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 coverage opportunity today regarding the announcement of a new chief of operations for the University's Police Department. In addition, a news release details the upcoming 10^thanniversary of FestivalSouth®, complete with a schedule of events.

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

USM to Introduce Incoming University Police Chief of Operations Today

USM Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Dee Dee Anderson will announce the incoming chief of operations for The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Police Department during a news conference set for 1:30 p.m. today at Police Department Headquarters, Bond Hall, Hattiesburg Campus. The new chief will replace current Chief Bob Hopkins, who is scheduled to retire on June 30. Anderson and the incoming chief will provide remarks.

NOTE: The Police Headquarters is located behind Bond Hall directly across from the parking garage. 

News Release

FestivalSouth® Celebrates 10 Years with Another Spectacular Lineup

For the 10^th year, FestivalSouth® events return to venues across the Pine Belt this June, with a fun-filled line-up of activities, performances, and opportunities.

Presented by the Hattiesburg Concert Association, FestivalSouth is Mississippi's only multi-week, multi-genre festival, offering both free and ticketed events that showcase the area's rich creative economy. Featuring many University of Southern Mississippi (USM) faculty, staff, students, and alumni, and happening in several Hattiesburg campus venues, there is something for everyone.

http://news.usm.edu/article/festivalsouth-celebrates-10-years-another-spectacular-lineup

Photo/Video Opportunity

The University of Southern Mississippi's College of Business and Economic Development continues its International Business Speaker Series with a presentation by Shelly Reboul, Export Sales Manager at Sanderson Farms at 3 p.m., Thursday, April 25 in Scianna Hall (Room 1048) on the Hattiesburg campus. Reboul's presentation is titled, “Realizing Export Opportunities.” To schedule coverage, contact Bailey Harris, 601.266.5747 or bailey.harrisFREEMississippi.

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?

USM has received a No. 15 national ranking by Military Times in its Best for Vets: Colleges 2019 survey. No other Mississippi college or university is ranked among the top 100.

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.