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AOP's Latest News 

Members, share your good news here!

• Congratulations to Russ Willis, AOP Educational Administrator of the Year, and
  Cory Williams, AOP Educational Office Professional of the Year, on receiving
  these prestigious awards. Their dedication to USM staff professional
  development in bringing Coursera through the Professional Standards Program
  approval process, including recognition from Human Resources as part of
  Educational Enhancement benefit for staff, are deeply appreciated.
• Congratulations to Cindy Walker, who was recently inducted as President of Mississippi Association of Educational Office Professionals. 
• Congratulations to Cory Williams, Alexis Cato, and Gayle Sollfrank, who was recently recognized at the USM Coursera Awards.
• Congratulations to Dr. Joyce Powell, who was recently recognized at the USM Faculty and Staff Awards and Staff Excellence Award - Professional.
• Congratulations to Dr. Joyce Powell and Kris Sullivan who was recognized for  AI in Higher Education, ACUE Awards.
• Congratulations to Alexis Cato, who was recently recognized at The Golden Quills Ceremony as the College of Business and Economic Development's 2025 Outstanding Staff Member.
• USM Coursera :Career Academy was introduced in the USM AOP Professional Standards Program to aide professional development initiatives.
• Congratulations to Tamara Miller, who was recently promoted to Business Analyst in Finance/HR Systems Support! Tamara has been with Southern Miss since October 2021 and was previously a Senior Financial Analyst in the Office of Fiscal Planning and Analysis.
• We recently hosted an AOP Snack and Share event on the USM Gulf Park campus, where staff members enjoyed each other's favorite Fall treats. The event provided an opportunity for participants to connect and discuss ways they can be a resource for one another. It was a great way to foster community and collaboration among members.
• AOP members had a blast joining the 2024 USM Homecoming Parade on October 19th! They showed off their Golden Eagle pride,  cheering alongside students, faculty, staff, and alumni. It was a fun way to get involved and celebrate USM spirit!
• Congratulations to AOP president-elect, Gayle Sollfrank, who was promoted recently to Assistant Director of Finance and Operations for the Center for Faculty Development. Gayle has been with Southern Miss since March of 2024 and was previously an academic advisor in the College of Business and Economic Development. Prior to working at Southern Miss, she was an educational professional in San Diego, California. Kudos to you!
• AOP's new officers enjoyed fellowship with some of the organization's members at a Meet & Greet on August 7 in Hattiesburg. Shown are (l-r) AOP president Geneal Washam, recording secretary Cory Williams, president-elect Gayle Sollfrank, Melissa Carpenter, Tamara Miller, vice-president Aretas Squire, and treasurer Cindy Walker.
• Aretas Squire will chair our Ways and Means Committee, and Tamara will serve on that committee as well.
• AOP's semi-annual newsletter, The Voice, received the Rachel Maynard Award for Excellence in Communication from the National Association of Educational Office Professionals in 2024. The announcement was made at their annual conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. Congratulations!
• We are proud and honored to have received First Place recognition for our website from the National Association of Educational Office Professionals! The announcement was made at their annual conference in Little Rock, Arkansas in 2024. Thank you to all who provided content to keep the website current and relevant!

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The Voice Newsletter

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