University Leadership

As a faculty member for 26 years and administrator for 18, Nail has improved academic and student success outcomes and elevated program rankings, as well as guided successful accreditation outcomes at every institution he has served. Nail earned his Ph.D. in Finance with a minor in Economics in 1996 from the University of Georgia. He graduated first in his class of 575 at the University of Alabama, earning his bachelor’s degree in Finance in 1989. His professional career began as a consultant for Ernst & Young, LLP National Consulting Group in 1989, and his academic career began in 1996 as a member of the faculty at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, where he became Chair of the Department of Finance, Economics, and Quantitative Methods prior to his service at USM as Dean of the College of Business. He earned tenure at USM in 2009 while serving as dean.

Among other recognition, he was awarded 10 teaching awards at the University of Alabama at Birmingham; he was selected as one of the most influential members of the San Diego business community by San Diego Business Journal; he earned an Educational Administrator of the Year award at USM; and he was recognized by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives. He has also raised more than $80 million in philanthropic giving, including successful completion of the $10 million Building Better Business campaign during his time at USM.

Motter has significant experience in student affairs, student recruitment and financial aid, having served as Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services at Southern Miss from 2004 to 2014 and as Vice President for Student Affairs at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) from 2014 through 2023.

In addition to her work on campuses, Motter has served more than 10 years as a national enrollment management consultant, providing expertise in long-term enrollment management projects at both four-year public institutions and community colleges. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and a master’s degree in Adult Education, both from Northwestern State University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Southern Miss.

Driskell began his career in external affairs with the Mississippi Gaming Commission and then with the Mississippi Bankers Association. He later returned to his alma mater, USM, as an executive assistant to the president, in which he managed all outside political and regulatory relationships. 

Driskell earned a Bachelor of Science in political science from USM and a Master of Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University.

With more than 25 years of experience in higher education finance, Easterwood has held progressively responsible administrative positions at USM, which include associate vice president for finance and controller. Prior to being named vice president, Easterwood held the position in an interim capacity. She also worked for the Mississippi State Department of Audit in the Higher Education Division.

Easterwood earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting from USM and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Lucas promotes and guides USM’s vision and mission for research and economic development, creates innovative, multidisciplinary research opportunities and expands the research portfolio through partnerships with industry, government, academic partner institutions and non-profit organizations.  She serves on the board of Stronger America through Seafood, The Gulf of Mexico University Research Collaborative and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art.   Lucas has served the University as Associate Vice President for Research Coastal Operations, the Director of Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center, and Deputy Director of the Gulf Coast Geospatial Center. Prior to re-joining USM in December 2016, Lucas served as the first Chief Scientific Officer for the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources where she was responsible for ensuring the agency was using the best available science to make policy decisions.

Lucas is a Mississippi Gulf Coast native and holds a Doctoral degree in coastal science from USM, a Master of Business Administration from University of Alabama-Birmingham and a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology from Mississippi State University. In addition, Lucas was a USM Science Fellow in the Office of Senator Thad Cochran advising on ocean and atmosphere legislation and policy. She has written and co-authored scientific publications and has been instrumental in creating industry partnerships and securing grant funding.