The University of

The University of
Southern
Mississippi
advancement report
118 College Drive #10026
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.5602
www.usm.edu/foundation
AA/EOE/ADAI PCS 59841.10026
The University of Southern Mississippi:
A
Creative spir it. A Bold impact. A Determined future.
Southern Miss to the Top!
More than the words to our fight song, this phrase rings true
throughout our existence. We have come a long way in nearly
100 years and are ready to advance to the next level. Through
our creativity, boldness and determination, we have forged
ahead and will continue to rise to the top. The success of
Southern Miss can be attributed to our personal stories,
spirit of generosity and strong family of alumni and friends.
The Southern Miss Story
Our story began nearly a century ago as Mississippi’s first
state-supported teacher training school. From the beginning,
Southern Miss realized the potential for opening doors to a
better future. Today, we are the premier research university
for the Gulf South, recognized for our external funding,
innovative discoveries and extraordinary faculty. We have
paved the way for future generations to carry on our legacy.
The Southern Miss Spirit
Southern Miss has a spirit of generosity. We are faithful
stewards of our resources and anxious to share what we have
with the larger world. Our students realize success, graduating
with the tools they need to excel and make a difference. It is
the spirit of giving among our family and friends that changes
the lives of our students.
The Southern Miss Family
Southern Miss is steeped in tradition and represents what it
means to be a university family. We look people straight in
the eye – greeting friends and strangers alike. We consider
others’ needs along with our own. Our family reaches out
and extends themselves not because they expect something in
return, but because it is part of who we are.
We are a family united, and our collective stories, spirit and
generosity are advancing Southern Miss to the top. Together,
we are moving forward – creative, bold, determined.
a plan for
the next 100 years
the
The
university
University
of
ofsouthern
Southernmississippi
Mississippi Advancement
advancementReport
report• 6• 3
This process was created based on the assumption that
individuals and organizations are most effective when
moving in the direction of their hopes and dreams. “I
firmly believe that organizations prosper when they build
on their strengths and follow the hopes and dreams of
their stakeholders,” said Saunders. “We learned a lot
about ourselves, including those values and beliefs that
make Southern Miss, Southern Miss.”
The five forces identified as central to the core of
Southern Miss are a spirit of humanity, self-efficacy,
collective individualism, heritage-tradition and diversity.
These forces of innovation represent the intangible
characteristics that make Southern Miss what it is while
at the same time providing the energy to move the
University toward its desired future.
u ni v e r s i t y pr e s i d e n t f or m u l at e s s tr ate g ic pl a n
During her annual state of the
university address this fall,
Southern Miss President Martha Saunders called on
the campus community to rely on the institution’s
core strengths to achieve future goals in the face of
obstacles as it moves toward the centennial in 2010.
“Our accomplishments of the past have been hard
won, and our goals for the future will challenge us,”
said Saunders. “But I have faith in the creativity, the
boldness and the determination of the people of
Southern Miss.”
It is that description of the people of Southern Miss,
identified through a series of campus dialogues in fall
2007, which has become the cornerstone for a new
strategic plan.
During the fall of 2007, more than 350 participants
that included students, faculty, staff, alumni and
community leaders came together in 11 sessions in
Hattiesburg and across the Gulf Coast to identify
the strengths of the University and the aspirations
of its people.
S t r at e g ic A r e a s of F o c u s
The work of the past year has generated a vision for the
University and its four areas of strategic interest:
• Image Development
Promotes the internal and external reputation of the
University and supports the vision of Southern Miss
• A Climate for Academic Success
A unified environment that minimizes barriers for
enrolled and prospective students, attracts and retains
quality faculty and staff, embraces and reflects diversity
and produces graduates who are truly competitive in the
global marketplace
• Connections with Community
Engaged citizens of Southern Miss who genuinely invest
in their university and host communities
“We see ourselves emerging as the premier research
university of the Gulf South, engaging and empowering
individuals to transform lives and communities,” said
Saunders. “Our new strategic plan has given us a compass
and a guide.” With the help of key consultants, the
University’s strategic planning committee has defined a
vision for these areas along with key performance indicators.
The plan is built on a foundation of good enrollment
planning, fiscal integrity, adequate facilities and logical
resource allocation.
• A Culture of Healthy Minds, Bodies and Campuses
Emphasizes a multidimensional, healthy environment at
Southern Miss
“Success lies in the ability to translate vision into action,”
said Saunders. “This strategic effort is about developing a
living, breathing plan of action where we gather ideas, set
objectives and measure our performance.”
