The School of Science and Mathematics--Biology, Chemistry, Math & Computer Science, and Physics--will host a Homecoming Reception at  4:00 p.m., Saturday, October  30,  2004, in the MCC Building Lobby.  This will be an excellent opportunity for you to visit with classmates and professors and renew acquaintances. 

WILLIAM QUISENBERRY DISTINGUISHED  BIOLOGY ALUMNUS  FOR  2004

A 1965 biology graduate of Mississippi College, William "Bill" Y. Quisenberry, III, is the Department’s 2004 Distinguished Biology Alumnus.  After graduating from Mississippi College, Quisenberry served a short time as Laboratory Technician with the U.S. Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station, Gulfport, MS.  In 1967, Quisenberry began his 33 year career with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.  During this period, Quisenberry served as Wildlife Biologist, Director of the Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Program and Chief of the Division of Lands, Acting Executive Director, Director of the Office of Support Services, and Special Chief of Staff.  While serving as a Wildlife Biologist, Quisenberry earned his M.S. in Wildlife Ecology from Mississippi State University in 1971.  As Director of the Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Program and Chief of the Division of Lands, Quisenberry made one of his most significant contributions to Mississippi when he directed statewide efforts in acquiring 60,000 acres for habitat protection of rare and endangered species and lands for public hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.  Additionally, Quisenberry supervised efforts to establish a system of unique natural areas by purchase, lease, registration, dedication, and life estate or bequest.            

Quisenberry has also served as technical advisor/producer of three documentary films: "The Life History of the White-tailed Deer," "Sound or Silence: Wildlife Heritage in Mississippi," and "Rivers of the Deep South."  Also, Quisenberry was instrumental in obtaining passage of the Mississippi Scenic Streams Stewardship Act by the Mississippi legislature.      

Since retiring from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks in 2000, Quisenberry has been working at Watkins and Eager PLLC as Firm Adminstrator.

On the personal side, Quisenberry is married to the former Patricia Wright.  They are the parents of two sons, Chad, age 25, and Drew, age 22.  An active member of First Baptist Church, Clinton, MS, Quisenberry has served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and a member of several important church committees.  His community service includes: Friends of the Clinton Library; Board of Trustees, Clinton Public Library; President, Clinton Beautiful; Board of Trustees and President, Clinton Cemetery Association; and Board of Directors, Clinton Community Nature Center.

Congratulations Bill Quisenberry, 2004 Distinguished Biology Alumnus!

GREETINGS  FROM  THE  CHAIR’S  DESK

by Dr. Stan Baldwin

We have had a lot of exciting changes in the Biology department this year.  We received a donation from the estate of Dr. Max L. Pharr to renovate Hederman 100.  The green floor and old wooden chairs are gone.  We reconfigured the floor plan. Now we have four rows of tables.  Each table is powered and we have wireless Internet connection in the classroom allowing us to utilize the web during our classes.  We are all very excited by the generosity of the Pharr family for making this happen for us.

Another change for me is that I have been appointed Dean of the School of Science and Mathematics.  I will continue to serve as Chair of  the Department of Biological Sciences. This means a lot more paper work and report writing, but it is an honor to serve MC in my new role.

We had a banner year as far as our majors getting into medical school.  Eighteen of our Biology majors gained admission into the medical school.  Congratulations to our wonderful students!

We are still trying to raise money for the renovation of our microbiology lab and the creation of a new research lab.  Our goal is to raise $270,000 to make these projects a reality.  The good news is that we have raised $70,000 so far!  As always, we are deeply appreciative of the generosity of our alumni. Your giving spirit helps up to continue to provide the quality education that our young people deserve.

DR. STARK HONORED

Dr. Bill Stark received two very impressive honors this past year.  He received a Life Time Achievement Award at the XV International Plecoptera Symposium on August 26 at The  University of Montana Flathead Lake Biological Station. This is an honor for his dedication to insect research, particularly on stoneflies. The plaque reads: “Presented to Bill P. Stark in Recognition of Outstanding Lifelong Work and Contribution to Plecopterology - 2004 - XV International Association of Plecopterologists”.

Each year since 1978, Mississippi College has recognized a member of the faculty as Distinguished Professor of the Year. A committee, appointed by the President of the Faculty Council and composed of faculty from all academic divisions of the university, selects the Distinguished Professor of the Year based on criteria established by the General Faculty. The 2003-2004 Distinguished Professor of the Year is Dr. Bill Stark.

