The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Department of Marketing and Public Relations received four professional awards at the 2009 Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM) Awards Day Luncheon in Jackson.

The Southern Miss Gulf Coast Department of Marketing and Public Relations includes Shelia White, director of marketing and public relations; Judy Isbell, director of web-based marketing; Charmaine Williams, public relations associate; and Francesca Linthicum, graphic designer and communication specialist.

The department was recognized with the Certificate of Achievement in the special public relations program category for the Autism Assessment Clinic ribbon cutting ceremony.

Linthicum received the Certificate of Achievement in the brochure/folder category for the Marine Science brochure. She also received a second Certificate of Achievement in the potpourri category for her design on the Southern Miss Heartwalk shirts.

In the category of color photography, Williams received an Award of Excellence for the promotional photo taken for the university’s Autism Assessment Clinic.

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 .