Alcorn State University Extension Program http://www.asuextension.com/asuep Competency & Capacity Building Virtual Summit http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=81

Evidence-based Practices and Strategies for Working with Vulnerable Populations

September 14, 15 & 16, 2010 -- 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. EDT
Join experts who work with youth and families for three days of engaging presentations and insightful dialogue on emerging issues and evidence-based strategies in the areas of economic stress, poverty, and programming with cultural competence. Review the thought-provoking research and resources posted to help you prepare for the Summit, and add your own. Submit questions and comments you want to see addressed during the Summit. Join the CYFAR Network as we collaborate in addressing these issues.

Summit Plenaries:

Register | About the Summit | Summit Collaboration Tools |
Your Comments and Questions | Join the CYFAR Network
You are welcome to download and share the Summit Flyer

Funding and support for the Virtual Summit is provided by:

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The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communications of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice) and 1-800-877-8339 (TTY). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Mention or display of a trademark, proprietary product or firm in text or figures does not constitute an endorsement by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products or firms.

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 School of AREAS Sponsors ASU's First Regional Obesity Conference http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=80

An audience from the campus and local communities gathered in the Ray Johnson Assembly Room on February 10, 2009 for Alcorn State University's first Regional Obesity Conference. Sponsored by the School of AREAS, this conference was designed to share knowledge, stimulate thought, and develop plans of action for the current state of obesity. An impressive line-up of speakers addressed the crowd, providing indispensable information about disease prevention and health promotion. The plenary speaker, Ms. Carter Blakey, Senior Public Health Advisor/US Department of Health & Human Services, discussed obesity trends and its variance among gender, race and income; the rise in obesity among children; and the Healthy People initiative that has taken flight in local communities, across the country and abroad.


After the audience enjoyed their choice of obesity-related sessions, they were directed to the Clinton Bristow, Jr. dining facility where a delicious and healthy lunch had been prepared. Keynote luncheon speaker, Dr. Victor Sutton, Director, Office of Preventive Health/MS State Department of Health, addressed stakeholders, reiterating as well as expounding upon topics addressed earlier in the day. His message resonated with the audience, who nodded in positive agreement as he passionately shared his concern, addressed the root cause of obesity and uttered his call to action in the prevention of this disease. Drs. Wanda Newell and Dalton McAfee closed the program thanking everyone in attendance for their efforts and time invested in putting this well-received conference together.
 Dr. Barry L. Bequette Named Dean School of AREAS Director of Land Grant Programs http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=79
Dr. Barry L.Bequette has been appointed as Dean School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences (AREAS) Director Land Grant Programs at Alcorn State University. Prior to his appointment as Dean, Dr. Bequette was Director of the University of Idaho, Research and Education Center in Twin Falls, Idaho, and Director of Extension for District III, Idaho Cooperative Extension.
Dr. Barry L.Bequette grew up in western Kentucky and attended Murray State University in Murray Kentucky to obtain B.S. and M.S. degrees in agriculture/horticulture. Upon graduation from Murray State University, he enrolled in the doctoral graduate program at Mississippi State University and worked as a graduate research assistant, conducting floricultural research. During his last two years in the Ph.D. program at Mississippi State University, he was a full time secondary education teacher, teaching vocational horticulture at Oxford, Mississippi. Dr. Bequette graduated from Mississippi State University in May of 1985 with a Ph.D. in horticulture/floriculture/plant physiology, and was employed as Professor of Horticulture at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. He taught for 9 years at Sam Houston State University. From 1996 to 1998, he served as an Area Agent for Environmental Horticulture with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Dr. Bequette was a faculty member at The University of Arizona from 1998 to 2004 as Extension Director, Yuma Arizona, and Agent for Urban Horticulture. Notable accomplishments include serving as a reviewer and horticulture consultant for Delmar Publishing, a University of Arizona reviewer for plant science and horticulture related publications, and a specialist for the State of Texas. He has authored scientific publications and produced educational materials for several mass media outlets including newspapers, radio, and television. For 6 years he created and produced the “Plant Doc” show for KYMA television, an ABC affiliate. He has broad expertise in horticulture throughout the United States.

