Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's message includes a special coverage opportunity involving a National Ocean Science Bowl competition hosted by the University's Marine Education Center. News releases spotlight the USM School of Music's upcoming Vocal Arts and Science Symposium set for this weekend and a schedule of Small Business Development workshops in February.

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.

Special Photo/Video Opportunity

USM Marine Education Center Hosting National Ocean Sciences Bowl

The University of Southern Mississippi's Marine Education Center is hosting the 22^nd annual National Ocean Sciences Bowl on Saturday, Feb. 2 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at its Ocean Springs site (101 Sweetbay Drive). More than 100 students and14 schools from Miss., Ala., Fla., Tenn., and La. will face off in the regional component. The NOSB, an interdisciplinary ocean science education program of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, is a quiz-bowl style academic competition that tests students' knowledge of ocean-related topics, which include cross-disciplines of biology, chemistry, policy, physics, and geology. To schedule coverage, contact James Skrmetta, GCRL Communications Officer, 228.872.4254, James.SkrmettaFREEMississippi.

News Releases

USM Vocal Arts and Science Symposium Features Special Performance

The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music will host all-day events of the Vocal Arts and Science Symposium on Feb. 1-2 in both Marsh Auditorium and the Intermezzo @ Woods Gallery on the Hattiesburg campus.

While the Vocal Arts and Science Symposium is an educational, interdisciplinary, and interactive experience, the culminating performance by O Sole Trio is a musical showcase of virtuosic proportions. The show, part of the School of Music's Connoisseurs Chamber Music Series, and commissioned by the Lincoln Center in New York, appeals to all age groups and bears historical significance.

http://news.usm.edu/article/usm-vocal-arts-and-science-symposium-features-special-performance-o-sole-trio

Small Business Development Center Workshops Scheduled for February

The University of Southern Mississippi's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Hattiesburg will join forces with the Gulf Coast center to conduct a series of Business 101 workshops in February.

https://news.usm.edu/article/small-business-development-center-workshops-scheduled-february-0

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, emailmediaexpertsFREEMississippi. For a full list of USM media experts visit: http://news.usm.edu/resource/usm-faculty-experts-media-requests

Did You Know?

As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across 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.