Gulf Coast Awards Day
Gulf Coast Awards Day
USM Gulf Coast Awards Day is held each spring on the Southern Miss Gulf Park Campus. It serves as a platform to honor outstanding achievements by students, faculty and staff. The 2025 ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday April 30, at 1:30 p.m. in the Hardy Hall Ballroom.
Ready for Life Distinguished Student Employee Award
Student employees make meaningful contributions in support of the educational mission across our coastal campuses. In recognition of exemplary performance, a student employee will be honored at the upcoming USM Gulf Coast Awards Day Ceremony. Nominees must be a Gulf Coast graduate assistant or undergraduate student employee who is enrolled full-time each semester. Nominations may be submitted by faculty or staff members. Nominations must include a letter of support from the student worker’s employment supervisor. Self-nominations will not be considered. Nominees must be in good academic standing and currently employed in a service-related work-study or graduate assistant position. Award winners from the prior two years are ineligible.
The Selection Committee encourages nominations of student employees who:
- Provide exemplary service to the university
- Demonstrate responsibility, integrity, dedication and excellent employee performance
- Model professional behaviors and a positive attitude in both the classroom and employment setting
The deadline for receiving nominations is Friday, March 21.
Outstanding Staff Awards
Across USM Gulf Coast teaching sites, our dedicated staff members play an integral role in supporting the delivery of quality education and services. In recognition of their exceptional contributions, staff members will be honored at the upcoming USM Gulf Coast Awards Day Ceremony. Nominees must be full-time staff members employed at a USM Gulf Coast teaching site. Self-nominations will not be considered. Award winners from the prior two years are ineligible.
The Selection Committee encourages nominations of staff members who:
- Exhibit an exceptional commitment to teamwork and operational efficiency
- Exemplary performance in carrying out duties associated with employment position
- Make contributions beyond those normally expected/required by job responsibilities
The deadline for receiving nominations is Friday, March 21.
Butch Oustalet Distinguished Faculty Awards
The Butch Oustalet Distinguished Professorship Award recognizes faculty members for exceptional achievements in the areas of teaching, research or service.
Award Categories:
One award will be presented in each of the following areas:
- Excellence in Teaching
- Excellence in Service
- Excellence in Research
Award Criteria:
- The nominee must hold a regular full-time Gulf Coast faculty position. Visiting positions will not be considered.
- Nominated faculty must have a minimum of two years of full-time faculty service at the University. Time in a visiting position does not count.
- The award recognizes exceptional performance from January to December 2024 in the associated award category.
Nomination Process:
- Candidates may be nominated by peers or choose to self-nominate.
- The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 21.
Nomination Requirements:
- Complete the nomination form below.
- Upload a current curriculum vitae.
- Include any pertinent supporting supplemental material in the specified area of distinction.
- Award winners from the prior two years are ineligible.