Friday, October 5, 2018   
 
County Road 11: Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library at Mississippi State
The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library in Starkville contains the world's greatest collection of artifacts, photographs and memorabilia, by and about the 18th President of the United States. It's featured on County Road 11. It's a state of the art facility which features life-like statues of Grant, interactive monitors, original paintings from the 18th President of the United States and hundreds of documents from the Civil War era, a key period of history in 19th century America. "People from all over the world come to use our material here at Mississippi State," said Dr. John F. Marszalek, the executive director of the Grant Presidential Library. "You can not write a book about U.S. Grant or can't write an article or do any kind of study unless you come to MSU. That's how important what we have here is."
 
Teacher shortages, opportunity gaps highlighted during Betsy DeVos' Mississippi visit
With more than 80 percent of students considered behind in reading and math, Holmes Central High School is far from the blue ribbon status of three Mississippi schools Education Secretary Betsy DeVos praised on Monday. But it was this rural high school that brought DeVos to Mississippi on Thursday for her Rethink School tour. Holmes is one of several districts participating in the Global Teaching Project. It's an initiative that envisions increasing access to advanced placement classes in rural school systems by offering a blended model of in-class instruction, pre-recorded lessons and tutoring support. DeVos arrived as high school physics teacher Iftikhar Azeem recapped Newton's laws of motion.
 
Battle lines between Hood, Republicans forming
The political combatants have not yet all declared themselves, but next year's fight to win the governor's office will take place on political territory that's already starting to become clear. After Attorney General Jim Hood announced in Houston Wednesday that he will mount a gubernatorial bid as a Democrat, the state Republican Party Chairman Lucien Smith released a written statement defending the GOP's record of state governance and linking Hood with national party figures. The state GOP organization also released a Tweet that was even more pointed, seemingly criticizing Hood for his decision in 2013, even as a statewide official, to live and work from Houston, a small town in Northeast Mississippi.
 
The Return of the Southern Democrat
The South has been like a political Mason-Dixon Line for the Democrats, who watched the demise of the conservative "Dixiecrat" in the '80s and have stood by helplessly as the GOP uses it as its own firewall in presidential elections. But a new kind of Southern Democrat is emerging, one who can attract younger voters and shake up the electoral map, experts say. "The South as a sort of cohesive political unit may be fading," says Western Carolina University professor Chris Cooper, author with H. Gibbs Knotts of the 2017 book "The Resilience of Southern Identity: Why the South Still Matters in the Minds of Its People." The region is becoming more of a "two-South idea," with states like Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas remaining solidly conservative, while the states long the Eastern Seaboard are providing openings for Democrats, he says. n Mississippi, Democrat Mike Espy, a former Clinton administration Agriculture Secretary, is in a dead heat with the leading GOP candidate, incumbent Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, polls show. A more conservative Republican, Chris McDaniel, is running third.
 
Kavanaugh says his testimony might have been 'too emotional' and 'sharp'
President Donald Trump continued to push for Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation Thursday night and slammed Democrats for their treatment of his Supreme Court nominee, while Kavanaugh himself expressed some regret over his tone and emotional performance during his testimony last week. "I was very emotional last Thursday, more so than I have ever been," Kavanaugh wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed. "I might have been too emotional at times. I know that my tone was sharp, and I said a few things I should not have said." On Thursday night, however, Trump backed his nominee and continued to attack Democrats for their actions during the process, while steering clear of mentioning Kavanaugh's accusers, including Ford, whom he mocked earlier in the week. Kavanaugh's decision to write an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal marks the second time that he publicly commented on his nomination outside of public testimony, a rare step for a Supreme Court nominee.
 
Inside the secure room where senators saw the secret FBI report on Brett Kavanaugh
Throughout the day Thursday, senators traipsed down winding steps, past dozens of reporters and into a secure room in the basement of the Capitol Visitor Center. They walked past Capitol Hill Police officers guarding room 217. Inside, on a rectangular conference table sat a 46-page FBI report on allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Once inside, senators scooted chairs up to that table to read the highly anticipated documents. Democrats and Republicans alternated poring over the report in two-hour segments, a rotation that continued throughout the day. On the table there was only one copy, a rule dictated by a 2009 bipartisan agreement on how to handle judicial nominations. "It's actually a pretty efficient process," said Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis. "I've never seen anything like this (in that room.) This is unusual circumstances calling for kind of an unusual process."
 
