Fall 2024 Graduates Grateful for Southern Miss Experience
Mon, 12/16/2024 - 09:39am | By: Dr. David Tisdale
Armed with the education and experiences they gained at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), recent graduates say they are now ready for life.
Approximately 1,300 students were candidates for degrees as the semester concluded, among them Cassidy Boston, Trey Meadows, and Anna Philpot. The trio reflected on how their Southern Miss journeys shaped their futures while expressing excitement for what lies ahead.
Cassidy Boston
A native of Azle, Texas, Boston earned a degree in forensics (biological sciences) with a minor in criminal justice. She chose Southern Miss because of its nationally ranked forensic science program.
“I knew I would not be able to get the experience I did without attending USM,” Boston said.
During her time at Southern Miss, Boston completed two internships, which she described as “immensely helpful for my future.” She credited faculty members for facilitating those opportunities.
“Making connections with those in the field I wanted to pursue would never have been possible without my professors here at USM,” she said, specifically naming Kristi Johnson and Richard Swearingen, among other faculty members for their role in helping her meet her academic and career objectives.
“They [Johnson and Swearingen] weren’t simply professors to me, but colleagues,” said Boston. “They made sure I had every resource to be successful and pushed me to be the best forensic professional I could be. Without them, I would not have had such a great collegiate experience, and for that, I’m forever grateful.”
Boston plans to return to Texas to pursue a career in crime scene investigation.
“USM has given me such a unique experience that I will continue to use and cherish for a lifetime,” Boston added. “While I was here for just three and a half years, I can’t imagine my life any other way. It’s bittersweet to leave a place that has been my home away from home, but I’m excited to venture into the next chapter of my life.”
Trey Meadows
Meadows, a native of Laurel, Miss, earned a Master of Arts in communication with a focus on music industry public relations. Inspired by his mother, a Southern Miss alumna, Meadows chose Southern Miss for both his undergraduate and graduate studies.
He said it wasn’t long after being on campus that he felt a strong sense of belonging. That connection drove Meadows to excel in his studies and to be a mentor to other students. He participated in the university’s Men of Excellence program as an undergraduate and later served as a graduate advisor.
Meadows expressed gratitude to School of Media and Communication faculty members Dr. David Davies, Dr. John Meyer and school director Dr. Edgar Simpson for their guidance, along with his family and friends for their “endless support.” His future plans include launching a record label and producing music festivals, including bringing one to Hattiesburg.
“My USM experience showed me how the world–and all it has to offer–is so much bigger than myself, and that I should always strive to better the next generation of young students,” Meadows reflected. “I’m excited to graduate from this university for a second time and see what the future holds.”
Anna Philpot
Philpot, a Luckyday Scholar from Hattiesburg, majored in world language education with a minor in leadership studies. That decision was inspired by a study abroad experience in Cádiz, Spain. She plans to work as a Spanish teacher and eventually pursue a master’s degree.
As a member of Eagle Connection, the university’s official student tour guide group, Philpot helped visitors learn about Southern Miss and its campus. She described it as a rewarding experience that allowed her to share her passion for community service.
“Every time I gave a tour to a potential student and their guests, it reminded me how wonderful the university is,” said Philpot.
Philpot said the sense of belonging at Southern Miss transcends backgrounds or circumstances.
“Anyone can be someone at Southern Miss, and it’s not dependent on how much money your parents donate to the institution, how expensive your clothes are, or what your major is,” she said.
“I know I’m a better person because I’m a Southern Miss Golden Eagle. This is a family I’ll always belong to,” Philpot added.
Philpot was amid interviews for jobs as graduation day approached. “Now the possibilities are endless, and that feels so, so good,” she said.