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 a USM Social Work student opening a non-profit to aid foster families, the School of Psychology honoring four students with achievement awards, and a preview of the Repertory Dance Company's spring concert.

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

Social Work Student Opens Her Heart and a Nonprofit to Aid Foster Families

Five years ago, Andrea Watson got a call that she knew would come – but one she also was totally unprepared for.

As a registered foster parent with the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services, Watson had agreed to take children ranging in age from newborns to 12 years old. The problem for Watson, a social work major from Vancleave at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) – or any foster family – is that it's nearly impossible to have all the supplies needed to care for a child on short notice.

http://news.usm.edu/article/social-work-student-opens-her-heart-and-nonprofit-aid-foster-families

Additional News Releases

USM School of Psychology Honors Students with Awards

Four University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Psychology students were honored recently with awards recognizing achievements in research, leadership and service. The awards are presented annually in the spring semester by the school.

http://news.usm.edu/article/usm-school-psychology-honors-students-awards

Repertory Dance Company Spring Dance Concert March 28-29

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Repertory Dance Company presents its first Spring Dance Concert on March 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. in Studio 115 of the Theatre and Dance Building on the Hattiesburg campus. The Spring Dance Concert will feature new works choreographed by USM Dance Program students and faculty.

http://news.usm.edu/article/repertory-dance-company-spring-dance-concert-march-28-29

Photo/Video Opportunities

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Art & Design program is exhibiting its Annual Student Show through April 4 in the Gallery of Art & Design, George Hurst Building on the Hattiesburg campus. USM students were encouraged to enter up to five total works to compete for a chance to win and be exhibited in the annual art competition. The competition is comprised of the following categories: Foundations, Fine Art, and Graphic Design. To schedule coverage, contact Van Arnold or 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?

The University of Southern Mississippi has earned Gold status as a Military Friendly® School for 2018-2019 by Victory Media, Inc., one of only 10 research institutions in the U.S. to receive that distinction. 

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 Carnegie Classification 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.