Jackson State, Ole Miss create plan to increase diversity among pharmacists

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Beginning this fall, Jackson State University’s department of biology will partner with the University of Mississippi to give qualified JSU pre-pharmacy students preferred admission status to the UM School of Pharmacy. “It’s a win-win,” said Timothy Turner, chair of the department of biology at Jackson State University in a statement released by the university. “It is a tremendous opportunity for our students to enter directly into one of the numerous career choices within the field of pharmacy. While at the same time, this collaboration will also increase the cultural diversity within the field of pharmacy in this state and throughout the country.” 

For admission consideration, pre-pharmacy students at Jackson State will be required to complete established pre-pharmacy courses, have high academic performance and demonstrate a record of service activities. Those who meet the requirements will be admitted to the preferred admission program after the first semester of their freshman year. Once students from the program are admitted, they will be on track to graduate on time and will be held to the same academic standards as all Ole Miss pharmacy students.

Hinds Community College ‘warned’ for financial status

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Hinds Community College has officially been warned. That is, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges’ board voted to place the college in Raymond on “warning” status. “The Commission’s decision to issue this warning to the institution has no bearing on our daily operations; it will not affect federal funding, including financial aid available to students,” said Hinds President Dr. Clyde Muse in a statement. 

The SACS website states that a warning often, but not necessarily, precedes probation. An institution may be placed on warning or probation for noncompliance with any of the core requirements or significant noncompliance with the comprehensive standards. Muse attributes the current financial challenges to reductions in state appropriations and economics factors that have created a strain for all the state’s community colleges.

Around The State

Belhaven University opens new campus in Madison

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Belhaven University will offer on-site undergraduate and graduate degree programs at its new Madison campus open this fall. “I am thrilled we are opening a campus in Madison because so many working professionals need graduate degrees in a convenient location,” said Belhaven President Dr. Roger Parrott. “Because Madison is a highly educated community, we believe that our graduate degrees offered in Madison will be popular,” he added. The following degree programs will be available at the Belhaven Madison Campus:

• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Business Administration with Health Administration Concentration
• Master of Business Administration with Human Resources Concentration
• Master of Business Administration with Leadership Concentration
• Master of Science in Leadership
• Master of Science in Leadership with Human Resources Concentration
• Master of Science in Leadership with Ministry Concentration
• Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology
• Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Health Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Management
• Associate of Arts
• Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies
• Associate of Arts in Business
• Associate of Arts in Christian Ministries

Most of the programs are designed for working adults and function in tandem with students who need flexibility while earning a degree. “The adult-focused delivery of the courses gives students the ability to work full time and attend classes one night a week,” said Dr. Audrey Kelleher, vice president for adult and graduate enrollment and student services.

Couple donates $25,000 to spark new Jazz Series at Ole Miss

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Marty and John Dunbar of Oxford have contributed $25,000 to establish a Jazz Series Fund at the University of Mississippi. “Plans are already made to present three jazz groups next season, thanks to the Dunbars,” said Julia Aubrey, director of the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts at Ole Miss. Next year’s Jazz Series includes Cyrus Chestnut, Julian Bliss and the Birdland All-Stars, all of which are headliners at prestigious jazz venues and festivals around the world. “We want to support excellence in jazz in Oxford and Ole Miss,” said John Dunbar. “We have enjoyed performances by the faculty and students of music at Ole Miss over the years, such as Michael Worthy and The Mississippians, and have met so many talented people there.” In partnership with the university and the Ford Center, the fund also will support master class sessions for faculty and students of the university’s music department and local high school faculty and students.