a group of history and philosophy faculty members who are dedicated to their students and to the missions of their institutions.

The participating faculty also detailed intense teaching, service, and research commitments, as well as work they do in their broader communities.

With the help of these participants, the project will explore possibilities for closer connections between scholarly societies and HBCU historians and philosophers. The three focus group conversations have provided the critical insights to guide the project findings and will form the basis of the project report, to be released next year.

The American Historical Association is the largest professional organization serving historians in all fields and all professions. Founded in 1884, the AHA has become a trusted voice for history education, the professional work of historians, and the critical role of historical thinking in public life.

Founded in 1900, the American Philosophical Association promotes the discipline and profession of philosophy, both within the academy and in the public arena. The APA supports the professional development of philosophers at all levels and works to foster greater understanding and appreciation of the value of philosophical inquiry.

Pi Sigma Alpha to Host Lecture on Voter Suppression

communications — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 19:33:37 +0000

Pi Sigma Alpha to Host Lecture on Voter Suppression

Wed, 03/22/2017 - 12:00

communications Wed, 03/22/2017 - 14:33

Dr. Emmitt Y. Riley III, assistant professor of political science in the Department of
Political Science at DePauw University will give a lecture on “Voter Suppression” on
March 23, 2017 in the Social Sciences Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Dr. Riley specializes in the study of African American Politics. Data on voter suppression
is a major part of his research. His work is especially relevant in addressing contemporary
debates on voter registration and voter suppression.

Dr. Riley is an alumnus of 91�첥. He holds bachelor’s
degrees in political science and English. Dr. Riley is a native of Itta Bena, Mississippi.
He completed a M.A. (2010) in political science at Jackson State University and a
Ph.D. (2014) in political science at The University of Mississippi with a specialization in American Politics and
International Relations. He has other teaching and research interests in Race Politics, Congressional Representation,
Racial Attitudes, Voting Behavior, Political Marginalization and Inequality.

The lecture is sponsored by the Tau Upsilon chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor’s
society, along with the Department of Social Sciences. For more information, contact Dr. Larry W, Chappell,
adviser, Tau Upsilon Chapter; at 662-254-3352 or by email at larchap@mvsu.edu.
Office

Fitzgerald Delivers Address at MVSU’s Honors Convocation

communications — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 14:37:39 +0000

Fitzgerald Delivers Address at MVSU’s Honors Convocation

Wed, 03/22/2017 - 12:00

communications Wed, 03/22/2017 - 09:37

Oleta Garett Fitzgerald stood before the 91�첥 family Thursday morning and told the honorees of the 2017 Honors Convocation that, “we need your help.”

Fitzgerald was the speaker for the annual event, which celebrated 689 students for their outstanding academic achievements for the 2016-17 school year.

The convocation was held in the H.G. Carpenter Auditorium. The program recognized president’s scholars, distinguished scholars, honor scholars and scholars. In addition numerous students received honors during the outstanding scholar awards and special awards segment of the program.

Fitzgerald was direct in her address to the students and expressed to them the significance of education in their lives.

“A child who does not have access to a good education, particularly, in the 21^st century is sentenced to economic and social death,” said Fitzgerald.

In addition, she also spoke to the importance of if students are not educated and not skilled in an economy, that is moving in a different direction.

“If robots are going to be doing our jobs then we better know how to build a robot or repair a robot.

Dr. William B. Bynum, Jr. University President shared some of the outstanding achievements from the students, faculty and staff.

“We have seen our students, faculty and staff achieve great things and each time we have had the opportunity the Valley has showed up and showed out,” said Bynum.

Fitzgerald is the director of the Children's Defense Fund's Southern Regional Office (CDF-SRO), and she also serves as the regional administrator for the Southern Rural Black Women's Initiative for Economic & Social Justice (SRBWI). Fitzgerald holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Tougaloo College in Jackson.

SRBWI operates in 77 counties across the Black Belts of Alabama, Southwest Georgia, and the Mississippi Delta. CDF-SRO also serves as the lead for the W.K. Kellogg funded Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids (SPARK) Initiative.

Murphy Wins Outstanding Witness Award at Mississippi College

communications — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 16:39:29 +0000

Murphy Wins Outstanding Witness Award at Mississippi College

Fri, 03/10/2017 - 12:00

communications Fri, 03/10/2017 - 10:39

The 91�첥 Mock Trial Team ended the season competing in the Jackson Regional Mock Trial Tournament held at the Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson. Pictured from left are Dr. Larry Chappell, advisor; Jasmine Murphy, Dr. William Bynum, MVSU president; Kenya Junes, Alexxus Ervins; second row, Kambreca Mitchell, Barbara Duncan, Destaree Simmons, Laquita White and Neysha Sanders, Esq.

The 91�첥 (MVSU) Mock Trial Team recently competed in the Jackson Regional Mock Trial Tournament held at the Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson.

MVSU competed against The University of Alabama at Birmingham, The University of Georgia, Tulane University and The University of North Alabama.

“The team compiled a respectable record on their eight ballots over four rounds narrowly losing three ballots that would have placed them in the opening round of national championship competition,” said Dr. Larry Chappell, the team’s advisor. “ The competitiveness of the team is quite an accomplishment considering the number of first-year and sophomore students on the team. All of the team will be returning next year with the exception of one graduating senior.”

