Top
Click here for COVID-19 updates!

  • Apply
  • Contact Us
  • Give
  • Locations
  • Request Info
  • Indigo Portal

William Carey University Crest Logo
  • I want to...
  • Prospects
    • Apply Now
    • Campuses
    • College of Osteopathic Medicine
    • Explore Degree Programs
    • Graduate Admissions
    • International Student Admissions
    • Request Information
    • School of Pharmacy
    • Undergraduate Admissions
    • Visit Campus
  • Students
        • Services
          • Canvas
          • E-Mail
          • Indigo Portal
          • Library
          • Office 365
          • OneLogin
          • TK20
          • WEPA Printing
      • Resources
        • Apply for Graduation
        • Faculty & Staff Directory
        • How To Tutorials
        • Register for Classes
        • Request a Transcript
        • Student Handbook
  • Faculty & Staff
    • Canvas
    • Library
    • Indigo Portal
    • E-Mail
    • Early Alert
    • Office 365
    • OneLogin
    • Sadernet
    • TK20
    • WEPA Printing
  • Alumni
    • Alumni Association
    • Alumni Chapters
    • Alumni Newsletter
    • Carey Magazine
    • Homecoming
    • Update Your Information
  •    
  • Search

University News

  1. News
  2. University News

Excel By 5: Working on a healthy start for children

  • Friday, December 10, 2021 2:18 PM
  • Education, Educational Leadership

The Hattiesburg Excel By 5 Coalition is working to identify community resources that can help families ensure their children are healthy, happy, and ready to learn by the time they enter kindergarten.

“Hattiesburg has a population of about 48,000 people. More than 3,000 are under the age of 5. As a community, we must ensure a healthy start for our young children. I think 2022 is going to be the best year ever for children in Hattiesburg,” said Dr. Patti Permenter of William Carey University’s School of Education.

The city received its original certification in the national Excel By 5 program a decade ago and is now in the process of re-certification. WCU is lead partner for the Hattiesburg coalition, and Permenter is its certification manager.

The diverse group of community leaders who make up the Hattiesburg Excel By 5 Coalition met Dec. 6 at WCU’s King Student Center to organize its efforts. The group includes educators from the University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University, Hattiesburg Public Schools, and Head Start. It also includes business leaders, parents, faith-based practitioners, community and health care workers, and childcare providers.

Dr. Kathy Young is chairperson for Hattiesburg Excel By 5. She is director of Children’s Ministries at First Presbyterian Church and has been active in the early education community in Mississippi for 32 years.

“In college, I wanted to be a marriage and family therapy counselor. As I took classes, I kept hearing the same message. It was that so many of the problems people were dealing with originated in early childhood experiences,” Young said.

“God led my heart. I feel like He was calling me to work with children to prevent problems from arising in their futures. Part of that is figuring out how to connect all the different resources in Hattiesburg so that people know who to call for help.”

Kari Lynn Somers of the United Way of Southeast Mississippi is Hattiesburg Excel By 5’s treasurer.

“If a child is ready to learn by the time they start kindergarten, they’re more likely to be successful in all areas of their lives. Good things are already happening in the community, we just need to make people aware of their resources. We are proud to be part of the Excel By 5 team to improve the lives of children,” Somers said.

Hattiesburg Excel By 5 will focus its work in four main areas: 1) community involvement; 2) family and parent involvement; 3) early care and education; and 4) health.

If you want to get involved, contact Dr. Patti Permenter at (601) 318-6229 or ppermenter@wmcarey.edu.


In the photo:
Kari Lynn Somers of United Way of Southeast Mississippi, left, Dr. Kathy Young of First Presbyterian Church, and Dr. Patti Permenter of William Carey University serve on the steering committee for the Hattiesburg Excel By 5 Coalition.
Related News
December 12, 2022
WCU reports largest number of education grads in state

October 31, 2022
School of Education sets graduation record in 2022

October 31, 2022
School of Education sets graduation record

October 25, 2022
WCU hosts 11th Annual Scholarship Dinner

August 09, 2022
WCU offers online, tuition-free class to K-12 teachers
 
>
I want to...
View Degree Options
 
 
Prospects
  • Apply for Admissions
  • Apply for Financial Aid
  • Apply for Housing
  • Contact an Office
  • Estimate Tuition & Fees
  • Get the Parent Newsletter
  • Request Information
  • Schedule a Campus Visit
  • View Courses
Students
  • Apply for Financial Aid
  • Apply for Graduation
  • Apply for Housing
  • Check My Email
  • Do Research
  • Get VA Information
  • Hattiesburg Campus Map
  • Pay My Bill
  • Register for Classes
  • Request a Transcript
  • Student Health
  • View Catalog
  • View Courses
  • Withdraw from Carey
Alumni
  • Get Alumni Updates
  • Get My Transcript
  • Give to Carey
  • Join an Alumni Chapter
  • Support Friends of Carey
Community
  • Attend an Event
  • Attend Homecoming
  • Give to Carey
  • Work at Carey
Offices

  • Academic Affairs
  • Admissions
  • Advancement
  • Alumni
  • Athletics
  • Baptist Student Union
  • Bookstore
  • Campus Dining
  • Campus Safety & Security
  • Carey Center
  • Church Relations
  • Commencement
  • Disability Services
  • English Language Center
  • Executive Vice President
  • Finance
  • Financial Aid
  • Graduate Programs
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
  • Institutional Research
  • Institutional Review Board
  • Library
  • Media Relations
  • Office of the Registrar
  • Online Learning
  • President
  • Provost
  • QEP
  • Residence Life & Housing
  • Student Accounts
  • Student Activities
  • Student Affairs
  • Student Counseling Center
  • Student Life
  • Student Success Center
Campuses
  • Hattiesburg
    710 William Carey Parkway
    Hattiesburg, MS 39401

    (601) 318-6051 Toll Free: (800) 962-5991

  • Tradition
    19640 Highway 67
    Biloxi, MS 39532

    (228) 702-1775

  • Baton Rouge
    Suite 1010, 1st Floor
    3600 Florida Blvd
    Baton Rouge, LA 70806

    (225) 953-7017
 
Online Learning
  • Online Learning
    710 William Carey Parkway
    Hattiesburg, MS 39401

    (601) 318-6051 More Info
 

Popular Tags
  • Education
  • Music
  • Arts and Letters
  • Osteopathic Medicine
  • Theatre and Communication
  • Art
  • Admissions
  • Alumni
  • Nursing
  • Athletics

Clery Act | Title IX | Terms of Use | Online Privacy Policy | GDPR Privacy Notice