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 feature highlighting efforts by USM's School of Marketing to infuse the curriculum with partnerships between students and local businesses. In addition, Dr. Monty Graham, Director of USM's School of Ocean Science and Engineering, is available to discuss a bill that passed the U.S. House advancing the use of unmanned maritime systems.

SPECIAL NOTE: All campuses and teaching sites at The University of Southern Mississippi will be closed, beginning Friday, Dec. 21 through Tuesday, Jan. 1 in observance of the annual holiday break.

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 School of Marketing Focuses on Client-Based Curriculum for Students

The School of Marketing, housed in The University of Southern Mississippi's College of Business and Economic Development, strives to incorporate client-based projects into its curriculum.

Many 300 and 400 level courses have partnered with alumni and other business owners, enabling students to use the skills that they have learned over the course of their college career, putting them into action to solve real problems that organizations face. 

http://news.usm.edu/article/usm-school-marketing-focuses-client-based-curriculum-students

Expert Availability

On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Commercial Engagement through Ocean Technology Act. The legislation advances the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's use of unmanned maritime systems by directing the agency to coordinate with the private and academic sectors and the Navy on evaluating unmanned maritime systems technology and their utility in science and management. Dr. Monty Graham, director of USM's School of Ocean Science and Engineering, is available today to discuss the bill's impacts. 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 University of Southern Mississippi has earned Gold status as a Military Friendly® School for 2018 by Victory Media, Inc., one of only 10 research institutions in the U.S. to receive that distinction.

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.