Judge allows casino classes

Monday, June 6, 2005 | 9:44 a.m.

JACKSON, Miss. -- A judge has ruled that the University of Southern Mississippi can teach gaming management classes.

Hinds County Chancery Judge Patricia Wise issued a 16-page ruling on Friday saying it was legal for USM to teach the courses, but lawyers say her decision likely would be appealed. USM would offer the classes in Long Beach.

Meanwhile, it was announced that Chief Phillip Martin will sign an agreement Tuesday to allow the private, New Orleans-based Tulane University to offer casino and resort management courses at the Mississippi Band of Choctaws' Pearl River Resort near Philadelphia.

Resort spokesman Ryan Griffin said Martin has been working on the arrangement for a year. The resort, home to two casino hotels and other attractions, employs 4,000 people.

Tulane's classes at the Choctaw Hospitality Institute will be a nice fit with new hospitality programs to be offered on-site by East Central Community College, said Alan Silver, Tulane's director of casino/resort management.

Students can earn an associate degree in casino and resort management or a certificate in the field. Tuition will be $750 per class, but financial aid and scholarships are available, Silver said.

"It fits hand in hand. It is an ideal combination," he said Friday.