U.S. Unemployment Rate Drops To 3.7 Percent, Lowest In Nearly 50 Years
The U.S. jobless rate dropped to 3.7 percent in September -- the lowest since 1969, though the economy added a lower-than-expected 134,000 jobs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said. The jobless rate fell from August's 3.9 percent. Wage growth slowed last month, with average hourly earnings up 2.8 percent from a year earlier. The economy has now added jobs for nearly 8 straight years. The report reinforced the view of Federal Reserve policymakers, who cited a strong job market when they announced they were increasing a benchmark interest rate -- the third hike in a year.
 
Gov. Bryant proclaims October as College Application Month
Governor Phil Bryant recently proclaimed the month of Oct. as College Application Month for Mississippi. Throughout the month, dozens of schools across the state will recognize the college application process and how it can be a barrier to some high school students when pursuing posts-secondary education. Due to an absence of information or support, schools are encouraging students to take advantage of assistance provided through the College Countdown MS events. Dr. Alfred Ranks Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education says the key to success is taking the first step. "Completing a college degree begins with completing a college application," said Rankins Jr. "I appreciate Governor Bryant highlighting the importance of obtaining a post-secondary degree and encouraging Mississippi's high school students to take this important first step."
 
Three Ole Miss law professors say Kavanaugh lacked 'judicial temperament'
At least three University of Mississippi law professors have signed a letter stating that Judge Brett Kavanaugh failed to show the needed judicial temperament to be appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The letter, which was published in The New York Times, has signatures from more than 1,700 law professors from across the nation. It was to be presented to the U.S. Senate on Thursday. Ole Miss law professors who signed the letter include Associate Professor of Law Desiree Hensley, Assistant Professor of Law Cliff Johnson and Assistant Professor of Law Stacey M. Lantagne. Hensley said that she signed the letter because she feels the U.S. Supreme Court has to earn the respect and trust that Americans have in it. Even if the accusations are false, the law professors who signed the letter said Kavanaugh did not show the right temperament when responding to questions from senators in the hearing.
 
Before the bid: A behind-the-scenes look at Panhellenic recruitment at UM
Sorority recruitment at the University of Mississippi is over. Long gone are clap routines and ear-piercing choruses about sisterhood. The veil of secrecy surrounding this process has been lifted, and order has been restored to Greek life. But what exactly is recruitment? For one week of each year, the Ole Miss campus is consumed by sorority recruitment. Though only spanning seven days and involving a little more than one-third of the campus population, rush seems to control the consciousness of the university. Professors modify schedules, clubs cancel meetings and for 1,400 girls, a monumental decision looms.
 
U.S. Education Secretary praises industry and higher education partnerships on Tuscaloosa visit
On day two of the Alabama leg of the "Rethink School" tour, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos praised Tuscaloosa-area higher education, business and industry leaders for working together to improve outcomes for students. "I think that partnership with business and industry really drives the future in terms of workers' needs and opportunities for them," DeVos said during a gathering at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa. "Having business integrally involved with helping form and shape programs and curriculums is an imperative, really, for connecting students with the possibilities." Not every student should think only in terms of a four-year college degree, DeVos said. "This administration is committed to ensuring all students have a multitude of pathways to pursue," she said.
 
Auburn professor sues, alleging retaliation after he revealed athletics scandal
An Auburn University economics professor is suing his institution, accusing officials of removing him as a department chair and limiting his raises after he helped reveal that the institution's public administration major was overwhelmingly stacked with athletes. Tensions between administrators and Michael Stern, who was removed as economics department chair in May, extend back to 2008, when he served as a source for a local news report about the university's ties to the Charles Koch Foundation, as detailed in his lawsuit filed last month. Stern is suing for violations of his First Amendment rights. He is demanding that officials reinstate him as chair and provide him back pay he sacrificed after being dismissed from the position. The bad blood came to the fore in 2014, when Stern first started to question the composition of the public administration program.
 
