The organizational structure of The University of Southern Mississippi is headed by the President. Functioning directly under the President are the Provost; Accreditation, Planning and Articulation, Business and Finance, Southern Miss Gulf Coast, Research and Economic Development, and Student Affairs; and the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. Assisted by the University Counsel, or attorney, these administrative officers supervise operations and serve as the President's principal advisers.

The President and the Vice Presidents rely heavily on the work of University-wide advisory bodies. These include standing and appointed committees, boards, councils, and other structures that oversee University activities and offer advice on institutional policy and personnel actions, thus functioning as integral components of Southern Miss's administration.

The Executive Cabinet includes the Provost, Vice Presidents, Chief Information Officer, Director of Public Relations, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, and the Presidents of the Faculty Senate, Staff Council and Student Government Association. The President also consults regularly with the Faculty Senate, the President's Council, the Council of Chairs, the Academic Council, the Graduate Council, and the Research Council.

President
Dr. Martha Saunders

Interim Provost
Dr. Bobby L. Middlebrooks

Provost Effective July 1, 2008
Dr. Robert Lyman

Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Joe Paul

Vice President for Research and Economic Development
Dr. Cecil D. Burge

Chief Financial Officer
Joe Morgan

Vice President for Advancement
Dr. David Wolf

Executive Assistant to the President for External Affairs
Chad Driskell

Chief Information Officer
Homer Coffman

Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Richard Giannini

Associate Provost
Dr. Cynthia R. Easterling

Interim Associate Provost
Dr. William Powell

Associate Provost, Gulf Coast
Dr. Pat Joachim