Writer: Lisa Parker

The University of Southern Mississippi School of Mass Communication and Journalism will host a symposium and Hall of Fame induction recognizing advertising and public relations professionals Nov. 20 on the Hattiesburg campus.

The symposium will feature talks by the inductees about their work and careers. It will be held at the university’s Thad Cochran Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is free and open to the public. Tickets for the Hall of Fame induction and luncheon, to be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., are $35 each.

"The Hall of Fame was created in spring 2006 to give the school a way of recognizing its many distinguished graduates, as well as other Mississippians who have contributed to the school or to mass communication and journalism in the state," said Dr. Chris Campbell, director of the school.

Titled "Universal. Strategic. Modern. Southern Miss's Leadership and Legacy in Advertising and Public Relations," the Hall of Fame ceremony will honor several professionals – both locally and nationally known – who have had distinguished careers in advertising and public relations since their time at Southern Miss. The inductees will be announced in late October.

In addition to the symposium and induction, the school will host a career and internship fair for students Nov. 19, also at the Thad Cochran Center. The fair will offer students the chance to meet local professionals and explore internship and job opportunities.

"We want our students to succeed and do great things once they leave Southern Miss," said Campbell. "It's a great opportunity for them to network and make connections with professionals in the area, and at the same time the businesses benefit because the students are eager and willing to work and find internships."

For more information on the symposium, contact Mandy Nace, assistant to the director, School of Mass Communication and Journalism, at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or call 601.266.4196. Professionals interested in participating in the career and internship fair should contact Zach Holifield at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or by calling 601.266.4258.

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.