Southern Miss Alumni Association Welcomes New Staff Members

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 09:30am | By: Melissa David

From left to right: Marybeth Charnock, Courtney Worley, and Ashley Jones 

The Southern Miss Alumni Association is proud to announce the addition of Ashley Jones, Marybeth Charnock and Courtney Worley to its staff. All alumnae of The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), Jones, Charnock and Worley will work to engage unique segments of the University community.

As assistant director for programs and events, Jones will serve as the primary event manager for signature on-campus events hosted by the Alumni Association, including the annual Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet, Friday Night at Spirit Park concerts, membership appreciation events and others. Additionally, Jones will serve as the association’s campus liaison.

Prior to joining the association staff, Jones served as the coordinator for parent and family programs within the USM Center for Student Success where she managed events designed to connect families of current students with the institution.

“I consider it a privilege to now serve my alma mater through the Southern Miss Alumni Association,” said Jones. “Southern Miss has shaped me into the person I am today, and I am thrilled to be a part of an amazing staff who display such deep passion for the institution. I look forward to working diligently to support and serve the University’s remarkable alumni.”

Jones is a 2013 USM graduate having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communication and journalism with an emphasis in public relations. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and currently serves as the campus staff advisor for the Eta Tau chapter. Jones also advises the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and Elevate, a student organization which provides underprivileged elementary students in Forrest County exposure to career opportunities and facilitates interactive activities focused on empowerment, leadership and confidence.

“We are excited to welcome Ashley Jones to our staff,” said Jerry DeFatta, executive director of the Southern Miss Alumni Association. “Her dedication to Southern Miss through her eight years of service paired with her background in event planning made her the ideal candidate for the job. I am excited to see how she will grow our signature campus events.”

Charnock joins the staff as coordinator of student programming. Charnock will advise the Student Alumni Association while also working to grow the association’s online mentoring platform, Southern Miss Connections.

“I am excited to have the chance to join the talented staff of the Alumni Association,” said Charnock. “I look forward to working with USM students to enhance the many traditions we proudly uphold while deepening their connection with our most faithful alumni.”

Charnock is a 2020 and 2022 USM graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master of Education degree in higher education. During her time on campus, Charnock served as president of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and as a graduate assistant for the Office of Leadership and Student Involvement.

“Marybeth’s educational background and her leadership experience as a Southern Miss student will be an asset to our team as we work to engage members of the Student Alumni Association after a successful year of recruitment in 2021-2022,” added DeFatta.

Worley joined the association staff as receptionist and will manage the rental operations of the Ogletree House. Worley comes to the association from the Lucas Administration Building on the Hattiesburg campus, where she served as receptionist. Worley received her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from USM in 1995 and served as an elementary teacher for 26 years.

“Courtney’s enthusiasm for Southern Miss is a refreshing addition to our team,” said DeFatta. “Her customer service skills, along with her loyalty to the institution, create a welcoming atmosphere for alumni and friends at the Ogletree House. The addition of these new staff members will greatly enhance our ability to serve our constituents and continue to move us forward in our efforts to provide meaningful experiences for students and alumni.”

To learn more about the Southern Miss Alumni Association, call 601.266.5013 or visit: https://www.southernmissalumni.com/s/995/bp18/home.aspx