Many public universities in Alabama require consent training
Most public university students around the state undergo some form of consent and or sexual assault awareness training. These programs vary nationally from in-person sessions with trained staff to online courses on consent and healthy relationships. Auburn University does not have a mandatory program but encourages students to complete an online course covering mental health, sexual assault and civility. Eric Smith, director of health promotion and wellness services, said they receive a response rate of above 90 percent. Auburn also offers the Green Dot training program, which encourages bystanders to act if they see a sexual assault happening. The University of Alabama requires incoming students to complete an online program through AlphaPoint, which includes issues such as sexual harassment and communication skills.
 
LSU president's 'positive' evaluation leads to $610K pay raise, extended contract
LSU President F. King Alexander will be running the state's flagship university until 2023 after system's governing body extended the leader's contract Thursday. The LSU Board of Supervisors reviewed Alexander's work performance behind closed doors, then approved renewing his contract. "He has led us through another fantastic record-setting year in the face of tremendous adversity," said LSU Board of Supervisors Chairman James Williams said. "Overall, the evaluation was positive to say the least." The Board bumped Alexander's $610,666 salary by 3 percent, which was the same increase LSU faculty received this year. He is one of the highest paid university leaders in the country. Alexander's contract now runs to July 1, 2023.
 
Report: LSU pegs 2023 as target date to demolish Herget, Kirby-Smith, McVoy, 3 other dorms
Six well-known dorms on LSU's campus are set to be torn down by 2023, an LSU official told WBRZ-TV on Thursday. Herget, Kirby-Smith, McVoy, Miller, Acadian and Broussard halls will be torn down and replaced by new buildings located by the university's recreational center. "Students today, they want a little bit more," said Steve Waller, assistant vice president of Residential Life and housing at LSU. Kirby Smith, perhaps the most recognizable as it stands 13 stories tall, was home to many a male student since it opened in 1965. It was closed for five years, then reopened in 2011 after a $1.7 million makeover that replaced ceiling tiles, carpets and other renovations. The overhaul of on-campus housing comes as LSU has opened Nicholson Gateway, a 28-acre site between West Chimes Street and Skip Bertman Drive. The public-private development includes four new buildings to house LSU undergraduate and graduate students, adding more than 1,500 beds to the available student housing.
 
Public college access in jeopardy for Louisiana's low-income students as tuition rises: report
The burden of paying for higher education has shifted significantly from state governments to students and families since the Great Recession, and a new report states Louisiana for the most part has been affected by this more than any other region. State funding for higher education remains "far below" pre-recession levels in most states, and Louisiana's funding dropped by more than 40 percent since 2008, according to a report released Thursday (Oct. 4) by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Researchers found Louisiana cut more state funding from higher education than any other state, on a per-student basis of $4,949, over this period. State cuts have helped drive up tuition at public universities, and researchers found Louisiana more than doubled the tuition it charges students -- a 105 percent increase that is also the nation's largest.
 
U. of Arkansas prioritizes student success center in future plans
At the "very top of the list" for future building projects at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville are a center for tutoring and other student support and a research facility, Chancellor Joe Steinmetz said Thursday. Steinmetz touted a record-high student retention rate and an increase in research funding during an annual address that also touched on the school's recent drop in U.S. News & World Report rankings. In response to a question about facilities, Steinmetz described his priorities. "In my mind there are two major capital projects that are at the very top of the list. One of them is a student success center," Steinmetz said. Fundraising is bringing the project closer to "becoming a reality," he said. The University of Arkansas board of trustees in March approved the project, which is expected to cost $40 million to $45 million. "The second piece is we need a major research building as well," Steinmetz said. He said that earlier in the day he had spoken with Provost Jim Coleman about forming a group "to begin the discussions of what that research building looks like."
 