• Peer-reviewed publications and creative endeavors
The Strategic Planning Committee will be measuring
success, in part, through:
• The numbers of baccalaureate degrees awarded
• Square footage of new or substantially renovated
facilities
• Student satisfaction surveys
• External research funding
• Total endowment
“ As w e m ov e to wa r d o u r n e xt 1 0 0 y e a rs
of s e rv ic e to t h i s s tat e , w e h av e a g o od
s e n s e of w ho w e a r e , w h e r e w e h av e
be e n a n d w h e r e w e a r e g oi ng . ”
The University of Southern Mississippi Advancement Report • 5
Boldly advancing
Southern Miss
the university of southern mississippi advancement report • 7
“ W e wa n t to b u i l d s o m e t h i ng l a s t i ng a n d
r e l e va n t i n e n s u r i ng t h at o u r s t u d e n ts
tod ay a n d o u r s t u de n ts tom or r o w h av e
opp ort u n i t i e s to c r e at e t h e i r o w n s tor i e s
of s u c c e ss a n d per s e v e r a nc e . ”
de v e lopi ng a t e a m f or t h e of f ic e of a d va nc e m e n t
Driven to succeed, the Office of
Advancement is committed to taking Southern
Miss to the top. Led by Dr. David Wolf, vice president for
Advancement, the office is comprised of the Department
of Development (USM Foundation), Marketing and
Public Relations and Alumni Affairs. Under this new
advancement model, these three departments work
together to maximize financial contributions to the
University, execute an effective and comprehensive
communication strategy and actively engage alumni in
the life of the University. The Office of Advancement
works with friends and alumni to help them know and
understand the unique position of Southern Miss in
higher education as the premier research university for
the Gulf South. “This is an exceptionally exciting time
to be at The University of Southern Mississippi,”
said Wolf. “To be a part of a new administrative team
led by Dr. Saunders that is focused on taking our
University to new heights energizes our stakeholders
and me. We have a great opportunity before us to
bring together the elements necessary to communicate
who we are and why we are deserving of our alumni
and friends’ support; an opportunity to share in the
story of Southern Miss as we connect our alumni
and community to their stories of how the University
changed their lives. We want to build something lasting
and relevant in ensuring that our students today and
our students tomorrow have opportunities to create
their own stories of success and perseverance.”
The USM Foundation is making exciting strides to
further connect with Southern Miss family and friends. In
August, Aaron Vold joined the development team as the
new assistant vice president of development. In this vital
role, Vold oversees the University’s development activities,
capital campaign planning, annual giving, major gifts
and planned gifts. He is also responsible for directing the
efforts of the University’s development officers assigned
to each college. By focusing on the specific goals of each
college, the development officers help obtain gracious
support for academic programs at Southern Miss.
Other key changes to the development team include J.T.
Tisdale and Josh Hernandez, two ambitious individuals
with a strong commitment to supporting the future of
Southern Miss. Tisdale, senior director of development,
oversees the Southern Miss annual fund in addition
to serving as director of development for the College
of Science and Technology. With the assistance of
Hernandez as director of corporate and foundation
relations, Tisdale is creating a vibrant annual fund
campaign that will impact the most important asset of
Southern Miss - its students.
With its focus on the University’s Centennial Celebration
in 2010, the Alumni Association is utilizing the
advantages of being a part of the advancement division.
“The new structure creates an opportunity for more
interaction and coordination between the three areas
of advancement that aids in our efforts to advance the
interests of the University from all perspectives,” said Bob
Pierce, executive director of the Alumni Association. As
a part of the advancement team, the Alumni Association
has a strong support system as they grow their 20,000 in
2010 Membership Campaign.
“University Advancement has undergone an
organizational renaissance,” said University President
Martha Saunders. “The bringing together of our three
departments that touch the lives of our alumni, friends
and greater public allows Advancement to position itself
as an organization, poised to add value and integrate our
strategic values.”
With an ambitious vision for Southern Miss, the Office
of Advancement is determined to achieve the goals for
advancing the University. “No matter how our family and
friends choose to support the University, every gift of any
amount makes a difference,” said Wolf. “Each gift greatly
impacts the lives of both current and future students at
Southern Miss.”
T h e tota l
s c hol a r s h i p
s u pp ort
f or t h e
U n i v e rs i t y
from the USM
F o u n dat ion
wa s
$2,842,292.33
in the 2008
fiscal year.
Below: Dr. David Wolf addresses members of the Honor Club at the
Foundation’s annual gala.
The Department of Marketing and Public Relations
is taking Southern Miss communications to a new
level. With a new strategic communications plan in
the works, they are focused on proving that Southern
Miss is creative, bold and determined. By coordinating
communications for the University through print, web
and media relations, Marketing and Public Relations
is strengthening the brand of Southern Miss while
defining its unique identity.
the university of southern mississippi advancement report • 9
The USM
Foundation
i m pa c t e d 1 , 2 7 5 s t u de n ts
t h r o u g h s c hol a r s h i p s
in the 2008 fiscal year.
t h e u n i v e r s i t y of s o u t h e r n
m i ss i ss i ppi f o u n dat ion
John Forstall, Biochemistry Major, Freshman
Pearls of Wisdom
and
Determination
o s h e r f o u n dat ion m a k e s $ 1 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 g i f t
to s u pp ort l i f e long l e a r n i ng
Sue Pace learned at a young age the
value of what she affectionately calls “seasoned adults.”
“I can remember my grandmother saying, ‘Sue, you need
to always remember to be kind and patient with older
people because they have so many pearls of wisdom.’ Her
advice sparked my affection for older adults,” said Pace.
With a rooted background in working with retired adults,
Pace and her husband Bill Pace moved to Hattiesburg
in 1989, where she became the director of continuing
education at The University of Southern Mississippi. Pace
enjoyed her position, but also wanted to focus on her
compassion for older adults.
“I always dreamt of a member-driven, community-based
organization that allowed retired adults to satisfy their
thirst for knowledge,” said Pace. “Senior adults have so
much energy and such varied educational backgrounds. I
wanted an organization where they could learn from each
other through peer-taught programs.”
Determined to make her dream a reality, Pace proposed a
three-year plan to then University president, Dr. Aubrey
K. Lucas, assuring him that she could establish the
organization with just $3,000. In 1991, with 94 charter
members, Pace founded the Institute for Learning in
Retirement (ILR).
Since then, the Institute has continued to flourish. To
meet the needs of the growing organization, the ILR
raised $750,000 to expand their facilities. In 2005, the
Institute received a $100,000 gift from the Bernard Osher
Foundation and changed its name to the Osher Lifelong
Learning Institute (OLLI). To be considered for renewal,
the Institute pledged to build membership to more than
500 members within three years.
