FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

Wicker: MUW to get funds for Creative Learning Center
$980,000 included in appropriations bill
 

WASHINGTON, DC-House and Senate negotiators have reached agreement on an appropriations bill that contains $980,000 to establish a creative learning center at Mississippi University for Women, U. S. Rep. Roger Wicker said Tuesday.

Wicker said the funds are contained in the 2004 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Act. He was a member of the conference committee that forged the final package.

The Center for Creative Learning at MUW will provide teaching, research, and service opportunities in education for communities across thestate. Through seminars, workshops, grants, national speakers, print and video publications, and the innovative use of technology, the Center will serve as a vehicle for connecting students, parents, and teachers with best practices for creative learning. It will focus on teaching teachers innovative strategies and helping them integrate technology into their classrooms.

MUW President Claudia Limbert said, "We are grateful to Rep. Roger Wicker for his tireless commitment to education and MUW. The Center for Creative Learning is one example of Congressman Wicker's dedication to improving education for all Mississippians and will support MUW's continued tradition of academic excellence.

Enhancing education is the surest route to improving economic development in Mississippi." Dr. Suzanne Bean, director of graduate studies and coordinator of the graduate program in education, added, "We are so excited about the opportunities this center brings for innovative approaches to education. We look forward to bringing schools and communities of our state and region together to create positive changes in education."

The legislation also includes $580,000 for the forensic chemistry program at the University of Mississippi and $240,000 for the Northeast Mississippi Health Care Inc. in Byhalia. This community health center serves the indigent and uninsured population in northwest Mississippi, including many veterans.

The Eudora Welty House in Jackson will get $450,000 for renovations and the University Medical Center in Jackson will get $3 million to continue improvements to the Arthur Guyton Building. The Mississippi Arts in Education program is slated to get $150,000 in the legislation. The program brings performing arts to rural communities that would otherwise not have access to them.

"We were fortunate to secure funds for these projects that will help advance education and enhance the delivery and quality of health care throughout our state," Rep. Wicker said.



 

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