Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's email includes photo/video opportunities associated with the University's annual three-day conference for Congressional staff members and visits by IHL Commissioner Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr. to the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses. News releases focus on the first day of classes for the Fall 2018 semester and a new mobile dining service on the Hattiesburg campus. In addition, psychology Professor Michael Anestis is available to discuss the risk of suicide for teenagers and young adults.

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

Photo/Video Opportunities

Members of the media are invited to join University of Southern Mississippi officials as they host Congressional staff tours of the Marine Research Center at the Port of Gulfport and 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. The tours are as follows:

-Thursday, Aug. 30: 9:30 a.m., for Marine Research Center, 1030 30th Ave., Gulfport, Miss.

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

To schedule coverage, contact Kendra Ablaza, USM Communications Specialist, 601.266.5330, Kendra.ablazaFREEMississippi.

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 locations today, Aug. 30 and Friday, Aug. 31.

-Today, Aug. 30, 11:00 – 11:45 a.m., Hardy Hall Ballroom, Gulf Park campus

-Friday, Aug. 31, 3:15 – 3:45 p.m., Thad Cochran Center Room 218 A/B, Hattiesburg campus

To schedule coverage, contact Van Arnold or David Tisdale.

The new mobile food truck sponsored by Eagle Dining/Aramark will be on display today at 11:30 a.m. in Shoemaker Square on the Hattiesburg campus. To schedule coverage, contact Lauren Brescher at 601.266.4296, Brescher-lauren@aramark.com.

News Releases

Southern Miss Welcomes Students on First Day of Classes

New students at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) found the gold carpet rolled out for them on the first day of classes Wednesday, Aug. 29, signaling the start of the fall 2018 semester.

http://news.usm.edu/article/southern-miss-welcomes-students-first-day-classes

Eagle Dining Launches “The GrubSlinger” Food Truck

As the 2018 Fall semester begins at The University of Southern Mississippi, students will notice a new, mobile dining option on campus. A new food truck, The GrubSlinger, will offer a wide variety of menus items. Each day, students can enjoy breakfast with items such as breakfast sandwiches burritos and specialty toasts as well as rotating menu of exciting lunch options.

http://news.usm.edu/article/eagle-dining-launches-grubslinger-food-truck

Media Expert Availability

Psychology Professor Michael Anestis is available today between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to discuss the risk of suicide among teenagers and young adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death in young people between the ages of 10 and 24, resulting in about 4,600 lives lost in the U.S. each year. 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 de Grummond Collection, housed at The University of Southern Mississippi, is the repository for the illustrations, manuscripts and papers of H.A. and Margret Rey, creators of Curious George. This is one of North America's leading research centers in children's literature.  

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.