“At that time, we were the smallest-populated area seeking
a grant from the Osher Foundation,” said Pace. “Most of
the organizations Mr. Osher had funded were in major
metropolitan areas.”
Once again, Pace proved her determination by obtaining
543 members in the spring of 2008. After demonstrating
potential for success and sustainability, OLLI at
Southern Miss received a $1 million endowment from
the Osher Foundation.
“Because of this endowment, there will be earnings
available so that our grandchildren will have a place to
learn and enjoy friendships when they become ‘seasoned
adults’,” said Pace.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is more than
just an educational institute. It is a second home for its
members, where family and relationships are formed.
“Friendships are abundant. Two marriages began right
here at OLLI,” said Pace. “This Institute has proven that
life can be meaningful, exciting and fun, and that these
truly are the best years of your life.”
Pace now has the chance to pass her pearls of wisdom on
to the newly appointed director of OLLI, Susan Bone.
“I am excited to retire and enjoy OLLI as a member,”
said Pace. “All these years and I have never been able to
take a class!”
For more information on OLLI at Southern Miss, contact
Susan Bone at 601.261.1346.
Opposite page: Members of OLLI participate in a class on watercolor
painting at the Peck House’s outdoor pavillion.
the university of southern mississippi advancement report • 13
and sorority members also pay chapter dues that fund the
chapter room rental fee. Moving from Wilbur Hall to a
new state-of-the-art facility would increase the rental fee
by $6,500. Determined to not let the collegians assume
this financial burden alone, the sorority alumnae
chapters pulled together to come up with a unique way
to fund the increase in rent.
Members from each sorority’s alumnae chapter met with
the USM Foundation and Sid Gonsoulin, associate vice
president for the Office of Student Affairs, to discuss
fundraising opportunities. A fund was created for The
Village that would be used to pay down the bond of the
complex and allow donations to be given with preference
to a particular house. Five of the nine sorority chapters
established endowments to support the bond.
With construction underway, the chapters had little
time for fundraising. “With the help of a dear friend, I
organized a campaign committee of women who love Tri
Delta and were willing to give their time and talents to
work for this cause,” said Martha Thornton, chair of the
“Celebrate us Home” Tri Delta Fundraising Campaign
and president of Phi Epsilon House Corporation Board
of Directors.
A Creative Chapter in the
southern
miss story
a l um n i d on at e to b u i l d
t h e v i l l a g e f or s t u de n ts
It has been said that it takes a village…
but building one takes a special attribute. Such a village
at The University of Southern Mississippi resulted from a
creative vision that began in the early ‘90s with a few dedicated
alumnae and a lot of determination.
“It was our dream to have a nicer facility for the sorority
women,” said Mary Dayne Gregg, a Chi Omega alumna. “We
would talk about it and dream about it, knowing that it would
take a village to become competitive with other universities’
Greek systems.” This dream came to fruition in 2005 when
the University began drafting plans for the new complex
that would consist of nine houses, two duplex units and a
60-bed residence hall. The Village would house upper-class
female students, including sorority members, honor students,
scholarship recipients and athletes.
As all other dormitory residences on campus, the University
owns The Village. The residents pay an increased room rate
A dedication ceremony was held at The Village on May
1, 2008, beginning with a gathering outside, followed by
individual ceremonies. Many of the rooms in each facility
were named in honor of donors whose generosity made
the complex possible. These honors were unveiled with
heart-felt gratitude at ceremonies hosted by each chapter.
“This new residential facility is an exciting living and
learning community for Greek women at Southern Miss,”
said Southern Miss President Martha Saunders. “I am
grateful to all of you who helped write this success story
and honored by your commitment to the enhancement
of the lives of our students.”
Through the fundraising efforts of the sorority alumnae
chapters, The Village campaign raised over $1 million.
With an overwhelming response to a highly successful
campaign, many of the endowments will have a spending
allocation in excess of the amount needed to support
the bond. This will allow scholarships to be provided to
students at the University.
“ This
n e w r e s i de n t i a l
fa c i l i t y i s a n e xc i t i ng
l i v i ng a n d l e a r n i ng
Each sorority directed its own fundraising campaign
through its housing corporation and alumnae chapter,
reaching out to alumnae and friends for support.
Members of each chapter met throughout the campaign to
share their plans and results.
comm u n i t y f or w om e n at
“Sorority advisers and alumnae chapter presidents held
regular committee meetings with Residence Life, Student
Affairs and Greek Life staff to discuss our progress,” said
Dr. Cathy Sessums, a member of the Hattiesburg Phi Mu
alumnae chapter.
“In this day and age, so many students try to balance
academics, campus involvement and work; their lives are
so hectic,” said Gregg. “It can be a challenge for women
to hold an office in a sorority. Offering scholarships
will make being in a sorority and being a leader more
attractive.”
The sorority women were astounded by the generous
response they received. Many of the donations came from
alumnae who had been out of touch with the University
and first-time donors who had a passion for Southern Miss.
“These women opened their pocketbooks and their hearts
for a cause they firmly believed in,” said Gregg.
In the fall of 2007, the sorority women transitioned from
a traditional residence hall to a state-of-the-art complex,
where each house consists of 30 beds, a chapter room, study
rooms and a kitchen complete with Viking appliances.
S o u t h e r n M i ss .
”
The Village is not just a residential facility with standard
dorm rooms inhabited by students. Each room tells a
story, a story of sisterhood, leadership and of a promise
for a bright future for women at Southern Miss.
