Mississippi State, Rust students to conduct Delta needs survey

Contact: Kay Fike Jones

Nine students from Mississippi State University and Rust College will collaborate next week to conduct a random community survey in four Coahoma County towns.

The students are enrolled in Carolyn J. Bryant's summer social work practice class at MSU. They, along with local residents, will spend June 22-26 questioning approximately 30 percent of the residents of Coahoma, Jonestown, Lula, and Rich.

Canvassing activities will take place between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Each questionnaire will take from 45 minutes to an hour to complete.

"The questions address the people's needs and concerns for their communities," said Bryant, adding that the survey results will be presented to a cross-community task council.

"The results should help the towns come together and form a community network to realize their goals," the assistant professor said.

The combined population of the four municipalities is approximately 2,500. All are located in the northern part of the North Delta county.

Support for the survey was provided by MSU's Ottillie Schillig Special Teaching Project program. The Schillig Trust of Port Gibson has provided significant funding to recognize outstanding achievements by students and faculty at the Starkville institution.