Lucas Recipient of Mississippi Pinnacle Award for Lifetime Achievement

Fri, 04/19/2024 - 12:40pm | By: David Tisdale

Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas, president emeritus of The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), received the Lifetime Achievement-Humanitarian Award during the Mississippi Pinnacles Awards Gala, held April 9 at Hattiesburg’s Lake Terrace Convention Center.

Hosted for the second year in a row by the Hattiesburg’s Sales & Marketing Professionals, the event honored five Humanitarians and six Pinnacle Award recipients who represent the achievements and talents of the Magnolia state’s business owners, directors, account executives, event planners, marketers, and community volunteers. Also recognized at the gala were 36 finalists (13 businesses, 10 events and 13 individuals) for the Pinnacle Awards, including an Overall Individual Pinnacle Award recipient.

USM President Dr. Joseph S. Paul presented Dr. Lucas with his award.

A native of State Line, Miss., Dr. Lucas is a USM alumnus who served his alma mater as president from 1975-1996. Before taking the helm at USM, he was president of Delta State University. He is active in many civic and charitable organizations, including service as chair of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art Board of Trustees; chair of the Hattiesburg Salvation Army Advisory Board; chair of the Mississippi Arts Commission; chair of the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters; chair of the Board of Directors of the Hattiesburg Area Community Foundation; and as a member of the Mississippi Humanities Council and Hattiesburg Convention Center Commission.

“I’m deeply honored and congratulate the other award recipients for all they do to help make Mississippi, our home, a great place to live and work,” Dr. Lucas said.

Learn more about the Mississippi Pinnacle Awards, including other recipients of recognition at this year’s gala.