Dr. Frances Lucas, named Vice President and Campus Executive Officer for The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast in April, has begun her first week in office at the university.
As the new vice president for Southern Miss Gulf Coast, Lucas has three primary responsibilities, which include leading the development of innovative educational experiences; responding to the needs of the Gulf Coast; and meeting the strategic goals of the university.
With the increasing enrollment of students at Southern Miss Gulf Coast, Lucas said she “looks forward to listening to the students and finding ways to make their experience far more valuable and student-friendly.”
Lucas’ vision for Southern Miss Gulf Coast also includes restoring and enhancing the Gulf Park campus, supporting world-class research conducted by the university’s outstanding faculty and partnering with business leaders to reignite and grow the coast economy.
Following a 10-year presidency at Millsaps College in Jackson, Lucas brings 31 years of executive experience to Southern Miss. In addition to Millsaps, she worked at Emory University, Baldwin-Wallace College, Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama.
Lucas succeeds Dr. Pat Joachim, associate provost, who retired after leading the university’s Gulf Coast operations since 2005. The university conducted a four-month national search for a vice president and campus executive officer for Southern Miss Gulf Coast.
For more information about Southern Miss Gulf Coast, visit www.usm.edu/gc.
Dr. Frances Lucas
About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast .