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Updated Media Information for Steve McNair Funeral Saturday, July 11

2009-07-10T16:18:55+01:00

TO: News Editors, Directors

Patel Receives Goldwater Scholarship Honorable Mention

2009-07-09T15:33:03+01:00

A University of Southern Mississippi sophomore has received an Honorable Mention designation from the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. Rupesh Patel, a microbiology major from Wiggins, earned the recognition for his research on the overall function of the M46 gene in Histoplasma capsulatum, the fungus which causes the lung disease histoplasmosis. Patel is one of only two students from the state of Mississippi to receive this honor, and is eligible to reapply for the Goldwater again next year, as the scholarship is open to sophomores and juniors. Patel�s research has implications for determining the location and function of the M46 protein in this important pathogen, which infects an estimated 500,000 Americans each year. �We believe that we have completed the localization project, which will determine the protein�s location,� said Patel. �We found that it is probably located in the cell cytoplasm.� He performs his research in the laboratory of Dr. Glen Shearer, professor of biological sciences at Southern Miss. �Dr. Shearer is the best mentor I could have asked for,� Patel said. �He is very supportive and provides great advice about my academic career.� In addition to his most recent award, Patel has received high honors from the College of Science and Technology recognizing his academic and leadership ability. In April, he received the 2009 Outstanding Sophomore Award at the College of Science and Technology�s annual awards banquet. Patel also serves as president of Tri Beta Biological Science Honor Society and as a College of Science and Technology Student Ambassador, and teaches a biology lab course. �Rupesh has certainly been one of the best undergraduate researchers we have had in the Shearer research group,� Shearer said. �He is bright, hard working and I have every confidence that we will hear great things about him in the future.� Patel worked on his application for the Goldwater for more than five months with the assistance of Robyn Curtis, the university�s National Scholarship Officer. "Rupesh has such an inspirational success story. To think that he came to this country at the age of eight unable to speak any English, and just over a decade later he is being recognized as one of the top students in his field is just amazing,� Curtis said. �He was very dedicated and always willing to submit one more draft to get things as close to perfect as possible. We have high hopes for his reapplication next year after his strong showing as a sophomore." For more information about this and other national scholarships, contact Southern Miss Officer of National Scholarships and Fellowships Robyn Curtis at 601.266.4263. Rupesh PatelAbout The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Photo: Katrina Research Center Receives Donation from Ocean Springs Rotary

2009-07-09T11:33:40+01:00

From left to right, Dr. Deanne Nuwer, historian and exhibit coordinator at The University of Southern Mississippi Katrina Research Center, accepts a check for $1,000 from Rotary Club of Ocean Springs president Amon Holcomb and treasurer Wendy Garner. The check, presented July 8 at the club�s weekly chapter meeting at Rose Farm Manor in Ocean Springs, was one of four $1,000 donations made to selected organizations involved in Hurricane Katrina recovery. The Katrina Research Center, which is open to the community, is located on the third floor of the library on the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. The center houses materials related to Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters that have impacted the state of Mississippi. (Southern Miss Public Relations photo by Charmaine Schmermund) About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Gulf Coast Teachers Attend Live Oak Writing Project Summer Institute

2009-07-09T11:19:19+01:00

Several coast teachers are spending their summer break participating in the Live Oak Writing Project at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Live Oak Writing Project, a collaboration of coast schools and Southern Miss Gulf Coast, helps teachers develop ways to implement writing throughout the classroom and curriculum. The program consists of four weeks of intensive writing instruction sponsored by the National Writing Project. Each June, the Live Oak Writing Project conducts an invitational summer institute where teachers conduct research, create demonstration lessons, write and participate in book studies. The participants of the project discuss ways to implement writing within the classroom while conducting and recording research on specific challenges within the classroom, and how these challenges can be solved through writing. �I thought I would learn new and better ways to teach writing, and I am,� said Teresa Hay, a teacher at Vancleave High School. Upon completion of the Live Oak Writing Project, and through the National Writing Project�s professional development programs, teachers of all grade levels and subjects will become members of a professional community that helps keep their teaching fresh and vibrant. They can take this renewed spirit into their schools and help students become better thinkers and learners. This year�s Invitational Summer Institute was under the direction of program chair Sarah Bailey and co-chair Vickie Feazelle. Other participants included Leigh Nichols of D�Iberville High School, Shaunna McCormick of Long Beach High School, Jamie Lynn Murphy of St. Martin High School, LaKeisha Jones of Three Rivers Elementary School, Teresa Hay, Denise Carneiro of St. Stanislaus College, Sandra Parker of East Hancock Elementary School, Larissa Cuevas of Pass Christian High School, Amanda Lovelace of Hancock High School, Katie Wilson of Millsaps College and Liz Cain of Bay High School. Following the invitational summer institute, participants become teacher consultants and lead staff development workshops for teachers throughout the school year. Applications for the 2010 Invitational Summer Institute are due in January. For more information about the Live Oak Writing Project�s Invitational Summer Institute or for an application, contact site director Dr. Elaine White at 228.214.3288 or visit www.usm.edu/liveoak/ (http://www.usm.edu/liveoak/) . The Live Oak Writing Project, a collaboration of coast schools and Southern Miss Gulf Coast, helps teachers develop ways to implement writing throughout the classroom and curriculum. The program consists of four weeks of intensive writing instruction sponsored by the National Writing Project. Live Oak Writing Project 2009 Summer Institute participants are, from left to right, (front row) Denise Carneiro of St. Stanislaus College, Shaunna McCormick of Long Beach High School, Larissa Cuevas of Pass Christian High School, Liz Cain of Bay High School, Amanda Lovelace of Hancock High School, Leigh Nichols of D�Iberville High School, intern Katie Wilson, (back row) program chair Sarah Bailey, site director Elaine White, LaKeisha Jones of Three Rivers Elementary School, Jamie Lynn Murphy of St. Martin High School, Sandi Parker of East Hancock Elementary School, Teresa Hay of Vancleave High School and program co-chair Vickie Feazelle. (Southern Miss Public Relations photo by Charmaine Schmermund) About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Community Resilience Following Hurricane Katrina Focus of Southern Miss Study

2009-07-08T15:46:46+01:00

Media Advisory: Steve McNair Funeral Set for Saturday, July 11 in Hattiesburg

2009-07-08T11:49:45+01:00

TO: News Editors, Directors

Biologist to Give Lecture on Great Fishes of Gulf of Mexico July 16

2009-07-07T15:48:36+01:00

Houston, Texas, Foundation Establishes Kristen Bower Academic Scholarship at Southern Miss

2009-07-02T11:45:11+01:00

The Madison Charitable Foundation of Houston, Texas, has established the Kristen Bower Academic Scholarship Endowment at The University of Southern Mississippi. Initiated with a pledge of $250,000 from Madison Foundation board member James �Joc� Carpenter, the endowment was established in memory of Kristen Bower, the daughter of former Southern Miss head football coach, Jeff Bower. Kristen was tragically killed in an automobile accident in 1997. A friend of Bower�s, Carpenter thought the endowment would be a fitting tribute to Kristen�s memory. �We extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to the Madison Charitable Foundation for establishing this endowment in memory of our daughter Kristen,� said Bower. �We are most grateful to Wiley Hatcher and Joc Carpenter for making this endowment possible in order to benefit the future recipients who are in need of financial assistance to receive a great education at Southern Miss.� The Madison Foundation is a private, charitable organization created by Carpenter�s longtime friend Wiley Hatcher of Houston, Texas. �The Madison Foundation is a special organization,� said Carpenter. �Our mission is simple. We want to help those in need. We have contributed to several universities, organizations and special projects in Mississippi.� �Honoring a loved one through a scholarship endowment memorializes and continues a legacy of giving,� said Dr. David Wolf, vice president for Advancement at Southern Miss. �We are touched by the Madison Foundation�s generosity and heartfelt gift forever linking Kristin Bower to students at Southern Miss.� To make a gift to the Kristen Bower Academic Scholarship Endowment, contact the USM Foundation at 601.266.5602. Kristen Bower About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss Hosting Alliance for Graduate Education in Mississippi Summer Research Program

2009-07-01T10:47:29+01:00

The University of Southern Mississippi College of Science and Technology is hosting the annual Alliance for Graduate Education in Mississippi Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (AGEM - SREU) through July 31 on the Hattiesburg campus. AGEM is a highly selective eight-week intensive program that matches promising minority undergraduate students with a leading Southern Miss faculty member for a summer of intensive research. Ten students from five different universities across the Southeast will perform graduate-level research in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). �Our desire is to prepare these students to achieve the ultimate goal of being college professors in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,� said Andre Heath, site coordinator for AGEM. The program comes at no expense to students, who are awarded a $3,500 stipend, free meals, housing and unlimited access to Cook Library and the Payne Center. Professional development workshops on graduate school admission, written and oral communication to boost Graduate Record Examination scores, teambuilding and professionalism are included. Participants are challenged on a daily basis to keep up with their mentor�s pace. �Our plan is to make this as unlike a normal college semester as possible to let them see what the real world is like through the laboratory,� said Dr. Glen Shearer, professor of biological sciences. �This is the first internship or research opportunity I�ve had,� said Clyde Sims Jr., a sophomore from Mississippi Valley State University. �I anticipate this summer will be a great learning experience for me and the other students.� The College of Science and Technology has strived to increase the number of underrepresented minority students pursuing careers in STEM disciplines for the past nine years. Currently, the National Science Foundation funds AGEM programs at four other universities in the state of Mississippi. According to a study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, there was a 33.9 percent increase from 2001 to 2008 in the number of doctorates awarded to students graduating from institutions with programs designed to raise the number of underrepresented minorities in science-related studies. �Very few underrepresented minorities pursue this goal, and our intent is to encourage them to do so in a research environment that is challenging yet supportive,� said Heath. For more information on the AGEM Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates, contact Andre Heath at 601.266.6593.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Bureau of Business and Economic Research to Host Economic Outlook Conference July 16 in Biloxi

2009-07-01T10:42:13+01:00

Dr. Thomas J. Cunningham of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta will headline the slate of financial experts who will offer insights on the economy July 16 at The University of Southern Mississippi�s mid-year economic outlook conference in Biloxi. Hosted by the College of Business� Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER), the half-day conference is sponsored by The Peoples Bank of Biloxi and will be held at its downtown headquarters at 727 Howard Street. Dr. William Gunther, professor of economics and director of the BBER, said conference speakers will offer forecasts for the country and state. �The economy is not particularly strong right now, and the latest employment numbers are a sign the nation�s troubles persist in Mississippi,� said Gunther. �We will offer some insights into the major factors impacting the economy and where it is likely to be by the end of this year.� Scheduled presentations and speakers include:� �The Role of the Federal Reserve in the Economic Recovery,� Cunningham, vice president and associate director of research, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta� �The U.S. and Mississippi Economic Outlook, � Gunther� �Rebuilding and Recovery: The Outlook for South Mississippi,� Dr. Ed Ranck, associate director, BBER� �Report on Recent Survey of the Gulf Coast Gaming Industry,� Ranck� �Status on the Mississippi Gulf Coast Housing Market,� Gerald Blessey, Gulf Coast Housing director, Mississippi Development Authority The lunch presentation will focus on the gaming industry. Dr. R. Keith Schwer, associate dean and director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas will present �The Gaming Industry: Challenges and Opportunities.� The conference is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and will conclude at 1:30 p.m. A $45 conference registration fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch and a copy of The Economic Outlook for Mississippi: a Mid-Year Assessment. For more information or to register, call 601.266.5049 or e-mail Bill Gunther at William.gunther@usm.edu (mailto:William.gunther@usm.edu).About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

New Industry-University Partnership to Support Economic Development in Mississippi

2009-06-29T13:29:28+01:00

Governor Haley Barbour and officials from GE Aviation today announced a unique research collaboration with The University of Southern Mississippi for technology and advanced material development in the company's Batesville Composites Operation in Batesville, Miss.GE's partnership with the Southern Miss School of Polymers and High Performance Materials is focused on the development of advanced materials (composites development processing) for the GEnx engine. The world's only jet engine with composite fan blades, fan platforms and fan case, the GEnx engine will power the Boeing 787 and 747-8 aircraft. "This exciting partnership between GE Aviation and The University of Southern Mississippi combines GE Aviation's expertise with the talent at USM," Governor Haley Barbour said. "These researchers are working together to develop the sophisticated processes and composite materials needed to produce next-generation commercial jet engines. Composite components are the way of the future in commercial aviation, and I am proud that the research and development work needed to build that future is happening right here in Mississippi."The collaboration is supported with a grant of approximately $2.4 million from the Mississippi Development Authority, the state's lead economic development agency. "GE's relationship with Mississippi leaders and the state's university system has been outstanding," said David Joyce, president and CEO of GE Aviation, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. "Simply put, we are teaming on unique technologies that ultimately impact future air travel."The opportunity to be on the leading edge of such industrial developments with global implications reflects the university's focus on research. "Southern Miss has an industry view of research that encourages university and industry linkages. These connections provide meaningful products to our partners while giving our students relevant educational opportunities," said President Martha Saunders. "As a comprehensive research institution, Southern Miss is committed to creating a culture that supports an innovative academic environment while being able to promote economic advancement for our state and region," said Dr. Saunders.Three Southern Miss graduate students have already completed internships at GE's Global Research Center in New York as part of the university-industry partnership. In all, about 15-20 students and faculty will be involved in the one-year project. Funds from the MDA grant will be used for research infrastructure. GE Aviation has worked closely with the Mississippi Development Authority to develop partnerships with Mississippi universities to assist with the process and material development of products that will be placed at the Batesville Composites Operation in Batesville, Miss.GE Aviation celebrated the opening of the Batesville facility, its newest Greenfield facility, in October 2008 and anticipates expanding the workforce to more than 100 people. The 300,000-square-foot facility produces and assembles advanced composite engine components which are unique to the aviation industry. The facility is currently in production of its first two GEnx product lines: fan platforms (installed between the engine's front fan blades) and the assembly of the fan stator unit, a large circular structure that encases the front fan. "The project utilizes Southern Miss' nationally recognized expertise for the design, synthesis, characterization and formulation of novel, high-performance polymeric products to achieve project goals of developing cutting-edge composites" said Dr. Shelby Thames, distinguished university research professor and principal investigator on the project. "The concepts, teachings and expertise of the Polymer Science and Engineering faculty drive composites-focused research at Southern Miss. The age of reinforced polymeric materials, or composites, has arrived and accordingly, lightweight, high-performance composites are now used in many industry segments, including aircraft and marine infrastructure applications. "We are delighted to be a member of this team," said Thames. Other professors involved in the project are Dr. Sarah Morgan, Dr. James Rawlins, Dr. Jeff Wiggins, Dr. Sergei Nazarenko and Dr. Derek Patton. Key research thrusts for the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials include marine and aerospace composites, sustainable materials, biomaterials and coatings. The program is supported by numerous federal and private funding agencies, including the Office of Naval Research, the National Science Foundation and Boeing. The School is an international academic leader in the design, synthesis, use, test and formulation of novel polymeric products and holds more than 50 patents. Gov. Haley Barbour was an invited speaker for the announcement of a new partnership between GE Aviation and the Southern Miss School of Polymers and High Performance Material Monday at the university's Hattiesburg campus. During his visit, Barbour spoke with polymer science doctoral students, including, from left, David Kingsley, Chrissy Caroselli and Bobby Cook. The three recently completed internships at GE's Global Research Center in New York as part of the university-industry partnership. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse) USM-GE-MDA Media Announcement Video About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/). About GE AviationGE Aviation, a General Electric Company business unit and world-leading producer of jet engines, employs approximately 38,000 people and operates more than 80 facilities around the world. The company has the largest and fastest-growing installed base of jet engines in commercial aviation and a global services network to support them. About the Mississippi Development AuthorityThe Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is the State of Mississippi's lead economic and community development agency. More than 250 employees are engaged in providing services to businesses, communities and workers in the state. While the agency is best known for its efforts to recruit new businesses to Mississippi, the Authority provides services to promote tourism, help communities improve their quality of place, help existing employers identify and meet opportunities and challenges and help workers improve their skills � all with the goal of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of Mississippians. For more information, visit MDA's Web site at www.mississippi.org (http://www.mississippi.org/).

Trunk Show for Miss University of Southern Mississippi set for June 30

2009-06-26T11:27:56+01:00

In preparation for the Miss Mississippi Pageant, the University of Southern Mississippi Student Government Association is sponsoring a trunk show for Miss University of Southern Mississippi Maggie Evans. Evans plans to showcase her wardrobe and talent at the program set for Tuesday, June 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the Thad Cochran Center, room 210. Admission is free and the public is invited. A senior biological sciences major from Bay Springs, Evans will model all outfits she plans to wear at the pageant and perform her talent on piano during the trunk show. Her prepared piece is “Fountain in the Rain” by William Billock. Since being crowned Miss University of Southern Mississippi in February, Evans has been steadily preparing for the state pageant, scheduled for July 15-18 in Vicksburg. She has also been active in raising awareness about her platform, Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Evans organized and hosted a bone marrow registry drive on campus April 30, recruiting volunteers to help administer forms and cheek swabs for the drive. A total of 176 people registered, the largest donor drive all year for the Mississippi Marrow Donor Program.For more information about the trunk show, contact pageant director Brooks Moore at 601.266.6029 or e-mail brooks.moore@usm.edu (mailto:brooks.moore@usm.edu); or contact student director Lauren Richards at lauren.richards@usm.edu (mailto:lauren.richards@usm.edu).Maggie EvansAbout The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Media Advisory: State, Industry Officials to Announce Research Partnership

2009-06-25T16:23:12+01:00

TO: News Editors, Directors WHAT: Media announcement WHERE: Thames Polymer Science Research Center Auditorium at The University of Southern Mississippi – Hattiesburg, Golden Eagle Ave. at Charles Lane WHEN: 9:30 a.m., Monday, June 29, 2009 SPECIFICS: Governor Haley Barbour and industry officials will be on campus for an announcement regarding a new university project. MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: Following the announcement, key dignitaries will be available for photos and interviews by members of the media. For media who cannot attend, the announcement will be webcast via a link on the university’s Web site at www.usm.edu. PARKING: Reserved parking will be available for media in the lot directly behind the Chain Technology Building and the Thad Cochran Center. From 4th Street, turn into the campus onto Golden Eagle Avenue the lot will be on your left, just past Black and Gold Blvd. The Polymer Science Research Center is directly across the street on the west side of Golden Eagle Ave. CONTACT: Jana Bryant, 601.266.4497 or 601.549.1124.

