Feb 17, 2011
College suffers unexpected loss of two faculty members
Ranger Rocket Staff Report
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| Khalid Khouri |
Pedres Finley |
The Northwest family lost two full-time instructors who taught computer classes at DeSoto Center.
Khalid Khouri, who taught classes in computer science and mathematics, died Feb. 8 in Chicago after a lengthy illness.
Pedres Finley, who taught computer information systems classes and was in fact teaching Khouri’s classes in his absence, died Wednesday, Feb. 9 in a traffic accident on I-55 north of Hernando.
“We are all stunned at the deaths of these two fine men and good instructors,” said Richie Lawson, dean of the DeSoto Center.
“They were both very popular with our students and were held in high esteem with our faculty and staff. You couldn’t ask for two finer men to work with, and they leave a huge hole in our staff which will be difficult to fill. Our sympathies go out to both families as we share in their loss,” he said.
Khouri, originally from Jordan and a resident of Southaven, emigrated to the U.S. in 1986 and became an American citizen in 2006. He held a B.S. from Birzeit University in Israel, an M.S. from Alabama State University, and an M.S. from the University of Memphis. He first taught classes at Northwest’s Senatobia campus beginning in 1997 before moving to DeSoto Center where he became a full-time faculty member in 2001. He will return to Jordan for burial.
“Mr. Khouri had such a wonderful sense of humor humor and had a special way with his students. He will be missed,” said Stacia Schommer, a sophomore communications major from Horn Lake.
Finley, a Northwest graduate, is originally from Como and graduated from North Panola High School before receiving his A.A. in computer information systems from Northwest in 2002. He held a B.B.A. from the University of Mississippi and an M.B.A. from Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University.
He began his career at Northwest as an adjunct instructor and began teaching on a full-time basis in August 2009.
A Memorial Service to honor Khouri and Finley was held Friday, Feb. 18 in the DeSoto Center.
College embraces increased spring enrollment
BY JUDITH HARELL
Northwest announced an increased enrollment at the end of its spring 2011 semester registration.
Students enrolled at all campuses and Virtual College totaled 8,017, up 62 students from spring 2010.
The increased spring enrollment follows a 22 percent enrollment increase over two years marked by the institution’s record fall 2010 enrollment.
“Many thanks go to our faculty and staff for the hard work they put into accomplishing another record enrollment for the spring semester,” said Northwest President, Dr. Gary Lee Spears. “It’s great to work with such a dedicated, effective team to get the job done.”
According to Dean of Enrollment Management/Registrar Larry Simpson the college is growing at a faster pace when it comes to eLearning.
“The convenience of taking classes in your own home by your own schedule is very attractive for working adults,” said Simpson.
Registration was extended because of days Norhtwest was closed due to inclement weather.
“We have a set amount of days that we hold regular and late registration each semester. We were closed two days during this process for weather so we felt the best route to take was to extend by those two days,” explained Simpson.
The largest campus, enrollment wise, is DeSoto Center with 3,545 students registered. Up 148 students from last spring, the Southaven campus enrollment continues to flourish in the state’s fastest growing county. The Senatobia campus was next with 3,079 students followed by the Lafayette- alobusha Technical Center with 1,393.
“Many thanks go to our faculty and staff for the hard work they put into accomplishing another record enrollment for the spring semester.” — Dr. Gary Lee Spears
Nursing students take full advantage of all recently completed facility has to offer
BY WILL WHALEY
Construction of the new Nursing Building, one of the largest renovations to date in Northwest’s history, is finally complete.
Nursing major Heather Parham (left) closely observes as instructor Stephanie Stevens demonstrates correct intubation methods in one of the new lab facilities on Feb. 3. (Photo by Katie Fox)
For freshman nursing students, it is the first time to ever use technology such as the patient simulation and high fidelity mannequins that allow students to experience real-life nursing situations.
“There is a significant advancement in student learning with more room, lounges for the students to relax in, lockers to store belongings, large lectoriums and computerized testing rooms,” said Nursing Instructor Denise Bynum. “We also have a simulation room where students have access to mannequin patients who can talk to you and tell you what is wrong with them.” More
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