Opposite page: Lauren Sentell, Marketing Major, and Tiffany
Skremetti, Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy Major, relax in one of
The Village’s new houses.
The
TheUniversity
Universityof
ofSouthern
SouthernMississippi
MississippiAdvancement
AdvancementReport
Report••15
18
The University is
r a n k e d a m ong
t h e top 5 0
i n t h e c o u n t ry f or
c h e m ic a l r e s e a r c h
f u n d i ng by t h e
n at ion a l s c i e nc e
f o u n d at ion .
t h e u n i v e rs i t y of s o u t h e r n
m i ss i ss i ppi r e s e a r c h f o u n d at ion
Stacy Kirkland, Polymer Science and Engineering, Graduate Student
“ I n on e g e n e r at ion , S o u t h e r n M i ss h a s
d on e w h at no on e g av e i t pe r m i ss ion to
d o : be c o m e a c o m pr e h e n s i v e r e s e a r c h
u n i v e r s i t y w i t h fa c u lt y a n d pr o g r a ms
t h at a r e d e m on s t r a bly w or l d c l a ss . ”
Creating a Rich Environment
for research
The ability to inspire great thinkers in the pursuit of
knowledge is the hallmark of a great university, and it is
this kind of environment that is enhanced through a robust
research environment.
Actively engaging faculty and students in scholarly activities
is a priority for growing the overall research enterprise at
Southern Miss says President Saunders. “We are committed
to seeking ways to fund important projects that have realworld applications.”
Building innovation and commercialization clusters
around core academic programs provides a foundation
for bringing intellectual discoveries to fruition through
startup companies. In fact, the University is now home to
15 active Mississippi University Research Authority-created
companies, the largest number of any university in the state.
“If the research enterprise was an industry unto itself, it
would comprise a payroll of $60 million for more than 700
people, all within a public institution,” says Dr. Cecil Burge,
vice president for Research and Economic Development.
“In one generation, Southern Miss has done what no one
gave it permission to do: become a comprehensive research
university with faculty and programs that are demonstrably
world class.”
Below: Associate Biology Professor Jacob Schaefer’s National Science
Foundation-funded research projects are aimed at studying the
ecology of small fishes and helping improve the University’s biological
collections.
S o u t h e r n M i ss f o c u s e s on be i ng t h e pr e m i e r
r e s e a r c h u n i v e rs i t y f or t h e G u l f S o u t h
Whether it’s searching for new ways
to meet the country’s demand for seafood or formulating
marine coatings to save the military millions of dollars by
rust proofing its carriers, the research enterprise at The
University of Southern Mississippi continues to flourish.
Southern Miss scholars earned $91 million in external
funding for research and sponsored programs in fiscal
year 2007-08 for a three-year average of $97.1 million.
Efforts to grow and maintain external research funding
have resulted in consistent growth since 2000, hitting a
high of $102 million in 2006.
Researchers in the College of Science and Technology led
all University areas in growth with a total of $52 million
in external funding, up $9 million from the previous
year. The College of Health also recorded a surge of grant
funding with $15.1 million, a $3.9 million increase from
the previous year. The College of Arts and Letters also
recorded an increase to $1.6 million, up from $561,705
last year. The College of Education and Psychology
recorded a total of $3.3 million in research funding.
“We were able to sustain the relative size of the enterprise
by improving our ability to acquire competitive grants,”
said President Martha Saunders. “We are encouraged
by the quality and size of our competitive awards this
year that included those from both the National Science
Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.”
In the biological sciences department alone, faculty
members directed five National Science Foundationfunded projects over the last year, according to Dr. Frank
Moore, department chair and professor. Research topics
included the study of patterns of fish biodiversity and
related conservation implications; the spread of West
Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus; and
the study of carbon deposits in marine sediments and
related implications for global warming.
“We have a very active and research-oriented
department,” said Moore. “This is evidence of how
this University is growing and maturing the overall
research enterprise.”
the university of southern mississippi advancement report • 19
“Because of the training I have received here, I have
been invited to give numerous talks; I am now sitting
on National Science Foundation review panels and
reviewing manuscripts for journals and generally have
become visible on a national level,” said Johnson. “My
training at Southern Miss has truly prepared me for my
future as a professor.”
at wor k
u n i v e r s i t y fa c u lt y c l a i m com pe t i t i v e g r a n ts
f or m e a n i ng f u l r e s e a r c h
Research pursuits of faculty not
only provide ideas for commercialization, but
also invite recognition among peers throughout the
academic community. Faculty successes also enhance the
University’s stature as a major research institution across
both corporate and governmental organizations.
Dr. Crystal N. Johnson, microbiologist and assistant
research professor at Southern Miss’ Gulf Coast Research
Laboratory, is getting plenty of attention among peers
around the country as an aspiring scientist with solid
academic credentials. She recently received a four-year
grant totaling $2.3 million from the National Science
Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health to
lead a collaborative team in the study of pathogenic vibrios
as part of its Ecology of Infectious Diseases program.
“Since Dr. Johnson joined my lab in 2005, she has matured
into a first-rate scientist whose skills are well recognized
among peers,” said professor Jay Grimes. “Her recent award
from the NSF is testimony to her many accomplishments
and will no doubt serve her well in securing more grants
and in becoming a role model for underrepresented,
aspiring scientists.”
impact results
Among the 349 awards received by Southern Miss
researchers last year were these:
Dr. Jennifer Owen, a wildlife disease ecologist and assistant
professor at Michigan State University, spent 11 years
at Southern Miss as a doctoral student and held a postdoctoral appointment in the lab of Dr. Frank Moore,
chairman of the Department of Biological Sciences.
