Lorman — Dr. Hank Bounds, Mississippi’s new commissioner of higher education, is currently touring the campuses of the state universities.

At the top of the list was Alcorn State, the visit took place on Aug. 3 and 4.

During the first day of his visit Bounds met with Alcorn State president, George E. Ross and senior members of the administration.

Bounds, Ross and senior members of the administration discussed and viewed ongoing efforts at Alcorn State designed to transform the institution into the educational epicenter of southwest Mississippi and northeast Louisiana.

Various meetings, presentations and discussions with the university’s faculty, staff, students and administration occurred throughout the day. Bounds toured the main campus, learning about the university’s current repair and renovation efforts and needs. The day concluded with departmental presentations by the school of education and psychology, the school of arts and sciences and the pre-professional program.

On Aug. 4, Bounds toured the Natchez campus and met with the school of nursing and the school of business administration, faculty and staff. Bounds’ program continued with the School of AREAS presentation, an overview of the strategic plan by select strategic planning committee members and SACS discussion.

During his visit Bounds led an open discussion with Alcorn representatives about the institution’s successes, future plans, issues and concerns to gain a better understanding of the institution’s needs.

Bounds shared his philosophy with Alcorn State.

“IHL is a service entity working to meet the institutions’ needs while providing them with tools to do a better job,” he said.

Bounds was appointed commissioner of higher education in June 2009.

and assumed his position at the end of July. Prior to this appointment he served as the Mississippi state superintendent of education from 2005 till 2009.

He earned both his Bachelor of Science degree in sports administration and secondary education and his Master of Education degree in educational administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a doctor of education in educational leadership from the University of Mississippi.