Weathers Returns to University of Southern Mississippi as General Counsel

Tue, 04/30/2024 - 01:41pm

Jon Mark Weathers, former Circuit Judge, Place 2, for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court District, will return to The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) as General Counsel beginning May 1.

Weathers succeeds current General Counsel Bob Gholson who will officially retire June 7, 2024, after leading the University’s legal office for eight years.

“I am thrilled to welcome the Honorable Jon Mark Weathers back home to Southern Miss,” said University President Dr. Joe Paul. “The retirement of Counsel Gholson is a bittersweet celebration for me, as his friendship and leadership have been vital to the success of Southern Miss for eight years. However, I am grateful for Judge Weathers’ eager return to a position he previously held for five years with honor and distinction. His extensive legal experience, along with his knowledge of the University, makes him the perfect person for this role at this time. He will undoubtedly guide us well in our journey to the Top!”

Weathers, a lifelong resident of Hattiesburg, Miss., is a 1970 graduate of Southern Miss. He is also a graduate of Hattiesburg High School and Pearl River Community College. He attended the University of Mississippi Law School and was admitted to the Bar in 1972. He is admitted to practice in all Mississippi State Courts, U.S. District Courts of Mississippi, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth and Eleventh Circuits, United States Federal Claims Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Weathers was the District Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial District from 1976-1980. After practicing civil litigation law for 23 years, Weathers sought and was again elected District Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial District, taking office in July of 2003, serving in that capacity until November 2010 when he became General Counsel for The University of Southern Mississippi. He served in that capacity until being elected Circuit Judge in November of 2015, taking office on January 1, 2016. Weathers has served as a Circuit Judge for eight years.

Weathers is a member of The Mississippi State Bar Association. He is a Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; Advocate, American Board of Trial Advocates; and a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation.

“I appreciate the opportunity to return to Southern Miss as General Counsel and look forward to assisting Dr. Paul in his journey as President and rejoining my colleagues in the General Counsel's Office,” said Weathers.

He and his wife, Peggy, have two children and six grandchildren.