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 a fourth USM study measuring Gulf Coast residents' resilience against natural disasters and the announcement of a performance by USM's Connoisseur Series. In addition, history Professor Heather Stur is available to discuss the recent disappearance of reporter Jamal Khashoggi and the dangers international journalists face on a daily basis.

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

Fourth USM Study to Measure Coast Residents' Resilience Against Disasters

David Cochran and Joohee Lee have a pretty good idea about how prepared Mississippi Gulf Coast residents are for the next Big One, whether it be a natural or a manmade disaster. The short answer: Less and less prepared every day, as the memories of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 diminish – and as the turnover in population produces new residents who never experienced the disasters in the first place. 

Cochran and Lee do not work in emergency management but instead are researchers at The University of Southern Mississippi. Later this month and into November, they will begin data collection for a fourth survey since 2010 on the adaptation and resilience of Coast residents.

http://news.usm.edu/article/fourth-usm-study-measure-coast-residents-resilience-against-disasters

Additional News Release

USM Connoisseur Series presents Brentano Quartet on Oct. 26

The University of Southern Mississippi Connoisseur series presents Brentano String Quartet on Oct. 26 at 6:00 p.m. in Marsh Auditorium on the Hattiesburg campus. Earlier in the day masterclasses will be presented at various locations. 

http://news.usm.edu/article/usm-connoisseur-series-presents-brentano-quartet-oct-26

Photo/Video Opportunity

The Gulf Coast Library at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach is hosting “The Gulf of America,” an art exhibit featuring the work of award-winning Bay St. Louis artist Herb Willey. Sixty original transparent watercolor paintings, set on the Gulf Coast, will be on display until Nov. 22. The community is invited to a reception Oct. 18 from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Gulf Coast Library. To schedule coverage, contact Jenny Tate at 228.865.4574 or jenny.tateFREEMississippi

Expert Availability

USM history Professor Heather Stur is available today to discuss the dangers international journalists face in light of the recent disappearance of reporter Jamal Khashoggi. A Turkish official told CNN on Tuesday that Khashoggi was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul following an altercation. 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 been recognized for its commitment to providing educational services for student-veterans and their families with a spot in Military Times' prestigious 2018 “Best for Vets” college rankings.

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.