USM Alumna Awarded $25K Milken Educator Award

Wed, 01/29/2025 - 02:44pm

Two-time Southern Miss graduate and Oak Grove Elementary School fifth grade teacher Amanda Duplessy received the 2024-25 Milken Educator Award during a surprise school assembly. Click here to watch.

Duplessy was honored as one of only 45 educators nationwide and the only teacher in Mississippi. The Milken Family Foundation presented her with the "Oscar of Teaching" for her innovative instructional practices and exemplary leadership. Created by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken, the prestigious national recognition includes an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize. 

“I’m still in disbelief that I have been selected for this award,” said Duplessy. “I think the best part so far has been all the support from those who know me and to hear from parents of former students regarding the impact I've had on their children. As teachers, we don't always get that follow up from families, so it is really encouraging to know I am making a difference.”

Surrounded by her students and colleagues, Duplessy was also joined by some special guests who made their way to Hattiesburg for the celebration, including Mississippi Superintendent of Education Dr. Lance Evans, U.S. Congressman Mike Ezell, Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop and veteran Milken educators from across the state. 

“We are incredibly excited for Ms. Duplessy to have received such a prestigious honor! Nothing brings us greater joy than seeing our graduates excelling in their careers and making a difference,” said Dr. Trent Gould, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences at Southern Miss.

The Milken Family Foundation commended Duplessy on the individualized way she tailors instruction and interventions to meet her students' needs in addition to mentoring fellow and aspiring teachers.

“Beyond the impact Ms. Duplessy is making in the lives of her students, this award also celebrates the ways she is mentoring her peer educators and the next generation of teachers being trained at Southern Miss,” said Dr. Gould. “We are grateful for the commitment she has made to serve as a student teacher supervisor for our School of Education. Student teaching is a pinnacle experience for elementary education majors, and that rich season of learning and growth can be even more impactful by having exceptional teachers like Ms. Duplessy provide incomparable mentorship.”

Since 1987, the Milken Family Foundation has awarded more than $75 million in individual cash prizes, empowering recipients to "Celebrate, Elevate and Activate" the K-12 profession and encouraging young, capable people to consider a career in education. 

“I would encourage anyone pursuing a career in education to follow their dreams. There are a lot of remarkable teachers out there. Don't be afraid to ask them for help and to try new things,” said Duplessy. “This is a hard job, and having a strong network of people supporting and encouraging you is key to being successful." 

Duplessy’s degrees from The University of Southern Mississippi include a Bachelor of Science in elementary education K-6 in 2007 and a Master of Education in elementary education in 2012.

For more information about the Milken Educator Award, click here. Click here to learn more about the USM School of Education.