Dr. Stark is a master teacher and world-class scholar. In 1981, within five years of coming to MC, he received the Distinguished Professor Award. His students, both undergraduate and graduate, sing his praises because he is a nurturing teacher who translates his love of biology to those who study with him. His understanding of Aquatic Biology is legendary, and he has uncovered a fascinating universe in the life-course of the diminutive stonefly, said Dr. Ron Howard, Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Over the past 28 years, Professor Stark has published over 130 articles in refereed journals, 11 book chapters, and five books. He is a world-renowned expert on stoneflies. Named in his honor are six species of stoneflies, one species of caddisflies and one species of beetle. All of these contain the name starki. Moreover, he has won numerous prestigious awards for his research and publications.

HELP RETIRE BERTHA!

An old, faithful employee of the department's Micro lab is nearing retirement.  Your assistance can make this possible.  Big Bertha, our steam sterilizer, has worked tirelessly behind the scenes for nearly thirty years, and is critically ill.  Parts and service are no longer available; the next breakdown may be fatal!  We plan to obtain a modern, refurbished model, but the approximately $20,000 cost is straining our budget. Help retire Bertha!  Donations to the MC Department of Biology Sterilizer Fund will be gratefully accepted.  

TRI   BETA   PICNIC

The Mississippi College Chapter (Mu Beta) of Beta Beta Beta,  The National Biological Honor Society, is going strong after thirty-three years.   During the 2003 – 2004 school year, the chapter initiated sixteen National Members, participated in numerous service projects and hosted four social events.

Recently, $$$ hosted the annual Biology Department Back to School Picnic at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Snazelle.  Pictured (L to R) at the picnic are Christy Walters, (President), Laura Rogers, Sarah Simmons, Cara Sumrall, Lane Beasley, Glenn Bailey (Dr. Bailey’s son), and Kim Hughes, (Secretary).

NEWS   NOTES

Dr. Sherry Chance Pippen ('99) is now practicing dentistry at Oak Lane Family Dental in Monticello.  Sherry graduated cum laude from University of Mississippi School of Dentistry last May.  She was awarded the American College of Prosthodontists Achievement Award and Academy of Operative Dentistry Achievement Award.  She one of the top three students in her graduating class.  Congratulations, Sherry!

Dr. Chris Ethridge ('76) recently joined the Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, located in Jackson, MS.

Dr. Mindy Mallory ('95) graduated from medical school in 2000  and entered her residency in Internal Medicine at UMC.  She is currently an "infectious disease fellow."

Dr. Keith Harrison ('94) has just completed his first year of a  pathology residency at UAB.  After attending graduate school at Boston University and earning a masters in medical science, he attended medical school.  He and wife, Kay, currently reside in Birmingham.

After completing all the requirements at Cornell University, Mac Alford ('97) is defending his Ph.D. dissertation in October and has taken a position at The Ohio State University.  Mac writes: "I'll have 2/3 time research and herbarium curation and 1/3 teaching field botany/local flora...three of the four things I love best."  Congratulations to Dr. Alford!

It's always good to hear from our alumni!  Felton Riddell Leggett ('58, MS '63) sent an update--he is retired from Burroughs-Wellcome Pharm. Co. and is now with Claxo-Smith Kline.  His career included pharmaceutical sales, teaching microbiology and A & P at Hinds CC and Copiah Lincoln.  He is married to Billie Sue Harris Leggett and the proud father of three grown children, two of which are in health related professions.

Fanasy Prokop Deming ('99) is beginning her second year in residency in periodontics at Baylor College of Dentistry.  Husband, Matt, is working as Service Manager at Sewell Automotive Cadillac Saab in Dallas.  Fanasy's big news this fall is they are expecting their first child, a son, in October.  She is anxious to finish her residency and return home to Mississippi!

Fanasy Deming (second from right) and friends.  On either side of Fanasy, Deb McGuire Brunson (’99) and Stephanie Sullivan Tullos (’99).

WEDDINGS

Dr. Todd ('91) and Kim Chambers ('92) Moore.

Dr. Kristi Sidie ('00) and Christopher Eric Rohman, September 6, 2003.