Owen credits Moore and the collaborative environment
at Southern Miss for preparing her for a promising faculty
tenure-track position.
• An $8 million grant from the Department of Defense
was awarded to Drs. Shelby Thames and James Rawlins in
the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials
for the creation of a new national composites center.
The funding will support an extensive array of research
projects by at least a dozen faculty members and graduate
students that will support the marine industry.
“I could not be doing what I am without that opportunity,”
said Owen. “Southern Miss helped facilitate my research in
so many ways.”
• A $6.6 million award to Drs. Bill Hawkins, Reginald
Blaylock and Jeff Lotz, professors of coastal sciences, from
the U.S. Department of Commerce, which will provide
for the construction of facilities and infrastructure at the
Cedar Point Marine Aquaculture Center.
“Dr. Owen’s is a nice success story,” said Moore. “She
earned her doctorate under my direction, studying the
immune system of migratory birds.” Owen spent the past
four years coordinating a National Science Foundation
grant that expanded the understanding of how migratory
birds might figure in the appearance of West Nile Virus
and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
Creative Minds
Bold Ideas
• A $2 million National Institutes of Health grant was
awarded to Dr. Kathy Yadrick, chair of the Department of
Nutrition and Food Systems, for a five-year communitybased participatory research intervention to increase
walking in Hattiesburg.
Dr. Michael Neiberg’s contributions to the field of history
have earned notice from the History News Network, which
named The University of Southern Mississippi military
expert one of its Top Young Historians this year.
• A $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security is helping underwrite the training
of an estimated 5,370 officials at 1,055 institutions
nationwide on sport security management through the
Center for Spectator Sports Security.
Recipients of the Top Young Historian designation are
nominated and undergo a review process for their scholarly
research and teaching skills, and are considered experts
in their field within and outside of academia. “It is quite
an honor to be among such distinguished company on
this list,” Neiberg said. “I’m grateful to the people here at
Southern Miss who have given me the support to make
something like this possible.”
• A $670,254 grant from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture Forest Service provided opportunities for
students to assist the National Forests in Mississippi in
conducting archaeological testing on some 379,000 acres
of hurricane-damaged forestlands in South Mississippi.
Dr. James Flanagan, chair of the Department of
Anthropology and Sociology, spearheaded the project.
Neiberg serves as co-director of the Center for the Study
of War and Society for the Department of History, and
his areas of expertise include World War I and American
military history, among others.
Opposite page: Microbiologist Dr. Crystal Johnson transfers a red dye
that will be used as a pH (or acidity) indicator in agar.
• A $191,593 grant from the U.S. Department of
Education to Drs. Anita Davis (music), Julie Cwikla
(mathematics) and Chris Barry (psychology) will help
create a continuous progress curriculum model for
elementary and secondary schools. The aim of the
project is to improve attitudes toward learning through
interdisciplinary science and arts projects while increasing
career awareness and graduation rates.
The University of Southern Mississippi Advancement Report • 21
deter mined minds
Seek Success
u n de r g r a d uat e r e s e a r c h at t r a c ts
be s t a n d br ig h t e s t s t u de n ts
The opportunity to conduct
undergraduate research in a participative
learning environment gives Southern Miss students a
competitive edge for national scholarships and graduate
fellowships in addition to enhancing their career prospects.
As Mississippi’s only recipient of a prestigious Barry
M. Goldwater Scholarship last year, Ocean Springs
native Justin Poelma is getting much-needed exposure
to undergraduate research in polymer science, getting
a head start on his career goal of becoming a university
faculty researcher.
“It’s a real honor because it affirms that people view you
as having potential as a scientist who can contribute to
the field,” said Poelma.
Since his freshman year, Poelma has had the opportunity
to get hands-on experience with cutting-edge research
in the lab of polymer science professor Dr. Rob Storey,
working on biomedical applications such as controlled
drug release in the human body.
A student in the Honors College, Poelma is also a
finalist in the 2008 Marshall scholarship competition.
“The senior honors component (thesis) that the college
requires is very important,” Poelma said. “It teaches you
to value individual research and it helped me in writing
the essay required for the Goldwater.”
With Jessica Shackleford’s selection as an honorable
mention selection to USA Today’s 2008 All-USA
College Academic Team, she appears well on her way
to a successful career as a professor conducting organic
chemistry research.
The honor is just another testament to the academic
success of the junior chemistry major from Senatobia,
one of few chosen to be part of a university research team
normally comprised of graduate students. Shackleford
was invited to join Dr. Doug Masterson’s Research
Group as a second-semester freshman.
“It’s not that often that an undergraduate gets this kind
of opportunity,” said Shackleford. “But he (Masterson)
took a chance on me, and I really appreciate it.”
Shackleford has been involved in two group projects
and has made presentations on her work at conferences
hosted by the Mississippi Academy of Sciences and the
American Chemical Society this year. Last year, she was
selected as an undergraduate recipient of a Goldwater
Scholarship for 2007-08, a prestigious national
scholarship program for future scientists, mathematicians
and engineers.
Justin Poelma and Jessica Shackleford are proof that
students at Southern Miss are obtaining the knowledge
that advances the University as the premier research
university of the Gulf South.
Opposite page: Jessica Shackleford, left, a University of Southern
Mississippi chemistry major, with her mentor, chemistry professor Dr.
Doug Masterson in one of Southern Miss’ advanced science labs.
The
The University
University of
of Southern
Southern Mississippi
Mississippi Advancement
Advancement Report
Report •• 23
4
The Southern Miss
at h l e t ic f o u ndat ion
h a s m or e t h a n 8 5
e n d o wm e n ts w i t h a c u r r e n t
va l u e of n e a r ly $ 4 m i l l ion .
