Affiliated Centers

Established in March 2010, the Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship (TLNC) is the leader in economic development for the state of Mississippi and beyond our state’s borders. We are driven by passion, determination and commitment to be a leading force in advancing global competitiveness through knowledge-led economic development.

The Center for Logistics, Trade and Transportation (CLTT) is an outreach service of the Trent Lott National Center focused on economic development driven transportation initiatives.  CLTT is a collaborative effort among the School of Construction, College of Business, private sector, non-profits, and governmental stakeholders focused on research, outreach, and educational assistance. The CLTT is part of the Tier 1 National Center for Freight and Infrastructure Research and Education (CFIRE) consortium.

The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4), at The University of Southern Mississippi, supports the advancement of sport safety and security through training, professional development, academic programs and research. NCS4 collaborates with professional leagues, open access events, intercollegiate and interscholastic athletics, along with professional associations, private sector firms, and government agencies.  It is a critical resource for sport venue managers, event managers, first responders, and other key stakeholders. In order to meet current and future needs and to advance the industry, NCS4 has Advisory Boards, committees and subject matter experts that provide strategic guidance, assistance, and advice on critical issues and trends. These individuals are recognized and respected experts from the world of sport safety and security. 

The Center for Economic and Entrepreneurship Education (CEEE) is a recognized affiliate university center of the Mississippi Council on Economic Education and the national Council for Economic Education. The Center, housed within the university's College of Business, directly promotes sustainable economic and community development through the provision of interactive entrepreneurship, business, and personal finance training to K-12 educators and students. Educator trainings offered through CEEE include the Master Teacher of Entrepreneurship (MTEnt) program, the Master Teacher of Economics (MTE) program, the Southern Entrepreneurship Program (SEP), the Stock Market Game, and Financial Fitness for Life. CEEE staff developed and continues to spearhead the statewide Master Teacher of Entrepreneurship program and Southern Entrepreneurship Program through a unique hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to entrepreneurship education. Beginning in 2007 as a pilot program in four Mississippi high schools, SEP has since grown to include more than 20 schools and has witnessed the creation of dozens of profitable student-owned small businesses. Additionally, the Center has effectively trained over 100 Mississippi middle and high school teachers as recipients of the state-approved MTEnt designation since 2011.

The Jack and Patti Phillips Workplace Learning and Performance Institute (WLPI) at The University of Southern Mississippi serves as a research and outreach center for best practices in workplace learning and performance.