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 today regarding the University's annual Armstrong-Branch Distinguished Lecture Series as part of Black History Month events. In addition, news releases feature an extended deadline for applications to the online Nursing Leadership Ph.D. program and a presentation by history Professor Kevin Greene based on his first book, “The Invention and Reinvention of Big Bill Broonzy.”

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 Coverage Opportunity

Armstrong-Branch Lecture Features Civil Rights Activist Cleaver

Kathleen N. Cleaver, a prominent and influential figure in the American Civil Rights Movement who continues to fight for social justice across the country and around the world, will be the keynote speaker for the 2019 Armstrong-Branch Distinguished Lecture Series at The University of Southern Mississippi today, at 7 p.m., in Bennett Auditorium on the University's Hattiesburg campus.

Cleaver's fight for human rights spans seven decades, ventures across national and international borders, and includes service with notable public interest organizations. She is best known for her involvement with the Black Panther Party and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee during the 1960s. To schedule coverage, call Van Arnold or David Tisdale.

News Releases

Online Nursing Leadership Ph.D. Applications Due March 1

The University of Southern Mississippi's first-of-its-kind fully online Nursing Leadership Ph.D. program has extended the application for fall 2019 admission to March 1.The program, which is designed to bring nurses into leadership roles, offers students a convenient way to complete their Ph.D.

http://news.usm.edu/article/online-nursing-leadership-phd-applications-due-march-1

Greene Gives Presentation on Blues Legend Broonzy at Mississippi Museums

Dr. Kevin Greene, assistant professor of history and director of the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage at The University of Southern Mississippi recently made a presentation based on his first book, “The Invention and Reinvention of Big Bill Broonzy,” in the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium at the Two Mississippi Museums (Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum) as part of the “History is Lunch” series earlier this month. 

http://news.usm.edu/article/greene-gives-lecture-blues-legend-broonzy-mississippi-museums

Photo/Video Opportunity

The University of Southern Mississippi Art and Design Visiting Professionals Series presents artist Sarah Lutz on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 11:30 a.m. in the George Hurst Building, room 123. Lutz is a painter and printmaker who creates colorful abstract works such asSlipstream and Fireball Season. Lutz's paintings and prints have been exhibited at The Schoolhouse Gallery in Provincetown, Mass.; The Richmond Art Center in Windsor, Conn.; and the Lohin Geduld Gallery and Lori Bookstein Fine Art in New York. To schedule coverage, contact Mike Lopinto at 601.266.5620,mike.lopintoFREEMississippi

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?

Southern Miss has partnered with Boeing to lead research and development on next-generation composite materials to make aircraft lighter and safer.

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.