Jimmy A. Payne Foundation Funds 17 Projects Across Academic and Student Programs at Southern Miss

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 03:39pm | By: Samantha McCain Alexander, APR

Building on a legacy of transformative giving, the Jimmy A. Payne Foundation recently made grants totaling $502,689 through the USM Foundation to support 17 projects across all four academic colleges, the Graduate School, University Libraries, Academic Affairs and Student Affairs at The University of Southern Mississippi.  

The generosity of beloved Golden Eagle Jim Payne '64 has echoed throughout time, enhancing students' lives across all disciplines, providing upgrades to facilities and aiding in developing critical programs and academic offerings.     

For the 2024-25 academic year, the following projects and programs will benefit from the latest grant cycle: 

• Academic Affairs 

• • Jimmy A. Payne Foundation Gap Annual Scholarship 

• • Apple Design Lab 

• Student Affairs 

• • Student Accessibility Services Testing Center 

• • Wellness Eagles 

• College of Nursing and Health Professions 

• • The Children’s Center for Communication and Development (CCCD) 

• • • A wall to help reduce high frequency sound while children are on the playground  

• • Shared facility with DuBard School and CCCD on the Gulf Park Campus 

• • Clinical Observation Recording System (CORS) 

• College of Business and Economic Development 

• • The Hatchery 

• College of Arts & Sciences 

• • USM Dance Studio Theatre Renovation 

• • Boulderburg Geotrail 

• • Interactive models in general chemistry 

• • Computer Science Sensory (neurodiverse) Room 

• • Computing Research Center 

• College of Education and Human Sciences 

• • EHS Nest 

• The Graduate School 

• • Dissertation Completion Grants 

• University Libraries 

• • de Grummond Children's Literature Collection Curatorship Endowment 

• • NY Times Newspaper Database 

Since his passing in 2015, the Jimmy A. Payne Foundation's philanthropic goals have been carried out through his children, Jonathan Payne and April Payne Nall.   

"My father's legacy at The University of Southern Mississippi is deeply rooted in a love for this institution that both my parents shared and passed on to me," said Nall. " The Jimmy A. Payne Foundation established in my father’s name is a continuation of his commitment to this University. It’s my hope that through this foundation, we can ensure Southern Miss continues to thrive, educating students who are passionate about learning and driven to ‘better the world’ with the knowledge they gain here." 

A Newton, Miss. native, Payne served in the U.S. Army National Guard before attending Southern Miss, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After graduating in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, he began working for Proctor & Gamble.    

He later earned a Master of Business Administration from Mississippi College and became a pioneer in the pharmaceutical industry when he joined forces with his brother, Larry, and eight other investors to form UAD Laboratories. He was president and CEO until its merger with Forest Laboratories in 1989.  

A proud alumnus, Payne served the University in several capacities, including as president of the USM Foundation Board of Directors and the Southern Miss Alumni Association. He was inducted into The University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame in 1990, along with his brother Larry and Larry’s wife Liz, for their lifelong commitment to the success of Southern Miss. 

Furthering Payne's vision of enriching students' lives and supporting academic excellence, the Jimmy A. Payne Foundation has contributed $3.4 million to Southern Miss, in addition to direct gifts made throughout his lifetime.  

His extensive philanthropic efforts have left an indelible mark on the University, including significant contributions to scholarship funds, the Payne Center, the Moffit Health Center and various academic and recreational facilities.  

"The impact of Jim's legacy and unwavering commitment to Southern Miss resonates with every student, faculty member and staff who his philanthropy has positively influenced," said Stace Mercier, executive director of the USM Foundation. "We appreciate the continued support from the Jimmy A. Payne Foundation and the Payne Family." 

Established in 1989, The Jimmy A. Payne Foundation awards grants for projects annually to support The University of Southern Mississippi.   

Founded in 1959, the USM Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to serving the University community by overseeing fundraising efforts to raise private support for scholarships and other academic needs at Southern Miss. 

For more information on supporting The University of Southern Mississippi, call the USM Foundation at 601.266.5210.