Jasmine Murphy, sophomore pre-law/legal studies and English double major from Itta Bena, Miss., won an outstanding witness award for the defense for her role as Dr. Vic Fogel, an expert on journalism. She also received strong scores and rankings for a separate role as psychologist Cary Kramer on the plaintiff side. This was her second outstanding witness award in less than a month.

“Playing an expert witness is quite challenging since the witness must learn credentials; tests and methods; supporting evidence; and major conclusions for complicated professional studies, he said. “To testify on both sides as an expert is a grueling challenge that Ms. Murphy met well.”

The other members of the team include Kenya Jones (team captain) junior double major in pre-law /legal studies and government and politics from Meridian, Miss.; Nadia Crawford, sophomore pre-law/legal studies major from Atlanta, Ga; Barbara Duncan, first year double major in english education and pre-law/legal studies from Schlater, Miss.; Alexxus Ervins, first year pre-law/legal studies major from Laurel, Miss.; Tiwana Frazier, sophomore pre-law/legal studies major from Leland, Miss; Austin Gray, first year double major in English and pre-law/legal studies from Cleveland, Miss.; Kambreca Mitchell, sophomore pre-law/legal studies major from Greenwood, Miss.; Jakaiyla Procter, senior Criminal Justice major from Chicago; Destaree Simmons Junior major in Criminal Justice from Glendora, Miss; Laquita White, senior double major in Criminal Justice and Pre-law/legal studies from Greenville, Miss.

“We want to especially thank John McCall, senior graphic designer with Communications and Marketing at MVSU, for preparing the demonstrative aids that students used in their testimony; and Dr. John Bradford, assistant professor of sociology, who developed the charts that were used in testimony during the trials.

The educator coach for the Mock Trial Team is Dr. Larry W. Chappell, university pre-law advisor, professor of political science and coordinator of the pre-law/legal studies program.

The attorney coach for the team is Neysha Sanders; Esq. Sanders is a member of Sanders and Sanders Law Firm. She also teaches courses in the department of social sciences at MVSU. The assistant coach for the tournament was Ivory Johnson, a student who won eight outstanding attorney awards competing at 91�첥.

The program is sponsored by the Department of Social Sciences, Leflore County Board of

Supervisors, Office of Academic Affairs, and University Advancement.

Turnipseed Named Mississippi’s Diversity Educator of the Year

communications — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 19:27:05 +0000

Turnipseed Named Mississippi’s Diversity Educator of the Year

Thu, 02/16/2017 - 12:00

communications Thu, 02/16/2017 - 13:27

Dr. Cassie Sade Turnipseed has worked diligently to bring, highlight and educate in the realm of diversity during her time at Mississippi Valley State.

Turnipseed’s hard work was recently recognized as the Mississippi Board of Trustees State Institutions of Higher Learning’s Diversity Committee named her as the Diversity Educator of the Year for the state of Mississippi.

“This is a remarkable honor for Dr. Turnipseed and MVSU,” said Dr. William Bynum, MVSU president. “It is a great testament to the valuable contributions she has made at Valley to demystify the myth of a HBCU. We are inclusive to all races and value a diverse population on our campus to promote greater dialogue to improve understanding and thought.”

Turnipseed was honored at the Board’s Black History Month recognition program at 9 a.m. today in Jackson. She received a plaque and resolution and was allowed a brief moment to make remarks in recognition of receiving the IHL Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award.

With the honor, Turnipseed expressed her gratitude and explained why pushing diversity and inclusion is so important to her.

“One of my professional goals is to leverage the professed ambitions of the State of Mississippi, to better understand the diversity of its people. I also understand that diversity, fully engaged, not only enriches higher educational opportunities for 91�첥 students, but also enhances the capacity to develop a better appreciation for the multicultural and interdependent communities, in which we live, work and play,” said Turnipseed.

The California native sees herself as many things, but is first and foremost an educator who looks at diversity as a multifaceted word.

“That word, that concept, informs me of its necessity in education and requires me to teach differently for the sake and benefit of my students,” said Turnipseed. As a social observer, I am charged with seeking out the best practices for implementation of the inclusion of change,” she added.

During her time at MVSU, Dr. Turnipseed has introduced to the Valley community to a slate of innovative community outreach projects and in-house programs that embrace the collective narrative of the region.

Turnipseed’s most outstanding work is her ongoing research that shines a light on the sweat equity contributions of the cotton pickers of the American South.

In this effort, she initiated the ever expanding Sweat Equity Investment in the Cotton Pickers Symposium. Through the efforts of the symposium, Turnipseed has introduced a diverse audience of students, faculty and staff to a multitude of scholarly participants from Bamako, Mali; Notodden, Norway; Lagos, Nigeria; Washington, D.C.; Columbia, South Carolina; and many other states across the U.S.

As the founding member and Executive Director of Khafre, Inc., a 501 c3 not-for-profit Mississippi based organization, Dr. Turnipseed works on a volunteer effort to lead a 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.

Welcome to Social Sciences news!

kliberto — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 15:11:39 +0000

Welcome to Social Sciences news!

Thu, 02/02/2017 - 12:00

kliberto Thu, 02/02/2017 - 09:11

More news is coming soon!