Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's message includes a reminder of today's news conference to announce a $4.73 million Department of Defense contract, plus news releases about USM business programs receiving high national rankings and James Wilcox, the Director of the Center for Economic and Entrepreneurship Education, being elected to serve on the executive committee of a national entrepreneurship board. In addition, political science Professor Bob Press is available to discuss expectations for next Tuesday's mid-term elections.

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.

Special Coverage Opportunity

USM News Conference Today to Announce $4.73 million contract with Department of Defense program

Members of the media are invited to join The University of Southern Mississippi officials today for the formal announce of USM's contract through the U.S. Department of Defense's Domestic Preparedness Support Initiative. A news conference is set for Noon at the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security,6197 Hwy 49, Room 204, Hattiesburg. (Located within the Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship at USM.)

Dr. Joshua Hill, assistant professor of criminal justice and forensic science at USM, the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security and Kopis Mobile will lead a U.S. Department of Defense-funded project to evaluate gaps in event and venue security and identify DoD technology and equipment that could close those gaps and enhance public safety.

News Releases

USM Online Business Programs Receive Lofty National Rankings

Three different online degree programs offered by The University of Southern Mississippi's College of Business and Economic Development have received Top-20 rankings nationally by online publications in their 2018-19 surveys.

http://news.usm.edu/article/usm-online-business-programs-receive-lofty-national-rankings

USM's Wilcox to Serve on Executive Committee of National Group

James Wilcox, the Director of the Center for Economic and Entrepreneurship Education at The University of Southern Mississippi, has been elected by his peers to a three-year term (2019-2022) on the Executive Committee for the National Association of Economic Educators. 

http://news.usm.edu/article/usm-s-wilcox-serve-executive-committee-national-group

Photo/Video Opportunities

The University of Southern Mississippi is holding a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Invitational Conference today and Saturday on the Hattiesburg campus. More than 80 JROTC cadets from the Mobile and Jackson programs will participate in an exploration of computer science applications for cybersecurity and national defense, featuring hands-on coding activities and talks from University of Southern Mississippi faculty and special guests. Best coverage opportunities for media will include:

Friday, Nov. 2

·         Maker Activities: 1-3 p.m., Eagle Maker Hub (Hub Building)

·         Coding Cybersecurity Activities: 3-5 p.m., Bobby Chain Technology Building

Saturday, Nov. 3

·         Black and Gold Day Activities: 10 a.m.-Noon, USM Hattiesburg campus

CONTACT: Julie Cwikla, University Communications, 601.266.5568 or van.arnoldFREEMississippi

Expert Availability

USM political science Professor Bob Press is available today to discuss the expectations and possible impacts from next Tuesday's mid-term elections. To schedule an interview, email mediaexpertsFREEMississippi. For a full list of University of Southern Mississippi media experts visit: http://news.usm.edu/resource/usm-faculty-experts-media-requests.

Did You Know?

USM has received a No. 15 national ranking by Military Times in its Best for Vets: Colleges 2019 survey. No other Mississippi college or university is ranked among the top 100. This marks the third consecutive year in which USM has been ranked nationally in the top 20 of all four-year colleges across the United States. 

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.