Watch Dean's staff meeting presentation video ( Recorded on 1/08/09):

PART 1 ( Presentation)

PART 2 (Q & A)
 Town Hall Meeting at Petal, Mississippi http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=78

The Alcorn State University Extension Program (ASUEP) primary goal is to facilitate greater access to stakeholders of our grassroot customers and communicate our planned programs that are in their best interest and have been developed in response to evaluation of the needs of the targeted population.
The Extension Program in conjunction with the Indian Spring Cooperative in Petal MS (Forest County) held a Town Hall meeting to identify the critical needs and or issues of the grassroots citizens as they see them. Petal is located outside of Hattiesburg, MS in the southeast portion of the state. Petal has a population of 10,266 according to the 2006 Census.
This meeting was a platform created for the citizens to give voice to their needs and concerns.  Efforts was made during Town Hall meetings to increase awareness of the mission of ASUEP, its capacity and collaborative efforts of the planned programs of Extension and Research at Alcorn State University as they relate. There were many issues that came out of the meeting, but the top five that the Action Committee will focus on will be:

1. Youth activities and prevention programs
2. Agriculture and establishment of a Farmers Market
3. Senior Citizens Activities and Transportation
4. Parenting Classes for Single Parents
5. Financial Aid/College Preparation

 Alcorn State University Extension Program Educator Earns Doctorate Degree http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=77
On Friday, December 8, 2006, Dr. Wandra Arrington of Jackson, Mississippi, received the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Science with a Major in Agricultural and Extension Education and Minor in Agricultural Economics at Mississippi State University. Dr. Arrington is currently working for Alcorn State University Extension Program at the Hinds County Extension Service office in Jackson, Mississippi.  
Dr. Wandra Arrington is the daughter of Dr’s Alfred and Josie Arrington and the twin sister of Dr. Shundra Arrington-Warren, who are all alumnus of Alcorn State University. She is a 1987 graduate of Leflore County High School and earned both her bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s degree in agricultural economics from Alcorn State University. 
http://www.alcorn.edu/Bulletin/20061214/spotlight.htm

 New ASU Extension web-site design survey http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=76
        Our web-site is being constantly updated. We created some new templates recently and would like to know your opinion about witch design we should implement next. Please go through the following links and vote for the template you like the most. Give us your opinion using the attached survey form on the left side. Please hit the "Read More" button on the bottom of the news to see the survey.

Thank you
ASU Extension Administration


Template 1:
http://asuextension.com/2/
 Farmers Certification for Senior Program Participation http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=75
Date and Location: April 26, 2007 Natchez Extension Building
            Description: This training will provide current farmers and new  farmers with the certification needed to participate in the Senior Program with the Department of Agriculture and Commerce as well as changes if any in the program for this year production season.                                                                             
Contact person:    
 Mr. Pervie Green
            Department of Agriculture and Commerce
 

         Publications
 

q        Produce Calendar -           This calendar is used by the farmers to identify the produce that they will grow and the months that they will available for the Natchez Farmers Market.
q        Vendor Application-          This is the application that the Farmers and vendors use as a means of selling at the Natchez Farmers Market.
q        Vendor Information Packet-  The information package provide vendors with the brief overview of the market; offerings of the market; vendors participation; fees and membership guidelines; and some examples of produce and crafts that can be sold at the market.

q        Added Value and Other Products Request Form- This form is used to request added value and other products that are made as a result of certain produce and from the University that will be sold at the Natchez Farmers Market.
q        Memorandum of Agreement- This agreement identifies what the University will do for the grower as a means of him or her selling at the Natchez Farmers Market and what is expected of the producer.
q        Market Overview-   The information included in the document is an overview of the Natchez Farmers Market in more detail.  This gives an overview of Music Performance Guidelines; Guidelines for Non-Profit Participation (Rotational Basis); and Petitioning/Signature Gathering/Leaflet Policy

                         Inventory selling form- This form is a means of keeping track of the produce or 
                          products that are sold at the Natchez Farmers Market. Marketing Training: ?Tools and Techniques for Farmers Selling to Farmers Markets http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=74
Date and Location: April 12, 2007 Natchez Extension Building

            Description: This training will provide tips to the farmers/vendor on how they can increase the visibility and profitability by making changes in how they price, display their produce/product as well as pricing and signage. 

Training contact person: Helen D. Brooks Vegetable Production & Food Safety Program http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=73 Date and Location: April 12, 2007, Natchez Extension Building
Description: This training will be to educate farmers on safe post handling so they may apply practices to their farm

 Marketing Training: ?Tools and Techniques for Farmers Selling to Farmers Markets http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=72
Date and Location: February 14, 2007, Mound Bayou, MS
            Description: This training will provide tips to the farmers/vendor on how they can increase the visibility and profitability by making changes in how they price, display their produce/product as well as pricing and signage.           

Contact person: Helen D. Brooks