Contact: Harriet Laird
SEC Commissioner Mike Slive and Hank Bounds, commissioner of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, will headline Friday-Sunday's meeting in Starkville of representatives from the 12 Southeastern Conference student associations.
Mississippi State is serving as host Jan. 21-23 for the SEC Exchange, an annual gathering where student government leaders share ideas across institutions, discuss issues facing higher education, and share successful initiatives from each university represented.
Slive speaks at 10 a.m. Saturday [the 22nd]; Bound's at 2 p.m. Both of their programs in the Colvard Student Union's Bill Foster Ballroom will focus on the importance of student participation in all aspects of campus life, from academics to athletics.
While not public events, interested members of the news media are invited to the commissioners' addresses.
Senior Thomas Sellers of Canton, MSU Student Association president, said the campus leadership organization is proud to provide an opportunity for students from sister conference schools to see Mississippi State "up close."
"We are excited about showcasing our beautiful campus and the amazing facilities we have, including the Colvard Student Union," Sellers said. "As student leaders, it's vital that we work together throughout the conference to support and improve higher education in our states and in the region."
Sellers said representatives from Mississippi State and the 11 other schools will be making presentations on successful student programs at their institutions. Also on the agenda are a campus tour and various breakout sessions to further explore topics related to student government.
Joining the commissioners for the weekend events are MSU President Mark E. Keenum; Jerry Gilbert, provost and executive vice president; Roy Ruby, dean emeritus of education and vice president emeritus for student affairs; Bill Foster, assistant vice president emeritus of student affairs; and Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman, a former MSU Student Association president.
For more information on the commissioners' presentations and other events, contact Sellers at 601-832-0660.