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 to announce the date for USM's annual “Lighting the Way for the Holidays” event and School of Communication Professor Dave Davies receiving a Phi Kappa Tau research grant. In addition, physics and astronomy Assistant Professor Jeremy Scott is available to discuss a proposal aimed at redefining the kilogram as the standard unit of weight measurement.

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.

Today's Top Story

“Lighting the Way for the Holidays” set for Nov. 27 on Hattiesburg Campus

The University of Southern Mississippi invites members of local communities to its Hattiesburg campus to celebrate the holiday season with its annual “Lighting the Way for the Holidays” Tuesday, Nov. 27 beginning at 6 p.m. at the front lawn of the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building. The event is presented by the USM Student Government Association.

The event will include refreshments, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, caroling and the opportunity to visit with Santa Claus for photos and share your wish list with him, among other activities, culminating with the lighting of the campus Christmas tree.

http://news.usm.edu/article/lighting-way-holidays-set-nov-27-hattiesburg-campus

News Release

USM Professor Davies Earns Kappa Tau Alpha Research Grant

Kappa Tau Alpha, the national college honor society for journalism and mass communication, has awarded University of Southern Mississippi School of Communication Professor Dr. David R. Davies a $1,000 grant to help fund his research on newspapers thriving in the digital marketplace.

http://news.usm.edu/article/davies-earns-kappa-tau-alpha-research-grant

Photo/Video Opportunity

Students take center stage as part of the inaugural season of the Emerging Artist Series today through Friday, Nov. 16, with performances set for 7:30 p.m. in the Hartwig Theatre on the Hattiesburg campus. Theatre is storytelling. For this lighthearted event, the student cast brings explorations of stories from around the world that evoke nighttime in this “Festival of Night”. To schedule coverage, contact Mike Lopinto at 601.266.5620 or mike.lopintoFREEMississippi.

Expert Availability

On Friday, scientists attending the General Conference on Weights and Measures in Versailles are set to approve a proposal to permanently redefine the kilogram as the standard unit for measuring weight. USM physics and astronomy Assistant Professor Jeremy Scott is available today to discuss the proposed redefinition of the kilogram. To schedule an interview, email mediaexpertsFREEMississippi. For a full list of University of Southern Mississippi media experts visit: http://news.usm.edu/resource/usm-faculty-experts-media-requests.

Did You Know?

As the leading research institution for the Gulf South, The University of Southern Mississippi educates nearly 15,000 students, supports approximately 7,000 jobs, and has an annual economic impact of more than $600 million on the state. 

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 16 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit usm.edu.