College of Health Announces Leadership Appointments

2009-06-25T12:54:31+01:00

Three veteran faculty members have been chosen to fill positions on The University of Southern Mississippi College of Health’s leadership team.College of Health Dean Dr. Michael Forster announced that Dr. Susan Hubble-Burchell will be associate dean for the college; Dr. Tim Rehner will serve as director of the School of Social Work; and Dr. Steven Cloud will be the new chairman of the Department of Speech and Hearing.“I look forward to working closely with them to promote the excellence of individual programs and the college as a whole,” Forster said. “They're all great team players.”An associate professor of recreation in the School of Human Performance, Hubble-Burchell has served as its interim director from November 2007 to present and from November 2003 to June 2004. She also served as the school’s assistant director from 1997-2002, and as its coordinator for undergraduate services from 1993-1997. She is co-director of the college’s new Center on Aging and is program coordinator for its Graduate Certificate Program in Gerontology. From 2001-2002, she was president of the Southern Miss Faculty Senate; chaired the university’s Academic Council from 1996-1997; and was a member of the university’s Strategic Budget Planning Committee from 2008-2009. Hubble-Burchell has earned several university and professional honors during her career, including the Southern Miss Association of Office Professional’s Educational Administrator of the Year in 2001; the Aubrey K. and Ella G. Lucas University Excellence in Service Award in 2005; the Southern Miss Department of Athletics’ Outstanding Service Award in 2006; and a Presidential Citation from the National Recreation and Park Association’s Leisure and Aging Section in 2008.Rehner joined Southern Miss in 1993. He has served as interim director and associate director of the School of Social Work and as director of its bachelor of social work program, as well as director of the school’s Caribbean Studies program. He co-founded the school’s Family Network Partnership, a community-baseddelinquency prevention program, in 1995 and serves as its director. His research hasbeen published extensively and he is a frequent guest presenter at conferences andforums, and holds two copyrights for software programs used in the Forrest CountyYouth Court and Detention Center. His service to the university includes membership and leadership with its Cross Creek Planning Committee; Graduate Council; University Strategic Planning Committee; University Advisory Committee; Faculty Senate; Quality Enhancement Plan Committee; and Academic Council.Rehner’s honors and awards during his tenure at Southern Miss include Mississippi Social Work Educator of the Year and the HEADWAE award in 2000; the Southern Miss College of Health Innovations Award in 2003; the Southern Miss Research Council’s Innovation Award for Academic Partnerships and the Mississippi National Association of Social Works Social Work Educator of the Year award in 2007.Cloud joined the Southern Miss faculty in 1995. He was chosen the department’s Teacher of the Year in 1998 and 2001, and served as its interim chair in the summer of 2007 and has been its program director since 2005. His primary academic interests include multicultural language issues and adult neurogenics.He has presented every year at the annual convention of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association since 1997, and has been an Invited Praxis committee member since 2008, and serves as a consultant for the National Praxis Committee.Cloud co-authored a book on language issues in 2008, has published a book chapter and currently has three book chapters in press. “These are faculty members with great records of leadership and service who can advance our mission of providing outstanding academic experiences for our students,” said Southern Miss Provost Bob Lyman.Susan Hubble Burchell Tim RehnerSteven CloudAbout The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Weaver Receives Master's Degree in Medical Technology from Southern Miss

2009-06-25T11:42:47+01:00

University of Southern Mississippi student Evelyn Weaver of Gulfport was awarded a master’s degree in medical technology recently during the Department of Medical Technology’s 73rd Certificate Ceremony, held at the Polymer Science Research Center Auditorium.Weaver is president-elect of the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science and is general chair for the 2010 Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference to be held in Biloxi. She is the recipient of the 2009 ASCLS-MS Member of the Year award, and the ASCLS-MS Omicron Sigma Award for 2008 and 2009.Medical technologists, also referred to as clinical laboratory scientists, are vital health care detectives who uncover and provide laboratory information from laboratory analyses that assist physicians in patient diagnosis and treatment.The Department of Medical Technology at Southern Miss offers both a bachelor's and master's degree program in medical technology. It is the only program of its kind located in South Mississippi and has produced the highest number of graduates in the state for the past two years. For more information about the medical technology program at Southern Miss, online visit http://www.usm.edu/medtech/ (http://www.usm.edu/medtech/)Evelyn WeaverAbout The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Digital Storytelling Workshop set for July 13-15 at Southern Miss

2009-06-25T10:29:49+01:00

A workshop designed to help teachers use technology to develop instruction methods that engage and motivate students in writing for all academic areas will be held July 13-15 at The University of Southern Mississippi Speech and Hearing Building.“Digital Storytelling: Simple and Effective Technology for Writing” will be presented by the South Mississippi Writing Project and facilitated by Writing Project teacher leaders, who will present student and class projects from early elementary to high school. Participants will also learn how to create their own digital story, and gain resources and skills that can be implemented in their classroom.The cost of the workshop is $100 and continuing education units are available. For more information, call 601.266. 5066 or e-mail smwp@usm.edu (mailto:smwp@usm.edu).About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Photo Release: Southern Miss Museum of Art Summer Exhibit

2009-06-25T08:26:00+01:00

The University of Southern Mississippi Museum of Art is hosting its summer exhibit, “Comic Strips and Children’s Books (and why not a Picasso?)” through Aug. 25, featuring a local collection of comics dating back to the early 20th century; children’s books from the university’s de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection; and selections from the museum’s permanent collection.Southern Miss Museum of Art hours during the summer are Tuesday – Friday 12-5 pm. Admission is free, and groups are welcome by appointment. For more information, call 601.266.5200 or 601.266.4972.University of Southern Mississippi graphic design professor John House exams a drawing at the opening reception of the Southern Miss Museum of Art’s summer exhibit, “Comic Strips and Children’s Books (and why not a Picasso?)” which runs through Aug. 25. (Southern Miss Marketing and Pubic Relations photo by David Tisdale)University of Southern Mississippi graphic design professor John House exams a sculpture at opening reception of the Southern Miss Museum of Art’s summer exhibit, “Comic Strips and Children’s Books (and why not a Picasso?)” which runs through Aug. 25. (Southern Miss Marketing and Pubic Relations photo by David Tisdale)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Photos: Staff Council Presents Spring Service Award, Inducts New Members

2009-06-23T13:49:40+01:00

The University of Southern Mississippi Staff Council recently honored a member of the Southern Miss staff with its top service award, while recognizing incoming and outgoing members/officers at a meeting held recently at the university’s Thad Cochran Center.Gayle Anderson, administrative assistant in the university’s Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, was chosen for the Spring Staff Council Service Award. An 11-year employee at Southern Miss, Anderson was nominated by department chair Leah Fonder-Solano. The purpose of the Staff Council Service Award, which is given once in the fall and spring semesters, is to recognize employee dedication, services and unselfish contribution of time and effort in the promotion of the mission and goals of the university. Any part-time or full-time employee with at least one year of continuous service is eligible for nomination. Gayle Anderson, center, administrative assistant in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, accepts the Spring Staff Council Service Award and a gift from outgoing Staff Council President Mandy Nace, right and outgoing Staff Council Secretary Tina Griffin. Newly elected Southern Miss Staff Council members, seated left to right, include: Brad Ward, Bobbie Payton, James Daniel, Valerie Craig, Candice Carter, Michelle Templeton, Jami King. Standing, left to right: April Woodall, Michael Chancellor, Melissa Ravencraft, Tim Laird, Chris McGee, Corrie Thompson. Not Pictured: Ruth Brooks, Dorothy Mobley. Outgoing Southern Miss Staff Council members include, standing, left to right: Amy Thornton, April Jordan, Tina Griffin, Cory Smith. Seated, left to right: J.J. Crawley, Mandy Nace, John Hayman, Mary Virgil Not pictured: Lou Ellen WilliamsAbout The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

New Cooling Unit Provides More Efficiency at Southern Miss Teaching Site

2009-06-22T13:59:18+01:00

Reinforcing a university-wide commitment to becoming more sustainable and environmentally friendly, a new mechanical upgrade at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Student Service Center will reduce the facility’s monthly power bill by 40 percent.Southern Miss Research Foundation officials earlier this month installed the new McQuay WMC Model Chiller, a water-cooled centrifugal chiller with a Turbocor compressor that not only provides significant savings in energy costs, but also produces a much smaller carbon footprint. “Southern Miss Gulf Coast is making significant changes in our facilities in support of Dr. Saunders’ Green Initiative,” said Southern Miss Gulf Coast Associate Provost Pat Joachim. “With this technologically advanced cooling unit, we are taking the first step in making an improved difference that will benefit the university for years to come.”The unit, composed of environmentally friendly elements, also reduces the amount of makeup water in the center’s 120,000-square-foot facility.Dr. Jay Grimes, chairman for the Southern Miss Research Foundation, added, “It’s always a win-win situation when a serious problem can be fixed and one can be green in the process.”One of the features of the new chiller is that it has no bearings. Without bearings, the unit does not require oil and, in turn, does not produce friction. Instead, the unit utilizes a permanent electro-magnetic field that supports the rotor, which is the compressor’s only moving part.Typical centrifugal chillers require 900 to 1,200 amps to start up each time, which increases the demand factor, but the McQuay Chiller uses only three amps to start up and gradually increases until operating speed is achieved.In April 2008, Southern Miss President Martha Saunders signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. The commitment, a nationwide initiative of college and university presidents and chancellors, was created as a way for campuses to commit to completing an emissions inventory, setting milestones for becoming climate neutral and taking immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.In addition to the chiller, the university, along with property manager Pinion Properties, is working to replace existing motor starters for chilled water and heated water pumps with variable frequency drives which greatly reduce energy demand. Fluorescent lighting is also being replaced with energy saving bulbs and ballasts that consume one-tenth the electricity of the previous fixtures.For more information on Southern Miss’ Green Initiative, call the Office of Sustainability at 601.266.5687 or visit their site on the Web at www.usm.edu/green (http://www.usm.edu/green). About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Spend 'A Lovely Summer Evening' with Southern Miss Theatre

2009-06-22T10:19:48+01:00

Writer: Lisa ParkerSouthern Arena Theatre at the University of Southern Mississippi is celebrating another year of upbeat summer entertainment for the Hattiesburg area with its 33rd season of repertory theater, appropriately themed A Lovely Summer Evening. This is a big tradition for both Southern Miss and Hattiesburg, says Lou Rackoff, chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance and producer of the 2009 season. It's a major entertainment focus in the summer. Southern Arena Theatre (SAT) is a collaborative effort between students and faculty of Southern Miss’ Department of Theatre and Dance. Like a professional theatre company, both cast and crew work during the summer months to produce multiple shows in a night-to-night full repertory. This summer's SAT season will consist of two shows, John Cariani's Almost, Maine and Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. The season will open June 25 in the Gilbert F. Hartwig Theatre with Almost, Maine, a heartwarming, modern romantic comedy whose characters are normally grounded, but have become very excited by love and other extraordinary occurrences under the northern lights. The show has been popular throughout the country, says Rackoff, but is new for SAT audiences. Robin Carr, Southern Miss associate professor of voice and acting, serves as director. This romantic and magical production is a series of vignettes about the warmth of love during the cold Maine winter, Carr said.Oscar Wilde's witty production, The Importance of Being Earnest will open July 2 in the Martha R. Tatum Theatre. It offers a lighthearted escape, and was described by Wilde as showing that we should treat all the trivial things of life seriously, and the serious things of life with sincere and studied triviality. Sean Boyd, the department's assistant professor of movement and acting, has directed for SAT for the past two years. He will return this season to direct Wilde’s play.For the students, SAT is a full-time commitment that is both challenging and demanding. The average rehearsal day is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and every actor has at least one role in each show. Students within the company also design and construct the sets and costumes used in the shows.Shelby Cade, an SAT cast member approaching her senior year at Southern Miss, will be returning for a second season. Cade plays one of the young lovers in Earnest and three different roles in Almost Maine. What's great about SAT is that it's so student-driven, says Cade, a Greenwood native. Students make up the cast and designers, even the box office and publicity teams. Boyd feels the summer atmosphere is extremely vibrant and community-driven. It's so rare to have a [repertory] company like this, he said. Only the biggest schools have this kind of thing. It's a unique situation here. We're not in a big metropolitan area, but the students have the same drive as those in a large theater company in a bigger city.” Almost Maine performances are set for June 25, 26 and 27; and July 9, 11, 15, 17, 23 and 25, with a matinee on July 19. Performances of The Importance of Being Earnest are scheduled for July 2, 3, 8, 10, 16, 18, 22 and 24, with matinees on July 5, 19, and 26.Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and matinees begin at 2 p.m. Individual show tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for senior citizens, Southern Miss faculty, staff and military; and $6 for students. Tickets will be available to the general public beginning June 15, 2009.For tickets, call the Southern Miss Ticket Office at 601.266.5418 or 800.844.8425. Order online at www.southernmisstickets.com (http://www.southernmisstickets.com/). Tickets may also be purchased at the theater box office one hour prior to curtain time for each performance on a space available basis. For more information, on the Web visit www.usm.edu/theatre (http://www.usm.edu/theatre) or contact Lou Rackoff at 601.266.4994.Chris Marroy and Twoey Truong in “The Importance of Being Earnest”Brooke Aiello, Sean Scrutchins and Shelby Cade in “Almost, Maine”About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Williams Earns Degree in Medical Technology from Southern Miss

2009-06-22T10:07:55+01:00

University of Southern Mississippi student Cavida Williams of Jackson was awarded a bachelor’s degree in medical technology recently during the Department of Medical Technology’s 73rd Certificate Ceremony, held at the Polymer Science Research Center Auditorium.At Southern Miss, Williams was a Dean’s and President’s List scholar, a member of the Medical Technology Club and the African-American Student Organization. She is the daughter of Claude Winn of Clinton and Bessie Bryant of Jackson.Medical technologists, also referred to as clinical laboratory scientists, are vital health care detectives who uncover and provide laboratory information from laboratory analyses that assist physicians in patient diagnosis and treatment.Southern Miss offers both a bachelor's and master's degree program in medical technology. It is the only program of its kind located in South Mississippi and has produced the highest number of graduates in the state for the past two years. For more information about the medical technology program at Southern Miss, online visit http://www.usm.edu/medtech/ (http://www.usm.edu/medtech/)Cavida Williams (Southern Miss Public Relations Photo by Steve Rouse)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Slaughter Earns Degree in Medical Technology from Southern Miss

2009-06-22T10:03:04+01:00

University of Southern Mississippi student Reo Slaughter of Vicksburg was awarded a bachelor’s degree in medical technology recently during the Department of Medical Technology’s 73rd Certificate Ceremony, held at the Polymer Science Research Center Auditorium.At Southern Miss, Slaughter was an Ivy Scholar, a member of the Medical Technology Club, a Dean’s List scholar and a member of the Circle of Excellence. He is the son of Reo Slaughter Sr. and Jessie Slaughter.Medical technologists, also referred to as clinical laboratory scientists, are vital health care detectives who uncover and provide laboratory information from laboratory analyses that assist physicians in patient diagnosis and treatment.Southern Miss offers both a bachelor's and master's degree program in medical technology. It is the only program of its kind located in South Mississippi and has produced the highest number of graduates in the state for the past two years. For more information about the medical technology program at Southern Miss, online visit http://www.usm.edu/medtech/ (http://www.usm.edu/medtech/)Reo Slaughter (Southern Miss Public Relations Photo by Steve Rouse)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Maywalt Earns Degree in Medical Technology from Southern Miss

2009-06-22T09:55:22+01:00

University of Southern Mississippi student Tori Maywalt of Carriere was awarded a bachelor’s degree in medical technology recently during the Department of Medical Technology’s 73rd Certificate Ceremony, held at the Polymer Science Research Center Auditorium.Maywalt is the daughter of Timothy and Marie Maywalt of Carriere. Medical technologists, also referred to as clinical laboratory scientists, are vital health care detectives who uncover and provide laboratory information from laboratory analyses that assist physicians in patient diagnosis and treatment.The Department of Medical Technology at Southern Miss offers both a bachelor's and master's degree program in medical technology. It is the only program of its kind located in South Mississippi and has produced the highest number of graduates in the state for the past two years. For more information about the medical technology program at Southern Miss, online visit http://www.usm.edu/medtech/ (http://www.usm.edu/medtech/)Tori Maywalt (Southern Miss Public Relations Photo by Steve Rouse)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Elliott Earns Master's in Medical Technology from Southern Miss

2009-06-22T09:36:08+01:00

University of Southern Mississippi student Melissa Elliot of Hattiesburg received her master’s degree in medical technology recently during the Department of Medical Technology’s 73rd Certificate Ceremony, held at the Polymer Science Research Center Auditorium.Elliott, the daughter of Kennon and Beverly Hood of Amory and the wife of Jeffrey Gischel, holds an undergraduate degree in biology from Southern Miss. She served as president of the Medical Technology Club, was a member of ACLS and has been published in Lab Medicine-IPEX.Medical technologists, also referred to as clinical laboratory scientists, are vital health care detectives who uncover and provide laboratory information from laboratory analyses that assist physicians in patient diagnosis and treatment.Southern Miss offers both a bachelor's and master's degree program in medical technology. It is the only program of its kind located in South Mississippi and has produced the highest number of graduates in the state for the past two years. For more information about the medical technology program at Southern Miss, online visit http://www.usm.edu/medtech/ (http://www.usm.edu/medtech/)Melissa Elliott (Southern Miss Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Laurel's Barlow Earns Medical Technology Degree from Southern Miss

2009-06-22T09:15:25+01:00

University of Southern Mississippi student Anthony J. Barlow of Laurel received his medical technology degree recently during the Department of Medical Technology’s 73rd Certificate Ceremony, held at the Polymer Science Research Center Auditorium.Barlow, the son of Thomas and Sarah Posey of Laurel, was a Dean’s List student at Southern Miss and recipient of a medical technology scholarship. He served as vice-president of the Medical Technology Club and was a member of Tri-Beta.Medical technologists, also referred to as clinical laboratory scientists, are vital health care detectives who uncover and provide laboratory information from laboratory analyses that assist physicians in patient diagnosis and treatment.Southern Miss offers both a bachelor's and master's degree program in medical technology. It is the only program of its kind located in South Mississippi and has produced the highest number of graduates in the state for the past two years. For more information about the medical technology program at Southern Miss, online visit http://www.usm.edu/medtech/ (http://www.usm.edu/medtech/)Anthony Barlow (Southern Miss Public Relations Photo by Steve Rouse)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Dubard School at Southern Miss Hosts Program on Thai Culture

2009-06-18T13:47:32+01:00

The culture and cuisine of Thailand was presented at The DuBard School for Children with Language Disorders at The University of Southern Mississippi this week by natives of the Southeast Asian nation. Demonstrations of Thai dance, language, traditions and cuisine were made for DuBard School students currently studying Thailand as part of their academic coursework.At far left, DuBard School student Emily Sanders, 11, of Lumberton learns the finer points of Thai dance from Ae Vicknair of Baton Rouge. (Southern Miss Public Relations photo by David Tisdale)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Chili's Restaurants, Deaf Blind Project Supporting Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week June 21-27

2009-06-18T13:40:54+01:00

Join the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, the Mississippi Deaf-Blind Project located at The University of Southern Mississippi, and participating Chili's Grill and Bar locations in raising awareness about deaf-blindness and the people who live with a combined vision and hearing loss. The awareness effort, held in conjunction with Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week, is designed to change the assumption that Helen Keller is the only recognizable person who is deaf-blind and show the diversity, accomplishments, and potential of today’s deaf-blind community. To support this effort, Chili's Grill and Bar in Hattiesburg is sponsoring a Give Back to the Community night with 10% of the proceeds going to the Mississippi Deaf-Blind Project. Eat at Chili's on Tuesday, June 23 from 4 p.m. to closing and present your server with the printable flyer, available at www.usm.edu/msdb/index.htm (http://www.usm.edu/msdb/index.htm), and 10 percent of your total bill will be donated to help provide support for persons in Mississippi who are deaf-blind.The term “deaf-blind” encompasses many variations of combined hearing and vision loss which affects more than million people in the United States. The Mississippi Deaf-Blind Project provides training and assistance to families, administrators, educators, and service providers of children ages birth to 22 who have both a hearing and vision impairment. Services are offered at no cost to families, educators, administrators, and service providers of these children.If you suspect a child has both hearing and vision impairments, contact the Mississippi Deaf-Blind Project for further information and referral. For more information on deaf-blindness or to print a Chili's Night flyer go to www.usm.edu/msdb/index.htm (http://www.usm.edu/msdb/index.htm), or contact the Mississippi Deaf-Blind Project at deaf-blind@usm.edu (mailto:deaf-blind@usm.edu). Call toll-free (800) 264-5135. You may also pick up a Chili’s Night Flyer at Chili’s in Madison, Jackson, Hattiesburg, Gulfport, Biloxi, and D’Iberville.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Opening Reception Today at 4 p.m. for Southern Miss Museum of Art Summer Show

2009-06-18T13:33:28+01:00

This summer The University of Southern Mississippi Museum of Art features an exhibit with three shows, each illuminating a distinctive aspect of graphic art with one making us laugh, one making us dream and one making us think. The exhibit is June 18 – Aug. 25, with an opening reception today at 4 p.m. Admission is free. The LOK Gallery welcomes “Five Decades of American Comics” from a private collection in Hattiesburg; the Woods Gallery will be the summer home for “Six Children’s Books Illustrators,” presenting various treasures from the Southern Miss de Grummond Collection; and the Karnes-Sullivan Gallery will host “Seven Master Prints from Paris,” featuring graphic art works from the museum’s permanent collection. The comics show includes material dating from the first half of the 20th century. Amusing for all from the first to the last, they will attract young and old by their graphic wit and constant good mood. When they are so visibly growing old, they provoke in us some special nostalgia through their unique peephole into our parents’ America.The children’s books and works from illustrators come from the de Grummond collection, coordinated by curator Ellen Ruffin. More than 125,000 titles by more than 1,200 artists make this collection one of the most important in the world, represented in the works of Berthe Amoss, Marcia Brown, Scott Cook, Barbara Cooney, Janina Domanska and Roger Duvoisin, prominent after World War II during the golden age of children’s books.This show will highlight aspects of the making of illustrated books in the pre-computer era, with its paintings and drawings, woodcuts, transparencies, dummies and even sculptures bringing us closer to the consummate art and craft of the magicians of our most beloved readingsThe Master Prints from Paris features a selection of the best prints from the permanent collection of the museum. The beautiful pieces, all from the second half of the twentieth century when Paris had become the capital of this art form, reveal how the art of printmaking was a concern and pleasure for the greatest masters of modern art. With several techniques being used in very personal ways, the show offers examples of lithography, aquatint, etching and more in pieces by Buffet, Miro, Papart, Picasso and Rouault.Southern Miss Museum of Art hours during the summer are Tuesday – Friday 12-5 pm. Groups are welcome by appointment. For more information, call 601.266.5200 or 601.266.4972.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss Science and Technology Dean Gandy Receives National Award

