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 USM's Veterans Center being ranked among the nation's Best for Vets by Military Times and a reminder about the final concert of the Leaf River Fall Fests series. In addition, USM research scientists Mark Peterson and Michael Andres are available to discuss their studies involving the endangered Gulf Sturgeon.

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 Ranked Among Best for Veterans Nationwide; Tops in Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi has received a No. 15 national ranking by Military Times in its Best for Vets: Colleges 2019 survey. No other Mississippi college or university is ranked among the top-100.

This marks the third consecutive year in which USM has been ranked nationally in the top-20 of all four-year colleges across the United States. Last year USM was ranked number 17. Rankings are based on the results of Military Times' annual survey – the most comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student services and rates of academic achievement – as well as a detailed review of public data collected by federal agencies.

http://news.usm.edu/article/usm-ranked-among-best-veterans-nationwide-tops-mississippi

Additional News Release

Leaf River Fall Fests Series Concludes with Harvest Fest Oct. 27

The final concert in the WUSM-88.5 FM Leaf River Fall Fests series, Harvest Fest, is set for Saturday, Oct. 27 at Hattiesburg's Chain Park at Twin Forks. This free music event will bring rock, country and Texicana music to the Hub City beginning at 3 p.m. Admission is free.

http://news.usm.edu/article/leaf-river-fall-fests-series-concludes-harvest-fest-oct-27

Photo/Video Opportunity

Dr. Andrew Wiest, a distinguished professor of history at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), will give a talk on his newest book, Charlie Company's Journey Home: The Forgotten Impact on the Wives of Vietnam Veterans Thursday, Oct. 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby. Admission is free. Charlie Company's Journey Home tells the stories of the women and families left behind during war, focusing on the lives of eight women while providing an intimate portrait of war and its aftermath. To schedule coverage, contact David Tisdale at 601.266.4499 or d.g.tisdaleFREEMississippi

Expert Availability

Gulf Sturgeon are the largest anadromous (spawn in freshwater but primarily feed in saltwater) species found in the Gulf of Mexico. They are currently listed as endangered in Mississippi and threatened federally. The Peterson/Andres lab at The University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Lab has been working toward understanding Gulf Sturgeon habitat associations and movement ecology in the Pascagoula River, Mississippi Sound, and MS barrier islands since 2007; the results from which have helped inform conservation and recovery efforts for this species at both state and federal levels. Dr. Mark Peterson, professor emeritus and Dr. Michael Andres, research scientist are available today to discuss their work with the Gulf Sturgeon. 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?

Committed to leaving their communities better than they found them, Southern Miss students engaged in over 107,000 hours of volunteer service in 2017.

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.