Shawn Nelson, Senior, Need his Major
t h e u n i v e rs i t y of s o u t h e r n
m i ss i ss i ppi at h l e t ic f o u n d at ion
Shawn Nelson, Sports Administration Major, Senior
Creating the eagle experience
s o u t h e r n m i ss at h l e t ic s b u i l d s n e w fa c i l i t i e s
In April 2003, The University of
Southern Mississippi Director of Athletics
Richard Giannini had a vision to give student-athletes
and fans an extraordinary place to play and watch
sporting events on the Hattiesburg campus. Giannini’s
comprehensive facilities initiative sought marked
improvements in every sporting venue, further ensuring
a place for Southern Miss among the elite athletic
programs in the nation.
Giannini’s bold plans were resurrected in three stateof-the-art facility additions at Southern Miss. After
running a successful fundraising campaign, Southern
Miss baseball fans can cheer on the Golden Eagles in
the newly renovated Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field,
complete with a new press box and luxury suites.
With the completion of the new South End Zone
addition at Carlisle-Faulkner Field at Roberts Stadium,
fans can “Back the Attack” from 34 suites, the
Touchdown Terrace club level and general admission
seating – so close they can feel like a part of the “Nasty
Bunch.” The stadium renovation also included updates to
the Eagle’s Nest club level on the east side of the stadium.
Reed Green Coliseum received a modernized update
and expansion, including larger team space with dressing
rooms, meeting rooms, a team video room, training
room, study area and weight training area.
Further facility expansion plans include a new tennis
facility adjacent to the campus and marked improvements
to the Southern Miss Softball Complex featuring a new
grandstand, press box, dressing room, concessions and
restroom facilities.
Not only determined on the playing field, the Golden
Eagle athletic department is determined to house some
of the finest athletic facilities in the nation.
Below: Of Southern Miss’ 360 student athletes, 271 are attending
on some type of athletic scholarship.
Sweet
determination
w om e n ’ s b a s k e t b a l l t e a m
a d va nc e s to w om e n ’ s
n at ion a l i n v i tat ion
to u r n a m e n t
Southern Miss women’s basketball
turned a corner in the 2007-08 season. The Lady
Eagles began the season expected to finish eighth
in Conference USA. Instead, they went above
and beyond, exceeding all expectations, finishing
fifth in the conference and receiving a Women’s
National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) bid for
the first time since 2000.
During the final month of the regular season,
the Lady Eagles won six of their final nine games,
reaching the C-USA tournament semifinal.
Because of their strong finish in the regular season
and league tournament, Southern Miss women’s
basketball was awarded its first postseason bid.
The Lady Eagles started off the postseason
tournament with a bang as they defeated UALR,
67-57. During the second game, Pauline Love
drained a 3-pointer with 2.3 seconds left to grab a
62-61 win over Mississippi State, sending the Lady
Eagles into the WNIT “Sweet 16.”
After a loss to Michigan, the team ended the
season with a 21-14 record, 8-8 in C-USA play,
making it the most wins since the 1995-96 season.
Left: Pauline Love, a sports coaching education major,
prepares to score for the Lady Eagles during the Women’s
National Invitation Tournament (WNIT).
The University of Southern Mississippi Advancement Report • 27
black, gold
a nd
Bold
coa c h l a r ry f e d or a l e a d s g ol de n e agl e s
w i t h n e w g a m e pl a n
What constitutes the beginning of an
era? A monumental change, or perhaps a significant
development of a program destined for success. The
Fedora Era of Southern Miss football began with a
promise for a bold future.
In December 2007, Southern Miss Director of Athletics
Richard Giannini announced the hiring of Larry Fedora
as the 18th head football coach of the Southern Miss
Golden Eagles.
“Larry Fedora is an outstanding person with a great work
ethic, drive and passion to be successful,” said Giannini.
“He has an engaging personality and will interact very
well with our athletes, students, faculty and fans.”
With an outstanding track record including offensive
coordinator at Oklahoma State and three seasons at the
University of Florida, Fedora joined the Golden Eagles
with one goal in mind – Attack!
“General George S. Patton said, ‘Instead of waiting to see
what might develop, attack constantly, vigorously, and
viciously. Never let up, never stop, always attack.’ And
that is what our program is going to be built on,” said
Fedora. “We’re going to attack all the time, on offense,
defense and special teams. We’re going to be explosive.”
Fedora worked diligently during spring and summer
training to build his program. Practices were intense
and players were pushed to their limits, but he had to
challenge the team.
because every game is a big game,” said Fedora. “You
only have so many opportunities to go out there and
play this game – the greatest game on earth – and when
you get a chance, you should play it like it is supposed to
be played – hard.”
The energy and enthusiasm brought by Fedora is evident
not only on the football field, but among the fans that
bleed black and gold. After celebrating four consecutive
wins, 7,000 Southern Miss fans traveled to New Orleans
to see the Golden Eagles defeat the Troy Trojans 30-27 in
overtime in the R + L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Fedora
finished the season as the 15th consecutive winning
season for the Golden Eagles.
“ We’re
g oi ng to at ta c k
a l l t h e t i m e , on of f e n s e ,
d e f e n s e a n d s pe c i a l
t e a ms . W e ’ r e g oi ng to be
e x plo s i v e .
”
“He has the best interest of the student-athlete at heart
and is poised for a successful future,” said Southern Miss
President Martha Saunders. “We all look forward to a
long and successful Fedora era.”