2009-06-18T11:37:05+01:00

Dr. Rex Gandy, dean of the University of Southern Mississippi College of Science and Technology, has been selected the 2009 Administrator of the Year by the National Association of Educational Office Professionals (NAEOP). Gandy’s path to winning this national award began when he was named the 2008 Southern Miss Association of Office Professionals (AOP) Administrator of the Year. The Southern Miss AOP Chapter forwarded his nomination to the state level, where he was named the 2009 Mississippi Association of Educational Office Professionals (MAEOP) Administrator of the Year. “I’m honored by this recognition, but this is really an award for AOP staffers and the university, not any single individual,” Gandy said.Gandy, a native of Ripley, has been at Southern Miss since 2003 and has more than 25 years of academic experience. He led the College of Science and Technology to many milestones, including a research funding height of $52 million. Following Hurricane Katrina, Gandy coordinated the College of Science and Technology’s efforts to help faculty, staff and students displaced by the storm and return student enrollment to pre-Katrina levels. Pam Posey, assistant to the dean for budgets, and president-elect of NAEOP, said Gandy has been very supportive of the group. “It would not have been possible for me to consider running for any office in the national association without his encouragement and support.”The NAEOP National Educational Administrator of the Year award was first awarded in 1973 to recognize and honor an administrator demonstrating excellence and support of staff in their efforts to progress professionally.Gandy said he recognizes the importance of the Southern Miss AOP chapter. “AOP is a great organization for our staff, and Southern Miss has a strong track record of supporting university staff and their participation in AOP activities.”According to Posey, Southern Miss has a rich history of producing MAEOP Administrators of the Year, but having Gandy win the national award is especially exciting. “It is truly an honor and privilege working with him,” Posey said. “He works hard and supports not only staff, but faculty and students. He is the epitome of a true educational administrator.” Prior to Southern Miss, Gandy served as team leader for the Idaho Nanoscience Initiative, chair and professor of Physics at the University of Idaho, director of the Auburn Fusion Laboratory, associate dean for research and professor at Auburn University and as a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Southern Miss AOP chapter was organized in 1974 to foster relationships and understanding among members, to promote education of members and to promote an overall better educational system. For more information, visit http://www.usm.edu/aop/ (http://www.usm.edu/aop/)Dr. Rex Gandy About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Heritage Vision Center July Sale to Benefit Children's Center for Communication and Development

2009-06-18T11:13:56+01:00

The University of Southern Mississippi Children's Center for Communication and Development at The University of Southern Mississippi and Heritage Vision Center in Hattiesburg are hosting their annual July promotion with a portion of prescription eyeglass sales during the month benefiting the Children's Center, a clinical division in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences. The Children's Center, a clinical division in the Southern Miss Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, serves infants, toddlers and preschoolers with disabilities while providing training for university students. Heritage Vision Center is located on Hwy 98 in front of Sam’s and is owned by Southern Miss alumnus Kevin Harrison and his wife Wanda Harrison.For more information, contact Margaret Buttross Brinegar at the Children'sCenter for Communication and Development at 266.5222; or e-mailmargaret.brinegar@usm.edu (mailto:margaret.brinegar@usm.edu).About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Photos: Southern Miss Baseball Team Returns Home from College World Series

2009-06-18T09:32:47+01:00

The University of Southern Mississippi baseball team returned home Wednesday from the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. and were greeted by Golden Eagles fans and media representatives at Pete Taylor Park. Southern Miss advanced to the NCAA’s elite eight men’s baseball tournament after winning their first regional and super regional baseball tournaments.Southern Miss senior infielder James Ewing signs autographs for fans Wednesday, moments after the Golden Eagle baseball team arrived at Pete Taylor Park, on the University of Southern Mississippi campus in Hattiesburg. For the first time in school history, the Southern Miss baseball team advanced to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. The Golden Eagles returned home after losses to Texas and North Carolina. (Southern Miss Public Relations photos by Steve Rouse)Southern Miss head baseball coach Corky Palmer, left, receives congratulations from long-time actor Gary Grubbs, a University of Southern Mississippi alumnus, moments after the team returned home from Omaha, Nebraska. For the first time in school history, the Southern Miss baseball team advanced to the College World Series in Omaha. The Golden Eagles returned home after losses to Texas and North Carolina. (Southern Miss Public Relations photos by Steve Rouse)Southern Miss baseball fans, and members of the media, greet the Golden Eagle baseball team, moments after the team returned home from Omaha, Nebraska. For the first time in school history, the Southern Miss baseball team advanced to the College World Series in Omaha. The Golden Eagles returned home after losses to Texas and North Carolina. (Southern Miss Public Relations photos by Steve Rouse)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss Self-Reports Secondary NCAA Basketball Violation

2009-06-16T13:03:40+01:00

The University of Southern Mississippi recently received correspondence from the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s newly-formed Basketball Focus Group to review issues within its men’s basketball program. The university agreed to have the BFG visit its campus in May. The university fully cooperated with the BFG and together reviewed various issues within the Southern Miss program. The results of this joint review yielded one secondary NCAA rules infraction that the university is in the process of reporting to the NCAA.“We have established procedures in place through our internal compliance program to take appropriate actions as a result of any violations,” said Richard Giannini, director of Athletics. “We are continually vigilant regarding NCAA rules and regulations for each of our sports programs and are confident that we have taken the appropriate steps to deal with this issue.”As noted in educational materials prepared by the NCAA, the BFG, while still an arm of the NCAA enforcement program, has been established to more readily understand issues across the spectrum of Division I men’s basketball and to review specific matters within each program (e.g., recruiting) when they arise.“We are committed to maintaining the integrity of all our programs with regard to the NCAA’s established guidelines,” said Giannini. About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

School of Human Performance and Recreation to host Conference June 25-26

2009-06-15T11:49:14+01:00

The University of Southern Mississippi School of Human Performance and Recreation will host the seventh annual State Conference on Recreation Inclusion June 25-26 at Hattiesburg’s Lake Terrace Convention Center.The focus of the conference is the coordination of the best practices, theories and outcomes related to the inclusion of people with disabilities into community recreation programs. Experts and practitioners from Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana and Alabama will serve as program presenters.The conference format will include three to four professional tracts with six sessions each, plus two all-conference sessions for a total of 24 professional education sessions that will include research findings, programming tips and new games to include in program offerings. The cost of the conference is $75 and includes all sessions, lunch on June 25 and refreshments. Credit for continuing education units is available at an extra charge. For more information, call 601.266.5576.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Photos: Southern Miss Baseball Advances to College World Series

2009-06-11T13:55:04+01:00

After winning its first ever NCAA regional and super regional baseball tournaments, The University of Southern Mississippi baseball team is headed to Omaha, Neb. for the 2009 College World Series at historic Rosenblatt Stadium. The Golden Eagles will play their first game in the CWS against top-seeded University of Texas on Sunday at 6 p.m.The Southern Miss baseball team celebrates its 7-6 victory over the University of Florida to win the NCAA’s Gainesville Super Regional Baseball Tournament and advance to the College World Series in Omaha, Neb.. (Photo by Joe Bailey)The Southern Miss baseball team poses for a group photo following its 7-6 victory over the University of Florida to win the NCAA’s Gainesville Super Regional Baseball Tournament. (Photo by Joe Bailey)This photo depicts the 1914 Southern Miss baseball team when the university was known as Mississippi Normal College. (Photo courtesy of Southern Miss Archives) Entrance to Pete Taylor Park at The University of Southern Mississippi, home of the Golden Eagles baseball team. The park is named for former longtime head baseball coach Pete Taylor. The field is named for former Southern Miss head baseball coach Hill Denson. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse)Southern Miss head baseball coach Corky Palmer thanks Golden Eagles fans for coming out to greet the team on its return from the NCAA’s Gainesville Super Regional Tournament, where they beat the Florida Gators to claim the tournament championship and advance to the College World Series. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Columbia University Donates Life Story Project to Southern Miss Katrina Research Center

2009-06-11T13:31:42+01:00

The Life Story Project, a Columbia University initiative consisting of oral histories from people in Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama interviewed following Hurricane Katrina, was recently donated to The University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage and Katrina Research Center.Led by Dr. Paula Madrid, director of the Psychosocial Preparedness Division at Columbia’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness, the Life Story Project interviewed 50 Gulf Coast residents who were greatly impacted by the storm.The project used techniques associated with testimony therapy and oral history to help participants identify and acknowledge areas of strength and resiliency in their story. Additionally, participants were provided an opportunity to focus on their individual recovery and re-establish the familial and social roles that may have been damaged following the hurricane.“Individuals strive for a sense of belonging to a place,” said Madrid. “Displacement ruptures these emotional connections. The ensuing disorientation, nostalgia and alienation may undermine the sense of belonging, in particular, and mental health, in general.”One of the participants, Haven Foretich III, lived in Biloxi at the time Hurricane Katrina struck. While attending a reception at the Katrina Research Center to accept the Life Story Project donation, Foretich said he was happy the recordings would become part of the center and a part of history.“Resiliency and hopefulness might be positively affected as the individual’s testimony can also serve to actively uphold human rights, promote oral history and strive for remembrance,” Madrid said.Dr. Louis Kyriakoudes, associate professor and director of the Southern Miss Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage, said the university is grateful for the donation. “The method of oral history actively engages community memory,” he said.Located on the library’s third floor of the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, the Katrina Research Center houses materials related to Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters that have impacted Mississippi. The Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage is located on the university’s Hattiesburg campus.Summer hours for the Katrina Research Center are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information about the Katrina Research Center, online visit www.usm.edu/katrina (http://www.usm.edu/katrina).University of Southern Mississippi Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage associate professor and director Louis Kyriakoudes, left, and Columbia University National Center for Disaster Preparedness Psychosocial Preparedness Division director Paula Madrid, center, speak with Shemeka Bryant of Gulfport.Bryant was a participant in Columbia University’s Life Story Project, which included oral histories from people in Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama interviewed following Hurricane Katrina. Columbia University donated their Life Story Project collection to Southern Miss at a reception June 10.The Life Story Project will be housed in the Katrina Research Center, located on the library’s third floor of the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, and at the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage, located on the university’s Hattiesburg campus. (Southern Miss Public Relations photo by Charmaine Schmermund)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Southern Miss College of Health Presents Annual Awards of Excellence

2009-06-11T13:23:55+01:00

The University of Southern Mississippi College of Health honored faculty, staff, alumni and community partners and supporters were honored at the college’s annual Awards of Excellence event, held during the spring 2009 semester.Honorees were recognized for their contributions through research and service, both to the college and university and to their communities.Honorees at the Southern Miss College of Health Annual Awards of Excellence event, pictured here with College of Health Dean Dr. Michael Forster include, from left, Dan Drane, Outstanding Faculty Service Award; Kevin Byon, Emerging Scholar/Faculty Award; Patrice Lovdahl, Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award; Forster; Laurie Neelis, Spirit Award; Charkarra Anderson Lewis, E.D. Kenna Award; and Daphne Cornett, Outstanding Professional Staff Award. Award recipients not shown areJewel Adams, Distinguished Office Professional Award; Scott Piland, Distinguished Teaching Award; and Jamie Zoellner; Distinguished Researcher Award.Accepting recognition for the Southern Miss College of Health's Community Partners at its annual Awards of Excellence event were, from left, Shane McNeil, director of the Office of Healthy Schools, Mississippi Department of Education; and Ora Shaheed, vice president of clinical operations, Forrest General Hospital. At right is Southern Miss College of Health Dean Dr. Michael Forster.James Ray Carpenter, left, a graduate of the Southern Miss College of Health’s School of Human Performance and Recreation, was honored as the Distinguished Alumnus for 2009. Pictured with Carpenter is Southern Miss College of Health Dean Dr. Michael Forster.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss Center on Aging to Serve as Educational, Training and Research Source

2009-06-11T13:01:27+01:00

A new interdisciplinary Center on Aging at The University of Southern Mississippi will leverage the university’s expertise to help service providers, policy makers and researchers better understand and serve an aging populace. The center’s mission is to respond creatively to the myriad instructional, research and service challenges posed by the aging phenomenon in an inclusive and interdisciplinary manner, with special emphasis on local and regional needs for reliable information and skilled workforce development. It will be located in the university’s College of Health.“Of key importance is better preparing a workforce – including nurses, social workers and other health care and human service providers – to deal with the issues unique to this population,” said Dr. Michael Forster, dean of the College of Health.Forster envisions the center providing opportunities for collaborative research and funding pursuits, with positive implications for university curriculum development and practitioner service delivery; offering education, training and consultation services to medical and senior service entities; and developing and maintaining a community senior services directory. “The center provides an excellent opportunity for the university to employ its expertise in varying areas of research on this critical social issue for the benefit of the citizenry of Mississippi,” said Southern Miss Provost Dr. Robert Lyman.Forster concurs. “It seems such a natural to have a center like this at a university,” he said. ”With the aging population growing, there is a major need.”Another prominent issue Forster sees the center addressing is the increasing number of seniors in the workforce, either because they continue to enjoy their work, or remain or re-enter out of necessity because of the unstable national economy and its impact on retirement savings and investments.“Right now, there’s not enough people capable of working with this population, and through the center we can look at how we can better equip medical, social service, career training and policy professionals to do that,” Forster said. Recognition of the potential value of a center emerged from the work of the College of Health’s gerontology certificate committee, headed by co-chairs Dr. Susan Hrostowski, assistant professor of social work, and Dr. Susan Hubble-Burchell, associate dean of the College of Health and an associate professor of recreation. In addition to research, Hrostowski sees the center as another way that the university can partner with the local community to develop, provide, and evaluate programs and services for older residents. “I like to emphasize the strengths perspective and remind people that most folks over 65 are active and productive, so our efforts will include education, recreation and civic engagement with older folks as well as interventions for those facing challenges,” she said. The work of the center can also help senior adults achieve what Forster calls “successful aging” in a designated retirement community like the Hattiesburg area.Dr. Susan Bone, associate professor human performance and director of the university’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, believes the Center will offer many opportunities for students and faculty to impact the lives of seniors in the Hattiesburg area, including in collaboration with OLLI.“Our board and members look forward to providing hands-on learning experiences for the Southern Miss students interested in the aging population. The ability to apply classroom learning to real life experiences will further enhance their academic experience,” she said. “And the potential funding opportunities through the center for new initiatives in this field can create and build new relationships.”For more information about the Center on Aging, contact Dr. Susan Hubble-Burchell at 601.266.5367 Dr. Michael ForsterAbout The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Holloway, Hughes Honored by Southern Miss AOP Chapter

2009-06-11T11:39:15+01:00

The University of Southern Mississippi chapter of the Association of Office Professionals (AOP) recently honored a pair of veteran university employees with two of its highest honors.Southern Miss Dean of Students Dr. Eddie Holloway was named the AOP’s Educational Administrator of the Year and Sharon Hughes, coordinator of on-campus employment with the Southern Miss Office of Student Employment, was named the AOP’s Educational Office Professional of the Year. A Hattiesburg native, Holloway earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Southern Miss and is a member of its Alumni Hall of Fame. He is a former president of the Hattiesburg City Council, and has served in a variety of positions in his 20-plus years as an employee at the university, including as a counselor in the Southern Miss Counseling Center and as instructor of psychology. This past spring he was chosen as the State Institutions of Higher Learning’s Black Educator of the Year, and last year was one of just 15 people from across the state chosen to serve on the Mississippi Civil Rights Education Commission. He is also member of various local, state and national boards and organizationsHolloway is frequently sought as a facilitator of workshops on leadership and drug and alcohol abuse prevention education across the country, and has completed numerous trainings in race relations and diversity, including A World of Difference, sponsored by The Anti-Defamation League. He has conducted training workshops on diversity for police departments, governmental services, school administrators and private industry.Hughes, who was recently elected AOP treasurer for 2009-2010, has been a member of the Southern Miss staff for nearly 12 years, working primarily in the Office of Student Employment. She has served on the Staff Council and University Standards Committee, and has been an active member of the AOP since 2005; the Mississippi Association of Educational Office Professionals (MAEOP) since 2006; and the National Association of Educational Office Professionals since 2008. She has served as AOP secretary for the past two years, with her duties including editing the AOP newsletter, The Voice, and chairing the AOP Hospitality Committee. As a member of MAEOP, she has served on the Nominations and Elections Committee and the Workshop Committee. During her tenure at Southern Miss, Hughes has worked on a variety of initiatives to help students secure employment, including through the development of an outreach work-study program for the City of Hattiesburg, working in conjunction with the offices of Financial Aid, the Controller’s Office and city administration. She has also assisted the School of Social Work’s Family Network Partnership in hiring work-study students.Holloway and Hughes will be nominated for similar awards in November given by the Mississippi Association of Educational Professionals. Dr. Eddie Holloway, dean of students at The University of Southern Mississippi, and Sharon Hughes, coordinator of on-campus employment with the Southern Miss Office of Student Employment, were recently chosen Educational Administrator of the Year and Office Professional of the Year, respectively, by the Southern Miss Chapter of the Association of Office Professionals.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

American Legion Auxiliary's 2009 Girls State Officers Selected

2009-06-10T12:57:36+01:00

Participants in the American Legion Auxiliary’s 2009 Girls State, held on The University of Southern Mississippi’s Hattiesburg campjus, have voted this week for their elected officials in the fictitious state of “Magnolia.”Approximately 250 rising high school seniors from across the state took part in the program, which includes a week of activities designed to teach participants about the inner workings of state government and politics, including through campaigns for various offices.Winners of the top eight elected positions include:• Governor - Megan Turcotte of Clinton, a student at Clinton High School and the daughter of Jim and Jerry Turcotte.• Lieutenant Governor – Kimberly Kolpek of Wesson, a student at Wesson High School and the daughter of Suzanne McQuage.• Secretary of State - Donnebra Bell of Jackson, a student at Murrah High School and daughter of Donnell Bell.• State Treasurer – Brooke King of Wesson, a student at Wesson High School and the daughter of Scott King.• State Auditor – Samantha Thrasher of Picayune, a student at Picayune Memorial High School and the daughter of Anne Thrasher.• Attorney General – Bracey Harris of Byram, a student at Terry High School and the daughter of Royelia Harris• Commissioner of Insurance – Ihaab Syed of Long Beach, a student at Long Beach High School and the daughter of Dr. Shama Sakir.• Commissioner of Agriculture – Stephanie Hobson of Byram, a student at Terry High School and the daughter of Karee Pickett.Girls State officers for 2009 are, from left: Megan Turcotte of Clinton, governor; Kimberly Kolpek of Wesson, lieutenant governor; Donnebra Bell of Jackson, secretary of state; Brooke King of Wesson, state treasurer; Samantha Thrasher of Picayune, state auditor; Bracey Harris of Byram, attorney general; Ihaab Syed, commissioner of insurance; and Stephanie Hobson of Byram, commissioner of agriculture. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss' Wiebe Chosen to Serve as Expert on Seminar's Panel

2009-06-09T13:55:45+01:00

Dr. Jacqueline Wiebe, psychiatrist with The University of Southern Mississippi Student Health Services, was recently chosen to serve as an expert on a Magna Campus Legal Briefing online seminar.Wiebe joined renowned higher education legal expert Brett A. Sokolow, J.D., and Carolyn Reinach Wolf, Esg., for the program today, titled “2009 Student Suicide Update: New Models and Approaches.” The panel will examine updated information on approaches and strategies for addressing this serious issue on college campuses across the country. Magna’s legal briefing programs are designed to help college administrators learn more about higher education legal issues by providing them with the latest information on court cases, federal regulation and best policy language. Wiebe received her undergraduate degree in physiology and cell biology from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1990 and her doctorate in medicine from UCLA in 1994. She completed her psychiatric residency at the University of California at Irvine in 1998 and received diplomate status through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in 1999. Dr. Jacqueline WiebeAbout The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Photo: Artist Donates Katrina Bowls to Southern Miss Katrina Research Center

2009-06-09T13:44:52+01:00

Enver Karagoz of Gulfport, left, shows Katrina Research Center historian and exhibit coordinator Deanne Nuwer the wood detail of one of his carved Katrina bowls. After hearing about The University of Southern Mississippi Katrina Research Center, Karagoz donated two of his bowls to the center’s growing art collection.Karagoz, who collected wood from fallen trees after Hurricane Katrina, uses a wood turning machine to carve beautifully designed bowls. The two donated bowls were carved from a red oak tree in Gulfport and a pecan tree in Long Beach. The Katrina Research Center, which is open to the community, is located on the third floor of the library on the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. (Southern Miss Public Relations photo by Charmaine Schmermund)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

U.S. Navy MWR to Host Free Fourth of July Concert at Southern Miss Gulf Park Campus

2009-06-09T13:33:37+01:00

The U.S. Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation and The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast will present a free community concert featuring the A1A Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band on Saturday, July 4 at 6 p.m. on the front lawn of the university’s Gulf Park campus in Long Beach.Gates open at 5 p.m. and guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for the show. Guests are also welcome to bring food and beverages to the concert. Following the concert, local fireworks shows can be viewed from the front lawn of the campus or the beach in front of the campus.This event is open to the public. For more information, call 228.865.4573.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Southern Miss Awards Data Center Upgrade Bid to Dell

