Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's message includes news releases about the University earning a No. 3 national ranking by a military veterans service organization and a preview of events related to Black History Month scheduled at USM's Gulf Park campus.

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 Earns High National Ranking from Military Veterans Service Company

The University of Southern Mississippi continues to excel as a resource for military veterans by virtue of the latest rankings by VIQTORY, which lists USM at No. 3 nationwide among research institutions in its 2019-20 survey of Military Friendly® Schools. USM is also the highest-ranked college or university in Mississippi.

For the third straight year, USM has achieved gold status – the highest ranking handed out by VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned business. Military Friendly® Schools are leading institutions that have earned the elite Military Friendly® designation.

https://news.usm.edu/article/usm-earns-high-national-ranking-military-veterans-service-company

Additional News Release

USM Gulf Park Campus to Celebrate Black History Month

Black History Month 2019 will be observed throughout February at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach, recognizing the legacy of African-American achievements in our national history and culture. Incorporating the theme #BlackHistoryMatters, Black History Month programming at USM Gulf Park will feature lectures, movies and a soul food dinner, among other activities.

https://news.usm.edu/article/usm-gulf-park-celebrate-black-history-month

Photo/Video Opportunity

University of Southern Mississippi History Professor Dr. Andrew Haley will discuss his research into the world of Mississippi community cookbooks when he presents “Cookbooks for a Cause” from 6-8 p.m. today at the Hattiesburg Public Library. Working with University Libraries Professor and Curator Jennifer Brannock, Dr. Haley employs the resources found in USM's Culinary Collection to examine the role of Mississippi food ways over the last century-plus, including how selling cookbooks have been the focus of fundraisers for community initiatives. To schedule coverage, contact David Tisdale at 601.266.4499 or d.g.tisdaleFREEMississippi

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?

Southern Miss nursing students have access to some of the most advanced patient simulators on the market. The newest simulator replicates certain aspects of human physiology, preparing students in the nursing program for clinical practice experiences. For example, students studying the impact of cardiac disease can hear and feel how this disease affects a patient's heart sounds, lung sounds and cardiac pulses.

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.