Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Today's message includes news releases about restaurateur Robert St. John's selection as the College of Business and Economic Development's Entrepreneur of the Year and the Office of Leadership and Student Development's annual awards ceremony.

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 College of Business and Economic Development Honors Local Restaurateur St. John as Entrepreneur of Year

 “Whether you are an artist, an educator, or a restaurateur, success follows passion every time,” said local businessman Robert St. John upon accepting the 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year Award presented to him by The University of Southern Mississippi's College of Business and Economic Development.

The college honored St. John during a special luncheon held Friday, April 26 at the Thad Cochran Center on the Hattiesburg campus.

http://news.usm.edu/article/usm-honors-local-restaurateur-st-john-entrepreneur-year

Additional News Release

Office of Leadership and Student Involvement holds annual Awards Ceremony

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Office of Leadership and Student Involvement recently recognized and celebrated the accomplishments of approximately 200 USM student organizations at the Student Organization Awards and Recognition (SOAR) ceremony, held April 23 at the Thad Cochran Center on the Hattiesburg campus.

http://news.usm.edu/article/office-leadership-and-student-involvement-holds-annual-awards-ceremony

Photo/Video Opportunity

Religion's impact on the culture of Mississippi and the everyday lives of its citizens can be viewed in a new exhibit at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) that draws from material found in its University Libraries' Special Collections. “Now Preaching in Your City”: Religion in Mississippi was assembled by members of the Special Collections staff, and includes a spotlight on the stories of not-so famous ministers and faith communities throughout the Magnolia State. It is on display now through Nov.1 on the third floor of McCain Library and Archives on the Hattiesburg campus. To schedule coverage, contact David Tisdale.

Expert Availability

The University of Southern Mississippi provides a wide range of faculty experts who can offer insights on 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?

Through our 52-acre beachfront campus in Long Beach, Mississippi, USM serves as the only four-year public institution located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in more than 50 distinct academic fields. The Gulf Park campus is also home to the state's only bachelor's degree in ocean engineering and the only film studies pathway offered at a public institution in 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 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.