Susan Shamburger ('98) and Clinton Russell Smith, October 4, 2003.

Curtis Mathew Bishop ('04) and Tonya Ann Walworth, April 4, 2004.

Sara Elizabeth Crosthwait ('04) and Alan Oliver ('04), May 8, 2004.

Megan Elizabeth Barnes ('04) and Michael Adam Adcock ('04), May 22, 2004.

Dr. Matthew P. Miley ('99) and Carrie L. Handley, June 5, 2004.

Sericea Lee Stallings ('02) and Jeffrey Wayne Smith, June 12, 2004.

Casey Patrick ('03) and Matthew Sitton ('03), June 26, 2004.

James Wesley Quick ('02) and Lindsay Paige Hazelwood, July 3, 2004.

BIRTHS

Dr. Rob and Christy Price ('00) are the proud parents of Robert Neil Price, IV, born December 31, 2003, weighing in at 9.5 lbs.  Daddy boasts "I'm thinking defensive line...".  Rob finished medical school in May and is taking a residency in Emergency Medicine at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.

Sandra J. Catchings ('90) and Dr. Brad Bradford welcomed their first child, October 1, 2002--William Catchings Bradford.  Sandra is currently a self employed dentist in Metarie, LA.

Dr. Jimmy Stewart ('92) and wife Mary Ellen "gave birth to another bouncing baby boy,"  Braden Reeves, born March 1, 2004.  Dad is now a physician on staff at UMC.

Steve McCartney ('94) and wife Julie gave birth to Fisher McCartney, 7 lb. 3 oz., December 2003.

SENIOR  RECOGNITIONS

Congratulations to the following senior biology majors were selected for Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges: Michael Adam Adcock, Corey M. Coleman, Sara Elizabeth Crosthwait, Bethany Jean Daniel, Andrea Renae Fyke, Clayton Hilyer Jones, Robin Rhaly, William Marvin Watkins, Jr.

HEALTH   SCIENCES   REPORT

2004 Acceptances

University of Mississippi Medical School

Adam Adcock ('04), Ben Burkett ('03), Cory Coleman ('04), Laura Fincher ('03), Andrea Fyke ('04), Erica Hutcheson ('04), Jessica Jones ('04), Scott Martin ('04), Ben Moore ('03), Bethany Porter ('04), Tara Rosenberg ('04), Jessica Brown-Safly ('04), Matthew Sitton ('03), Will Watkins ('04), Kimberly Estes, Ryan Logan.

University of Mississippi Dental School

Curtis Bishop ('04), April Anders Turnage ('02), Derek Diaz ('04), Wendy Hawkins ('03).

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Sara Crosthwait ('04), Daniel Smith* ('03).

University of Mississippi Physical Therapy School

Megan Barnes ('03), Emily Casey ('02), Natalie Hunt ('02), Melinda Laughter ('02).

Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, TN

Tracy Phillips ('03).

University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy

Mark Pearson ('03).

University of Tennessee - Memphis

Lori Wilson ('04)

University of Kentucky

Martha Grace Green Rich ('03).

*Daniel Smith chose to attend graduate school at the University of Michigan rather than attending medical school at UAB.

HONORS

The following MC biology alumni received special honors at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine Forty-Third Annual Honors Day:

Alpha Omega Alpha--Kristie Sidie Rohman

Phi Kappa Initiates--Kristie Sidie Rohman

Robert M. Herin Support Foundation Scholarships--Julie Porter Wyatt

Bryan Barksdale, M.D., Medical Scholarship--Kimberly Dionne Cornelius

Fred McDonnall, M.D.Medical Scholarship--Lamar  Davis

Blair Batson Award for Excellence in Pediatrics--Kristie Sidie Rohman

MEDICAL SCHOOL RESIDENCIES

Kristie Sidie Rohman, Pediatrics, University Hospital, Jackson, MS; Ashley Love Sumrall, Neurology, University Hospital, Jackson, MS; Samuel Gerald Tucker, Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR. Rob Price, Emergency Medicine at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC

WANTED: NEWS FROM ALUMNI The Biophiles would like to continue to provide news of interest about our distinguished alumni.  It would be of great help if you would supply us with updated information about yourself or others.  Please use the following form or a personal letter to help us do a better job of providing a useful