Student Organizations

Student organizations on the UM-DeSoto campus have proved to be a vital part of academic life. Oncampus clubs and organizations can enhance personal and professional skills that are invaluable to the well-rounded college student. UM-DeSoto faculty and staff are helping to offer these experiences to our student body by facilitating hands-on training and connections in the community that will aid students as they graduate and move into a career in their chosen profession.

Not only are these groups coordinating local outreach events, but they are also learning to apply classroom knowledge to real world situations. Within each of these organizations, students can be seen taking the initiative to create proactive involvement within the Mid-South community.

Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society

The University of Mississippi- DeSoto inducted its newest class into the Omicron Delta chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL) in February 2009. This unique academic honor society aims to recognize the special achievements of adults who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of home and work. ASL is also dedicated to the advancement of scholarship and recognizes high scholastic achievement in an adult student's career.

Inductees included: Melanie Charlotte Armour, Michelle E Baird, Terrica LaShay Campbell, Maria D. Carrera, Kelly Smith Chaffin, Laura Elizabeth Davis, Alania Arkela Deshay, Contrice D Dodson, Melissa Gail Evans, Laura Christine Everly, Eric Sean Foreman, Kimberly Lane Forrester, Heather Anne Green, Richard Alan Halsted, Jessica Michelle Kalish, Jan Tinsley Lange, Kimberly V. McClinton, Alice A. Melton, Wanda J. Moore, Melissa Sue Moore, Jessica Ashton Motes, Mary Morris Parish, Kevin Michael Patrick, Jordan Lane Pegram, Melissa Sue Pierce-Dunlap, Robynn Elizabeth Ross, Jennifer Lynn Scruggs, Kerrie Celeste Seger, Gretchen Kyle Shaheen, Tanya Michelle Simon, Tara Bailey Smith, Robin Michelle Smith, Laurel Jeanine Tyler, David Alan Veach, Lindsay Renee Weaver, and Lindsey Leigh Wilbanks.

Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society

Kappa Delta Pi is an international honor society that works to recognize excellence and foster mutual cooperation, support, and professional growth for educational professionals around the world.

The University of Mississippi- DeSoto campus inducted the following students into ΚΔΠ for 2009 including (Seated L to R) Stephanie Thaddies of Tunica, Mary Zluticky of Southaven, Mona E. Foshee of Sardis, and Terri L. Reeves of Coldwater. (Back L to R) Dr. Bobbie Smothers Jones (Treasurer), Marlon King of Brownsville, TN, Andrea C. Payne of Olive Branch, Courtney Wilbanks of Olive Branch, Holly Chisholm of Horn Lake, MS, Angela Mauney of Southaven, Allison Mauney of Southaven, Sarah Ford and Sara Friedel both of Olive Branch, Brian Anderson of Southaven, and Dr. Nichelle C. Boyd (Associate Counselor).

Phi Beta Lambda

Phi Beta Lambda (ΠΒΛ) is the newest organization at the UM-DeSoto campus. ΠΒΛ is a nationally-organized association made up of students pursuing careers in the business and accountancy field. Its purpose is to bring together the business world and academics in a positive working relationship. Along with professional development and community service projects, ΠΒΛ members compete in state and national competitions that allow them to show their proficiency in numerous areas of business and accounting. The March of Dimes non-profit organization is the main philanthropy for the National ΠΒΛ organization.

Preparing to begin this student organization in Fall 2009 are: (L) UM-DeSoto ΠΒΛ President Karessa Duran and (R) Faculty Advisor Dr. Fred Dorn.

For more information, please contact Dr. Dorn at fjdorn@olemiss.edu.

UM-DeSoto Student Ambassadors

As representatives for The University of Mississippi-DeSoto, Student Ambassadors participate in activities on campus and recruiting events in the community throughout the year.

2009-2010 Members include: (L to R) Mona Foshee, Bobi Foster, Mary Zluticky, Adam Irwin, Jessica Bunyard, and Hannah Dunlap.

UM-DeSoto Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE)

Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE) is comprised of education majors on the UM-DeSoto campus. This organization offers support and networking opportunities for education majors. Each year they participate in the, "Read Across America," program to collects books for elementary school classrooms. They also host the annual,"Appreciation Reception,7q for their clinical instructors and support area schools during Teacher Appreciation Week. In 2009, UM-DeSoto MAE member and student, Mary Zluticky, was president of the state chapter of MAE.

Members include: (Front L to R) Lauren Cummings, Paige Fetters, Kathryn Powell, Megan Cox (President), and Holly Chisholm. (2nd row) Leslie Gullette, Jana Elrod, Sarah Ford, and Leslie Woodward. (3rd row) Jamie Pope, Sara Friedel, Kim McWilliams, and Hannah Campbell. (4th row) Jessica Hicks Bunyard and Jessica Bobo. (5th row) Kimberly Farrow, Dawn Joyner, and Kerrie Seger. (6th row) Melanie Armour and Jennifer Alford. (Top row) Brian Anderson (Vice President), Kim Shaheen, and Angela Cason (Secretary).

Students for Justice

Students for Justice (SFJ) is a student organization that includes both paralegal and criminal justice majors at the UM-DeSoto campus. This organization offers support and networking opportunities for students interested in the fields of law enforcement. It also advocates community involvement. Several members from the group participated in the campus’s first "Community Service Day" where students helped with the completion of a Habitat for Humanity home in the community.

Members include: (Front L to R) Brad Parker, Reagyn Rahaim, Cynthia Bigham, Adam Irwin, Adam Barnett, and Tierra Walker. (Back L to R) Geryl Hill, Likeeva Grainger, Ursula Williams, Armond Fairley, Cynthia Mason, Tia Frembgen, Claire McKee, Maria Ayala, Lakeisha Williams, and Jeff Johnson (faculty advisor).

UM-DeSoto Student Social Work Organization (SSWO)

The Student Social Work Organization is for students interested in the field of social work and community involvement. This year’s projects have included promoting awareness for child abuse prevention and volunteering with an inner-city youth program. Current and upcoming projects include participating in, "The Great American Smoke-Out" and volunteering with the local YMCA.

Pictured are: (from L to R) Dr. Watson (faculty advisor), Gayle Small, Dianne Lampley, Shurunda Sessom, Dominique Banks, Brandy Taylor, Tammy Delcourt, Tamera Jones, and Kathryn Powell.