2009-06-09T13:29:02+01:00

The University of Southern Mississippi announces the award of a bid to Dell, Inc. to upgrade the Data Center for the Department of Marine Science (DMS) at the Stennis Space Center Teaching and Research Site. The upgrade, funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, will include equipment racks outfitted with in-row cooling and uninterruptable power supplies. The equipment racks will house a high performance computing cluster consisting of multiple blade servers and up to 27 terabytes of storage. All the racks and equipment connect to an existing generator for extended run times.Southern Miss is recognized as the flagship institution in marine science for the state of Mississippi. The DMS plays a key role in fulfilling that mandate and is committed to graduate and undergraduate education, research, economic development and public outreach of national and international distinction through the use of advanced technologies and multidisciplinary approaches in marine science. The upgrade will directly address several core aspects of the mission, goals and objectives of DMS, including delivery of the comprehensive, multidisciplinary education needed for students to succeed in marine-related careers, maintenance of high quality research programs that ensure faculty success and enhance their educative capabilities, and improve facilities infrastructure at SSC.With its significantly expanded server and storage capabilities, the upgraded data center will provide a powerful instructional resource for enabling classroom demonstrations that illustrate the accessing of Web-available data archives and provide instruction in computational graphics and analysis methods. Further, with its high performance computing component, the data center will provide an innovation tool suitable for studying the complexity of marine systems through implementation of numerical models that simulate the wide array of dynamical and biogeochemical processes and land-sea interactions that typify the marine environment. This Department of Education grant advances efforts to lead Mississippi as a pioneer of research in marine science, and will also allow DMS to have a profound educational presence in developing cutting edge instructional activities and for student research projects. For more information, contact the Department of Marine Science at 228-688-3177 or visit www.marine.usm.edu (http://www.marine.usm.edu/). About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Photos: State Court of Appeals Judge Donna Barnes Addresses Girls State

2009-06-09T13:23:30+01:00

State Court of Appeals Judge Donna Barnes of Tupelo addressed participants at the 62nd annual session of the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Tuesday on The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg campus. Barnes was one of several public officials scheduled to speak this week to the approximately 250 rising high school senior girls, who are on campus learning about the inner workings of Mississippi government and politics through the program. State Court of Appeals Judge Donna Barnes speaks to the 62nd annual session of Girls State Tuesday at The University of Southern Mississippi. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse) Girls State participants listen as Court of Appeals Judge Donna Barnes of Tupelo speaks. Barnes was one of many state public officials to address the group during the weeklong program at The University of Southern Mississippi. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse) About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Mississippi Home of Your Own Home Buyer Education Workshop set for June 27 in Bay St. Louis

2009-06-09T11:04:09+01:00

Mississippi Home of Your Own (HOYO), based at The University of Southern Mississippi, will sponsor a free, one-day home buyer education workshop Saturday, June 27 for residents with and without disabilities in Hancock and surrounding counties. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Mississippi Power Building at 300 Highway 90 in Bay St. Louis. Grant funds of up to $15,000 are currently available to eligible borrowers with disabilities in designated areas through HOYO. More information about these grants will be available at the workshop.Celebrating its 12th year of service to Mississippians with disabilities and their families, HOYO is an award-winning program of the Southern Miss Institute for Disability Studies. It was created to empower people with disabilities to realize their individual dreams of owning and maintaining their own homes. Approximately 284 people with disabilities and their families in 45 counties have become home owners through the program. HOYO focuses on creating a support system that identifies potential home buyers, analyzes their housing needs and financial capacity and prepares them for home ownership. Applicants must attend home buyer education seminars to be considered for financial assistance in purchasing a home. For more information or to pre-register for the free home buyer education seminar, call Tina Massey in the Hattiesburg office of the Institute for Disability Studies toll free at 1.888.671.0051. About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Home of Your Own, BancorpSouth to Sponsor June 13 Hattiesburg Home Buyer Workshop

2009-06-09T10:55:12+01:00

Mississippi Home of Your Own (HOYO), based at The University of Southern Mississippi, and BancorpSouth will sponsor a free, one-day home buyer education workshop Saturday, June 13 for residents with and without disabilities in Forrest and surrounding counties. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at BancorpSouth at 100 Hardy Street in Hattiesburg. BancorpSouth will provide meeting refreshments and lunch for workshop participants. Grant funds of up to $15,000 are currently available to eligible borrowers with disabilities in designated areas through HOYO. More information about these grants will be available at the workshop.Celebrating its 12th year of service to Mississippians with disabilities and their families, HOYO is an award-winning program of the Southern Miss Institute for Disability Studies. It was created to empower people with disabilities to reach their individual dreams of owning and maintaining their own homes. HOYO focuses on creating a support system identifying potential home buyers, analyzing their housing needs and financial capacity and preparing them for home ownership. Applicants must attend home buyer education seminars to be considered for financial assistance in purchasing a home. Approximately 280 people with disabilities and their families in 45 Mississippi counties have been assisted through the program. For more information or to pre-register for this free seminar, call Heather Steele at the Hattiesburg office of the Institute for Disability Studies at 601.266.5163.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Sulbaran Named Director of Center for Logistics, Trade and Transportation

2009-06-09T09:29:43+01:00

Dr. Tulio Sulbaran, an associate professor in The University of Southern Mississippi School of Construction, has been named director of its Center for Logistics, Trade and Transportation. The Center was recently approved by the State Board of Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL).Providing collaborative, interdisciplinary research and outreach to support the economic development of the region, the Center will be a resource to port and land transportation authorities involved with major trade and transportation developments. It will also support the research and academic needs of students and professionals.With imports and exports doubling every 10 years, containerized cargo has been estimated to increase by more than 350 percent by 2020. This growth is also expected to increase with the expansion of the Panama Canal in 2015 or 2016.“I think we are currently in an excellent position in time in Mississippi,” said Sulbaran, who joined the Southern Miss faculty in 2002. “What the university would like to achieve is when the countries in Central America and South America ship their goods to the U.S., the first thing that comes to mind is the Port of Gulfport.“In a few years we know that the Panama Canal expansion will be completed and, with that expansion there will be more freight traffic through the Gulf of Mexico.”After receiving a $50,000 grant from the Mississippi Department of Transportation, the Southern Miss School of Construction and Department of Economic and Workforce Development is developing a new interdisciplinary graduate program to teach the advanced skills needed to address the challenges and opportunities created by global trade.The university is awaiting approval from IHL to offer a master’s degree in logistics, trade and transportation. This interdisciplinary degree would provide students with the management and administrative skills required for advancement in organizations involved with the movement of goods.“The logistics, trade and transportation master’s degree program will prepare professionals for this new global economy and serve a niche not addressed nationally by logistics/transportation education and research centers,” said School of Construction professor David Marchman.For more information, visit the Southern Miss Gulf Coast School of Construction at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast/gcscitech/construction (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast/gcscitech/construction). Dr. Tulio SulbaranAbout The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Girls State Participants Campaign for Office

2009-06-08T14:01:27+01:00

Approximately 250 young women from across Mississippi arrived on The University of Southern Mississippi’s Hattiesburg campus Saturday to participate in the 62nd annual Magnolia Girls State, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary.Girls State participants are rising high school seniors who get a hands-on education in government and politics during a week of staged political campaigns, elections, party caucuses and rallies in the fictitious state of “Magnolia.” State and local public officials will also speak to them about the inner workings of government in Mississippi.On Saturday, participants running for office got their campaigns underway, covering their residence halls and other campus buildings and lawns with signs and posters. The winners will be announced Tuesday. Ansley Scott of Mound Bayou gets some help putting up a campaign poster from her mom, Lucy Chatman-Scott, Saturday at the University of Southern Mississippi. Scott is participating in the 62nd annual American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, being held this week on the university’s Hattiesburg campus. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by David Tisdale)Nelly McMahen of Water Valley prepares to move into a residence hall on The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg campus Saturday. McMahen is participating in the American Legion Auxiliary’s 62nd annual Girls State, being held this week on the university’s Hattiesburg campus. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by David Tisdale) Carly Adcock of Pascagoula hangs her campaign poster at Pulley Hall on The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg campus Saturday. Adcock is participating in the 62nd annual Girls State, a weeklong program that teaches rising high school seniors from across the state about the inner workings of state and local government and politics. (Southern Miss Public Relations Photo by David Tisdale)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Photos: Girls State 2009 Kicks Off at Southern Miss

2009-06-08T13:31:09+01:00

Participants in the American Legion Auxiliary’s 62nd annual Girls State gathered for the program’s opening assembly Monday at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Thad Cochran Center. Approximately 250 young women are on the university’s Hattiesburg campus for the program through Friday.Girls State participants are rising high school seniors who get a hands-on education in government and politics during a week of staged political campaigns, elections, party caucuses and rallies in the fictitious state of “Magnolia.” They also hear from state and local public officials who explain and discuss with them the inner workings of government in Mississippi. The program has been held on the Southern Miss campus for the last 20-plus years. Amanda Jones, counsel to Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, speaks to participants of the 62nd annual American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State Monday at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Thad Cochran Center (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse) More than 250 rising high school senior girls from across the state gather for the Girls State opening assembly Monday morning at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Thad Cochran Center. This year marks the 62nd edition of the program, which gives participants the opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of government in the state. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse)Girls State participants pledge allegiance to the American flag Monday morning during the program’s general assembly at the Thad Cochran Center on The University of Southern Mississippi’s Hattiesburg campus. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Golden Eagles Set to Return Home this Afternoon from Super Regional

2009-06-08T09:00:41+01:00

The Southern Miss baseball team is expected back on campus between 4 and 5 p.m., this afternoon, Monday, June 8, and Golden Eagle fans are encouraged to welcome back the team. The team is slated to return to the Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field parking lot.Please note that this time could fluctuate depending on external factors and we will try to update the arrival time if needed.Southern Miss advanced to its first College World Series, after completing a two-game sweep at Florida, 7-6, Sunday night in Gainesville.

Southern Miss Gulf Coast Students, Instructors Spend Two Weeks in Southwest for Class

2009-06-04T13:02:10+01:00

University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast students and instructors recently returned from a unique two-week course that immersed them in the culture and geography of the Southwest United States.Geography instructor Jerry Coleman and political science instructor Jack Covarrubias loaded into two 15-passenger vans with 18 students and drove 22 hours to Bernalillo, N.M. for the expedition, in which students received academic credit for both a geography course and a political science course.Over the course of the trip, students visited museums and national parks in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Arizona, learning about the region’s history, people and natural wonders. Activities also included students separating into different groups to learn about photographing and mapping the location of carvings, known as petroglyphs, on canyon walls.Coleman, who has coordinated the annual geography trip for 17 years, said “It’s one of those very unique opportunities where you take a group of people who work well together and channel their knowledge into improving a situation of prehistory so people can learn from the past.”Exploring two canyons, the students first practiced their research methods in New Mexico’s Tapia Canyon. Coleman, along with students who attended the expedition in previous years, was familiar with this canyon. After the students learned how to use their geographical instruments, they were introduced along with instructors to a canyon the group had never visited.“The students experienced a taste of what conditions would be like in the new canyon,” said trip participant Samuel Gill. “We all hiked into Tapia Canyon to get an up close look at petroglyphs and where they are located within the canyon. This knowledge is integral to finding possible locations within the new canyon.”The first team to enter the canyon was the panoramic team, which took photos of the canyon. These photos were put together and compiled to make a three-dimensional model of the canyon. The scouting teams then entered the canyon with a team on each side tasked to find the petroglyphs, record what they were and mark their location. Following the scouting team was the GPS and photography teams. While the GPS team recorded the latitude, longitude, elevation and general direction of the petroglyph, the photography team shot multiple images and relayed them to the GPS team for an accurate record of each petroglyph.The field experience was beneficial for geography students, allowing them to learn how to use the instruments accurately on site and understanding the task of seeking out the geographical elements. “I have to say that this has been the best trip I have been on thus far,” said Gill. “I think we can all say that we have changed in some way having been on this expedition.”For more information about the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Geography Expedition 2009, visit www.usm.edu/gulfcoast/gcscitech/geography.php (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast/gcscitech/geography.php). Southern Miss Gulf Coast geography student Brandon Strong learns how to weave at the J.L. Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado, Ariz. Strong, along with two instructors and 17 other students, took a two-week trip to the southwest United States where they were immersed in culture and geography.During the trip, students received academic credit for both a geography course and a political science course. Students not only visited museums and parks, but they explored two canyons where they learned how to use geographical instruments. (Submitted photo)Southern Miss Gulf Coast geography students take photos at the base of a waterfall on the Jemez River at the Gilman tunnels in New Mexico. Geography instructor Jerry Coleman and political science instructor Jack Covarrubias traveled with 18 students on a two-week trip to the southwest United States where they were immersed in culture and geography. During the trip, students received academic credit for both a geography course and a political science course. Students not only visited museums and parks, but they explored two canyons where they learned how to use geographical instruments. (Submitted photo)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Summer Youth Adventure Camp Registration Deadline June 30

2009-06-03T11:18:45+01:00

The Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi is offering “Survivor: Biology Adventures,” a pair of summer enrichment camps for students in grades 4-6 and 7-12.The overnight camps include interactive indoor and outdoor lab-based activities for students with a keen interest in biology, with additional focus on collaboration and producing leaders successful at achieving a common goal. Dates for the camps are July 12-17 for students entering grades 4-6; and July 19-24 for students entering grades 7-12. The cost of each weeklong program is $300 and includes housing, food, a t-shirt and the program. Priority registration deadline is June 30.“It’s an educational week at Southern Miss studying the most intriguing areas of science and hanging out on a college campus,” said Aimee Lee, program coordinator and biological sciences instructor. “It will be full of activities from the moment the students wake up until they fall asleep at night.”Participants will learn what it takes to become a scientist by studying the ecology of south Mississippi, collecting and processing water samples and bacterial counts of food and soil and locating and identifying plankton from Lake Byron on the Southern Miss campus. They will also engage in a ropes course and ecology activities, canoe Black Creek and learn survival skills. “We’ll teach them how to construct a shelter, build a fire, navigate through the woods, recognize medicinal and edible plants and identify venomous snakes,” Lee said. Campers will also get information on preparing for college, with Southern Miss students serving as mentors and facilitating information sessions focusing on the admission process and what it takes to succeed in college. For more information, call 601.266.6374 or e-mail aimee.lee@usm.edu (mailto:aimee.lee@usm.edu) About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss Set to Host 62nd American Legion Auxiliary's Magnolia Girls State

2009-06-03T10:35:41+01:00

Approximately 250 young women from across the state will converge on The University of Southern Mississippi campus here June 6-12 for the 62nd annual Magnolia Girls State, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary.Girls State participants are rising high school seniors who get a hands-on education in government and politics during a week of staged political campaigns, elections, party caucuses and rallies in the fictitious state of “Magnolia.” State and local public officials will also speak to them about the inner workings of government in Mississippi.“Our theory is that an informed citizen is a good citizen, so it’s important that girls learn about politics, how it works and why it’s important,” said Lou Wilkerson, director of Girls State. “And we want them to take what they’ve learned at Girl’s State and use it to improve the quality of life in their communities and across Mississippi.”Wilkerson said the program is also important in getting the message across that every vote counts in an election. “We want them to know that voting is important, that it’s a right they can exercise to make a difference.”Girls State has been held at Southern Miss for the last 20-plus years, and Wilkerson said the relationship between the two has been “fantastic.” ‘We’ve always had a great working relationship with Southern Miss, and always enjoy our time on campus,” she said.In addition to political activities, the girls will participate in a glee club, yearbook production, talent show and social time. During the session, two delegates will be selected to represent Mississippi during the American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls Nation, to be held later this summer. The following are highlights of the Girls State schedule: JUNE 6 – SATURDAY11 a.m. Registration - Girls State citizens report to assigned residence halls5:30 p.m. Opening Ceremonies/Welcome Session – Thad Cochran Center 6 p.m. Welcome Session -Thad Cochran Center, Ballroom I and II Welcome- Representatives of City of Hattiesburg, Southern Miss, Girls State Auxiliary Program 8:30 p.m. Party Caucuses: Nationalists – Cochran Center Ballroom I and II Federalists – Cochran Center Ballroom 3 JUNE 7 – SUNDAY8 a.m. Group pictures – M.M. Roberts Stadium1 p.m. Party Caucuses: Nationalists – Cochran Center Ballroom I and II Federalists – Cochran Center Ballroom III7: 30 p.m. Guest Speaker TBA JUNE 8 – MONDAY8 a.m. General Assembly – Present Colors – Cochran Center Ballroom 1 and 2 Party Caucuses: Nationalists – Cochran Center Ballroom I and II Federalists – Cochran Center Ballroom III10 a.m. Guest speaker – Amanda Jones, Counsel to Gov. Haley Barbour1 p.m. General Assembly – Cochran Center Ballroom 1 and 21:30 pm Guest Speaker – Patty Marshall, Office of State Attorney General6:30 p.m. Political Rally – Cochran Center Ballroom 1 and 28:30 p.m. Whistle stop/instructions for voting – Lobbies of residence halls JUNE 9 – TUESDAY8-9:50 a.m. Polls for voting – residence hall lobbies9:50 a.m. General Assembly – Cochran Center Ballroom 1 and 210:30 a.m. Guest Speaker – Donna Barnes, State Appellate Judge Cochran Center Ballroom 1 and 212:30-3 p.m. College Information Day – Union lobby 7 p.m. General Assembly - Election results and speeches JUNE 10 – WEDNESDAY8:15 a.m. Guest speaker – Dr. Denise von Herrmann, College of Arts and Letters Cochran Center Ballroom I and II9:30 a.m. Guest Speaker – Ross Hooper, Office of Secretary of State Cochran Center Ballroom I and II1 p.m. General Assembly – Cochran Center Ballroom I and II Address by 2009 Magnolia State Girls State Governor Julia Landrum Oath and speech – Hon. Kay Cobb, former State Supreme Court Justice 6:30 p.m. Talent show – Bennett Auditorium JUNE 11 – THURSDAY 8:30 a.m. Guest speaker – Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Cochran Center Ballroom I and II9-11 a.m. Small group meetings (featuring state officials, Forrest County public officials and law enforcement officers as speakers) City – Cochran Center Ballroom I and II Clerk – Cochran Center Ballroom III County – Cochran Center room 218 B Court/Mock Trial – Cochran Center rooms 218 A and 216 Law Enforcement – RC’s Lounge Senate – Cochran Center Room 228 House of Representatives – Cochran Center Room 22912:45 p.m. General Assembly – Cochran Center Ballrooms 1 and II Presentation of city projects (competition)7 p.m. General Assembly – Bennett Auditorium Auxiliary Night- American Legion and Auxiliary guests, introduction of Girls Nation senators and presentation of scholarships JUNE 12 – FRIDAY8 a.m. Graduation and presentation of certificates - Cochran Center Ballroom I and II For more information, contact Girls State at 601.353.3681 or David Tisdale at 601.266.4499. About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Photos: Southern Miss Children's Center Playground Mural

2009-06-03T08:14:51+01:00

The Lauren Rogers Art Museum’s educational outreach staffers, Angie King and Mandy Buchanan, help to finish a long mural on the playground wall at the Children’s Center for Communication and Development, Tuesday, on the University of Southern Mississippi campus in Hattiesburg, Miss. Located in Laurel, Miss., the museum is involved in numerous educational outreach efforts in the Hattiesburg/Laurel area. (Southern Miss Public Relations photos by Steve Rouse)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Hurricane Awareness Series Kicks off at Southern Miss Gulf Coast Library

2009-05-29T14:04:35+01:00

TO: News editors, directors WHAT: First installment of the 2009 Hurricane Awareness Series featuring Red Cross representatives Rosemary Pursell and Ronny Crosby WHERE: Southern Miss Gulf Coast Library at the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach WHEN: June 1, 12 – 2 p.m. SPECIFICS: The presentation will focus on disaster preparedness and showing what is needed for a three-day survival disaster “Go Bag” and what will be needed for a “Stay Kit.” Information on tornadoes, floods, fires and pandemic disasters will also be provided. The Southern Miss Gulf Coast Library and the Katrina Research Center are observing Hurricane Awareness Month by presenting the 2009 Hurricane Awareness Series each Monday in June. CONTACT: Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations at 228.865.4573. About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast .

