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 the schedule of programs associated with Black History Month in February on the Hattiesburg campus and history Professor Andrew Haley preparing to discuss his research into the world of Mississippi community cookbooks as part of a program to support a local food charity.

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

Black History Month 2019 Program Schedule Set for Hattiesburg Campus

“Do It For The Culture” is this year's theme for observance of Black History Month 2019 at The University of Southern Mississippi's (USM) Hattiesburg campus, with programming featuring events designed to educate, enlighten and entertain throughout February.

“Each year we bring awareness to all students and members of the surrounding community of the strides African Americans have made in our city, state and country,” said Valencia Walls, coordinator of multicultural services at USM and its Black History Month events. “Knowing and understanding the sacrifices others have made for our freedom will in turn help us to be better stewards of the privileges we have attained.”

http://news.usm.edu/article/black-history-month-2019-program-schedule-set-hattiesburg-campus

Additional News Release

“Cookbooks for a Cause” Program Jan. 30 to Support Local Food Charity

University of Southern Mississippi (USM) History Professor Dr. Andrew Haley will discuss his research into the world of Mississippi community cookbooks Jan. 30 when he presents “Cookbooks for a Cause” from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 at the Hattiesburg Public Library. An admission charge of $10 reserves a seat for the program and supports Extra Table, a charitable initiative that provides resources for food banks in the Pine Belt.

https://news.usm.edu/article/cookbooks-cause-program-jan-30-support-local-food-charity

Photo/Video Opportunities

-The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park Campus premieres its spring 2019 Cultural Arts Series, "Representing the Experiences of Women, From the English Renaissance to Right Now," on Monday, Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m. with a pop-up art exhibition and gallery talk. This is the first of three events in the Cultural Arts Series. The exhibition will feature works by Mississippi Gulf Coast artists Paulette Dove, Ellen Ellis Lee and Julia Reyes. Following the unveiling of the exhibition, USM professor Jennifer Torres, MFA, will present a 6 p.m. exhibition talk entitled “Women, Art, and Society.” To schedule coverage, contact Jenny Tate at 228.865.4574 or jenny.tateFREEMississippi.

-The 2019 ID8 Women in Technology Speaking Tour kicks off today with a presentation by Sheena Allen at 9:15 a.m. at Ocean Springs High School. A USM alum, Allen is an app developer and entrepreneur featured on CNN Money and listed in Forbes 30 under 30 in 2019 and Business Insider's 30 and under: The tech industry's rising stars in 2018. The speaking tour is sponsored by USM and Craig Newmark Philanthropies.

Expert Availability

The University of Southern Mississippi provides a wide range of faculty experts who can offer insights on various newsworthy topics. 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's new Marine Research Center is located at the Port of Gulfport, situated along Highway 90. The research center is the centerpiece for a new maritime blue economy in South Mississippi. The center provides shoreside support to USM's 135-foot oceanographic research vessel, the R/V Point Sur, and to a number of academic programs.

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 130 universities in the nation to earn the CarnegieClassification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” designation, 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 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit usm.edu.