Mississippi State office cited for computer 'highway' achievement

At its annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas, the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International presented its 1994 President's Award to the university's Office of Housing and Residence Life.

The award honored the DISCUSS international computer e-mail network created two years ago by associate housing director Tom Pilgreen and computer consultant Bill Chapman. In presenting the award, association president Charles Lamb of the University of Vermont called Mississippi State “the best tour stop on the Information Highway.”

"The network currently has more than 400 users from more than 300 institutions in the United States, Canada and Mexico," said Mississippi State housing director Melanie McClellan. "The service allows housing and residence life professionals to discuss daily common problems and concerns they may have."

Among the range of topics are facilities, budgets, educational programming, student behavior, and legal issues, she added.

Formed 25 years ago, the association has a membership of more than 5,500 spread among some 770 institutions. The headquarters are located in Columbus, Ohio.

Pilgreen is completing a doctorate in student development at Mississippi State. He joined the housing staff in 1987 and became associate director in 1991. He is a graduate of the University of North Alabama and Mississippi State.

Chapman, a member of the housing staff since 1989, is a graduate of Emory University, Mississippi State, and the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson.