Released October 3, 2003

SOUTHERN MISS PRESIDENT SHELBY THAMES ANNOUNCES CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

HATTIESBURG - Shelby F. Thames, president of the University of Southern Mississippi, announced today the appointment of Gregg Lassen as the chief financial officer for the university.

"Gregg has extensive work experience in financial positions, making him ideally suited for this role," Thames said. "He is highly energetic, articulate, and passionate about his work."

Lassen holds a bachelor's and a master of business administration from the University of Wisconsin. He also holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Houston. He has been admitted to the State Bars of both Texas and Utah. Gregg is currently pursuing his doctorate in international development at Southern Miss.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to serve this university and continuing the development of a performance culture already begun by the administration," Lassen said.

Lassen worked for BP Amoco for 17 years, serving in a variety of positions including assistant controller, senior auditor, regulatory affairs attorney, special project negotiator and chief financial officer for a division of the company. In addition to his work with BP Amoco, he has served as both the college chair for Graduate Business and Management for the University of Phoenix, Utah Campus, and as associate dean for the College of Graduate Business and Management.

Lassen has served as director and member of the executive committee of Children First Utah. He has served as a trustee and member of the executive committee of the Southerland Institute. He was a member of Leadership Utah in 1998 and president of the Oak Ridge Elementary Community Council.

Lassen, 43, is married to the former Jackie Kirkpatrick. They have three daughters, Erica, Josie and Kelsey. Lassen will assume the position of CFO immediately.

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