Alcorn showcases its work on helping solve Mississippi’s most pressing problems during Universities Day at the Capitol
Alcorn State, Miss. (March 8, 2013) – Alcorn State University participated in Universities Day at the Capitol in Jackson, Mississippi, on March 6, 2013.
Alcorn representatives showcased the University’s work aimed at helping Mississippi solve its most pressing problems. The presentation was centered around research on reducing childhood obesity conducted by Dr. Martha Ravola, associate professor in the Department of Human Sciences. Her research states the need for urgent action and shows ways of solving the problem, as Mississippi tops the list as the fattest state in the nation and also qualifies as the state with the highest rate of childhood obesity.
Alcorn’s graduate nursing students Ursula Brooks-Moore, Courtney Green, Zaccardo Clark, and Christopher Carson were on hand to discuss with legislators their work in surrounding communities on raising awareness about the childhood obesity epidemic. A video depicting nursing students’ efforts throughout Southwestern Mississippi was displayed at the Alcorn booth via iPads.
Legislators discussed healthy eating habits with nursing students and enjoyed snacks and food demonstrations by Sodexo at Alcorn that included an egg frittata for breakfast, and chicken and veggie wraps with fruit for lunch.
Vice President for Media Relations Clara Ross Stamps stated, “Higher education is important to our state, and an investment in Alcorn is an investment in Mississippi’s economic vitality.”
For additional information about Alcorn’s efforts to reduce childhood obesity, contact Dr. Ravola at [email protected] or 601.877.4717.
