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 the upcoming retirement of longtime Dean of Students Dr. Eddie Holloway and a special coverage opportunity regarding the Southern Entrepreneurship Program's annual state competition.

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

Dean of Students Holloway Retiring after 40 Years of Service to USM

When Eddie A. Holloway enrolled as a freshman at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in the fall of 1970, the Hattiesburg native who grew up in the segregated world of Jim Crow wouldn't have fathomed how meaningfully the historically all-white university would figure into his life's story.

After a 40-year career at his alma mater, Holloway, the first African-American assistant vice president for student affairs and dean of students at USM, will retire from the University June 30. But the man and the institution are forever joined.

http://news.usm.edu/article/holloway-retiring-after-40-years-service-usm

Special Coverage Opportunity

USM Hosts SEP State Competition

The University of Southern Mississippi's Southern Entrepreneurship Program will hold its annual state competition today at the Trent Lott Center on the Hattiesburg campus. The event, set to run from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., is the culmination of months of hard work from Mississippi schools, teachers, and students. Throughout the year, more than 600 students participated in SEP programming; and this year's finale will bring the top 25 high school business “pitches” from across the state to convene and compete at USM. To schedule coverage, contact Van Arnold.

Additional News Releases

Students Earn Pathway Scholarships to be used for Summer Internships

Twenty students at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) have been selected to receive Pathway Scholarships that will help finance summer internships at locations throughout the United States. The Pathway Scholarship Program is part of the University's Quality Enhancement Plan,Eagles Engaged, which seeks to strengthen student learning and career readiness through participation in pathway experiences, such as internships, research, or fieldwork.

http://news.usm.edu/article/students-earn-pathway-scholarships-will-wear-special-cords-commencement

USM Graduate School Announces Mentor, Assistant of the Year

The University of Southern Mississippi's Graduate School has selected polymer science and engineering associate professor Dr. Derek Patton and graduate teaching assistant Brianna Bingham as its 2019 Mentor of the Year and 2019 Graduate Assistant of the Year, respectively. The awards were officially announced last month at the Susan A. Siltanen Graduate Research Symposium at the Thad Cochran Center.

https://news.usm.edu/article/usm-graduate-school-announces-mentor-assistant-year

Did You Know?

Because of the continued generosity of donors, the USM Foundation provides direct support to our students, faculty and staff. During fiscal year 2018, the USM Foundation provided $7.6 million in support to the University including 2,182 scholarships for Southern Miss students, totaling approximately $3.9 million. 

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 24 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.