Mission of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

The Provost is the chief academic officer and the senior university officer next to the President. The Provost is the President’s principal adviser in all matters pertaining to the development and execution of a well-conceived and organized curriculum, administered and taught by a faculty of the highest qualifications. The Provost oversees academic planning and budgeting and works with the Vice Presidents to accomplish the University’s educational objectives. The mission of the Provost and VPAA’s office is to support and enhance a creative, inclusive, academic environment in which students participating in the university’s diverse teaching, research, and service programs may flourish by acquiring, advancing, and applying knowledge. Along with the Provost, the deans of the colleges of Arts and Letters, Business, Education and Psychology, Health, Honors, and Science and Technology; the directors of the University Libraries, Learning Enhancement Center, Correspondence/Independent Studies, Center for Community and Civic Engagement, Institute for Disability Studies, and Graduate Studies; and the Academic Council, Graduate Council, Faculty Senate, and the Council of Chairs provide leadership and support in achieving this mission.

Provost, Dr. Robert D. Lyman
Aubrey Keith Lucas Administration Building, Room 204
601-266-5002

Associate Provost, Dr. Cynthia R. Easterling
Aubrey Keith Lucas Administration Building, Room 201
601-266-6579

Interim Associate Provost, Dr. William Powell
601-266-5002

Associate Provost for Gulf Coast, Dr. Pat Joachim
Gulf Coast Student Services Center
228-867-8795
Southern Miss Gulf Coast website

Professional Staff

Executive Secretary, Betty Boney
601-266-5002

Administrative Assistant - Gulf Coast, Barbara Griffith
228-867-8795

Executive Secretary, Susie Plymale
601-266-6579

Provost Budget & Personnel Coordinator, Linda Dorsey
601-266-6963