Alcorn State University to host 2016 Blueprint Mississippi Social Business Challenge
Two Alcorn State University teams will showcase their bright ideas on how to tackle one of the nation’s biggest issues.
The 2016 Blueprint Mississippi Social Business Challenge will take place at noon Monday, Nov. 16 in the School of Business’ Lecture Hall on the Natchez campus. Alcorn’s School of Business and School of Nursing will be competing for a chance to earn a spot in the statewide competition in Feb. 2016.
This year’s challenge will focus on obesity and health related issues. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 67.6 million Americans were obese and 65.2 million overweight as of 2012. The CDC defines obese as having a body mass index of 30 or higher, and overweight as a body mass index of between 25 and 29.9.
Dr. Janelle Baker, associate professor in the School of Nursing and campus coordinator for the event, is excited to hear the debate on the frequently discussed topic.
“As a healthcare provider, I am happy to see obesity addressed,” said Baker. “The numbers of obese Americans are startling. Obesity leads to a plethora of chronic illnesses, so addressing the growing numbers of obese and overweight children and adults is not only a health care priority, but a social business one as well.”
The goals of the Blueprint Mississippi Social Business Challenge are to encourage students to develop ideas for solving Mississippi’s most pressing problems, while learning important lessons about planning, teamwork and presenting ideas. The challenge will also serve as an opportunity to showcase the talent and skill level of the students.
