Since its establishment in 1910 as Mississippi Normal College, The University of Southern Mississippi has grown from a single, barren plot of land in Hattiesburg to a nationally-known institution of higher learning that educates thousands of students at multiple locations every year.
Without question, we have much to be thankful for – a proud past and a promising future. Now is the time to celebrate both!
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of our university is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We have put together a Centennial Committee to oversee our celebration. As the excitement grows and plans develop, we lay the foundation for not only the celebration but also the creation of Southern Miss history.
Dr. Martha D. Saunders, President

Honorary Chair, Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas
President Emeritus
Co-chair, Dr. Alvin Williams
Interim Dean, College of Business
Co-chair, Rex Kelly
Former president of the Southern Miss Alumni Association
| Stacy Ahua | Kristi Fairley | Dr. Pat Joachim | Randy Pope |
| Yvonne Arnold | Desmond Fletcher | Robert Jordan | Jade Reed-Kreis |
| Dr. Curtis Austin | Richard Giannini | Dr. Brett Kemker | Rusty Rolison |
| Joe Bailey | Dr. Angie Godwin | Bud Kirkpatrick | Dale Rosado |
| Kameron Dale | Mary Dayne Gregg | Dr. Stan Kuczaj | Diane Ross |
| Dr. Dave Davies | Dr. Stanley Hauer | Michael Marks | Kenneth Shearer |
| Dr. Jay Dean | Verdell Hawkins | Dr. Kenneth McCarty | Dr. Clemon Terrell |
| Vrita Delaine | John Hayman | Becky Montague | Shelia White |
| Dr. Clifton Dixon | Sharon Herrin | Dr. Bo Morgan | Dr. Andrew Wiest |
| Dr. Juanita Sims Doty | Dr. Eddie Holloway | Kirk Oldenburg | Dr. David Wolf |
| Dee Ervine | Paige Howell | Dr. Joe Paul | Dr. Kenneth Zantow |
| Dave Estorge | Margie Jepson | Bob Pierce |
Centennial Celebration Staff
Jennifer Payne
Centennial Coordinator
Ray Guy
Centennial Special Events Manager
Please email celebration questions or suggestions to us at Centennial@usm.edu