Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's email includes news releases about Jillian Colon, speech language pathologist at the USM Children's Center earning specialized certification in the State of Mississippi and dates for upcoming Small Business Development Center workshops in August. In addition, Dr. Shannon Campbell, director of the Trent Lott National Center for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, is available to discuss the idea of raising the minimum wage.

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's Children's Center's Colon Recognized for Specialized Training

There is a great need for more professionals trained in these specific techniques, and on Monday, July 23, Jillian Colon (speech language pathologist at The Children's Center for Communication and Development at USM) became the first official CVI Range Endorsee in the State of Mississippi, thanks to extensive training and experience working with children with CVI.

CVI is the leading cause of visual impairment in children and it often goes undiagnosed. And once diagnosed, the techniques for providing therapy differ greatly from those for children with other types of visual impairments.

http://news.usm.edu/article/usm-s-children-s-center-s-colon-recognized-specialized-training-cvi

Additional News Release

Small Business Development Center Workshops Scheduled for August

The University of Southern Mississippi's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Hattiesburg will join forces with the Gulf Coast center to conduct a series of Business 101 workshops in August. The SBDC programs are designed to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs with education and training opportunities for development of business plans and concepts.

https://news.usm.edu/article/small-business-development-center-workshops-scheduled-august-1

Media Expert Availability

The federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour has not been raised in more than nine years. There has been much discussion recently on the merits of raising the minimum wage substantially. Dr. Shannon Campbell, director of the Trent Lott National Center for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, is available today to answer questions regarding the minimum wage. To schedule an interview, contact David Tisdale or Van Arnold. 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 Association of Office Professionals (AOP), in conjunction with the University Police Department is conducting a Civilian Response to Active Shooter incident educational session on Thursday at noon at Cook Library on the Hattiesburg campus. Media are invited to attend the session. To schedule coverage, call Van Arnold or David Tisdale.

The Southern Miss Alumni Association, in conjunction with the Department of Athletics, will host the 20^th Annual Gulf Coast Beach Bash on Thursday, July 26, from 6-8 p.m. at the Biloxi Civic Center. All Southern Miss fans are invited to visit with Southern Miss coaches, athletes, cheerleaders and Seymour. To schedule coverage or for more information, contact Nicole Ruhnke at 601.266.4095.

Did You Know?

The University of Southern Mississippi is home to a diverse student body representing 72 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi.

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.