Association of Office Professionals
Association of Office Professionals

Mission
The USM Association of Office Professionals is dedicated to providing opportunities for communication and relationship-building among staff members of the university.
We facilitate “C-P-R” for the staff members of The University of Southern Mississippi:
C = Community Service
P = Professional Development
R = Relationship-Building
2026-2027 Board Members
Membership is open to all USM support staff. Associate membership is open to the supervisors of USM support staff, faculty, and administrators. The membership year runs from July 1 to June 30.
Membership benefits include:
- Professional Development
- Networking
- Communications
- Community Service Opportunities
- Career Progression
- Staff Awards/ Scholarships
- Leadership Opportunities
- Membership Appreciation Events
Impact your career. Impact our community. Impact your life.
Meetings are held monthly on Thursdays from 11:30-12:30 via Teams; click the gold bar for our meeting schedule. For questions concerning our meeting schedule, contact AOP Secretary Barbara Dawson.
USM AOP is affiliated with the Mississippi Association of Education Office Professionals (MAEOP) and the National Association of Educational Office Professionals (NAEOP).
AOP recognizes outstanding office professionals and administrators with our awards program, conducted annually in the spring and administered by our Affiliations Committee. Visit our Committees Page to learn more.
Our governing By-Laws can be viewed here.
Visit our Communications page for upcoming events and workshops, newsletter releases The Voice and new initiatives.
AOP is proud to support our neighbors through community service. Visit our Community Service page to learn more about ways we help – and how you can get involved, by clicking the gold bar.
The Professional Standards Program allows staff members to enhance their professional competencies through academic programs, conferences, and institutes. As a member of The National Association of Educational Office Professionals (NAEOP), individuals can participate in the Professional Standards Program to obtain nationally recognized certificates. In addition, these certificates are accepted for The University of Southern Mississippi’s education enhancement policy per section 5.9 of the employee handbook.
To learn more, click the gold bar.
~Grow Your Career with AOP !~








