The Golden Quills
A Distinguished Tradition
The Golden Quills is a prestigious, invitation-only event dedicated to honoring remarkable individuals within Southern Miss Business. This tradition celebrates outstanding student honorees and their accomplishments as they approach graduation, as well as recognizes faculty and staff who contribute to the success and vibrant legacy of our college.
The Golden Quills Society
As part of this tradition, honorees are inducted into The Golden Quills Society, joining a growing network of exceptional individuals committed to making an impact. During the ceremony, each award recipient receives the distinguished Golden Quills lapel pin—a symbol of their hard work, passion, and commitment. This emblem serves as a lasting reminder of their accomplishments and the collective spirit of those who have walked the same path.
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
- Monique Addison, Outstanding Student in International Business
- Elizabeth Chris Alexander, Outstanding Undergraduate Student in an Online Program
- Lainey Bartlett, The BMSS Advisors & CPAs Award
- Olivia Boleware, Mississippi Society of CPA's Award
- Miranda Brumfield, Outstanding Master's Student in the School of Leadership
- Madison Calkins, David E. Ford Marketing Leadership Award
- Margaret Coblentz, Outstanding Student in Human Resources Management
- Christopher Daniels, Outstanding Master of Business Administration Award
- Stacey Duvic, Outstanding Master of Science in Economic Development Award
- Enzo Fedato Ferreira, Outstanding Graduate Student in Sport Management Award; Outstanding Academic Achievement Award - Graduate
- Kathleen Garraway, Amy Sevier Commemorative Award
- Blake Gordon, Outstanding Student in Management
- Walter Johnson, Finance Faculty Award
- Zachary Kimbriel, Jaris Maxey Award
- Mason Knapp, The FORVIS Award
- Kennedy Lambert, Outstanding Student in Sales
- Kaeli Lewis, Spirit of Hospitality Award
- TeKatelyn McGill, Outstanding Undergraduate Accounting Student - Hattiesburg
- Haley Milstead, Student CPT Outstanding Member Award
- Drazen Moratzka, Leadership in Sport Management - Graduate
- Jaclyn Mordica, Outstanding Student in Healthcare Marketing
- Dawson Mowry, Outstanding Master of Professional Accountancy Award
- Christian Nesser, Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Sport Management
- Katelyn Nguyen, Outstanding Undergraduate Accounting Student - Gulf Park
- Haeden Overby, Outstanding Student in Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Melissa Queen-Lomas, Outstanding Doctoral Student in the School of Leadership
- Kinlea Robinson, Beta Alpha Psi Outstanding Member Award
- Ashlyn Roche, Charles Jordan Award
- Desiree Rodriguez, Outstanding Student in Marketing; Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key Award
- Ryan Rogers, Dolly Loyd Spirit of Marketing Award
- Greyson Swartzfager, Outstanding Student in Entrepreneurship
- Ciara Venable, CFA Society of Mississippi Award
- Andrew Welch, Outstanding Student in Finance; Outstanding Academic Achievement Award - Undergraduate
- Tiara Williams, Leadership in Sport Management - Undergraduate
- Kristen Wilson, Outstanding Student in Business Administration
- Kaitlynn Yocum, Outstanding Undergraduate Student in the School of Leadership
- Dr. Nell Adkins, Joseph A. Greene Excellence in Teaching Award
- Dr. Banu Elmadag, BAC Research Award
- Dr. Joel Bolton, Leadership in Research Award
- Ms. Julia Bradley, Business and Economic Development Service Award
- Dr. Ali Dogru, BAC Research Award
- Dr. Ke Gong, BAC Research Award
- Dr. Kimberly Goodwin, Leadership in Research Award
- Dr. Chao Meng, Louis K. Brandt Publication Award; BAC Research Award
- Dr. Valerie Simmons, BAC Research Award
- Ms. Dena Temple, Outstanding Staff Member Award
- Dr. Bradley Winton, BAC Research Award
- Dr. Kenneth Zantow, Business and Economic Development Service Award
What's in a name?
Drawing inspiration from our university's beloved mascot, the Golden Eagle, we chose an event name that would encapsulate everything this special tradition was meant to be. After careful consideration, we found our muse in quill feathers, well-known as a writing tool and created from the flight feathers, which are located at the tips of the wings and tail. These large, unyielding feathers provide an essential role in flight, proving to be particularly important for a golden eagle's ability to soar and glide for long distances. Symbolically, quill feathers represent wisdom, intelligence, creativity, and courage. Furthermore, the USM presidential medallion includes the image of an eagle clutching a quill and scroll, symbolizing honor and distinction.
Thus, The Golden Quills was born, symbolizing not only our mascot, but also the scholarly excellence and
vibrant spirit of Southern Miss Business. This name also pays homage to our official
school colors, black and gold, derived from the beautiful Black-Eyed Susan flowers
that grace our campus grounds.
Meet the Artist Behind
The Golden Quills Design
Growing up in a household steeped in creativity, Desiree Rodriguez's artistic talent
blossomed at an early age. While she always enjoyed creative hobbies, Desiree didn't
formally pursue her talent until high school when she began selling her original paintings
and prints. This integration of business and art led her to blend these two passions
and pursue a bachelor’s degree in marketing at Southern Miss. She has continued to
hone her skills through creative internship experiences with the Walter Anderson Museum
of Art in Ocean Springs and BREAD Agency in Hattiesburg.
Desiree's unique background made her the perfect candidate as lead artist for The Golden Quills artwork. While reflecting on her design, she explained that she made the eagle blend seamlessly with the “Q” to emulate the organic nature of drawing with quill and ink, reflecting her deep artistic sensibilities. She went on to share that, “The College of Business and Economic Development fosters professional independence in students, encouraging them to write their own stories in life. An ink design subtly conveys that message while maintaining the event's branding. While marketing may be my area of study, I am an artist above all else. It was a joy to combine those two passions in this project!”
After graduate in May 2024, Desiree now works in Southern Miss Admissions, guiding future Golden Eagles while continuing her studies in the MBA program. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to her for designing artwork that encapsulates the essence of The Golden Quills and Southern Miss Business.