Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's message includes a new release announcing the date for USM's annual Economic Outlook Forum. In addition, history professors Andrew Wiest and Allison Abra are available to discuss recent political unrest across several European countries.

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 to Host Annual Economic Outlook Forum on Feb. 14

Economic trends and forecasts will be the focal point for the Economic Outlook 2019 Forum hosted by The University of Southern Mississippi on Thursday, Feb. 14 at the Thad Cochran Center on USM's Hattiesburg campus.

The USM College of Business and Economic Development, along with the Trent Lott National Center, is coordinating the annual forum that brings together experts from banking, finance, and academia to explore a number of issues and research related to the economic outlook for 2019.

http://news.usm.edu/article/usm-host-annual-economic-outlook-forum-feb-14

Expert Availability

Several European countries have been dealing with protests and political unrest in recent months. USM history professors Andrew Wiest and Allison Abra are available today to discuss the current political climate in Europe. 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

Photo/Video Opportunity

The de Grummond Children's Literature Collection is one of North America's leading research centers in the field of children's literature. The Collection holds the original manuscripts and illustrations of more than 1,300 authors and illustrators, as well as 180,000+ published books dating from 1530 to the present. The collection is located on the second floor of Cook Library on the Hattiesburg campus. To schedule coverage, call Van Arnold or David Tisdale.

Did You Know?

The University of Southern Mississippi has created a unique, fully online BSN degree designed specifically for RNs and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) students in Mississippi. RNs can complete the program in 3 semesters.

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 researchenterprise 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, visitusm.edu.