Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's email includes a photo/video opportunity regarding tonight's annual Pride of Mississippi Marching Band Preview, including the Dixie Darlings and a news release about the Faculty Art & Design Show set to open on Sept. 6. In addition, USM Professor Deanna Stephens is available to discuss the recent vote by the Mississippi House of Representative that paves the way for a state lottery.

Media inquiries can be directed to Van Arnold at 601.266.5568 or van.arnoldFREEMississippi or David Tisdale at 601.266.4499 or d.g.tisdaleFREEMississippi.

Photo/Video Opportunities

Friday, August 31, 3:15 p.m., Thad Cochran Center, Hattiesburg Campus

​Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr. is spending his first 100 days in office touring university campuses across the state to gain insights and perspectives on the university system from students, faculty, staff, elected officials and community leaders. He will visit University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg campus today:

To schedule coverage, contact Van Arnold or David Tisdale.

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Friday, August 31, 7 p.m., Centennial Green

The University of Southern Mississippi's Pride of Mississippi Marching Band and the Dixie Darlings will kick off the 2018-19 football season with the annual Pride Preview performance this evening. The free concert will be held at 7 p.m. at Centennial Lawn on the Southern Miss Hattiesburg campus, prior to Friday Night at the Fountain. The USM football team opens its 2018 season at home on Saturday against the Jackson State Tigers. To schedule coverage, contact Van Arnold or David Tisdale.

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Saturday, Sept. 1: 10 a.m., The Accelerator, 46 Shelby Thames Drive, Hattiesburg, Miss.

Members of the media are invited to join University of Southern Mississippi officials as they host a Congressional staff tour of The Accelerator in Hattiesburg. The tours are part of USM's annual three-day conference for Congressional staff members. During the event, USM leaders update Congressional staff members on the University's recent developments. Select faculty and staff will also provide demonstrations and inform attendees on the latest research efforts and programs led by various divisions of the university. To schedule coverage, contact Kendra Ablaza, USM Communications Specialist, 601.266.5330, kendra.ablazaFREEMississippi.

News Release

Faculty Art & Design Show Opens Sept. 6 on Hattiesburg Campus

The University of Southern Mississippi will have an opening reception of the Faculty Art & Design Show on Thursday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. in the Gallery of Art and Design, George Hurst Building on the Hattiesburg campus. The free, month-long exhibition will feature recent works created by the Art & Design faculty of Southern Miss.

http://news.usm.edu/article/faculty-art-design-show-opens-sept-6-hattiesburg-campus

Media Expert Availability

Earlier this week, the Mississippi House of Representatives passed a bill that will legalize a state lottery. The bill now goes to Gov. Phil Bryant where he will consider signing it into law. USM Professor Deanne Stephens, an expert on gaming in Mississippi, is available today to discuss possible impacts of a first-time lottery in Mississippi. To schedule an interview, email mediaexpertsFREEMississippi. For a full list of USM media experts visit: http://news.usm.edu/resource/usm-faculty-experts-media-requests.

Did You Know?

The USM College of Business and Economic Development has earned re-accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). The accreditation covers a five-year period. 

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi is a comprehensive doctoral and research-driven university with a proud history and an eye on the future. A dual-campus university, Southern Miss serves students on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, in addition to five teaching and research sites in Mississippi and through Online at Southern Miss. Since 2006, our students have collected three Truman Scholarships and 18 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships. USM students also lead Mississippi with 21 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Our Drapeau Center for Undergraduate Research affords our students meaningful research opportunities, and as a proven leader in innovation, we conduct transformative research that translates into real-world solutions. As one of only 36 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music, we are a haven for creativity and artistic expression. In the classroom or lab, on the playing field, or in the performance hall, we strive to have a positive impact not only on our students, but also the world around us. Further information is found at usm.edu.