Southern Miss Alumnus Brings Hollywood Screenwriting Experience to Classroom

2009-05-28T11:36:35+01:00

David Sheffield likened the spring mini-session screenwriting course he taught at The University of Southern Mississippi to running a guerilla war boot camp for film students. And in Sheffield, a 1972 Southern Miss graduate and renowned television and movie writer, students had a drill sergeant training them to succeed and survive in a competitive business that he has flourished in for 25 years. In the intensive four-hour, 10-day class schedule that marks the mini-session format, Sheffield showed students the finer points of writing a script and selling it to a potential producer, while also sharing “war stories” from his days writing for Saturday Night Live and producing hit movie scripts for superstars like Eddie Murphy. “My goal was to give them an understanding of the form of writing for the big screen and television, while also providing an unblinking look at the reality of the film business,” he said. Students were required to pitch an original idea for a television or movie, write the script and then make their case to a studio executive in role play with Sheffield. Free form discussion about ideas and strategies among the students also helped in developing scripts and approaches for selling them.Ultimately, the two jobs of the screenwriter are writing and defending what they’ve written, Sheffield said. “It’s a competitive business. It’s not for wallflowers.”It is the marriage of the products of creativity and the market forces that drive them that form the entertainment industry, Sheffield said. Therefore, the profession is not just about writing a great script, but developing a strategy to give it market appeal.“I stress to them that it’s not literature. What they’re doing is making a plan for a movie,” he said. Sheffield said he’s encouraged his students to follow their dreams while also preparing them for the realities of the entertainment industry, especially in Hollywood where many have come to pursue the same goal.“The person serving you a cup of coffee in a restaurant there might ask you what you do for a living, and when you say you’re a screenwriter, don’t be surprised if the response is “Oh yeah? So am I. ’”While not all of his students have starry-eyed dreams of making it big in Hollywood like their professor, Sheffield believes the principles he’s taught will help others with their work in advertising and public relations. “These skills are important in their field as well,” he said.Getting the Big BreakFrom a young age Sheffield planned to write movies and television shows. He got his big break in 1980 when he took a gig writing for Saturday Night Live, the same year the show hired Murphy. The two have remained close since their SNL days, and are currently working together on a new movie. Their past collaborations include “Coming to America” and the “Nutty Professor.” Last fall, Sheffield was inducted in the Southern Miss School of Mass Communication and Journalism Hall of Fame, and discussed the possibility of returning to teach classes in screenwriting with school director Dr. Chris Campbell. Sheffield has presented guest lectures at UCLA and USC, but the class he taught at Southern Miss is his first.“What an amazing opportunity for students to hear from somebody with his level of experience,” Campbell said. “He knows intimately how things work in Hollywood, and he's in a position to offer great advice to students who aspire to work in the industry. You couldn't ask for a better role model.”Student Talent Emerges Student scripts ran the gamut from other-worldly science fiction to thrilling crime dramas, Sheffield said. “The freshness and originality of the ideas were astonishing,” he said. “We had some real talent in the class.”Samantha Hebert, a senior radio television and film student from Pascagoula, said Sheffield helped the class understand what life was really like as a screenwriter. “It’s been eye-opening to talk to someone who knows how it works, who’s played the game,” she said.“He’s a real live example of how someone from Mississippi can be a success in the field, proving you don’t have to be from Hollywood or New York.”Casey Dillistone, a sophomore television production student, said getting feedback on his work in the class from a person with Sheffield’s experience was “invaluable” and admitted to being a little star struck.“To learn from someone who knows Eddie Murphy and who worked with John Belushi before he died, it’s been amazing,” said Dillistone. “I’ve really learned a lot in two weeks.’Sheffield said he enjoyed his first outing as a teacher and hopes to return next year to teach in Hattiesburg and on the Gulf Coast, where he grew up and graduated from Biloxi High School. “I’ve had a blast. After laboring in Hollywood for 25 years, it’s refreshing and invigorating to be among young people, with their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. They remind me of the audiences I’m trying to reach.”He’s also impressed by the teamwork his students displayed in helping each other by exchanging and critiquing ideas, which he said is important for the success of any screenwriting project. “Film is a collaborative medium,” he said. ‘It’s not done in isolation.”David SheffieldHollywood movie writer David Sheffield goes over a storyline with Leslie Burge, a graduate public relations student from Lumberton, in the spring mini-session screenwriting class Sheffield taught. A 1972 Southern Miss alumnus, Sheffield has worked as a writer for Saturday Night Live and has collaborated with actor/comedian Eddie Murphy on movies such as “Coming to America” and “The Nutty Professor.” (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by David Tisdale)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Tau Sigma National Honor Society Chapter formed at Southern Miss

2009-05-28T11:29:12+01:00

An induction ceremony for a new chapter of Tau Sigma National Honor Society, an organization devoted to promoting transfer student involvement and academic excellence, was held during the spring semester at The University of Southern Mississippi.Fifty-six members were inducted into the chapter’s inaugural class at the event, held at the university’s Thad Cochran Center. Tau Sigma was founded in 1999. According to the organization, more than 60 universities have established or are establishing chapters with the goal of improving services provided to transfer students. For more information about Tau Sigma at Southern Miss, contact the Southern Miss Office of the First Year Experience at 601.266.6405.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Katrina Research Center to host Reception for Bay St. Louis Artist

2009-05-27T13:45:25+01:00

The Katrina Research Center at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast will host a community reception Friday, June 5 for Bay St. Louis artist Lori K. Gordon, whose exhibit, The Katrina Collection, is on display at the Center through July.The reception will be from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Katrina Research Center, located on the third floor of the Gulf Coast Library on the university’s Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. During the reception, Gordon will unveil a piece of her collection she is donating to the center.“Lori Gordon is a coastal artist who has helped others in our recovery from Hurricane Katrina,” said Dr. Deanne Nuwer, historian and exhibit coordinator for the Katrina Research Center. “Her works reflect an abiding love of the Coast and the ongoing steps toward recovery since the storm. “She has captured the strength of the Coast with found objects from the storm and her work is about the people and for the people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”Gordon has called the Mississippi Gulf Coast her home for the past 20 years. As a mixed media artist, Gordon first attracted national attention with her quilt “Labat: A Creole Legacy,” which tells the story of long-time Bay St. Louis resident Celestine Labat who died in 2002 at the age of 104. The quilt was acquired by the Smithsonian Institution for their permanent collection.When Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2005, Gordon’s home and studio were washed away. Using only materials available to her, Gordon created a new series of artworks. The pieces, which incorporated storm debris, were exhibited only a few weeks following the hurricane.The pieces have been exhibited in venues across the nation. Private collectors include former President and First Lady Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter, ESPN announcer Jon Miller and country singer Faith Hill. In addition to the Smithsonian, Gordon's work may be found in the public collections of the Mississippi Humanities Council, Safeco Corporate Collection, former President Bill Clinton's “Art Across Arkansas” and Virginia Medical College. I am honored by the invitation to exhibit at the Katrina Research Center, and especially excited about this opportunity to demonstrate the interdisciplinary aspects of my work,” said Gordon. “The Katrina Collection is not just about art; it is about the way in which art is commentary on our times, as well as a vehicle through which our experiences may be understood. The Katrina Collection incorporates an eclectic array of styles and forms. One of the recurring themes in Gordon's work is the use of angels as metaphor. Those who have received rebuilding assistance from volunteers understand intuitively why they have been portrayed as angels in the collection. Other pieces point to the strength and spirit of the people of the coast. Gordon explained that the collection is all about rebirth and renewal, and all of the pieces reflect hope and determination.Admission to the exhibition is free and open to the public. The Katrina Research Center is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 2-6 p.m. For more information about the Katrina Research Center and exhibit, visit www.usm.edu/katrina (http://www.usm.edu/katrina) or call 228.214.3423. Gordon's work may be previewed by visiting her Web site at www.lorikgordon.org (http://www.lorikgordon.org/).About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Terry "Chip" Townes, Southern Miss Custodian, Dies

2009-05-27T11:33:10+01:00

Terry “Chip” Townes, a custodian with The University of Southern Mississippi’s Custodial Services, died May 18 at his home in Hattiesburg. He was 56.Services will be held Thursday, May 28 at 1 p.m. at Truelight Baptist Church, 849 North Main St. in Hattiesburg, with burial to follow at Highland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Century Funeral Home in Hattiesburg is in charge of arrangements.Townes began working at Southern Miss in 1985. Co-workers remember him for being dedicated to his work and always having a smile on his face. “He made coming to work fun,” said his supervisor Mary Griffin. “When we’d get started on a job, he’d say ‘Let’s roll!’ and everyone got in and did their part. He kept our department fired up.“Everybody loved Terry. If you met him once you never forgot him.”Custodial Services foreman Joe Barnett, who grew up with Townes in Hattiesburg, said his friend received rave reviews for his job performance across campus. “Once, we moved him over to the (Reed Green) Coliseum from McLemore Hall, and the people at McLemore Hall called wanting him back,” Barnett said. “His work spoke for itself.”Townes is survived by four sisters, including Betty Taylor, Sue Rogers and Johnnie Ruth Smith, all of Hattiesburg; and Lisa Magee of Collins; and three brothers, Jeffery Hicks of Louisiana, Wayne Townes and James Rogers Jr., both of Hattiesburg.Terry “Chip” TownesAbout The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Housing Application Fair Scheduled June 4 for National Home Ownership Month

2009-05-27T11:25:21+01:00

To celebrate National Home Ownership Month, The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies is hosting a housing application fair for Hattiesburg and surrounding areas on June 4 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center at 220 West Front Street.“June is National Homeownership Month,” said Cassie Hicks, coordinator of housing initiatives for the Institute for Disability Studies. “This month is a good time to focus on buying a home in the Hattiesburg area.”The Institute for Disability Studies currently has grant funds for qualifying applicants to receive up to $15,000 in down payment assistance in targeted areas. Applicants must have a disability or live with a family member with a disability and meet grant criteria to qualify for funds. Housing counselors will be available to take applications. Refreshments will be served.To register for the free housing application fair or for more information, call Heather Steele or Tina Massey at the Institute for Disability Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi at 601-266-5163. About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Bryant Honors Retired Southern Miss Professor at Memorial Day Program

2009-05-26T12:24:11+01:00

Retired Army Col. Tyler Fletcher, who founded The University of Southern Mississippi Department of Criminal Justice in 1973, was honored Monday at the city of Hattiesburg’s Memorial Day program by Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant.Bryant, a Southern Miss alumnus who described his former professor as “an American hero,” presented Fletcher with a proclamation honoring his contributions to the field of criminal justice. The ceremony was held at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center. Fletcher, a military veteran who served in the Vietnam War and retired from the Army in 1971 as Chief of Security and Investigations, thanked Bryant for the honor and paid tribute to the veterans in the audience.“I’m lucky to be among these veterans who make this country possible,” Fletcher said in remarks made following the presentation. “Thank you for the wonderful life that has been given to me.”Fletcher joined the Southern Miss faculty in 1971 and was charged with developing an academic program at the university for law enforcement officers. In 1973, he founded what was then the Department of Criminal Justice, serving as its chair for three decades before retiring in 2000 as Professor Emeritus.Because of his efforts, the Southern Miss School of Criminal Justice is now one of a few programs in the country offering masters and doctoral degrees in the field, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in forensic science. Graduates of the program serve with local, state, regional and national law enforcement organizations across the country, as well as with private companies and in the legal profession. Col. Fletcher's contributions to the field of criminal justice and to the academic life of Southern Miss are immeasurable,” said Dr. Lisa Nored, associate professor and chair of criminal justice at Southern Miss. “He's very much deserving of this honor and we salute him for his service to our country and for enriching the lives of so many of our students. Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant honored retired Army Col. Tyler Fletcher, founder and former professor in Southern Miss Department of Criminal Justice founder and former professor Monday at the city of Hattiesburg’s Memorial Day program with a proclamation recognizing his contributions to the field. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by David Tisdale) About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss Trombone Choir to Give Tour Preview Concert

2009-05-26T11:54:36+01:00

In preparation for its June 1-9 tour in Germany, The University of Southern Mississippi Trombone Choir, under the direction of Dr. Bruce Tychinski, will present a special one-hour concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 31 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg. The Hattiesburg concert at Westminster will preview their tour program of works by well-known German and Austrian composers, including Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and Haydn. During the tour, the choir will perform concerts in Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich as well as the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig at the gravesite of J. S. Bach, performing a Musical Offering. Additionally, the group will visit sites of historical interest, attend a concert by the German Brass ensemble, and tour the musical instrument display at the German National Museum in Nuremburg. Admission is free and open to the public. An offering will be held with proceeds benefiting tour expenses while in Europe. For more information, call the School of Music at Southern Miss at 601.266.5543; visit the Web at www.usm.edu/music (http://www.usm.edu/music); or contact Angela Kilcrease at 601.266.4988.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss, with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/). -30-

Live Oak Writing Project to Offer Two-Day Workshop at Stone County Library

2009-05-26T11:24:43+01:00

The Live Oak Writing Project at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast will host the Write On! Growing as Writers and Teachers of Writing workshop June 3-4 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Stone County Library, located at 242 Second St. in Wiggins. The workshop is for kindergarten through sixth grade teachers. It will feature presenters offering research-based practices from their classrooms to improve writing. Topics to be addressed include process writing, narrative and descriptive writing, differentiated learning strategies, depth of knowledge and using the Mississippi State Writing Assessment and Rubric.The fee for the workshop is $40. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are offered for an additional fee of $20. The workshop registration form can be downloaded at www.usm.edu/liveoak (http://www.usm.edu/liveoak). For additional information about the workshop, contact Catherine Tibbs at 228.214.3373 or catherine.tibbs@usm.edu (mailto:catherine.tibbs@usm.edu). About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Media Advisory: Fletcher to be Honored at Hattiesburg Memorial Day Ceremony

2009-05-22T16:41:18+01:00

TO: News editors, directors WHAT: Col. Tyler Fletcher, founder of The University of Southern Mississippi Department of Administration of Justice, to be honored in Hattiesburg by Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant for his contributions to the field of criminal justice during Hattiesburg’s annual Memorial Day program.WHERE: Veteran’s Memorial Park, downtown HattiesburgWHEN: Monday, May 25, 10 a.m.SPECIFICS: Col. Fletcher, who joined the Southern Miss faculty in 1971 after serving as chief of security and investigation with the U.S. Army, was charged with developing an academic program at the university for law enforcement officers. In 1973, he founded what was then the Department of Criminal Justice, serving as its chair for three decades. Graduates of the program serve with a variety of local, state, regional and national law enforcement organizations across the country, as well as with private companies and in the legal profession.MEDIA CONTACT: David Tisdale, Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations, 601.266.4499 or 601.554.6577. ####

Art Exhibition Begins Today Featuring Life-Sized Puppets in Interactive Show

2009-05-21T16:24:46+01:00

Leo Green, a master of art education student in the Department of Art and Design at The University of Southern Mississippi, will exhibit his work May 21 - June 4 at the university’s Museum of Art. An opening reception is planned today from 4-6 p.m.“The show, named ‘Puppet Politics,’ is quite uncommon,” said Jan Siesling, director of the museum. “It is a life-size interactive puppet show, and the puppets represent cartoon-like social characters and political figures.”A native of New Orleans, Green moved to Biloxi, where his interest in art developed. After attending Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, focusing on drawing and painting, he came to Southern Miss and developed an interest in sculpting.Working as a laborer at the Camp Shelby P/X in between classes, Green also taught art for the Southern Miss School of Social Work’s Family Network Partnership. He graduated from Southern Miss in the fall of 2007 and is an art instructor at Mize Attendance Center, Raleigh High School and Taylorsville High School.As busy as he is teaching, Green still pursued his graduate degree, honing his skills and interest of movement in sculpture. “Discovering actual movement in an artwork allows the audience to become more involved in it, and the moment they spend with it will be more memorable.” Green said. “Movement creates numerous types of change in the outcome of my work and provides the audience with different experiences.”For this show’s work, the recent presidential campaign provided much inspiration for the art.“Sometimes we get the impression that the people we elect are like mindless puppets, controlled by others, who pull the strings behind the scenes. I want my audience to take back some control over the decisions our public officials make about our lives. So I decided to make life-size puppets,” he explained.Green said his artwork illustrates control. His marionettes represent people from different social, economicl, racial and political backgrounds. They tell a story about “control and power and how they govern our daily lives.” They allow the audience to become the master in the show.“My work may at first look sarcastic, but is in fact both playful and serious. It is playful because I don’t want people to be afraid to walk up and get involved in it. The serious side of my work deals with the many failings of human society. My artwork shows the same failings that the society produces,” Green said.The University of Southern Mississippi Museum of Art is located in the Fine Arts Building at the southwest corner of campus. The hours are Tues.-Fri., noon-5 p.m. Admission to the museum and reception is free and open to the public. School and community groups are welcome by appointment. Call the Museum of Art at 601.266.5200 for more information. Interactive Puppet ShowAbout The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu. -30-

Photo: British Students Participate in Service Learning Projects at Southern Miss

2009-05-21T10:55:59+01:00

A group of students from York St. John University in England are visiting The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg campus this week as part of a work-based service learning study abroad initiative. On Wednesday York St. John students, from top left, Philippa Rabson, Bex Gilbertson, Louise Huthwaite and Paul Brandretha came to the Southern Miss Children’s Center for Communication and Development to work with its students, including Kolby Haden, 5, of Laurel; Matthew Martin, 3, of Petal; and Anna Laura Haden 3, of Laurel. At right is Children’s Center behavioral specialist Dr. Kim Bellipanni. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse) About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss Spring 2009 Graduate Receives first Jack Lucas Award

2009-05-21T10:48:32+01:00

A spring 2009 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi has received an award honoring a hero famed for his death-defying act of bravery in World War II.Patrick Lofton of Newton, who graduated from the university last week, was recognized by the Department of History’s Center for the Study of War and Society with its inaugural Jack Lucas Award recently. The award is given to the writer of the best undergraduate paper written on a war and society topic, and comes with a $250 prize. Lofton’s paper is titled Word War: The Efforts and Perceptions of Success of British Black Propaganda in The Second World War. Southern Miss assistant professor of history Dr. Heather Stur, a fellow of the Center for the Study of War and Society, presented the award to Lofton along with Lucas’ widow Ruby.“We’re so thankful to Mrs. Lucas for establishing this award to both recognize the excellent work our undergraduate students are doing and to honor her late husband,” Stur said.Lucas, a Hattiesburg resident who was the youngest marine to ever earn the Medal of Honor, died last year at age 80. He served on the advisory board for the Center, which examines the impact of war and its relationship to society. Determined to serve during World War II, Lucas concealed his true age when he enlisted because he was too young. At the Battle of Iwo Jima, he threw himself on two grenades to protect fellow marines during fierce combat with Japanese soldiers, and suffered grave injuries when one of the grenades exploded. He recovered after several surgeries, and at the end of the war was presented the Medal of Honor for his heroism by President Harry S. Truman.Stur said the awards committee was impressed with the depth of research conducted by Lofton in producing the paper which included his use of archival material at the National Archives in London while in history professor Dr. Andrew Wiest’s World War II class, offered through the university’s popular British Studies Program.“It’s not often you see this kind of work from an undergraduate student,” Stur said. “His topic was well-argued and researched, and the fact that he worked on his paper in a foreign archive, that’s definitely the next level of historical research. “It shows that students can come to study in Hattiesburg and have access to these kinds of opportunities.”“I couldn’t have done this without the British Studies program and Dr. Wiest renewing my interest in World War II,” said Lofton, who plans to attend law school in the fall. “It was (British Studies) the best month of my life.” Richard McCarthy and Craig Howard, supporters of the Center for the Study of War and Society, created an endowment that helps fund the Jack Lucas Award, along with a speaker series and community book club.“I congratulate Patrick on winning this award and proud that our program in London enabled him to produce work that honors an American hero like Jack Lucas,” said Southern Miss International Education Director Dr. Susan Steen.Lucas’ story is recounted in the book “Indestructible: The Unforgettable Story of a Marine Hero at the Battle of Iwo Jima” by D.K. Drum. Ruby Lucas presented Lofton with a copy of the book along with the award.“I just wish Jack could be here to see this,” she said. “He would be so proud.”Patrick LoftonAbout The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Photo: Children's Center for Communication and Development holds Graduation

2009-05-21T09:43:41+01:00

The Children’s Center for Communication and Development at The University of Southern Mississippi, an early intervention program serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers with communicative and developmental disabilities, held its graduation May 20 at the university’s Hattiesburg campus. The Center, a United Way agency, serves children ages birth to five years nine and their families, while also providing clinical training for university students. Dr. Brett Kemker, chair and associate professor of the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi, presents Matthew Martin, 3, of Petal with his graduation certificate from Wednesday from the Southern Miss Children’s Center for Communication and Development. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse)Tyler Hinton, 5, of Hattiesburg adjusts his tassel Wednesday prior to The University of Southern Mississippi Children’s Center for Communication and Development’s graduation ceremony. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse) About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss Gulf Coast Marketing and Public Relations Wins Five Awards, Grand Award

