Taylor Joins IDS as RISE To The Top! Alumni Liaison

Fri, 07/26/2024 - 03:04pm | By: Dr. Rebecca Holland

Mary Ann Taylor recently joined the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS) at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) as the Alumni Liaison for the Reaching, Inclusion, Supporting, and Education (RISE) To The Top! program.  

 Taylor completed the Higher Education for All pilot program in 2022, which became the RISE program.  In her new role, she will assist with recruitment activities, mentoring services and alumni development.     

 “I was very happy to participate in the RISE program at USM and am very proud to be RISE’s Alumni Liaison for future RISE students, who I hope will get as much out of the program as I have,” Taylor said. “I want them to realize their full potential and hope to help them achieve it.” 

The RISE To The Top! program is a four-year, eight-semester, inclusive college program for persons with intellectual disabilities and/or developmental disabilities. The program incorporates academic and employment preparation and leads to an Institute for Higher Learning approved certificate upon completion, As one of only two programs of its kind in the state of Mississippi, RISE To The Top! is a collaborative effort between the Institute for Disability Studies and the Southern Miss School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development. 

“We are very excited for Mary Ann to join our RISE Team,” said Dr. Jerry Alliston, associate director of IDS.  “Mary Ann completed four years here at Southern Miss, and her love for the University is evident when she shares her story with others. She truly wants everyone to know about inclusive postsecondary education programs like RISE.” 

For more information about the RISE To The Top! program, contact RISE Coordinator Danielle Mullins, LMSW or 601.266.5962; or email program staff.