Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's email includes news releases about the signing of an education partnership agreement between USM and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, and delegates to Girls State elected as officers of the fictitious state of “Magnolia.” In addition, biology Professor Mike Davis, Director of the Lake Thoreau Environmental Center, is available to discuss the differences between harmful and harmless snakes that are so prevalent this time of year.

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

USM, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center Sign Education Partnership Agreement

An education partnership agreement between The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) paves the way for scientific collaboration between two of the state's research titans.

USM President Rodney D. Bennett and ERDC Director Dr. David W. Pittman were on hand to sign the official Memorandum of Understanding during a special ceremony held Wednesday, June 6 on the Hattiesburg campus. The agreement establishes the basis for mutual understanding and cooperation between USM and the ERDC in the implementation of a Partnership in Education program.

https://news.usm.edu/article/usm-us-army-engineer-research-and-development-center-sign-education-partnership-agreement

Additional News Release

Girls State Delegates Elect Officials for state of “Magnolia”
https://news.usm.edu/article/american-legion-auxiliary-girls-state-delegates-elect-officials-state-magnolia

Media Expert Availability

As the weather heats up in the Pine Belt, more people find themselves coming into contact with snakes. USM biology Professor Mike Davis, Director of the Lake Thoreau Environmental Center, is available to discuss which snakes are harmless and which ones should be avoided. 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 and/or Video Opportunities
The popular, two-week FestivalSouth® program gets underway tonight with a special concert featuring country music recording artist and Mississippi native Mac McAnally performing with the festival orchestra. The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center on USM's Hattiesburg campus. For a full schedule of FestivalSouth® events, visit: http://festivalsouth.org/. To schedule coverage or for more information, contact Mike Lopinto at 601.266.5620 or mike.lopintoFREEMississippi