Released October 10, 2005

Hattiesburg– Dr. Barry Babin has been named chair of The University of Southern Mississippi’s Department of Management and Marketing in the College of Business.

The Southern Miss professor of marketing succeeds Alvin Williams, who is returning to the classroom to teach full time after 18 years as chair.

A native of Houma, La., Babin began his career at Southern Miss in 1991 after earning his doctorate in business administration with a minor in econometrics and a support area in Psych–1 from Louisiana State University.

Babin also received his bachelor’s degree from LSU in Industrial Engineering. He obtained his master’s in business administration from the University of Central Florida.

The professor said his time at Southern Miss has been an enriching experience thus far.

“I have stayed very busy in all areas of academics,” said Babin. “I’m an active researcher, teacher, administrator, text-book author, so I have been very, very busy. My deans and department chair have been quite supportive of all these efforts, and it is to their credit that I have had any success.”

Babin is the recent recipient of the Louis K. Brandt Publication Award. The award, named after the former chair of the department of finance in the 1960s, is given every odd-numbered year to the top researcher in the College of Business along with a monetary gift of $2,500.

Babin has also served in various leadership capacities, including past president and distinguished fellow of the Society for Marketing Advances. He is currently the president-elect of the Academy of Marketing Science. In addition, Babin serves as the marketing editor for the Journal of Business Research.

“Babin’s research and service to his profession and knowledge about Southern Miss give him a depth and breadth of experience that will be invaluable as department chair,” said Harold Doty, dean of the College of Business.

Babin said, “I hope to use some of these experiences to move the department forward. I hope to shape the careers of the junior faculty and to place each faculty member in a position where they can contribute to the discipline through scholarly activities, including teaching, research and service.”

While eager to make a good impact, Babin knows he has some big shoes to fill.

“Alvin has done his part to make this department successful and well-regarded in the various academic communities,” said Babin. “I can tell you that Southern Miss’ marketing is synonymous with Alvin.”

“I certainly do not endeavor to replace him, because that can’t be done,” he said. I only hope to carry on and try to advance the entire department—or at least not to mess it up too badly.”

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