2009-05-20T13:22:15+01:00

The Department of Marketing and Public Relations at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast received six awards in the senior division at the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi (CPRAM) 2009 awards luncheon May 18. The department includes Shelia White, director of marketing and public relations, Judy Isbell, director of web-based marketing, Charmaine Williams, public relations associate, and Francesca Linthicum, graphic designer and communication specialist.In the brochure category, Linthicum received first place for the Discoveries Performance Series Brochure entry. Linthicum also received the Grand Award for the entry, which is named best print media entry in the senior division.Linthicum and Isbell received third place in the advertisement category for their work on the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale Christmas Concert Newspaper advertisement.In the feature story category, Schmermund received third place for the Octogenarian Graduates from Southern Miss entry.The first place award was received by the department in the creative partners category for the SoloRider Golf Cart entry. In the public relations campaign category, the department received second place for the Autism Assessment Clinic Ribbon Cutting entry.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Southern Miss Gulf Coast to Present Hurricane Awareness Series Mondays in June

2009-05-19T11:03:44+01:00

The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Library and the Katrina Research Center, located at the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, will observe Hurricane Awareness Month each Monday in June with the 2009 Hurricane Awareness Series.Rosemary Pursell and Ronny Crosby of the American Red Cross will make a presentation June 1 from 12 – 2 p.m. concerning disaster preparedness, showing what is needed for a three-day survival disaster “Go Bag” and a “Stay Kit.” Information on tornadoes, floods, fires and pandemic disasters will also be provided.Mike Reader, chief meteorologist for local television station WLOX, will discuss hurricane awareness topics June 8 from 12 – 1 p.m., including how to read a hurricane map, when to evacuate and the difference between a hurricane watch and hurricane warning.On June 15 from 12-1 p.m., Southern Miss Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage managing editor and special projects coordinator Linda Van Zandt will present interviews from the Center’s Hurricane Katrina project. The interviews were collected following the storm.A children’s hurricane awareness day will be held June 22 from 9 a.m. – noon and include a visit to the Katrina Research Center, participation in educational activities and conclude with a brown bag lunch under the Friendship Oak.Sun Herald photographer Tim Isbell will display his collection of hurricane-related photos on June 29 from 12 – 1 p.m. In addition to his photographs, Isbell will give photography tips and hints that can be used if another hurricane disaster occurs.An oral history interview kiosk will be available for the month of June at the Katrina Research Center for anyone interested in recording their own personal hurricane story. The center currently has artist Lori K. Gordon’s exhibit, “Katrina Collection: Rebirth and Renewal” on display until July 30. The exhibit features a 3-D mixed media art show created by the Bay St. Louis artist.For more information, visit www.usm.edu/gc/hurricaneawareness (http://www.usm.edu/gc/hurricaneawareness) or call 228.214.3450.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Southern Miss Gulf Coast News Briefs

2009-05-19T10:56:46+01:00

This briefs package highlights timely news and events from The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast. For more information on any of the stories below or for assistance in arranging interviews, contact the Department of Marketing and Public Relations at 228.865.4573. • Disney Imagineering Executive next Issues + Answers Lecturer• Adult Education Master’s Courses to be Offered at Keesler____________________________________________________________________________________Disney Imagineering Executive to Present at Issues + Answers Lecture SeriesLONG BEACH, Miss. – Jack Blitch, vice president for Walt Disney Imagineering, will present IMAGINEERING: The Disney Way Tuesday, May 26 at 7 p.m. at the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast’s Advanced Education Center auditorium on the Gulf Park campus. Blitch’s presentation is part of the Issues + Answers lecture series, sponsored by Southern Miss Gulf Coast and The Sun Herald.In 1988, Blitch joined Walt Disney Imagineering and has overseen the development of many popular Disney attractions. He is responsible for all levels of project development on large attractions, resorts and theme park projects and manages the process of theme park creation from concept initiation through installation at Walt Disney World and Disney MGM Studios. Issues + Answers lectures are free and open to the public. The Southern Miss Gulf Park campus is located on Highway 90 in Long Beach three miles west of Highway 49. For more information on this lecture or the Issues + Answers lecture series, visit www.usm.edu/gc/lectureseries (http://www.usm.edu/gc/lectureseries) or call 228.865.4573.Southern Miss to Offer Adult Education Master’s Courses at KeeslerKEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, BILOXI, Miss. – The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast will offer core courses for the adult education master’s degree at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi beginning June 1 for the summer semester. The adult education master’s degree is a practitioner-oriented graduate degree with a focus on adult learning in diverse settings. The degree can lead graduates to opportunities in a variety of careers, including administration, staff development, program coordination and human resource development.A total of 30 hours of coursework is required to earn the degree, which includes four core courses, four elective adult education courses and two research courses. The four core courses are scheduled once per semester and taught at Keesler Air Force Base. The remaining courses may be completed as online electives.For more information on the adult education master’s degree, visit www.usm.edu/adulted (http://www.usm.edu/adulted) or call admissions at Southern Miss Gulf Coast at 228.214.3444.

Ghosts of Katrina Conference to Examine Community Preparation, Resilience

2009-05-18T09:45:07+01:00

This summer, disaster resilience scholars from around the world will travel to The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus in Long Beach to discuss how communities can better prepare for disasters and recover more quickly. The Ghosts of Katrina conference, set for June 5-6, will examine the lessons learned through disaster events like Hurricane Katrina and what steps should be taken to enhance community resilience. Four years after Hurricane Katrina, this conference will provide an opportunity to both examine lessons learned from Katrina and explore how we can apply those lessons to be better prepared for future disasters, said Southern Miss Gulf Coast Academic Dean Tom Lansford. The conference is sponsored by Southern Miss Gulf Coast and the Community and Regional Resilience Institute (CARRI). The mission statement of CARRI is to help develop and then share critical paths that any community or region may take to strengthen its ability to prepare for, respond to and rapidly recover from significant man-made or natural disasters with minimal downtime to basic community, government and business services. Southern Miss Gulf Coast and CARRI have worked closely together over the past 18 months to research and advocate resilience planning in the rebuilding process on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.. The conference, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Advanced Education Center on the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus. For more information, contact Jack Covarrubias at Jack.Covarrubias@usm.edu (mailto:Jack.Covarrubias@usm.edu) or ghostsofkatrinaconference@gmail.com (mailto:ghostsofkatrinaconference@gmail.com).About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Southern Miss Honors Graduate Named to USA TODAY Academic Team

2009-05-15T10:22:31+01:00

No stranger to honors and awards, Jessica Shackleford, a recent chemistry and Honors College graduate, has added another coup to her long list of academic accomplishments. Shackleford has been named to the USA Today 2009 All-USA College Academic third team, the only student from a Mississippi university or college to be named to any place on the team, ranking her among its top 60 college students in the United States.Shackleford, who earned an honorable mention for the team last year, is only the third Southern Miss student to be named to the team. Her placement marks the first time in more than a decade a Southern Miss student has been named to the team. Peggy Varnado, a former national scholarship officer at Southern Miss who has worked with Shackleford on several scholarship and graduate school applications, said “Jessica’s passion for science has fueled her scholarly achievements, but she is also a humanitarian and down-to-earth young woman.”In 2008, Shackleford was named a finalist for the prestigious Truman Scholarship, an award conferred upon high-achieving college juniors who show commitment to public service and potential to continue that service beyond graduation. To qualify, Shackleford wrote a proposal for a statewide college prep program in high school based on a local high school program that she founded. Among Shackleford’s additional awards is the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, which she won in 2007 when she was a sophomore. The highest honor given to undergraduate students in science in the country, the Goldwater is usually awarded to college juniors.As part of the Goldwater application process, Shackleford wrote an essay about research in her field, “Mechanistic Studies of Free Radical Azidation,” a topic which she had been researching as a member of Dr. Doug Masterson’s organic chemistry research group. Masterson has served as Shackleford’s mentor. Not only did the research project play a significant role in Shackleford’s Goldwater nomination, but the study was published in an article coauthored by Shackleford and Masterson in the scholarly chemistry journal “Synlett.”Shackleford says one of the things that gave her an edge in academic competitions is the support from the faculty in the chemistry department and from the Honors College staff, particularly the scholarship officers. “Peggy Varnado was my campus mom from the time I stepped foot in her office,” said Shackleford. “She has done absolutely everything with me from scholarship to graduate school applications to bringing me soup when I was sick.“Robyn Curtis, the new national scholarship officer, is an excellent successor to the office pioneered by Peggy Varnado. She pulled several all-nighters with me this past year doing applications, and she never once hesitated to revise my applications no matter how many times we already had revised,” said Shackleford.The USA Today All-USA College Academic Team ranking recognizes undergraduates who not only excel in scholarship but also extend their intellectual abilities beyond the classroom to benefit society. Criteria include grades, academic rigor, leadership, activities and the student's essay describing his or her most outstanding intellectual endeavor during college.The Office of National Scholarships is housed in the Honors College, and the scholarship officer will assist any Southern Miss student interested in making application for national scholarships. For more information, call 601.266.4263.Jessica ShacklefordAbout The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss Preview Orientation Dates Set for Freshmen, Transfer Students

2009-05-15T08:40:12+01:00

The University of Southern Mississippi Office of the First Year Experience has Preview dates set throughout the summer for new students who will be attending the upcoming summer session and for students who will be freshmen at Southern Miss this year or transferring to the university for the fall 2009 semester.During Preview, students have the opportunity to meet other new students, current students, faculty and staff and meet with an academic adviser within his or her course of study, as well as schedule classes for fall semester. Spaces for Preview are reserved on a first-respond, first reserved basis.At Preview, students will also learn how to register for classes through SOAR, Southern Miss' online registration system; meet representatives from campus departments and student organizations; pre-order textbooks for classes; have their student identification card made; and set up a university email account The 2009 Preview schedule is as follows:• Summer Preview May 29 - Last Call for Summer (for all new students starting classes in the summer semester) Preview sessions for new students starting classes in the fall include: • Preview 1: June 4-5 (Freshmen) • Preview 2: June 21-22 (Freshmen) • Preview 3: June 25 (Transfers) • Preview 4: June 29-30 (Freshmen) • Preview 5: July 2 (Transfers) • Preview 6: July 9 (Non-traditional) • Preview 7: July 12-13 (Freshmen) • Preview 8: July 16th (Transfers)For those unable to attend these Preview dates, other fall semester preparation events include Last Call for Fall Aug. 14 for transfer students; Last Call for Fall Aug. 15 for freshmen; and Golden Eagle Welcome Weekend Aug 16-Tuesday, Aug. 19.Attendance at a Preview session is required of all new students. Students must be admitted to the university before attending a Preview. To learn more about Preview or to register for Preview sessions, call 601.266.6405; online, visit www.usm.edu/fye (http://www.usm.edu/fye)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss News Briefs

2009-05-15T08:29:57+01:00

This briefs package highlights timely news and events from The University of Southern Mississippi. For more information on any of the stories below or for assistance in arranging interviews, contact the Department of Marketing and Public Relations at 601.266.4491.• Southern Miss Offering Driver Education Course June 1-19• Linton Receives Shoemaker Alumnus Award• Gonsoulin Begins Term of Service to National Board____________________________________________________________________ Driver Education, Teacher Certification Programs Offered June 1-19HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- The School of Human Performance and Recreation at The University of Southern Mississippi will offer two Learn-to-Drive Program sessions this summer, as well as a certification program in teaching drivers’ education for coaches, teachers and education majors. High school students can choose between two class meetings for the Learn-to-Drive Program, 8 a.m.-11 a.m. or noon-3 p.m. June 1-19, in Stout Hall, room A. In Mississippi, students must receive 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours behind-the-wheel instruction. Learn-to-Drive exceeds the requirements to ensure additional instruction and experience. The program includes instruction on Mississippi traffic laws and regulations, drugs and driving, first aid, vehicle maintenance, decision making and seat-belt education. Students 14 years of age will be tested for a driver’s permit during the first week. Older students are required to have a permit at the beginning of class. The course fee is $250. To find out more about this program and to register, log on to www.usm.edu/hpr/index.php (http://www.usm.edu/hpr/index.php) and click on Drivers’ Education. For more information, call the School of Human Performance and Recreation at 601.266.6325.Coaches, teachers and education majors who wish to become certified in teaching drivers’ education courses can now register for summer courses through the Driver Education Certification Program, also offered by the School of Human Performance and Recreation. The program takes place June 1-19 with a variety of courses that allow an educator to add the Driver Education endorsement to his or her license. Fees vary per course. For more information or to register, contact Jewel Adams at 601.266.5358.Linton Recipient of Shoemaker Alumnus AwardHATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Patricia Linton, administrative assistant and operations manager in the University of Southern Mississippi Office of the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs for Auxiliaries, recently received the Tom Shoemaker Allied Association Alumnus of the Year award.Criteria for the award include previous work at Southern Miss Recreational Sports and significant contributions to career field, community or the university. Linton holds a bachelor of science degree in recreational administration from Southern Miss. She has been with the university since 1986 and worked at Recreational Sports from 1990 until 2003 before transferring to the Division of Student Affairs.Gonsoulin Begins Term of Service to National BoardHATTIESBURG, Miss. – Sid Gonsoulin, associate vice president for student affairs for auxiliaries at The University of Southern Mississippi, recently began his term as Past Presidents’ Representative of the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA). Gonsoulin was elected to the office by a consortium of NIRSA Past Presidents. As the Past Presidents’ Representative, Gonsoulin will be one of 11 members on the NIRSA Board of Directors and will assist in governing the national association. The NIRSA board will be leading an organization that administers a $3 million annual operating budget and has a wholly-owned, for-profit subsidiary, the NIRSA Services Corporation. “Sid is a truly valued member of our association,” said NIRSA Executive Director Dr. Kent J. Blumenthal. “His many years of experience, and his multitude of contributions to not only our association but also the collegiate recreational sports field, make him an outstanding leader.” About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss Gulf Coast Graduate Follows Dream Receives Awards, Fellowship

2009-05-14T13:17:07+01:00

Terry Johnston, a 48-year-old graduate from The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast, is the first student from the university to receive the James Madison fellowship which pays up to $24,000 for students to earn their master’s degree.The national grant will support Johnston’s study of American history in graduate school while he works as a secondary school teacher. Johnston, who will move to Cleveland, Miss., in June, plans to use the grant while attending the local university.“I’m definitely looking forward to working on my master’s degree and to begin teaching – this is a new start in life,” said Johnston. “My ultimate goal is to teach college, but I’ll be teaching at high school for a few years first.”This new start in life comes after working as an iron fitter for Northrop Grumman Ship Systems. A resident of Ocean Springs for 12 years, Johnston decided to follow his dream of becoming a social studies teacher by first earning his bachelor’s degree from Southern Miss. With his stepchildren grown, Johnston and his wife wanted to enrich the lives of others and decided that a move to Cleveland was the solution.Johnston left his job as an iron fitter in 2007 to concentrate on studies aimed at earning a history degree and secondary school teaching licensure from Southern Miss Gulf Coast. He completed his coursework at the university with a 3.97 grade point average.“Mr. Johnston is an example to anyone who wishes to begin a new chapter in life by attending The University of Southern Mississippi, regardless of age,” said Dr. Deanne Nuwer, one of Johnston’s history professors. “Both an excellent student and an inspiration to fellow students, he is a wonderful representative for the caliber of students attending Southern Miss.”In addition to the James Madison fellowship, Johnston received two awards at the conclusion of his academic career at Southern Miss Gulf Coast. Johnston was named the John Wallace Award recipient for being an exceptional history major, and he received the Most Outstanding Senior Award for the university’s College of Arts and Letters.Johnston’s outstanding work was not only observed by the university, but also by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Students who plan to become teachers are required to take the Praxis I and II tests in the subject they are studying. Johnston’s score was so high on the Praxis II test, a near-perfect 200, that ETS awarded him a special certificate recognizing him for a job well done.“I have always had a natural knack for history,” said Johnston. “I was always interested and studied it. I worked hard at the university by studying and writing research papers, but I can’t say enough nice things about the history department.”One piece of advice Johnston shared is to “never give up on your dreams no matter how old you are.” This statement rings true as Johnston is a prime example of someone who followed his dreams despite his age. After all of the hard work and determination, Johnston is now prepared with the knowledge and ability to achieve his goal of helping others while teaching a subject he has always loved. Recent graduate Terry Johnston looks up at his family sitting in the audience during The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast commencement ceremony May 9. Johnston, a non-traditional student who earned his bachelor of arts in history degree, was such an exceptional student at Southern Miss Gulf Coast that he was awarded the John Wallace Award, Most Outstanding Senior Award for the College of Arts and Letters and the James Madison fellowship in American history. (Southern Miss Public Relations photo by Charmaine Schmermund)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Recipients of Butch Oustalet Family Distinguished Professorship Awards Named

2009-05-14T11:50:17+01:00

The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast has named the winners of the 2008-2009 Butch Oustalet Family Distinguished Professorship Awards for the areas of service, teaching and research.Dr. Tim Morse, associate professor of special education, and Dr. Michael Mong, assistant professor of psychology are recipients of The Service Award for their collaborative efforts in the Southern Miss Autism Assessment Clinic, which serves as a resource addressing the needs of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder.The clinic, developed by Morse and operated by Mong, is the only clinic in the state dedicated to this disability. Screening or assessing 47 individuals thus far, Morse and Mong have worked with three local school districts, conducted four statewide workshops, presented five parent trainings and worked to establish a partnership with Memorial Hospital at Gulfport.Marlene Naquin, mathematics instructor in the College of Science and Technology, is the recipient of the Teaching Award for her commitment to student instruction. In addition to developing and directing the mathematics laboratory at Southern Miss Gulf Coast, Naquin advises math licensure students in their final semester.Highly respected by her students, she is often praised for her ability to make math easier to comprehend and for fostering a classroom environment conducive to learning.The Research Award is given to Dr. Shahdad Naghshpour, professor of political science, international development and international affairs, for his dedication and contributions to research.Naghshpour published seven referred journal articles, four conference proceedings and one non-refereed journal article in 2008. In that same year, he also had five articles accepted for publication in refereed journals, three book chapters accepted and one book contract secured.The Butch Oustalet Family Distinguished Professorship Awards were created to recognize Southern Miss Gulf Coast faculty who have demonstrated exemplary achievements in the areas service, teaching and research.Each award winner will receive $1,000 and a plaque recognizing their achievement. The winners, selected by a six-member committee, were judged on submitted material supporting the specified area of distinction. For more information on the Butch Oustalet Family Distinguished Professorship Awards, call 228.865.4573.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Gulf Coast Research Lab Extends 2009 Sea Camp 2009 Registration

2009-05-14T09:29:51+01:00

Sea Camp 2009 registration deadline has been extended through May 29. The popular marine science day camp for ages 6-13 is held at the J.L. Scott Marine Education Center, located at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) in Ocean Springs. Sea Camp will be offered June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, July 6-10, July 13-17 and July 20-24. Sessions for ages six through nine are available all of those weeks; sessions for ages 10-11 are available the weeks of June 8, 15, 22 and July 13, 20 only. Sessions for ages 12-13 include kayaking and are available the weeks of June 15, 22 and July 6. “This marks our 22nd year, said camp director Michael Carley. “Participants experience coastal habitats through hands-on learning activities with live animals.”Cost per week is $210 for ages 6-7, $235 for ages 8-11, and $275 for ages 12-13. Prices include camp t-shirt, individual and group photos, all instructional costs and materials, admission fees, field trips and art supplies. The five-day sessions run 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.“Students learn how to use a variety of sampling devices to capture live, coastal specimens,” explained Carley. “From fishing, crabbing, seining and sieving, our campers are always in awe of the diversity of life they encounter.” Field trips will also take campers into beach and saltmarsh habitats. All campers visit Deer Island aboard the R/V Sea Explorer. Additionally, campers ages 8-13 spend a day at Ship Island. Tweens and teens will also kayak through the maritime forests of Bayou Heron and explore Indian middens and salt pannes of near-shore islands at Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Moss Point.An anticipated addition to this year’s shark biology session is the introduction of GCRL’s whale shark sightings program. “Every year we add an aspect of current GCRL research to camp,” said Carley. “This year we’re highlighting the lab’s whale shark studies.” Registration forms are also available online at www.usm.edu/marineeducation (http://www.usm.edu/marineeducation). For more information, call (228) 818-8890 or email marine.education@usm.edu (mailto:marine.education@usm.edu). The J.L. Scott Marine Education Center is the public education and outreach arm of GCRL. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory focuses on sustainable coastal and marine resources, development of new marine technologies and the education of future scientists and citizens. The GCRL is home to the Department of Coastal Sciences, the J.L. Scott Marine Education Center, the Center for Fisheries Research and Development and the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center. It is in the university's School of Ocean and Earth Sciences, College of Science and Technology. More information can be found at www.usm.edu/gcrl (http://www.usm.edu/gcrl).About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss, with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Slidell Student Wins Scholarship Award at Southern Miss

