Southern Miss Marks 115th Anniversary, Holds Student Awards Day Ceremony

Tue, 04/01/2025 - 09:57am | By: Dr. David Tisdale

The University of Southern Mississippi celebrated the 115th anniversary of its “why”–its students' academic, service and leadership accomplishments–during the institution’s Founders’ Day Student Awards Ceremony held March 31 at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center on the Hattiesburg campus.

Southern Miss President Dr. Joe Paul, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Dr. Kristi Motter, and other university administrators were on hand to present recognition to these students. They also held a swearing-in ceremony for the new Student Government Association officers. A reception to mark the occasion, attended by students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and friends of the university, followed the event.

Southern Miss was chartered by legislative act March 30, 1910, as Mississippi Normal College, created to train teachers for the public schools of Mississippi. Classes began for 227 students on Sept. 18, 1912. Five main buildings–the Honor House, the Ogletree House, as well as Forrest County, College and Hattiesburg Halls–remain from the first year of construction.

As the school grew, its name changed to reflect its growth. On March 7, 1924, the state legislature changed the school’s name to State Teachers College. On Feb. 8, 1940, the legislature changed the name to Mississippi Southern College, and on Feb. 27, 1962, the name was changed to The University of Southern Mississippi.

Since its founding, Southern Miss remains dedicated to preparing students for success, delivering programs in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. As a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, Southern Miss has earned distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

“In celebrating the legacy of our founding, we are reminded of the values and vision that have shaped the University of Southern Mississippi into what it is today,” said Southern Miss Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dr. Sirena Cantrell. “Founders' Week is not only a time to honor the past, but also to recognize the bright future we continue to build together as we recognized the exceptional group of students we celebrated during this year’s Student Awards Day.

As an alumnus, administrator, and faculty member, Founders’ Day and Week hold a special place in Russ Willis’ heart. Willis currently serves as the university’s associate provost for student success and as a faculty member in the College of Business and Economic Development’s management program.

“Founders’ Day is a very significant day on the calendar each year for Southern Miss as we honor our storied past and recognize the achievements of our students,” said Willis (’89). “For 40 years, I’ve experienced our special and unique culture, both as a student and employee, and I’m profoundly grateful for every opportunity I’ve been afforded due to my association with the university. 

“We provide an environment for our students, both academically and socially, that can launch them into a successful and impactful life. Our future is bright.”

Student recognition included the following:

Outstanding Freshmen: Kaleb Bullock, Liam Cronin, Muhammad Huzaifa, Makini Lewis, Zalla Mccaffrey, Alexandria Roberston, Aubri Sparkman and Steven Jacob Tatum 
 
Most Outstanding Freshmen: Lillie Burge, Kade Leader 

Who’s Who Among Students at Southern Miss: Yeseul Bae, Lainey Bartlett, Logan Boudreaux, Abigail Bowers, Addison Boyette, Abigail Brown, Ashley Bryan, Vivian Chandler, Halie Childress, Joseph Clearman, Lillian Collins, Kelly DeVoe, Maya Eddins, Paige Fellows, Hannah Floyd, Courtney Francois, Imani Gibbs, Tatum Hansen, Kayiana Jasper, Tamea Jenkins, Lauren Johnson, Destiny Keys, Kami Kirkendall, Amber Latino, Charles Lewis, Dylan Littles, Lily Martinez, Cade McCormick, Zachary Metz, Devyn Migues, Mason Migues, Devyn Migues, Jimena Paredes, Laura Patino, Sarah Pazos, Anthony Radka, Cali Reinhart, Brynna Ridgdell, Ashlyn Roche, Braxton Ruddock, Tyler Saul, Lauren Sullivan, Sarah Swan, Camryn Thompson, Leah Tucker, Carl White IV, Gabriela Wilcox, MaryKatherine Wilkinson, Brady Williams and Hannah Windham 

Leave It Better Than You Found It Award: Lauren Sullivan 

Transfer Excellence Award: Shayla Price

Best Citizen Awards: Tamea Jenkins, Joseph Clearman 

Phi Kappa Phi Silver Bowl: Cali Reinhart

Barry Goldwater Scholarship: Charles Dalton 
 
Hertog Humanities Fellowship: Cameron Farvin

Dr. Joe Paul Society of 1910 Scholarship Award: Neal Rachal

Barbara Ross Gold Leaf Scholarship: Olivia Leggett

Judge R.J. Bishop Mississippian Award: Liz Wynne 

Hall of Fame Inductees: Yeseul Bae, Lillian Collins, Paige Fellows, Kayiana Jasper, Charles Lewis, Dylan Littles, Zachary Metz, Braxton Ruddock, Sarah Swan and Gabriela Wilcox

Student Government Association Officers for 2025-26: Leah Johnson – president, Damola Aikulola – vice president, Connor Gibson – chief justice and Sarah Munn – secretary