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 the dates for the Southern Invitational Choral Conference later this month and the University Police updating is Gulf Coast Division to include the promotion officer Patrick Williams. In addition, USM Professor and cancer researcher Alex Flynt is available to discuss a recent report that shows cancer rates and deaths escalating in the U.S. this 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

2018 Southern Invitational Choral Conference Set for Sept. 24 & 25

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) will feature the 2018 Southern Invitational Choral Conference (SICC) on Sept. 24 and 25 at two different venues in Hattiesburg, Miss. The conference allows students from across the region to work and interact with some of the finest choral teachers in the country.

SICC opens with the Southern Miss Showcase Concert on Sept. 24 at 7:15 p.m. at Bennett Auditorium on the Hattiesburg campus. It concludes on Sept. 25, with the SICC Honor Choirs performances at 3:30 p.m. in Main Street Baptist Church in Hattiesburg.

http://news.usm.edu/article/2018-southern-invitational-choral-conference-set-sept-24-25

Additional News Release

University Police Updates Gulf Coast Division, Promotes Officer

The University of Southern Mississippi's University Police Department (UPD) along the Mississippi Gulf Coast has transitioned from a UPD Gulf Coast Division to a UPD Gulf Coast Patrol Division, and promoted officer Patrick Williams to lead the division's safety efforts. The Gulf Coast Patrol Division serves the University's Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Halstead and Cedar Point locations in Ocean Springs, and the Marine Research Center at the Port of Gulfport.

https://news.usm.edu/article/university-police-updates-gulf-coast-division-promotes-officer.

Media Expert Availability

A recent report by the World's Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer indicates that the number of people around the world who have cancer is “rapidly growing,” with 18.1 million new cases and 9.6 million deaths in 2018 alone. USM Professor Alex Flynt, a cellular and molecular biologist, is available today to discuss the ramifications of the report and his ongoing cancer research. 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/Video Opportunity

 “Welcome Week 2018” festivities are continuing through today at USM's Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. Today's events include:

-Paint Your World Golden from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Room 104 of the Fleming Education Center. Student can demonstrate their school spirit by painting a canvas or rock masterpiece.

-The One Community Cookout from 5-6:30 p.m. at Lloyd Lawn. A free evening of fun for the whole family.

To schedule coverage, contact Jenny Tate, Gulf Park Campus Communication Officer, at 228.865.4574, jenny.tateFREEMississippi.

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

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.