Who will take the reins at U. of South Carolina after Pastides? Here are some contenders
After more than 10 years in charge, it will be hard for students, faculty and alumni to picture anyone other than Harris Pastides as president of the University of South Carolina. Pastides, who announced his retirement on Wednesday, has left his mark as the 28th president of the state's flagship university. But before he leaves office on July 31, 2019, the college's board of trustees will have to pick a 29th leader to run the show. But who will fill Pastides' shoes? Here are some contenders for the next person who will be handing out degrees at USC graduations: Joan Gabel, USC provost; Mark Becker, president of Georgia State University; Michael Amiridis, chancellor of the University of Illinois at Chicago; and Dennis Pruitt, longtime USC administrator.
 
Tennessee law professors in open letter to Senate: Vote no on Kavanaugh
Nearly 20 law professors across Tennessee joined scores of professors from across the country in an open letter to U.S. Senators Thursday urging them not to approve the nomination of President Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Last week the Senate Judiciary Committee questioned Kavanaugh and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford after Ford alleged Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in high school. Republican Senate leaders and White House officials said Thursday that an FBI background investigation into the allegations against Kavanaugh showed no evidence of wrongdoing. Gautum Hans is an assistant professor of law at the Vanderbilt Law School teaching a course this semester on lawyers' professional responsibility. "It isn't about politics. It's about the role we think of a judge and how a judge should act in the courtroom and publicly," Hans said about him signing the open letter.
 
Fourth U. of Tennessee rape reported in dorm this semester, sixth since March
A rape has been reported in a residence hall at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, making it the fourth rape reported that occurred in a campus dorm this semester. The most recent incident marks the sixth rape reported on or near campus since March. The rape occurred on Oct. 2 in a residence hall on the east side of campus at an unknown time, according to the UT Police Department crime log. On Wednesday, Oct. 3, a campus security authority received a report from a female student that she had been raped the day before in a residence hall, according to the Safety Notice released by UT. A campus security authority is a title given to a university employee like campus police officers, resident assistants, Title IX officers and coaching staff who are trained in reporting crimes under the Clery Act. According to the safety notice, the woman knew the individual who raped her and she "is working with university officials through the incident and has declined a report with police at this time."
 
Six U. of Kentucky law professors sign letter opposing Kavanaugh
Six University of Kentucky educators were among more than 1,200 law professors to sign a letter urging the U.S. Senate not to confirm Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination. Published on The New York Times, the letter states Kavanaugh "did not display the impartiality and judicial temperament requisite to sit on the highest court of our land." Three women, including Christine Blasey Ford, have accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault or exposing himself in the early 1980s. Blasey Ford testified in front of a Senate Judiciary Committee last week and detailed her allegations, which Kavanaugh vehemently denied in his testimony to the committee. He also blamed Democrats for the treatment he received. UK College of Law professors Jennifer Bird-Pollan, Mary Davis, Joshua Douglas, James Donovan, Diana Kraft, Courtney Lollar signed the letter, which was to be shared with senators. Professors from Harvard, where Kavanaugh previously taught, and Yale, Kavanaugh's alma mater, have also signed the letter.
 
Sigma Chi chapter at U. of Missouri suspended
The University of Missouri chapter of Sigma Chi has been suspended pending the results of an investigation, MU spokesman Christian Basi said Thursday. "When an organization is suspended, they are not allowed to participate in any university activities," Basi said in an email. This would include Greek Life activities accompanied with Homecoming on Oct. 20. The nature of the investigation could not be disclosed, Basi said. The fraternity faced probation in 2017 that ends Dec. 14, 2018, according to the Community Conduct History of MU's Fraternity and Sorority Life. The probation was due to providing alcohol to minors. Sigma Chi national headquarters' staff were unavailable for comment on Thursday. MU's Sigma Chi chapter has 163 members and 43 pledges, according to the national headquarters' website. The chapter's house is located at 500 S. College Ave. With the addition of Sigma Chi, there are now eight MU fraternities under suspension, one with no "end suspension date" in sight.
 