Opposite page: Surrounded by the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, new
head football coach Larry Fedora greets fans during the pre-game Eagle
Walk parade.
“I really believe you play the game hard, you play
aggressive and it doesn’t matter when or who you play,
the university of southern mississippi advancement report • 29
The Southern Miss
Alumni Association
includes prominent members
s u c h a s NFL q u a r t e r b a c k l e g e n d B r e t t
F a v r e , m u s i c i a n j i mm y b u f f e t t, I r on C h e f
C at C or a a n d Lt. G o v e r nor of M i ss i ss i p p i
P h i l B rya n t.
Phil Bryant, Mississippi Lt. Governor, Class of 1977
t h e u n i v e r s i t y of s o u t h e r n
m i ss i ss i ppi a l um n i a ss o c i at ion
Association,” said executive director Bob Pierce. “Along
with the University, we are boldly moving full speed
ahead into the second century of Southern Miss. We
are eagerly anticipating the completion of the expansion
and restoration of the Ogletree House and are looking
forward to thousands of alumni reconnecting with the
University during our 20,000 in 2010 Membership
Campaign in conjunction with the University’s
Centennial Celebration.”
“ While
this is a
c h a l l e ng i ng a n d a m bi t io u s
i n i t i at i v e , I a m con f i de n t
t h at a l um n i w i l l r e s p on d
to t h e i r A l m a M at e r a s
t h e y h av e i n t h e pa s t, w i t h
More than 16,000 strong from all 50 states,
Building a Bold
organization
T h e S o u t h e r n M i ss
A l um n i Ass o c i at ion
l a u nc h e s a m bi t io u s
m e m be r s h i p c a m pa ig n
the members of the Southern Miss Alumni Association are
making a difference across Mississippi, the Gulf South and the
nation. While virtually everyone will recognize some of the
organization’s most famous Life Members like Jimmy Buffett
and Brett Favre, the Association is also comprised of business
leaders and entrepreneurs, teachers and school administrators,
scientists and doctors and nurses. Its members possess the
ingenuity of Grammy-winning producer Tena Clark and the
perseverance of Golden Eagle football legend Reggie Collier,
who returned to school two decades after he left to complete his
academic degree.
With its many achievements, it should be no surprise that the
Association experienced a great deal of success in 2007-08. The
organization successfully completed a $3 million fundraising
effort to restore and expand the Ogletree House, the home for
alumni on the Hattiesburg campus, and launched the most
ambitious membership campaign in its history, 20,000 in 2010.
“This is an exciting time for the Southern Miss Alumni
loya lt y a n d de dic at ion .
”
The success of the Ogletree House Campaign provided
additional proof of the determined spirit of Southern
Miss alumni as well as their loyalty to their Alma Mater in
the face of significant obstacles. The campaign began just
weeks prior to Hurricane Katrina. Upon its conclusion
more than 900 alumni and friends of the University had
contributed and committed more than $3.25 million to
the effort, representing 108 percent of the original goal.
“We are so grateful to the generous alumni and friends
of the University and Alumni Association who stepped
forward to support this important project,” said campaign
co-chair Lou Ann Poynter. “The campaign faced many
challenges along the way, but the hard work of the
campaign committee and Association staff enabled us to
overcome these obstacles.”
Jim Payne followed Poynter as the Association’s president
in July and leads an executive committee that is guiding
the organization toward the completion of the Ogletree
House. Payne has a long and distinguished history with
The University of Southern Mississippi that dates back
to his days as a student on the Hattiesburg campus in
the early 1960s. Payne was selected as the outstanding
marketing student in 1964 and graduated with a
bachelor’s degree in business management that same
year. Today, he is among the University’s most dedicated
alumni. Among his top priorities is to ensure that the
Association’s 20,000 in 2010 Membership Campaign
makes significant progress.
Pierce says the 20,000 in 2010 Membership Campaign
surpasses the Ogletree House Campaign as the boldest
effort undertaken by the Association in years.
“This is a significant step for the Association,” Pierce said.
“Although Southern Miss alumni join at rates competitive
with similar organizations across the country, at 20,000
members we will greatly exceed the national average for
participation percentage. While this is a challenging and
ambitious initiative, I am confident that alumni will
respond to their Alma Mater as they have in the past, with
loyalty and dedication.”
Membership in the Association is $35 per year. Threeyear, life and joint memberships are also available.
For more information, call 601.266.5013 or visit
ReconnectwithSouthernMiss.com
Opposite page: President Martha Saunders, Ogletree House Campaign
Co-Chairs Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas and Lou Ann Poynter, Frances
Ogletree and others perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the
restoration and expansion of the Ogletree House.
The
TheUniversity
Universityof
ofSouthern
SouthernMississippi
MississippiAdvancement
AdvancementReport
Report• •33
36
Scores of
CREATIVITY
a l um n a t e n a c l a r k ’ s
c r e at i v i t y i s r e wa r d e d
w i t h m u s ic a l s u cc e ss
The “ah-ha” moment for Southern Miss alumna Tena Clark
came at a red light in Pasadena, Calif. A familiar sound
resonated from the convertible that pulled up next to her
vehicle. The sweet voice was Dionne Warwick. The tune was
even more familiar; Clark herself had penned it.
“I rolled down the window and said to the woman in the
car, ‘Excuse me. I wrote that song,’” Clark recalled. “She
looked at me and said, ‘Yeah right.’ So I had one moment
of excitement, but then I thought, ‘No one is going to
believe me.’”
Nevertheless, the Waynesboro native knew she had arrived.
Clark is just one example of how a Southern Miss alumna
pursued her goals and captured her dream.