2009-05-14T09:25:26+01:00

Maria Bolgiano of Slidell, La., a senior accounting student at The University of Southern Mississippi and employee at Southern Miss Recreational Sports, recently received the Comcast Golf Classic Scholarship Award for her essay about her experience at Southern Miss.Criteria include recommendation by a unit within the Division of Student Affairs and employed by or participate in Division of Student Affairs activities. The award winner must also be a full-time undergraduate Southern Miss student, have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and submit a completed application and a 300- to 500- word essay addressing the topic “What Southern Miss Means to Me.” The applications are then reviewed by the Student Affairs Staff Development Committee / Comcast Golf Tournament Committee. Bolgiano is the daughter of Mary Brennan and granddaughter of Lucille Brennan, both of Slidell, La.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss Gulf Coast College of Business Students Awarded for Excellence

2009-05-13T11:38:32+01:00

The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast College of Business recognized outstanding students at the Excellence in Business Awards Luncheon at the Winter Garden Italian American Bistro in Long Beach April 25.The ChevronTexaco Senior Awards were presented to the following students: Ruth Foley of Ocean Springs received the Excellence in Management Award, Alison Williams of Biloxi received the Excellence in Business Administration Award and Ila Council of Gulfport received the Excellence in Management Information Systems Award.Paul Whipps of Diamondhead was the recipient of the Munro Petroleum Scholarship in Management Award.Leslie Gentry of Gulfport received The Sun Herald Scholarship in Business Administration Award.The Excellence in Marketing Award was presented to Brooke Riggins of Ocean Springs.Wyatt Hunter of Gulfport was the recipient of the Scholarship in Marketing Award.The Alexander, van Loon, Sloan, Levens and Favre Outstanding Senior in Accounting Award was presented to Kristine Hunstad of Diamondhead.Jeremy McMillan of Gulfport received the Piltz, Williams, LaRosa and Company Outstanding Junior in Accounting Award.Paul Necaise of Pass Christian was the recipient of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Society of CPAs Scholarship Award.Andrew Reish of Ocean Springs received the Rex Distributing Outstanding Senior in Tourism Management Award.The Business Advisory Council MBA Excellence Award was presented to Elizabeth Calantoni of Diamondhead.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Gulf Coast News Briefs

2009-05-12T15:10:44+01:00

Southern Miss Gulf Coast News BriefsThis briefs package highlights timely news and events from The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast. For more information on any of the stories below or for assistance in arranging interviews, contact the Department of Marketing and Public Relations at 228.865.4573. · Gulf Coast Student Government Officers Chosen· Professors Produce Paper on Globalization, Ethnic Unrest · Civic Chorale Outdoor Family Concert May 23 Southern Miss Gulf Coast Student Government Officers Elected LONG BEACH, Miss. – The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast recently held elections for the Student Government Association. The following students will serve as officers for the 2009-2010 academic year. The new officers include: · President Caleb Stephens of Pass Christian, a business major. · Vice President Debbie Bishop of Long Beach, a fashion merchandising major. · Secretary Renee DeoCampo of Biloxi, a psychology major. · Treasurer Trisha Casey of Ocean Springs, a political science major. · Graduate Representative Parisa Naghshpour of Long Beach, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Business Administration. · Senior Class Representative Ashleigh Forster of Diamondhead, a marketing major. · Junior Class Representative Lauren Lassabe of Gulfport, a history major. · Freshman Class Representative La'Porsha Cunningham of Gulfport, a nursing major. For more information on the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Student Government Association, call 228.865.4573. International Development Professors Write Featured Paper on Globalization LONG BEACH, Miss. – Dr. Shahdad Naghshpour, professor of political science, international development and international affairs, and Dr. J.J. St. Marie, assistant professor of political science, international development and international affairs recently wrote the paper “Globalization Discontent: The Effects of Globalization on Ethnic Protest.” The paper, published by the Berkeley Electronic Press, was featured as the most popular article in Berkeley’s Peace Economics, Peace Science and Public Policy. Examining the link between globalization and ethnic protest, the authors identify the socioeconomic factors which lead to ethnic protest. Civic Chorale to Open Sounds by the Sea Outdoor Family Concert May 23 GULFPORT, Miss. – The Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale will perform the opening act for the Sounds by the Sea Outdoor Family Concert Saturday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. in Gulfport’s Jones Park. Along with songs from the chorale’s Young at Heart concert, it will also perform songs that include a Wizard of Oz medley, music by Aaron Copland, Moses Hogan and excerpts from John Rutter’s Mass of the Children. Lawn admission to the concert is free and guests are welcome to bring chairs and blankets. For more information on the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale performance, call 228.865.4573. About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast .

Media Advisory: Southern Miss Gulf Coast Students on Geography Expedition in Salado Canyon May 12-13

2009-05-12T10:59:09+01:00

TO: News editors, directorsWHAT: Students from The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast in Long Beach, Miss., have traveled to Bernalillo, N.M., on a geography expedition looking for petroglyphs and pictographs. WHERE: Salado Canyon outside of Albuquerque, N.M.WHEN: Tuesday, May 12 and Wednesday, May 13SPECIFICS: The students are split into three groups. The scouting group looks for petroglyphs, carvings in rock, and pictographs, pictures drawn on the wall of the canyon, and places a flag at the location of their findings. The global positioning system (GPS) team then locates the flags and records the latitude, longitude and elevation of the petroglyphs and pictographs. Lastly, the photography team, in tandem with the GPS team, takes pictures of the findings and relays the picture numbers to members of the GPS team to keep an accurate log. The students go as far into the canyon within the time frame of the day, which generally lasts five or six hours. CONTACT: Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations at 228.865.4573.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Gulf Coast Community Leader Receives Honorary Doctorate from Southern Miss

2009-05-11T13:20:23+01:00

Jerry St. Pé, former president of Ingalls Shipbuilding and retired executive vice president of Litton Industries, was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast’s commencement ceremony May 9 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Southern Miss Provost Robert Lyman granted St. Pé his hood to indicate the doctoral distinction. Throughout my professional life I have been blessed with many humbling experiences and opportunities,” said St. Pé. “To be recognized in such a way by The University of Southern Mississippi is both humbling and overwhelming.”St. Pé has been recognized and honored multiple times for his work as a community leader on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. For his service to America’s naval shipbuilding, St. Pé received the Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Award by the Navy League of the United States, the league’s highest honor.“Having my name associated with a university whose values and vision have enriched our quality of life in so many ways will make me forever mindful to hold this degree with the respect and dignity its leadership and faculty - past, present and future - deserve,” he said. “I proudly accept this honor on behalf of the many mentors who have had a positive influence on my life. Maj. Gen. Paul F. Capasso served as commencement speaker. Capasso serves as director of the Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems for the U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany. He is the former commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi.Capasso told the 220 graduates in attendance that the most precious gift is freedom, and because it is not free, it must be cultivated like a garden with attention and care. “Your future and your children’s future depend on the principle of freedom,” Capasso said. “Keeping the torch of freedom shining bright is what keeps this country alive.”Jerry St. Pé, front, former president of Ingalls Shipbuilding and retired executive vice president of Litton Industries, is awarded the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the university’s commencement ceremony held at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum May 9. Southern Miss Provost Robert Lyman, back, granted St. Pé his hood to indicate the doctoral distinction. (Southern Miss Public Relations photo by Charmaine Schmermund)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Mississippi Home of Your Own Home Buyer Workshop Set for Tchula

2009-05-11T10:18:20+01:00

Mississippi Home of Your Own (HOYO) will sponsor a free, one-day home buyer education workshop Saturday, May 30, for residents with and without disabilities in Holmes and surrounding counties. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Affordable Housing Group office at 978 West Main Street in Tchula.In its 12th year of service to Mississippians with disabilities and their families, HOYO is an award-winning program of the University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies. HOYO was created to empower people with disabilities to reach their individual dreams of owning and maintaining their own homes. Since 1997, HOYO has assisted 280 people with disabilities and their families in 45 Mississippi counties in becoming home owners.Grant funds of up to $15,000 are currently available to eligible borrowers with disabilities in designated areas through HOYO. More information about these grants will be available at the workshop.HOYO focuses on creating a support system that identifies potential home buyers, analyzes their housing needs and financial capacity and prepares them for home ownership. Applicants of the HOYO program must attend home buyer education seminars to be considered for financial assistance in purchasing a home. For more information or to pre-register for the free home buyer education seminar, call the Jackson office of the Institute for Disability Studies toll free at 1.866.883.4474. About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Introduces New Bait

2009-05-11T10:08:27+01:00

Cobia tournament anglers served as market testers for the viability of a new bait fishery product —aquacultured blue crabs. Introduced by researchers from The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL), more than 700 of the bait crabs were given away at Gorenflo’s 23rd Annual Cobia Tournament recently in Biloxi.“These are serious fishermen,” said Harriet Perry, director of the Center for Fisheries Research and Development at GCRL. “And their willingness to try a new bait during tournament time exceeded our expectations. Angler acceptance of these crabs as a bait source is crucial to the development of the industry.” The crabs were produced as part of an aquaculture training program funded by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to assist commercial fishermen adversely affected by Hurricane Katrina with training to help them enter alternative fisheries or, at a minimum, supplement their income while working in their chosen fishery. The training program will benefit both commercial and recreational fishermen. Dale Desporte of Team Geaux Fish landed a 48-pound cobia using the crabs. “I was bringing the line back in when the cobia hit it. It looked like a torpedo coming after it.” Smiling, he added, “It’s the first time in 22 years that I’ve ever caught a lemon fish (cobia) on a crab. Tell those GCRL researchers to keep up the good work.” When asked about the aquacultured crabs as bait, Todd Lipps, captain of Team Bone Collector, said, “I like them because they’re hardy. They do good in the live well.” Teammate Scott Carroll added, “We also caught a bunch of redfish using the crabs.”Along with buckets of individually bagged crabs, researchers gave the anglers self-addressed, stamped questionnaires covering topics like number of crabs used, species of fish caught, size preference for bait crabs, hardiness and consideration of purchasing live crabs for bait in the future. “Aquacultured crabs can provide a source of small crabs to recreational fishermen with no impact to the natural wild population,” said Perry. “One spawning female can produce up to two million eggs and be returned to the wild after the eggs have hatched.”Fishermen were also given a special permit from DMR to have the undersize crabs in their possession for the duration of the tournament.Danny Pitalo, tournament director, supports the introduction of aquacultured crabs as a potential bait fishery, as it “presents another option for fishermen.”“I thought it was a real good thing,” said Pat Langlinais of Team Total Package. “All the fishermen I talked to were glad to have them.” He agreed the crabs were hardy and had a good survival rate. “We kept them in the bucket until the ice started to melt, then we dumped them in the live well” where the unused crabs stayed alive throughout the three-day tournament. “The crabs are good bait for lemon fish. I’d definitely recommend them to other anglers,” Langlinais saidFor more information or to inquire about participation in the program to develop crab systems for sale as bait and/or supply for bait dealers, contact Harriet Perry, 228.806.1431. Fishermen must qualify under DMR criteria. About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/). Pat Langlinais, Ocean Springs angler with Team Total Package, talks to GCRL researchers Read Hendon, Harriet Perry and Mike Mavar about the individually bagged crabs given as test bait at Gorenflo’s 23rd Annual Cobia Tournament held last weekend in Biloxi. (GCRL photo by Charlie Foster)Harriet Perry, GCRL fisheries biologist, shows an aquacultured bait crab during an interview with Jimmy Davis, host of the television show Dynamic Outdoors. Perry and GCRL’s bait crab program will be featured in an upcoming episode. (GCRL photo by Charlie Foster)Gulf Coast Research Laboratory scientists introduced marine aquacultured crabs as a potential bait fishery at Gorenflo’s 23rd Annual Cobia Tournament held last weekend in Biloxi. (GCRL photo by Charlie Foster)Individually bagged bait crabs, aquacultured at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, float in a reserve tank. (GCRL photo by Charlie Foster)

Measure Success Not by Money, Southern Miss Graduation Speaker Urges

2009-05-08T16:22:31+01:00

Just as many of them entered college when Hurricane Katrina made landfall nearly four years, spring 2009 graduates now leave school facing a world clouded by a storm of economic and political uncertainty. In such conditions, University of Southern Mississippi commencement speaker and Southern Miss alumnus William Phalen’s message to graduates Friday was to consider standards other than financial or material wealth against which to measure their future success. “With this recession, the political and economic landscape is going a change a bit,” he said. “There’s going to be less control and influence from Wall Street. “But we have to self-regulate. We need to do some calibrating,” Phalen said. “We should focus more on each other and value the pleasure we gain from the relationships we have with family and friends, than on making a lot of money.” Those graduates impacted by Katrina, but persevered to attain their degree, have a durability that will serve them well as they begin to shape a life for themselves in the midst of the nation’s turbulent economy, Phalen said. “Their future is never as bright as it is now,” he said. “They’ve overcome adversity and have the DNA to handle any challenge in front of them.” Phalen is CEO and chairman of Cities West Publishing Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz. Founded in 1997 by Phalen, the company produces shelter and city magazines and directories for the Southwestern United States. He addressed more than 1,400 graduates at two ceremonies Friday at Reed Green Coliseum. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Southern Miss and is a member of the Hall of Fame for both the Southern Miss Alumni Association and the School of Mass Communication and Journalism. Phalen also is a member of the School’s advisory board. Mississippi coast businessman and community leader Jerry St. Pé was also recognized at the Hattiesburg commencement exercises. St. Pé, a Pascagoula resident and former president of Ingalls Shipbuilding and retired executive vice president of Litton Industries, will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Saturday during Southern Miss Gulf Coast’s graduation ceremony at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, set for 10 a.m. St. Pé is the fifth person to receive such recognition from the university. He served as commencement speaker for Southern Miss’ 1991 commencement ceremony. “I’m grateful for this honor which stands alone, without equal, as I think of the recognitions throughout my career,” he said. The speaker for Saturday’s Gulf Coast ceremony is Maj. Gen. Paul F. Capasso, former commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi. He is currently director of Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems, U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany. A 1985 graduate of Southern Miss, Capasso holds a master of science degree in teleprocessing science. He received a bachelor of science degree in behavioral science in 1978 from the U.S. Air Force Academy. Southern Miss alumnus William Phalen, who is chairman, CEO and founder of Cities West Publishing Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz. addresses spring 2009 Southern Miss graduates Friday at Reed Green Coliseum (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse) Candidates for graduation at The University of Southern Mississippi await the start of commencement exercises Friday at Reed Green Coliseum in Hattiesburg. More than 1,400 degrees were conferred on undergraduate and graduate students in two ceremonies. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse) About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.

Moore Selected as Grand Marshal, Distinguished Professor for 2009 at Southern Miss

2009-05-08T16:09:55+01:00

Dr. Frank Moore, professor and chair of the Biological Sciences Department, has been selected to represent The University of Southern Mississippi as Grand Marshal and Distinguished Professor for 2009. This award recognizes a senior faculty member who has excelled in teaching, research and service. The annual recipient serves as Grand Marshal and Distinguished Professor at all university commencement ceremonies for one calendar year and receives a $1,000 honorarium. “The honor is especially meaningful because recognition comes from colleagues at your home institution where, for me, I have spent essentially all of my professional life,” said Moore, who has been a member of the Southern Miss faculty for 30 years. Moore is a Fellow of the American Ornithologists’ Union, former associate editor for The Auk (North American Journal of Ornithology), a member of the editorial boards for the Southeastern Naturalist and the Journal of Ornithology, a member of the board of directors of the Cooper Ornithological Society, a member of the scientific advisory board for the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, and former member of the board of trustees of the Nature Conservancy Mississippi. Under Moore’s direction, his students have studied the ecology, behavior and physiology of migratory birds at several locations in North America as well as sites in Italy, Sweden and Honduras. Their work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the National Geographic Society, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the USDA Forest Service, the National Park Service, the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Defense and the Nature Conservancy. The author or co-author of more than 90 professional research publications, Moore has also made numerous research presentations at professional seminars and conferences. His honors from Southern Miss include the T.W. Bennett Jr. Distinguished Professorship from 1995-97, the Innovation Award for Basic Research in 2004 and the Outstanding Faculty Service Award in 2005 from the College of Science and Technology.Grand Marshal and Distinguished Professor Frank Moore prepares to lead the procession of faculty members into today’s commencement ceremonies in Hattiesburg where graduate and undergraduate degrees were conferred on more than 1,400 students. (Southern Miss Public Relations Photo by Steve Rouse) About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.

Southern Miss Employee Earns Degree Through University Tuition Benefit

2009-05-08T16:06:29+01:00

Writer: Tearanny Street Every day Shannon Davis helps students prepare for graduation. She makes the extra effort to help them succeed because she knows what an achievement it is to earn a diploma. After 11 years of studying and attending classes at The University of Southern Mississippi, Davis, a full-time Southern Miss employee, graduated in December 2008 with a bachelor of science degree in child and family studies, with an emphasis in family relations.Davis is an administrative assistant in the Southern Miss Department of Geography and Geology, and has been taking advantage of the university's employee tuition benefit, which allows her to take six hours of undergraduate coursework at no cost to the employee. It was very hard at times, but I was thankful that my position here at the university afforded me the opportunity to obtain my degree,” she said. “I can't describe the emotions, happiness and sense of accomplishment that I felt the day of graduation while sitting on the floor of Reed Green Coliseum waiting to hear my name called with my children, family and friends there to show their support. Her busy schedule made part-time undergraduate studies difficult. Working 40 hours a week on campus, Davis also held a weekend part-time job in addition to caring for her two children. Her oldest daughter Bailey was only six years old when she started her quest for a degree. Brinkley, her youngest daughter, was not yet born. “I decided to finish my undergraduate degree a long time ago. I wanted to be a role model to my children and other single parents. Graduating may motivate another Southern Miss staff member or community member to pursue their degree, said Davis. Davis is happy to have finally graduated, and often talks to her children about their opportunities and how she hopes they opt for a more traditional route. My children were there every step of the way during the entire process; they have watched me struggle through attending night classes, doing homework and studying for exams. They realize the importance of attending college when they are young and understand that it is much easier to obtain their degree when they are not trying to balance work, family and day to day life, said Davis. Nearly 300 university employees take advantage of the university's tuition benefit, according to Russ Willis, director of Human Resources at Southern Miss. “It is a critically important benefit. Many employees see this benefit as one of the most important ones, and rightfully so, of working for the university,” said Willis. “The value of a Southern Miss degree is something that lasts a lifetime.” A Southern Miss employee since 1996, she received the Staff Excellence Award as the university’s top staff member in 2000 and 2008. “She is probably one of the most vital persons in the department as far as helping students,” said Rachael Rutter, a senior from Jackson majoring in geology. “She understands our point of view because she’s been a student herself for the past few years, and if there is anything she can do to help us out she has no problem with making our lives a little easier.”Shannon DavisAbout The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.

