Jackson State University News September 30, 2010 Entergy Mississippi, Inc., presents $50,000 to support JSU School of Engineering Entergy Mississippi, Inc., presented the Jackson State University Development Foundation, Inc., with a $50,000 check toward its $500,000 commitment to the College of Science, Engineering and Technology at Jackson State. The grant is part of the company’s support of JSU’s Entergy Power Systems Laboratory and scholarships for the university’s engineering students. ”Students are going to benefit in two ways,” said Mahmoud Manzoul, chair of Jackson State’s Department of Computer Engineering. “One way is in using top-of-the-line equipment and the other way is by getting scholarships.” In 2009, Entergy Mississippi, Inc., pledged $400,000 to Jackson State to establish the Entergy Power Systems Laboratory in the School of Engineering and an additional $100,000 for scholarships. The grant also helps fund the power systems track in Jackson State’s electrical engineering program, which launched this fall. Speaking at a press conference when the $500,000 award was announced. Entergy Mississippi, Inc., president and chief executive officer Haley Fisackerly said, “The students who graduate from this program will be an incredible resource not only for Entergy, but for businesses and industry throughout Mississippi.” The Entergy Power Systems Laboratory at Jackson State is being equipped to enable students to conduct experiments in power simulation, power electronics, electrical machines and other subjects related to managing and modernizing the nation’s energy transmission systems. Students also will learn about electric grid infrastructure, energy conservation, renewable energy and large-scale smart grids. “We’re ready to offer courses in the approved track,” said Robert Whalin, associate dean of the School of Engineering at Jackson State. The availability of engineering graduates is especially critical for the utility industry, where a large percentage of the work force is nearing retirement. To guarantee a steady supply of qualified replacements, Entergy has increased efforts to renew interest in engineering-related fields and work with schools to expand degree programs. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org www.hbculibraries.org 404.592.4820 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/meeting-form.html for the October 24-26, 2010 HBCU Library Alliance 4th Membership Meeting and the "Conference on Advocacy" pre-conference in Montgomery, AL. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.