Texas A&M's Young reflects on past year, looks ahead during annual address
Texas A&M University President Michael K. Young delivered his annual State of the University address Thursday afternoon before more than 300 faculty members, staff and university stakeholders inside the Memorial Student Center's Bethancourt Ballroom. Young spoke for just over 40 minutes and shared reflections on a number of initiatives, and on challenges the university faced and opportunities encountered over the past year. Young's address came 142 years to the day after classes began on campus Oct. 4, 1876, and just weeks before the 100th anniversary of the October 1918 writing of the Aggie War Hymn. Young also outlined forthcoming funding requests the university will bring before the Texas State Legislature during its 86th regular session, which begins Jan. 8. The university has a record 15,001 graduate students currently enrolled, Young said. He said the university expects to reach 500,000 living former students in 165 countries in the coming months. Over half of those former students graduated in or after 1997, he said.
 
How Harvard Raised $9.6 Billion, and What Comes Next for All Campaigns
Nine ... point ... six ... billion ... dollars. Fundraisers have been rolling that figure around in their heads in the wake of Harvard University's announcement that its most recent campaign, which concluded July 1, brought in more money than any previous drive by any institution anywhere. The drive made America's richest university, with a $37.1 billion endowment, even richer. But its success reveals new possibilities for other nonprofits running high-octane campaigns, say campaign leaders and experts. "It's kind of like breaking the four-minute mile," says Trent Ricker, chief executive of Pursuant, a fundraising consulting company. The breakthrough might spark a new phase of competition among America's biggest universities, says David King, president of the fundraising consulting firm Alexander Haas. The campaign affirms a strategic advantage for research universities, in particular, in making their case to donors, says Daniel Diermeier, provost of the University of Chicago, which is in the home stretch of a five-year campaign aimed at raising $5 billion.


SPORTS
 
Malzahn concerned about Mississippi State's cowbells
Eighth-ranked Auburn roars into Starkville on Saturday at 4-1 and 1-1 in Southeastern Conference play. Since opening the season in Atlanta against Washington, the Tigers have had four straight games inside Jordan-Hare Stadium and face their first road test at Mississippi State at one of the loudest venues in college football. "We're real concerned with the noise," said Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. "It's usually very loud with the cowbells and everything that goes with that. We've just really been practicing hard with crowd noise and everything that goes with it because this will really be our first true away game." In an effort to combat the cowbells, Malzahn wants to test out the new rule the SEC implemented this summer which states that Bulldog fans must stop ringing their favorite artificial noisemakers whenever the center Nick Brahms grabs the football. "He'll have his hand on that ball pretty quick," Malzahn said. "We just need to make sure that the cowbells stop when his hand is on the ball."
 
How Mississippi State's defense drives the Dogs on and off the field
Mississippi State has monikers for each day of the week. Look no further than the first one to find the Bulldogs' true leaders. "Tell the truth Sunday." The coaches and players force themselves to be brutally honest with each other on what needs to be fixed from the week before. In the last two weeks, MSU defensive players have told the truth -- and then some. Junior defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and senior defensive end Gerri Green orchestrated a players-only meeting last week to preach accountability and discipline. The Bulldogs' penalty total went from 16 against Kentucky to two against Florida. But the Dogs still lost. After the game, senior safety Johnathan Abram addressed the team before coach Joe Moorhead for multiple reasons. First, he wanted to lift spirits by letting his teammates know there's still a lot to play for. Second, he reminded them that if they play the way they have been playing, they won't have much to play for before long. "It just had to be done. Somebody needed to step up," Abram said.
 
No. 8 Auburn, Mississippi State work to improve offense
Auburn and Mississippi State are teams that still harbor hopes of challenging Alabama for the Southeastern Conference Western Division title. That probably won't happen unless the Tigers and Bulldogs can fix their offense. Both the eighth-ranked Tigers and Bulldogs have struggled to move the ball and score points this season, especially against good competition. Auburn (4-1, 1-1 SEC) ranks 12th out of 14 teams in the league in total offense with about 376 yards per game. The Tigers travel to face Mississippi State (3-2, 0-2) on Saturday. Mississippi State will counter with an offense that's also struggled. The Bulldogs put up big numbers against weaker non-conference competition, but have scored just one touchdown in eight quarters against SEC foes.
 
