250 Media Advisory: MTSU & Southern University of New Orleans

Feb. 2, 2007
(For more information, please call 615-898-2919.)

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: MTSU is entering into an agreement to help resurrect a university

WHY: The Southern University of New Orleans quite literally disappeared due to Katrina’s ferocity. Nearly everything was destroyed. Right now, the main campus consists of six acres of FEMA trailers for classrooms and living quarters.

“They have to essentially rebuild their entire university,” said Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, MTSU president.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING: President McPhee and SUNO Chancellor Dr. Victor Ukpolo will meet on the MTSU campus Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m. in the President’s Conference Room (1st floor, Cope Building) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that will bring together the two universities in a “true partnership that will help them get back on their feet,” said McPhee. Media welcomed.

The agreement will include an exploration of student-exchange programs in certain disciplines, the sharing of academic expertise, and discussion forums on diversity, technology, e-learning, university security, and more.

Accompanying Chancellor Ukpolo will be Gloria B. Moultrie, vice chancellor for community outreach/university advancement, and Harold Clark, executive associate to the chancellor.

ITINERARY: The SUNO guests will arrive Monday and stay through Wednesday visiting with academic deans, administrators and other officials to discuss mutual interests and ways that MTSU might assist the historically African American institution.

UNITY LUNCHEON: In celebration of African American History Month, the SUNO visitors will be guests of President McPhee at the Unity Luncheon, Feb 6, at 11:00 a.m. in the Tennessee Room of the James Union Building. Media welcomed.

CONCERT: That evening at 6:00 p.m., McPhee and his guests will attend the “The History of Black Gospel Music” concert in the Wright Music Building. The event will include a piano lecture recital with Cedric Dent, MTSU professor and member of the Grammy Award Winning Group, Take 6. Media welcomed.