MSU graphic art, photography students receive regional honors

Contact: Sammy McDavid

Four Mississippi State seniors involved in programs of the university's art department are being recognized for regional achievements.

Graphic design major Crystal B. Coleman of Batesville was grand prize winner in the resume competition of the 2003 Mississippi Student Leadership Conference. Held recently in Jackson, the conference was sponsored by the Mississippi Chapters/American Advertising Federation.

Hallie L. Heuser of Oxford and John P. "Jack" Kelley of Mt. Olive, also graphic design majors, joined Coleman among the top three MSLC finalists. Selected by a team of advertising professionals who also conducted mock interviews with the finalists, the three were among more than 150 students from 11 Mississippi institutions of higher learning attending the state's first such gathering of its kind.

Also, senior interdisciplinary studies major Jade B. Buchanan of Tupelo is being honored by the Society for Photographic Education's South Central Regional Conference. Buchanan was one of three students receiving $275 scholarships from a seven-state region that includes Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.

The SPE awards recognized the enthusiasm for photography and volunteerism Buchanan and the other students displayed earlier this year while attending the non-profit organization's national conference in Texas.

MSU's photography program is among the art department's academic offerings. The department also is home to the campus SPE chapter, in which Buchanan is an active member.

LOCAL EDITORS:

Crystal Coleman is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Coleman, while Jade Buchanan is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Buchanan. Information on the parents of Hallie Heuser and Jack Kelley is not given.