Malzahn: 'We're still not sure' whether Whitlow, Wanogho, Driscoll play vs. Mississippi State
Auburn is still uncertain on its plan for three injured offensive starters two days before the Tigers' road game at Mississippi State, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said Thursday night. Malzahn said on his weekly Tiger Talk radio show that leading rusher JaTarvious Whitlow, starting left tackle Prince Tega Wanogho and starting right tackle Jack Driscoll all practiced this week, but were limited. All three of those players were injured over the course of the Tigers' Homecoming win over Southern Miss last Saturday. Auburn is set to play Mississippi State at 6:30 p.m. this Saturday in Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss.
 
Auburn hopes to 'neutralize' Mississippi State quarterback Nick Ftizgerald
One number stands out to Gus Malzahn when preparing for Mississippi State -- 144. That's how many rushing yards Bulldogs quarterback Nick Fitzgerald needs to surpass former Florida great and Heisman winner Tim Tebow as the SEC's all-time leading rusher at the position. To Malzahn, that number personifies the task at hand for No. 8 Auburn (4-1, 1-1 SEC) when it travels to Starkville, Miss., on Saturday for its 6:30 p.m. matchup (ESPN2) against Mississippi State (3-2, 0-2). "I think that really says it all," Malzahn said. "(He) puts a lot of pressure on defenses. He's a dual-threat guy." Fitzgerald, a senior, has been the focal point for Mississippi State's offense for years now. Even after coming off a gruesome leg injury sustained late last year, Fitzgerald hasn't appeared to lose a step for the Bulldogs.
 
Auburn ready for more cowbell in first true road game at Mississippi State
Auburn's players have heard all about the cowbells Mississippi State fans are famous for ringing throughout games at Davis Wade Stadium. But they really haven't heard those cowbells. Most of the players on the team have been to Starkville, Mississippi, only once, and that was two years ago during the 2016 season. That game kicked at 11 a.m. and the Tigers started it by scoring 35 unanswered first-half points in a 38-14 win. "A lot of people talk about the cowbells, but honestly, we got up on them so quick that it wasn't really that bad," wide receiver Darius Slayton said. Still, No. 9 Auburn will make getting ready for that environment part of its preparations this week. The Tigers played their first game of the season at a neutral site in Atlanta and the next four at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Saturday marks the team's first true road test.
 
Howland's expectations at Mississippi State soar near Schaefer's level
Two words have floated around Mize Pavilion over the last few years: national championship. They've always pertained to the women's team that practices there. Head coach Vic Schaefer's Bulldogs have made back-to-back national championship game appearances and aspire to reach a third, this time walking away with the trophy. The men's team, meanwhile, hasn't made the NCAA Tournament in a decade. In his fourth season as head coach, Ben Howland is ready to change that. And his players are ready for much more -- they're ready for those two words. "We're trying to win the national championship," senior guard Quinndary Weatherspoon said. "That's all we've been talking about this year." The amount of optimism for men's basketball in Starkville hasn't rivaled the hype the women's team has generated during Schaefer's tenure. But Howland led the Dogs to their first 20-plus win season since 2012 last year, and expectations have escalated.
 
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey gets contract extension through 2023
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has agreed to a contract extension through 2023, the league office announced Thursday. The 54-year-old Sankey has been on the job with the SEC since 2015, when he took over for the late Mike Slive. Prior to that, he was the SEC's Executive Associate Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer. "Greg Sankey has led the SEC through an important period of growth and change, advancing our conference's national standing while ensuring superior experiences for our student-athletes," said Dr. Harris Pastides, president of the University of South Carolina and current president of the SEC. "We look forward to working with him to achieve even greater success for the SEC at this important time in college athletics."



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