USM Holds Women of Excellence Awards Ceremony

Mon, 04/12/2021 - 09:10am | By: David Tisdale

In one of the concluding events of Women’s History Month at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), the Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement, Dean of Students Office and Men of Excellence sponsored the annual Women of Excellence awards event March 31 on the Hattiesburg campus.

Inez Doe, founder of Ufancii, served as keynote speaker for the event. 

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Men of Excellence annually organizes the Women of Excellence event to show their appreciation of the many contributions women make in being change agents within the Hattiesburg and USM communities. The ceremony highlights women in the community and on campus who are advocates for basic human rights, and blazing the path for others to follow. ​

This year, among those honored by the Men of Excellence were Raylawni Branch and Gwendolyn Armstrong- Chamberlain, the first two African-Americans to successfully integrate USM as students in 1965.

“Working alongside the Men of Excellence on this program is always a joy,” said Tegi Jenkins-Rimmer, program manager for the USM Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement. “They are hands-on in the planning and execution of the event, and really keep the honorees at the forefront. I believe it is important to recognize women and their contributions to history, and I support Men of Excellence in their efforts to do so.” 

Other Women of Excellence ceremony honorees included: 

Elizabeth Cobbins

Kayla Mitchell

Ari'Anna Magee

Vickie B. Reed

Cynthia Myles

The Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement is located in the USM Division of Student Affairs. Learn more about the many programs and services offered through Student Affairs at https://www.usm.edu/student-affairs/index.php.