USM PRESIDENT HONORED WITH DFM "WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE" AWARD

Plenty of women can tout their long history of community service, but there is something altogether unique about Dr. Martha Dunagin Saunders, president of the University of Southern Mississippi.

Perhaps it was her equally tireless dedication to raising seven children.

Or perhaps it is her humble dedication to serving her community both inside and outside the classrooms in which she has spent more than 30 years.

Regardless, for these reasons and a myriad of others, she has garnered this year's "Women of Excellence" award, presented annually by the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi (DFM) to one female community each leader for her commitment to improving the lives of those around her.

"We feel especially honored to recognize Dr. Saunders as the 2008 recipient of our "Women of Excellence" award," said DFM Executive Vice President Mary Fortune. "She joins a legion of other vibrant, successful and untiring crusaders for community advocacy, education and improvement. Dr. Saunders epitomizes the successful working woman who juggles family and various leadership roles, all the while remaining incredibly involved in her community."

"I'm so honored to be given this award because of what it represents…hope for Mississippians of all ages. The real prize belongs to the tireless volunteers whose efforts help fund the research, launch educational programs and provide services for the people of this state," Saunders said.

Prior to Saunders' presidency at USM, she was the first female chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Prior to her work in Wisconsin, she was also vice president for academic affairs at Columbus State University in Georgia. Before that, Saunders was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of West Florida.

According to the Mississippi Institute of Higher Learning's Web site, "Throughout her 30-year career in higher education, Dr. Saunders has taught thousands of students. Her philosophy of education follows three simple guiding principles: know your students, connect them to bigger things, and set a good example."

Saunders' personal motto resonates with the DFM, whose mission is to help all Mississippians with diabetes live longer, healthier and fuller lives.

A native of Mississippi, Saunders earned her bachelor's degree in French from USM and her master's degree in journalism from the University of Georgia, and she holds her doctorate in communication theory and research from Florida State University.

On April 24 at the DFM's fifth-annual Ultimate Fashion Show and Champagne Luncheon, she will be recognized for her contributions as a leader and humanitarian.

The DFM's mission is to provide hope through research, programs and service to the 346,500 Mississippians with diabetes, and every dollar raised by the organization stays in the state to support these efforts. Likewise, 92 cents of every dollar raised goes towards the DFM's charitable purposes. The DFM is the one diabetes organization totally dedicated to all Mississippians– from children to seniors– who live with diabetes.