Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's email includes details regarding a joint announcement from the University and the City of Hattiesburg, and a news release about new leadership for USM's renowned Symphony Orchestra. In addition, Dr. Richard Heard with the University's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, is available to discuss the dangers of sea lice for beach-goers.

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

Today's Highlight

USM, City of Hattiesburg to Make Joint Announcement Today

Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker and members of the Hattiesburg City Council will be joined by leadership from The University of Southern Mississippi for a joint news announcement today at 10:30 a.m. The announcement will take place at the intersection of East Front Street and Main Street in Downtown Hattiesburg. City and USM officials will be available for interviews following the opening statements. 

University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Announces Passing of the Baton at 2018-19 Season

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Symphony Orchestra plans historic 99th concert season for 2018-19.  In the season, titled “Tribute,” the Symphony pays homage to a variety of composers, performers, conductors and cultures. With a renewed dedication to provide the very best in orchestral performances for our community and region, the orchestra transfers from the incredible leadership of Dr. Jay Dean to the interim direction of longtime collaborator, professor of music, Dr. Michael Miles.

http://news.usm.edu/article/university-southern-mississippi-symphony-orchestra-announces-passing-baton-2018-19-season

An outbreak of sea lice has plagued some Gulf Coast beaches this summer. The warm Gulf water serves as a natural habitat for the thimble jellyfish, which is the species of jellyfish most often associated with sea lice. Dr. Richard Heard, head of the Invertebrate Zoology Section, Division of Coastal Sciences at USM's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, is available today to discuss sea lice awareness. 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 and/or Video Opportunities
USM's Center for Science and Mathematics Education will host a unique and interactive forum regarding human genetic editing from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 12 at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) on the Hattiesburg campus. Dr. Gailen D. Marshall Jr., the R. Faser Triplett Sr. MD Chair of Allergy and Immunology at University of Mississippi Medical Center, will be the guest speaker. To schedule coverage, Van Arnold or David Tisdale.

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.