USM to cut tech program

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) - The University of Southern Mississippi has notified staff in the technical and occupational education program that their contracts will not be renewed for 2010-and-2011.

Department chairman Ed Mann and professors Jonathan Beedle and Karen Juneau were notified Friday. The professors can appeal the decision.

The program’s termination and other cutbacks are part of budget recommendations released Aug. 11. USM expects a $11 million-$12 million shortfall for fiscal 2011.

The technical and occupational education is designed for students who wish to teach a trade or technical skills in high school, community college and the military.

From summer 2008 to spring 2009, there were 56 enrolled in the bachelor’s program and 24 in the master’s program.