Grames Named Director of USM School of Child and Family Sciences
Thu, 06/06/2024 - 09:48am | By: Karelia Pitts
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) College of Education and Human Sciences
has announced the appointment of Dr. Heath Grames as director of the School of Child
and Family Sciences beginning July 1, 2024.
“Dr. Pat Sims has provided incredible leadership as director of the School of Child
and Family Sciences for the past 10 years. We wish her well as she returns to faculty
full-time and are pleased to see Dr. Grames stepping into directorship,” said Dr.
Trent Gould, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences. “Dr. Grames is a
seasoned faculty member with a broad perspective and understanding of trends and challenges
in higher education. He will be able to leverage his higher ed experiences in this
new role, and I am excited to see where he leads the School in the coming years.”
Dr. Grames joined the faculty at USM in 2006. He earned his bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. from Brigham Young University-Provo. He also holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Dr. Grames is an associate professor and will be stepping into school directorship after serving one year as interim associate school director and 11 years as program coordinator for the marriage and family therapy program.
“I have always felt blessed to be a faculty member in the School of Child and Family Sciences at Southern Miss. The support, mentorship and positive collegial relationships within the school create an environment where each faculty member is encouraged and strives to be their best,” said Dr. Grames. “I believe we are in a good position to face challenges that come our way while continuing to improve our craft for the benefit of our students and the children and families they serve.”
The School of Child and Family Sciences equips students with the knowledge and skills to ethically promote child and family well-being and quality of life in an evolving, multicultural world. Utilizing a systemic lens, students are prepared to advance the profession as they teach, serve and advocate for individuals, children, families and communities in multiple contexts.
The School’s bachelor’s degree (child and family sciences B.S.) and two master’s degrees (child and family sciences M.S., marriage and family therapy M.S.) provide transformative learning experiences that prepare graduates to practice in educational, mental health and social service settings.
Learn more about the USM College of Education and Human Sciences School of Child and Family Sciences.