Department heads complete training

Some 18 academic administrators are graduates of the first-ever Department Heads Enrichment and Enhancement Program at Mississippi State.

The year-long training program was coordinated by the PRO-MISS Institute of Leadership at the university.

Sessions each month focused on areas of the administrative process, including managing versus leading, vision, personality types, listening and decision-making skills, understanding conflict, and the budgeting and legislative processes.

The participants also took part in a special two-day session in Jackson to meet with legislators and state leaders, said coordinator Jean Reeves.

"President Zacharias made a commitment to this program as it provides personal and professional enrichment experiences for the university faculty and staff at all levels," she said.

Three members of the class receiving special recognition for the their efforts were Clarence Collison of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Rodney Piercey of Physics and Astronomy and Graham Purchase, director of research for the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Others participating were John Boyle, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Larry Brown, Industrial Engineering; Robert Boling, Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Sport; Douglas Feig, Political Science; Jerry Gilbert, Agricultural and Biological Engineering; Shirley Hastings, School of Human Sciences; S.W. Jack, College of Veterinary Medicine/Aquatic Medicine; Roy Montgomery, CVM/Research; Henry Nash, Business and Industry;

Douglas Richards, Forestry; Joseph Sherrard, Civil Engineering; Robert Taylor, Mechanical Engineering; and Walter Taylor, Agricultural Education and Experimental Statistics.

Reeves said the program was aimed at department heads because "they are at the cutting edge for what takes place within the university. They are links between the faculty and the administration."

PRO-MISS will begin a second Department Heads Enrichment and Enhancement Program in September.