Our Story
Our story began nearly a century ago as Mississippi’s first state-supported teacher training school. Even in its infancy, Southern Miss recognized and celebrated the power of people and the potential for opening doors to a better life.
From the very beginning, the University of Southern Mississippi’s purpose transcended campus boundaries. Education was not only about simply teaching students in the classroom, but also empowering them to build better lives while building a better world through their talents and knowledge. Education was a personal and shared journey, and it was one without end. This holds true today.
People connected with Southern Miss have found a way to merge the concepts of self and community. As a matter of fact, they walk the line between the two so beautifully that it is nearly impossible to advance one without the other. Perhaps this “collective individualism” stems from deep-rooted values and beliefs. After all, Southern Miss is steeped in tradition and represents the best of what it means to be “Southern.” The people here radiate humanity. We look people straight in the eye—greeting friends and strangers alike. We consider others’ needs along with our own. Students, staff, and faculty reach out and extend themselves not because they expect something in return, but because it is the right, and, in our case, the natural thing to do.
We are real, gracious, humble, and, oh, so very proud. Our pride is earned. The Southern Miss family—and that’s what we are, a family—has faced and conquered many a challenge. Giving up was never an option, nor was mediocrity. There was only possibility. Amidst adversity, the people of Southern Miss chose optimism and self-belief and emerged stronger.
Today, Southern Miss has arrived. We have climbed the mountains, honed our vision and emerged stronger and more determined to take our rightful place on the world’s stage. We will soar. We are prepared, excited to compete, and ready to win.
The University has been molded and shaped, forged into what it is today by an ability to imagine what tomorrow brings and a capacity to make GREAT things happens. Whether it’s building state-of-the-art facilities, averaging $100 million in external research funding, or re-opening only six weeks after surviving one of the nation’s worst natural disasters, Southern Miss people have a knack for ingenuity. Our people are thinkers and they are doers.
Proud of where we have been and armed with a strong vision of where we are going, we are the people of Southern Miss. Creative. Bold. Determined. We are ready for our next century of commitment to scholarship, teaching and service.
OUR FUTURE: IMAGINE 2015
Let’s fast-forward just a bit to the year 2015. In our dream state, the best-kept secret of the South isn’t a secret any longer. Southern Miss has taken its rightful place in the spotlight as a respected leader. We are internationally recognized as the place where inspiration meets innovation. Where the best and brightest students and faculty challenge conventional perspectives of what is probable to discover, together, what is possible.
Our success is a synthesis of research, teaching, personal success and collective collaboration. Our commitment reaches beyond words to our deeds:
- We are the premier university for the Gulf South, distinguished in size, stature and reputation.
- We are a true university family and an interconnected part of the global community.
- We are good and faithful stewards of our human and environmental resources.
- We care for the health and well-being of each member of the Southern Miss family, while embracing our responsibility to the bigger world and future generations.
Today, Southern Miss performs center-stage for a world audience. Known for producing innovative and imaginative answers, our students realize success and emerge as graduates with lifelong competence, passion and purpose, determined to make a difference in their communities and the world.
Some would say we’ve leveled the playing field in education. We believe we’ve elevated the University to a higher playing field and raised the bar for educational excellence overall. We’ve done this by creating a top-flight education experience, while giving everyone a chance - nurturing the scholar that stirs in each person. We have proven this is a viable model for excellence: Southern Miss is at the top and we’ve done it our way.
Now, stop imagining and start realizing. Together. We are moving forward – creative, bold, determined – as we write the next chapter of the Southern Miss story.