Clark has written hits for Warwick, Patti LaBelle, LeAnn
Rimes, Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole, Patti Austin, Aretha
Franklin and Sara Evans, among others. In addition, her
songs have been featured in many movies and television
shows including My Best Friend’s Wedding, Where the Heart Is,
Hope Floats, French Kiss, Twins, ER, Friends, South Park, General
Hospital and CBS This Morning. Clark is a Grammy-winning
producer and the founder and chief executive officer/
chief creative officer of DMI Music & Media Solutions.
Under Clark’s leadership, DMI has successfully conceived,
developed and executed some of the most successful and
popular music branding campaigns for the world’s most
recognized brands.
While the development of work heard by millions could
prove daunting for some, it is no trouble for a woman
blessed with creativity fostered at The University of
Southern Mississippi.
A Determined
force
r e g g i e c ol l i e r
a c h i e v e s a c a d e m ic
s u c c e ss
Reggie Collier was known as a dual threat with the ability to dismantle
defenses with his legs or arms during his time as a Southern Miss
quarterback in the 1980s. In 1981, Collier was the first Division
I-A quarterback to both rush and pass for 1,000 yards. Upsets were
common during those days as Eagle Fever took hold of the South, while
Collier and a gritty group of determined Golden Eagles posted wins
over Alabama, Florida State, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and others.
Those highly regarded opponents, however, failed to test Collier’s
perseverance to the extent of another challenge he faced years later. He
continued to enjoy a professional career that included a stint with the
Dallas Cowboys, but one thing was missing. Two decades after leaving
Hattiesburg, Collier returned to Southern Miss to earn a degree in
sports administration, even earning a spot on the Dean’s List. Today,
Collier is the coordinator of athletic development and community
relations for the Eagle Club and conveys the importance of earning a
degree to young Southern Miss athletes.
“No doubt I made a good decision to come back and finish what I
started, where I started,” he said. All it took was a bit of determination.
The University of Southern Mississippi Advancement Report • 35
Impact in numbers
The University of Southern Mississippi
U S M F o u n dat ion
M a rt h a D . S a u n de rs , Ph . D .
1,275
President
Students impacted by USM Foundation scholarships
R obe rt Ly m a n , Ph . D .
$2,842,292
Provost
Fiscal Year 2008 scholarship support to the University
Dav i d F. W ol f, Ph . D .
$2,616,268
Vice President for Advancement
Fiscal Year 2008 non-scholarship support to the University
Joe M or g a n
$78,624,413
Chief Financial Officer
$59,478,124
Vice President for Student Affairs
Total net assets at end of Fiscal Year 2008
Joe Pa u l , Ph . D .
Market value of endowments at end of Fiscal Year 2008
C e c i l B u r g e , Ph . D .
732
Total number of endowments
u n i v e r s i t y R e s e a r c h f u n di ng
$77,514,942
Fiscal Year 2008 support from U.S. Federal agencies
$4,038,653
Fiscal Year 2008 support from State of Mississippi agencies
$9,024,911
Fiscal Year 2008 support from private foundations and corporations
$90,578,506
Total Fiscal Year 2008 support for University research
S o u t h e r n M i ss A l um n i Ass o c i at ion
16,160
Total membership at end of Fiscal Year 2008
3,994
Total Life Members at end of Fiscal Year 2008
S o u t h e r n M i ss At h l e t ic F o u n d at ion
271
Students impacted by Southern Miss Athletic Foundation scholarships
$1,801,159
Fiscal Year 2008 scholarship support to the University
$2,182,859
Fiscal Year 2008 non-scholarship support to the University
$7,223,633
Total net assets at end of Fiscal Year 2008
Vice President for Research and Economic Development
Office of
Advancement
David F. Wolf, Ph.D.
Vice President
[email protected]
601.266.6025
USM Foundation
David F. Wolf, Ph.D.
Executive Director
[email protected]
601.266.6025
Aaron Vold
Assistant Vice President
of Development
[email protected]
601.266.5602
Jennifer Boucher
Chief Financial Officer
[email protected]
601.266.6994
J.T. Tisdale
Senior Director of Development for
the College of Science and Technology
[email protected]
601.266.4887
John Sherk
Development Officer for the
College of Arts and Letters
[email protected]
601.266.5922
Shannon Woodward
Director of Development for the
College of Business
[email protected]
601.596.4811
Leigh Todd
Development Officer for the
College of Education and Psychology
[email protected]
601.266.5501
Meredith Cothern
Development Officer for the
College of Health
[email protected]
601.266.6100
Keith Dale
Development Officer for
Planned Giving
[email protected]
601.266.5375
Josh Hernandez
Director of Corporate and
Foundation Relations
[email protected]
601.266.5916
USM Department of
Marketing and Public
Relations
Jana Bryant, M.S.
Associate Director
[email protected]
601.266.4491
Southern Miss
Alumni Association
Bob Pierce
Executive Director
[email protected]
601.266.6796
Office of Research
and Economic
Development
Cecil Burge, Ph.D.
Vice President
[email protected]
601.266.5116
USM Research
Foundation
Jay Grimes, Ph.D.
President of the Board of Directors
[email protected]
228.872.4210
Department of
Athletics
Richard Giannini
Director of Athletics
[email protected]
601.266.5422
Southern Miss Athletic
Foundation
Richard Giannini
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
601.266.5422
Christi Holloway
Chief Financial Officer
[email protected]
601.266.5299
118 College Drive #10026
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.5602
www.usm.edu/foundation
AA/EOE/ADAI PCS 59841.10026