TO: News editors, directors

WHAT: The library at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus will host a brown bag lunch and book talk with author Dr. Robert Perkinson.

WHERE: Room 204 of the library at the Gulf Park campus, Long Beach

WHEN: Wednesday, June 16 from noon – 1 p.m.

SPECIFICS: Perkinson, who received his Ph.D. in American Studies from Yale University, currently serves as an associate professor at the University of Hawaii. He will discuss his book, “Texas Tough: The Rise of a Prison’s Empire,” which provides a history of American punishment with a focus on the country’s most incarcerated and politically influential state.

CONTACT: Southern Miss Gulf Coast University Communications at 228.865.4573.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast .