Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's message include a news release to announce that three USM students have been awarded prestigious Gilman scholarships. In addition, USM political science Professor Ward Sayre is available to discuss the recent drop in gas prices.

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.

Today's Top Story

Three More USM Students Earn Gilman Scholarships

University of Southern Mississippi students Sumar Beauti, Jackson Jones, and Brielle Shegog have added their names to the growing list of Gilman Scholarship winners. This brings USM's total of Gilman scholars over the past three years to 32. Beauti is a spring 2019 recipient, while Jones and Shegog are both early summer 2019 winners.

Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study abroad or internship program costs with additional funding available for the study of a critical language overseas.

http://news.usm.edu/article/three-more-usm-students-earn-gilman-scholarships

Expert Availability

Gas prices in South Mississippi have been steadily falling over the past several weeks. How low will they go? USM political science Professor Ward Sayre is available today to discuss the drop in gas prices and potential for further falling. 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

Photo/Video Opportunity

The de Grummond Children's Literature Collection is one of North America's leading research centers in the field of children's literature. The Collection holds the original manuscripts and illustrations of more than 1,300 authors and illustrators, as well as 180,000+ published books dating from 1530 to the present. The collection is located on the second floor of Cook Library on the Hattiesburg campus. To schedule coverage, call Van Arnold or David Tisdale.

Did You Know?

Two University of Southern Mississippi nursing programs are ranked as the best in Mississippi by U.S. News & World Report. The Master of Science in Nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice were the top programs in the state based on factors such as research activity, student-faculty ratio, faculty credentials and number of faculty active in nursing practice.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites in central and southern Mississippi, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 76 public universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Foundation's "higher research activity" designation for doctoral universities, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and sport venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 40 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of approximately 15,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 35 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 21 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit usm.edu.