FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 12, 2008
Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins
(662) 329-7124

MUW Center for Creative Learning appropriated $292,000

COLUMBUS, Miss. – The Roger F. Wicker Center for Creative Learning
located at Mississippi University for Women was recently appropriated
$292,000 to continue its mission of providing innovations in teaching,
learning opportunities, service and educational research.

Since its inception in October of 2004, the Wicker Center has provided
programs and services to more than 60 school districts and 40 counties
in Mississippi, according to Dr. Suzanne Bean, director.

More than 4,500 students and 1,700 teachers have benefitted from these
programs and services. The center also has served more than 1,500
parents of K-12 grade students.

Bean said the idea of the center is that learning never stops. “Through the center, we are helping people of all ages discover and rediscover the joy of learning.”

The center’s goals:

• To develop and implement research-based programs and services for K-12 learners

• To strengthen parenting skills and foster involvement for parents of K-12 learners

• To provide teachers with professional opportunities and effective strategies for differentiating instruction

• To connect communities with schools through partnerships for learning.

Dr. Sandra Jordan, MUW provost and vice president for academic affairs,
said “The work of the center continues to enhance MUW’s tradition of
excellence in education.”

Funded by a congressionally-directed grant, the facility is named after
Congressman Roger F. Wicker, who was very instrumental in helping MUW to secure monies to establish it.

Sen. Wicker said, "I am glad we were able to provide funding for the good work The W is doing at the Center for Creative Learning. The center is making great strides to better equip parents and educators to engage students through the use of innovative technology and programs. These programs are helping students across the state, and I am glad Congress recognized that impact."

MUW President Claudia A. Limbert said, “We are grateful to Congressman Roger Wicker for his support of higher education and education in general. The center is one example of his dedication to improving education for all Mississippians.”

Fore more information about the Wicker Center, please call (662) 241-6101.