Perseverance, Giving Back, Lessons of the Storm For Southern Miss Katrina Class

2009-05-08T11:51:10+01:00

Two graduating University of Southern Mississippi seniors, members of the “Katrina Class,” will accept their diplomas this weekend having passed tests for which no review or study session could have ever prepared them. The day Beverly Ferguson and Apryl Jackson were supposed to start class in the 2005 fall semester, Hurricane Katrina made landfall with powerful winds and a storm surge that killed nearly 2,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands more, washing away homes, businesses, schools and churches along the Gulf Coast. A psychology major, Ferguson was returning to college after having been out of school for several years. Not wanting the credit hours she earned in the past to go to waste, she left her job in New Orleans and enrolled at Southern Miss Gulf Coast. She evacuated to Birmingham, Ala., with her family to escape the storm, but because communication with the affected coastal areas was next to impossible, she had no way of knowing the condition of her home in Pearlington. The only way to find out for sure was to return to see it firsthand. When she arrived back in Pearlington, she was left reeling by the scene that greeted her. A storm surge estimated to be as high as 30 feet had pushed through her community, leaving her home and those of most of her neighbors a putrid mess. “When I first saw it, I didn’t know what I was going to do, it was just so overwhelming. There was mud and fish all in my house,” she said. “Everything in the yard was dead - the grass, the trees. There weren’t even any birds. She withdrew from school a few days later, but re-enrolled for the spring 2006 semester. A single mother of four, Ferguson put school back on her already crowded schedule with the responsibilities of a family and a home rebuilding project made more difficult by a commute from a temporary residence in Slidell. Along with a close friend, Ferguson worked most days from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., rebuilding along with the help of volunteers. Exhausted, she would press on in the evenings to study for her classes. Sometime in February 2006, Ferguson began having serious doubts about whether or not to keep rebuilding her home. The daily grind was taking its toll, and she turned to a higher source for divine guidance. She prayed for a sign. “One morning I pulled up in the driveway of the house, and all of a sudden I noticed this camellia tree that I never really paid much attention to before covered with beautiful reddish-pink blooms,” she said. “I thought ‘Okay, God, I know what you want me to do.’ “It was a challenge. I didn’t have much insurance money, so I couldn’t have done it without all the volunteers who came here from all over the country, many of whom gave up their vacations to come help people after the storm,” she said. “I think someone from every state in the union came to help me with my house.” Faith, discipline and a deep-seated need to finish what she started years ago drove Ferguson through the difficult times, she said. “I just had an overwhelming desire to overcome the obstacles and be a role model for my children,” she said. “And I had a faith that things would get better, and they did.” “Be a blessing to someone else”A public relations major at Southern Miss, Jackson had already gotten settled into life at the university in Hattiesburg. A clarinetist with the Pride of Mississippi Marching Band, she had been on campus for a couple of weeks for band camp and was looking forward to her first day of class. On the Friday before the first day of school, the phone rang in her Roberts Hall room. On the line was a friend informing her that Hurricane Katrina had suddenly changed course and was veering in a northwesterly path toward her hometown and the Mississippi Coast. “You know they’re closing the roads to Mobile,” her friend said. Jackson’s mother told her daughter to come home, reassuring her that she would probably be able to return to school shortly after the storm. But it would be a month before Jackson could return to the classroom at Southern Miss. ‘When I woke up (the morning of the storm) it was dark, and felt like I was in some kind of scary movie,” she said. Katrina caused external damage to her parent’s home and cars and surrounded the residence with debris, which Jackson helped remove to allow her family to exit the house. To make matters worse, the intense heat following the storm aggravated her asthma and a skin condition. But with her father in Washington, D.C., for work and unable to return immediately, Jackson knew her family needed her in the early days after the storm. “I had to step up and help my mom, brother and my grandmother who had come to stay with us,” Jackson said. “I helped get supplies and focused on enduring the gas lines to get fuel and waiting in line to get ice. It taught me to stay calm in the midst of turmoil.” Once her family got back on its feet, Jackson began to learn about how much more severely Katrina had impacted Gulf Coast residents further west like Ferguson. She took to heart the words of her father: “We were blessed, so let’s bless someone else.” She went out and helped neighbors, especially the elderly, by cleaning up their yards or bringing them food, water, ice or other supplies. “Sometimes, they just wanted someone to talk to,” she said. After Southern Miss reopened in mid-September to resume the fall semester, Jackson brought her volunteer spirit with her to campus. She joined fellow Roberts Hall residents in going out into the Hattiesburg community to bring supplies to elderly residents who needed assistance. During her time at Southern Miss, Jackson has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to help prepare home sites for Katrina evacuees, mentored young at-risk youth through Big Brothers, Big Sisters and worked with Hattiesburg’s Christian Services to provide food, clothing and other services to the homeless and less fortunate. “I felt like the world took a pause after Katrina to allow us to focus on the positive, what was left,” she said. “It also taught me how to live with just what I needed and not feel like I was missing anything.” At Southern Miss, Jackson has been a Leadership Scholar and active in a variety of campus organizations, including the Student Government Association and the African American Student Organization. She has worked in a variety of roles with the Department of Residence Life, including as a head resident, resident assistant and desk assistant. Jackson plans to enter graduate school in the fall to pursue a master’s degree in college personnel counseling. “Whatever trials and tribulations Apryl encountered because of what she went through during Katrina, it has not diminished her efforts in school,” said Leyla Goodsell, visiting professor of practice in the Southern Miss School of Mass Communication and Journalism. “She tries to find the positive in everything, which is very refreshing, and she’s done a good job of setting goals for herself for where she wants to go and how she wants to get there.” Apryl and Beverly not only prevailed in earning their degrees through the challenges of Katrina; they triumphed. Apryl turned her energy to leading and helping others, and Beverly refused to quit despite juggling a full schedule of school, family and rebuilding her home,” said Southern Miss Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Joe Paul. “Their stories are emblematic of the many students graduating this semester that we will remember fondly. What bravery and perseverance they have shown. Beverly Ferguson takes a break from cleaning up the yard of her Pearlington home after Hurricane Katrina devastated her community with Category 3 winds and a storm surge with waves estimated to be nearly 30 feet high. Ferguson managed to finish school while also raising a family, rebuilding her home and commuting from a temporary residence in Slidell, La. She will graduate this Saturday from the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast, a member of the university’s “Katrina Class.” (Submitted photo) Apryl Jackson, a graduating senior from Mobile, Ala., works at her desk in the Department of Residence Life at The University of Southern Mississippi. Jackson helped family members and neighbors in her hometown and in Hattiesburg recover from Hurricane Katrina in the days following the storm. She’s one of many members of the “Katrina Class” who entered college the fall semester that the storm struck the Gulf Coast. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by David Tisdale) About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.

Media Advisory: Southern Miss Commencement Ceremonies Set for Friday in Hattiesburg

2009-05-07T11:35:05+01:00

TO: News Editors, DirectorsWHAT: Media interview and photo opportunities with graduation dignitariesWHERE: Payne Center, The University of Southern Mississippi - HattiesburgWHEN: Friday, May 8, 2009, 9:15-9:30 a.m. (see more details below)SPECIFICS: Southern Miss President Martha Saunders and Commencement Speaker William Phalen will be available for media interviews regarding the university’s 2009 spring graduation. Approximately 1,471 students are candidates for graduation on the Hattiesburg campus in two ceremonies Friday, May 8 in Reed Green Coliseum. Media will also be able to get photos and B-roll video during the ceremonies. OTHER GRADUATION EVENTS THIS WEEK IN HATTIESBURGThursday, May 73 p.m., The Army and Air Force ROTC will hold commissioning ceremonies for officers Location: R.C. Cook Union, Rooms A BFriday, May 810 a.m., Commencement Ceremonies for the Colleges of Business, Science and Technology, and Education and PsychologyLocation: Reed Green Coliseum3 p.m., Commencement Ceremonies for the Colleges of Arts and Letters and HealthLocation: Reed Green ColiseumStudents from University Libraries and the Honors College will graduate in both ceremonies.MORE INFORMATION: A complete schedule of commencement activities is available online at www.usm.edu/commencement (http://www.usm.edu/commencement). CONTACT: Jana Bryant, 601.266.4497 or 601.549.1124.

Summer Program in Graduate Education Offers Advanced Degrees for Teachers

2009-05-07T09:49:31+01:00

Now in its 30th year, the University of Southern Mississippi’s Summer Programs in Graduate Education offers educators the opportunity to earn an advanced degree, often in only two summer sessions through online and in-class sessions and independent study.More than 40 graduate degree programs are available in education-related disciplines in a format geared to the scheduling needs of teachers and educational administrators, said Dr. Amy Townsend, director of the program. Financial aid, campus housing and meal plans are available.“For these students, who are already working professionals, we’re trying to make graduate education more accessible,” Townsend said. In three decades, the program has attracted thousands of educators from across the country seeking to advance their careers. Mike Foley, an eighth-grade history teacher from Iowa, earned masters and specialist degrees through the program in 1992 and 1996, respectively.Foley advanced his income level by obtaining the degrees, something he could not do completed as quickly if he only waited by accruing years of experience.“The appeal was the affordability of the program, the fact that I could it in two summers and that I would be studying with other teachers who understood the joys and challenges of teaching,” he said.Dr. Wanda Maulding, interim dean of the Southern Miss College of Education and Psychology, said one of the many benefits of SPGE is the kind of social network it creates for students. “This program is another way that we’re providing support to teachers, including our own graduates, to help them advance their careers,” she said.Foley said he also enjoyed spending time in a different part of the country. “The idea of picking up and going someplace else appealed to me, it was the chance for a new life experience. “I loved it. The professors are outstanding and the school personnel bent over backwards to help me,” he said. “What I learned there helped me to be a better teacher.”For or more information on the Summer Program in Graduate Education and how to apply, call 601.266.4477 or 1.866.439.1594; online, visit www.experienceyourdegree.usm.edu (http://www.experienceyourdegree.usm.edu/)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss CSRW Announces Winners of Annual Competitions

2009-05-07T09:38:07+01:00

The University of Southern Mississippi’s Committee on Services and Resources for Women (CSRW) recently announced the winners of its annual Research Grant stipends and Kathanne W. Green Essay Award competitions.The Research Grant Stipend Competition awarded grants of up to $1,000 to faculty and graduate students doing research concerning women and women's issues and to staff in support of professional development programs geared toward women or women's issues. Research Grant winners and their projects included Dr. Ruth Percy, visiting assistant professor of history, who received $1,000 for The Rise of the Bottom--Feeder (a study of African American Women in the catfish industry); Dr. Heather Marie Stur, assistant professor of history, $440 for Dragon Ladies, Gentle Warriors, and Girls Next Door: Gender and the Vietnam War ; Dr. Pamela Tyler, associate professor of history, $560 for Hot Damn: Diaries of a Southern Girl, 1928-1935 ; and Dr. Karen Sue Hostetter, assistant professor and program director for the School of Human Performance and Recreation, $1,000 for The Development of a Risk Scale for the Female Athlete Triad.”The Kathanne Green Essay Contest provided awards of up to $200 to authors of undergraduate and graduate papers dealing broadly with women, feminism and women's issues. Kaycie Hall, a junior from Brandon and Zoe Beckham, a junior from Mandeville, La., received a $200 and $50 award, respectively, with Hall winning for her paper “The Roles of Linguistics and Gender in Ursula LeGuin’s ‘She Unnames Them’” and Beckham for “Tennyson’s Fickle Princess.” Celeste Wheat, a doctoral student in higher education administration from Petal, received a $200 award for her project, Female Leadership and the Community College Presidency: A Review of the Literature Concerning the Patterns, Trends, and Issues that Characterizes Women's Rise to the Community College Presidency. Doctoral students Erin Elizabeth Smith of Columbia, S.C., and Michelle Nichols of Idalou, Texas, received honorable mention recognition. The CSRW is an interdisciplinary group of Southern Miss faculty and staff members interested in women’s issues in general, but particularly on campus and in the Hattiesburg community. Since 1984, the CSRW has been active in the promotion of women’s issues by creating a women’s center/library (a collection of books, media and other resources), organizing conferences with renowned guest speakers, producing major cultural events and providing funding for research and services to faculty, staff and students. For more information about the Committee on Services and Resources for Women, call 601.266.6891.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss Students Awarded Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Scholarships

2009-05-07T09:28:02+01:00

Three University of Southern Mississippi students have been awarded a prestigious study abroad scholarship from Phi Kappa Phi, an honor society promoting academic excellence and service.The students include Suzanna Ellzey, a sophomore biochemistry major from Hattiesburg; Ruth Poe, a junior history and psychology double major from Vicksburg; and Alexis Smith, also a junior history and psychology double major, from Oak Grove. Another Southern Miss student, junior Christie Reynolds of Valley Grande, Ala., was chosen as an alternate in the event one of the others students is unable to participate. All four are students in Southern Miss’ prestigious Honors CollegeThe three recipients were among just 50 from across the country chosen for the $1,000 awards, which require applicants have at least a grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale; a minimum of 30 and maximum of 90 completed academic credit hours; and attend an institution with a Phi Kappa Phi chapter.“As a graduate of Southern Miss, I’m proud to see my alma mater have such great success with Phi Kappa Phi’s major awards,” said PKP Chapter Relations Director Jim Carlson. “In a year that was extraordinarily competitive, Southern Miss had a fellowship winner, three study abroad recipients and a study abroad runner-up. These five students should be applauded for their outstanding efforts.”Study abroad grant winners must also have at least two semesters remaining in their home institution after studying abroad, and participate in a study abroad program between May 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010.Ellzey will participate in this summer’s British Studies program, where she will take a medical history class and learn about changing medical practices dating back to the medieval period. “After spending a month in London learning about medical practices, my goal is to use this experience as a foundation for my career in the medical field,” Ellzey said. “I also hope that the magnificent places and attractions I see will spark new research interests and professional ambitions I had never considered or thought of before.”Poe enrolled in the British Studies program last summer, and this year will take part in the Vietnam Study Abroad Program. “Going to London last year was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she said. “I learned more about World War II then I would have inside a classroom because I got to see where it all happened, and that makes history come alive.“Aside from the academics, studying abroad made me a much more open minded, understanding person. I grew more in that month (in London) than in my first year in college.”Like Poe, Smith studied in London last year and will go to Vietnam this summer, which will aid her in completing her honors thesis on the cultural effects of post-traumatic stress disorder in both American and Vietnamese combat veterans. The opportunity, she said, will provide her with research resources that would otherwise by unavailable. “I wish every student had the opportunity to study abroad,” Smith said. “Going to London last year changed my perspective on both learning and life. I not only became a more independent person, but I also learned to appreciate the vast history and knowledge the world has to offer.”For more information about these and other scholarships, contact Southern Miss Officer of National Scholarships and Fellowships Robyn Curtis at 601.266. 4263; for more information about Southern Miss Study Abroad Programs, call International Education at 601.266.4344.Suzanna EllzeyRuth PoeAlexis SmithAbout The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Media Advisory: Southern Miss Gulf Coast Spring Commencement May 9

2009-05-07T09:18:50+01:00

TO: News editors, directorsWHAT: The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast spring commencement ceremonyWHERE: Mississippi Coast Coliseum, BiloxiWHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9SPECIFICS: Southern Miss welcomes Major General Paul F. Capasso, director of Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems, U.S. Africa Command, Stuttgart, Germany, as the Southern Miss Gulf Coast commencement speaker. The university will also present former president of Ingalls Shipbuilding Jerry St. Pé with an honorary doctorate at the ceremony.Gen. Capasso, St. Pé and Southern Miss President Martha Saunders will be available for interviews at 9:15 a.m. in the Green Room of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.Of the 256 candidates to earn their degrees from Southern Miss Gulf Coast this spring, 220 students will participate in commencement exercises. CONTACT: Southern Miss Gulf Coast Marketing and Public Relations at 228.218.4260.About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Southern Miss Faculty, Staff Pay Respects to Dr. Horace Fleming

2009-05-07T08:27:34+01:00

University of Southern Mississippi professor Dr. Stephen Oshrin signs a condolence book Tuesday at the university’s Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building. The book will be sent to the family of Dr. Horace Weldon Fleming, Jr., the seventh president of the university, who died May 1 at his home in Macon, Ga. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse)About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

Southern Miss Gulf Coast Library to Offer Free CERT Training

2009-05-06T12:50:25+01:00

The Gulf Coast Library, located at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, will host a free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program May 29 – 31.The CERT program, which provides training for disaster preparedness, educates people on hazards that may affect where they live. Training includes basic disaster response skills, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.Training will be provided by Frank Baskett of the Harrison County Emergency Management Office. Participants must be available to attend the three-day training session May 29 from 5 – 9 p.m. and May 30 and 31 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Space is limited, and the library can accommodate no more than 20 participants for training. Selection of participants will be on a first-come basis. Lunch will be provided during the May 30 and 31 sessions. For more information, contact Elizabeth Doolittle at 228.214.3455 or elizabeth.doolittle@usm.edu (mailto:elizabeth.doolittle@usm.edu). About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast (http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast) .

Southern Miss Monitors Flu Situation as Graduation Ceremonies Approach

2009-05-06T09:16:34+01:00

University of Southern Mississippi officials continue to closely monitor the H1N1 (Swine) flu virus outbreak and plan to proceed with extra caution at commencement ceremonies Friday and Saturday in Hattiesburg and Biloxi.“We are approaching these large gatherings cautiously and are taking steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees and students as well as the many family members and friends who will be attending commencement ceremonies,” said Dr. Virginia Crawford, director of Student Health Services at Southern Miss. For individuals who are sick, the university and Dr. Crawford advise not attending the ceremonies. “While we expect minimal impact from this outbreak, it is important to limit contact with others if you are sick,” said Crawford.Hand sanitizing materials will be available for visitors and participants at all ceremonies in Reed Green Coliseum and the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Individuals who may want to bring their own hand sanitizers should remember to use wipes or cleanser with at least a 60 percent alcohol content, said Dr. Crawford.As for other campus activities scheduled in the coming weeks, no changes are anticipated in summer camps or university-sponsored summer research programs. The International Programs office at Southern Miss continues to monitor the international situation, and at this time, expects no change for three groups scheduled to leave for Mexico later this summer.Southern Miss students and employees have received special e-mails about this issue, and more university information is found online at www.usm.edu/swine_flu.php (http://www.usm.edu/swine_flu.php). In general, Dr. Crawford and other health professionals advise the following preventive actions to reduce the likelihood of spreading the H1N1 virus.• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.• Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.• Avoid close contact with sick people.• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.• If you get influenza-like illness symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, stay home from work or school except to seek medical care, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.• If symptoms occur, see a doctor immediately for a true diagnosis. Mississippi has no suspected or confirmed cases of H1N1 to date. Nationally, 403 cases have been confirmed in 38 states.Southern Miss will follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other appropriate agencies regarding any additional university response to this issue. “We are doing watchful waiting at this point,” said Dr. Crawford. “I am in touch daily with our state and local health officials, and all signs are indicating the worst may be behind us.”About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu (http://www.usm.edu/).

International Development Program Hosts Guest Lecturer

2009-05-05T16:50:20+01:00

The International Development Doctoral Program at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast presented Dr. Bruno Sergi, political science professor from the University of Messina in Italy, as a guest lecturer for its students May 1-2.During his visit, Sergi made presentations to students on Eastern Europe, Russia and the Italian mafia, as well as on how Eastern Europe economics and politics affect the U.S.International development faculty members Dr. Shahdad Naghshpour and Dr. J.J. St. Marie brought Sergi to Southern Miss after having developed a working relationship with him through joint research projects.Sergi, also a visiting fellow at the University of Greenwich Business School, has been a guest lecturer for research departments and universities in several countries around the world. He has published more than 90 journal articles in peer-reviewed journals.For more information on the Southern Miss International Development Doctoral Program, on the Internet visit www.usm.edu/international. Dr. Bruno Sergi, standing, political science professor from the University of Messina in Italy, works with a group of students in the International Development Doctoral Program at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast. Sergi served as a guest lecturer for the program recently, presenting information to students on Eastern Europe, Russia and the Italian mafia. (Southern Miss Public Relations photo by Charmaine Schmermund)

Southern Miss Scientists, Students Study Greenhouse Gases on Gulf Cruise

2009-05-04T15:37:10+01:00

A group of six scientists and students from The University of Southern Mississippi Department of Marine Science has recently returned from a cruise on the Gulf of Mexico studying how the coastal oceans influence climate-related greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The project, led by Department of Marine Science Chair Steven Lohrenz, is in collaboration with Dr. Wei-Jun Cai of the University of Georgia. The group is studying how carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is taken up and released in coastal waters. “This is one of the most extensive surveys to date of the dynamics of carbon dioxide in northern Gulf of Mexico coastal waters,” said Lohrenz. “We are seeing evidence for a very strong biological influence over much wider areas than previously studied.” The Gulf of Mexico has been identified by the North American Carbon Program as a region of particular importance in influencing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. The team has found preliminary evidence for particularly strong uptake of carbon dioxide in the vicinity of the Mississippi River, where high biological production is believed to be responsible for reducing carbon dioxide levels in surface waters. “This cruise will generate data that are critical to my research on remote sensing of particle dynamics in coastal waters,” said marine science doctoral student Sarah Epps of Anchorage, Alaska. “In a world where growing instrumentation and remote sensing technologies allow us to observe large areas of the sea, it becomes increasingly more important to gather data to validate and calibrate these capabilities.” The project is conducted aboard the research vessel Cape Hatteras from the Duke Marine Laboratory. The cruise, one of a series of cruises that will be conducted by this team, is funded by the National Science Foundation and NASA. University of Southern Mississippi marine science doctoral student Sarah Epps of Anchorage, Alaska, downloads data from an instrument while on the research vessel Cape Hatteras in the Gulf of Mexico. Epps, along with five other Southern Miss Department of Marine Science scientists and students, recently returned from a two-week cruise studying how the coastal oceans influence climate-related greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. (Southern Miss Public Relations photo) About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast .

Southern Miss Offers Community Opportunity to Pay Respects to Former President

2009-05-04T15:26:27+01:00

The University of Southern Mississippi is offering faculty, staff, alumni and community members the opportunity to pay their respects this week to the family of Dr. Horace Weldon Fleming Jr., the former president of the university, who died May 1 at his home in Macon, Ga. Through Friday, May 8, a guest book to be given to the Fleming family will be available next to a portrait of Dr. Fleming in the rotunda of the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building for visitors to sign from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the week, the university is flying its flag at half-staff in memory of Fleming. Visitation for Dr. Fleming will be held Thursday, May 7 from 6-9 p.m. at Hart’s Mortuary and Crematory at 785 Cherry St. in Macon, Ga. On Friday, May 8, a memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. at Newton Chapel on the Mercer University campus in Macon, where Fleming served as vice president and provost. Memorials to Dr. Fleming may be made to the Presidential Scholarship program at Southern Miss in care of the USM Foundation. Sympathy notes and cards may be sent to the Fleming family at 118 Wimbledon Lane, Macon, Ga. 31211. About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.