HATTIESBURG, Miss.- The University of Southern Mississippi announced that they will open a new school of Ocean Science and Technology.
The school will be housed in the College of Science and Technology. It will unite marine-related research and educational programs through one administration.
“Through the new School of Ocean Science and Technology, The University will position itself as a national leader in marine science research,” said Dr. Steven R. Moser, USM provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Our faculty and staff in the school will continue to provide high-quality educational and research opportunities in the northern Gulf of Mexico, allowing us to better understand our coastal resources and the associated impacts those resources have on our economy and community.”
The schools director will be Dr. Monty Graham, chair of the Division of Marine Science and interim director of the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. According to Graham, the ultimate goal of the school is to increase productivity of USM’s research, education, and economic development.
Outside opinions such as Michael Jones, president of the Maritime Alliance – a non-profit organization based in San Diego whose mission is to promote blue jobs and blue tech around the world – commends USM for embarking on a new school that he believes will provide sustainability for the Gulf Coast’s environmental and economic sustainability.
“It is important and timely to see USM organize its already significant marine science efforts into a new School of Ocean Science and Technology to better focus on the vibrant Gulf Coast’s blue economy,” said Jones.
For more information on the University’s School of Ocean Science and Technology visit, here.
