Hello,

Your student is embarking on a new journey at The University of Southern Mississippi. As a result, so are you. Welcome to the Southern Miss Family!

As a parent, you have played a vital role in helping your son or daughter become ready for college life.  The transition affects the entire family and may be challenging for you.

Having been the parent of college students myself, I have experienced the same concerns and anxieties. There may be some "ups and downs" during this time of transition, and your support and encouragement will be essential as your student negotiates these challenges and assumes adult responsibilities.

We all want the best for our children. In most instances this dream includes seeing them earn a college degree and have a meaningful career. As both a parent and a university president, I want the best for all of our students.

I strongly feel that every student should enjoy a positive educational experience at Southern Miss, feel safe on our campuses, and graduate in a timely manner.  Let’s work together to make this a reality for your son or daughter.

During the first year of my presidency, our faculty, staff, students, and alumni identified four strategic goals for Southern Miss. First, we are striving to enhance our climate for academic success. Second, we are increasing our visibility to promote awareness of our academic accomplishments and research efforts.

Improving our connections with the greater community as well as establishing a culture of healthy minds, bodies, and campuses are also strategic goals. These goals guide the university’s decisions and actions each day as we ready our university for its second century. 

These are exciting and historic times at Southern Miss. I am thankful that you and your student are part of the Southern Miss family during this time!

I welcome you to visit campus when possible and to call upon me and other university officials whenever you need answers or guidance. 

Southern Miss to the Top!

Martha Saunders, President