Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's message includes news releases about a series of upcoming concerts to benefit the University's Eagle's Nest food pantry and a national ranking for the online Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses degree program. In addition, criminal justice Professor Alan Thompson is available to discuss a U.S. House bill that would stiffen penalties for those found guilty of intentionally attacking law enforcement officers.

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

Today's Top Story

‘Passion Project': Concerts to Benefit Eagle's Nest Food Pantry

When Galit Kaunitz realized there was a food pantry on campus at The University of Southern Mississippi, she began allocating part of her monthly grocery budget to donate. Now, the School of Music faculty member is trying to make an even bigger impact – and she's bringing dozens of her colleagues and music students into the mix as well.

Kaunitz, who started her fourth year as an assistant professor of oboe this fall, has organized two benefit concerts for the Eagle's Nest food pantry on the Hattiesburg campus.

http://news.usm.edu/article/passion-project-concerts-benefit-eagle-s-nest-food-pantry

Additional News Release

Southern Miss Online RN-BSN Nursing Program Ranked Top 50 Nationally

The University of Southern Mississippi is featured as one of the best online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees for Registered Nurses (RN-BSN) by TheBestSchools.org. Following a review of all accredited online RN-BSN programs in the United States, Southern Miss stands out among its peers.

http://news.usm.edu/article/southern-miss-online-rn-bsn-nursing-program-ranked-top-50-nationally

Photo/Video Opportunity

The final concert in the WUSM-88.5 FM Leaf River Fall Fests series, Harvest Fest, is set for Saturday, Oct. 27 at Hattiesburg's Chain Park at Twin Forks. This free music event will bring rock, country and Texicana music to the Hub City beginning at 3 p.m. Admission is free. To schedule coverage, contact David Tisdale at 601.266.4499 or d.g.tisdaleFREEMississippi.

Expert Availability

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill earlier this week that would toughen federal penalties against people who intentionally target law enforcement officers in attacks, including ambushes. USM criminal justice Professor Alan Thompson is available today to discuss the significance of this proposed new law. 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?

Southern Miss nursing students have access to some of the most advanced patient simulators on the market. The newest simulator replicates certain aspects of human physiology, preparing students in the nursing program for clinical practice experiences. For example, students studying the impact of cardiac disease can hear and feel how this disease affects a patient's heart sounds, lung sounds and cardiac pulses. 

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.