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AOP's Latest News

		We recently hosted an AOP Snack and Share event on the USM Gulf Park campus, where staff members enjoyed each other's favorite Fall treats. The event provided an opportunity for participants to connect and discuss ways they can be a resource for one another. It was a great way to foster community and collaboration among members.

		AOP members had a blast joining the 2024 USM Homecoming Parade on October 19th! They showed off their Golden Eagle pride, cheering alongside students, faculty, staff, and alumni. It was a fun way to get involved and celebrate USM spirit!

		Congratulations to AOP president-elect, Gayle Sollfrank, who was promoted recently to Assistant Director of Finance and Operations for the Center for Faculty Development. Gayle has been with Southern Miss since March of 2024 and was previously an academic advisor in the College of Business and Economic Development. Prior to working at Southern Miss, she was an educational professional in San Diego, California. Kudos to you!

		AOP's new officers enjoyed fellowship with some of the organization's members at a Meet & Greet on August 7 in Hattiesburg. Shown are (l-r) AOP president Geneal Washam, recording secretary Cory Williams, president-elect Gayle Sollfrank, Melissa Carpenter, Tamara Miller, vice-president Aretas Squire, and treasurer Cindy Walker. Aretas Squire will chair our Ways and Means Committee, and Tamara will serve on that committee as well.

		AOP's semi-annual newsletter, The Voice, received the Rachel Maynard Award for Excellence in Communication from the National Association of Educational Office Professionals. The announcement was made at their annual conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. Congratulations!

		We are proud and honored to have received First Place recognition for our website from the National Association of Educational Office Professionals! The announcement was made at their annual conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. Thank you to all who provided content to keep the website current and relevant!

		We are excited to announce that Cynthia Crosby is our winner for the Split the Pot fundraiser. The fundraiser will support three members' attendance at the National Association of Educational Office Professionals 2024 Annual Conference. We want to thank everyone who participated in this fundraiser. Congratulations, Cynthia!

		The Southern Miss chapter of the Association of Office Professionals is recently announced that five of its current and former members have been elected to serve in leadership positions for the Mississippi Association of Educational Office Professionals (MAEOP). Read the full news release here!

		Congratulations to AOP's publicity chair, Dena Temple, who received a 2024 Coastal USM Outstanding Staff award. Two days later she received the 2024 USM College of Business and Economic Development Outstanding Staff Member award! In addition to her regular duties, Dena uses her advertising and marketing background as part of the School of Leadership's marketing committee and manages the school's publicity activities.

		Congratulations to AOP's president-elect, Geneal Washam, who was recently promoted to Student Life Budget Manager, where she gets to feed her love of finance and budgeting. She said, "I have a great team that supports each other and fosters a positive work environment. I also love working with students to teach them about financial literacy."