Awards and Honors
The School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development is pleased to announce the winners of our 2023 outstanding student awards. These awards recognize each student’s exemplary work in courses across the university. We wish them the best in their future endeavors! |
Outstanding Senior in Interdisciplinary StudiesAward is given annually to the graduating student in Interdisciplinary Studies with the highest GPA and highest number of USM Earned credit hours. |
Joshua Riley McGregor
▪️Interdisciplinary Studies, BIS, 2023
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Outstanding Freshman in Interdisciplinary StudiesThis award is given annually to the top Freshman student in Interdisciplinary Studies with the highest GPAs and a minimum of 15 USM earned credit hours. |
Morgan G. Ferguson
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Outstanding Senior in Liberal StudiesAward is given annually to the graduating student in Liberal Studies with the highest GPA and highest number of USM Earned credit hours |
Matthew Wayne Adams
▪️Liberal Studies, BLS, 2023
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![]() Outstanding Senior in Liberal StudiesAward is given annually to the graduating student in Liberal Studies with the highest GPA and highest number of USM Earned credit hours |
Griffin Davis Cheatham
▪️Liberal Studies, BLS, 2023
I chose the Liberal Studies program because my life had taken an unexpected twist and required me to return home to Hattiesburg, and the Liberal Studies program had not only the educational excellence I was seeking, but amazing people that have been incredibly helpful as well. As a full-time basketball coach in addition to attending college full-time, the Liberal Studies program has challenged me and developed me to become the best possible version of myself as a student, employee, and person. I was somewhat unsure of which academic program was best suited for me, and the Liberal Studies program allowed me to become a well-rounded student and receive knowledge in a wide array of subjects. I will forever be thankful for the program and the people within the program.
![]() Outstanding Freshman in Liberal StudiesThis award is given annually to the top Freshmen students in Liberal Studies with the highest GPAs and a minimum of 15 USM earned credit hours. |
Hailey Elaine Stephens
▪️Liberal Studies, BLS, 2023
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![]() Outstanding Freshman in Liberal StudiesThis award is given annually to the top Freshmen students in Liberal Studies with the highest GPAs and a minimum of 15 USM earned credit hours. |
Natalie A. Stephens
▪️Liberal Studies, BLS, 2023
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![]() Outstanding Freshman in Exploratory Studies AwardAward is given annually to the Freshman student in Exploratory Studies with the highest GPA and a minimum of 15 USM Earned credit hours. |
Caden Adrian Arthur
Outstanding Freshman in Exploratory StudiesAward is given annually to the Freshman student in Exploratory Studies with the highest GPA and a minimum of 15 USM Earned credit hours |
Regan Kate Murphy

I chose exploratory studies as my major because I had a couple ideas on what I wanted to study, but I also wanted to explore my options for classes before making a final decision.