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Awards and Honors

Awards and Honors

 

The School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development is pleased to announce the winners of our 2022 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! 

 

 

 

Awards

Outstanding Senior in Interdisciplinary Studies

Award is given annually to the graduating student in Interdisciplinary Studies with the highest GPA and highest number of USM Earned credit hours.

Rhionna Crawford

▪️Interdisciplinary Studies, BIS, 2022

Photo of Rhionna Crawford

 I chose Interdisciplinary Studies because it allowed me to explore various subjects of interest that I could not receive from just one discipline. IDS grants me the fluidity to create new perspectives and combine my interests into new ideas that I could potentially use for my career and continuing growth of knowledge.

 

 

Awards

Outstanding Senior in Interdisciplinary Studies

Award is given annually to the graduating student in Interdisciplinary Studies with the highest GPA and highest number of USM Earned credit hours

Jayden Hines

▪️Interdisciplinary Studies, BIS, 2022

Photo of Whitley Howell

Originally from Jacksonville, AR, Jayden Hines moved to Brandon, MS in 2015 where she now lives. She is an ACES Ambassador at USM and her major is Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Multimedia Communications. Currently, she has a job with a small consulting business called East and Leake in Clinton, MS and she plans on continuing her education by pursuing a Masters in Digital Marketing next year. 

I chose Interdisciplinary Studies because it allowed me to create my own college experience and help me form a career plan based on my interest.

 

 

Awards

Outstanding Senior in Liberal Studies

Award is given annually to the graduating student in Liberal Studies with the highest GPA and highest number of USM Earned credit hours

 

 Konstance Garraway

▪️Liberal Studies, BLS, 2022

Konstance Garraway

As someone who navigated through a wide variety of career aspirations over the course of my college experience, I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity that Interdisciplinary Studies presented. This program allowed me to learn about multiple fields of study while in pursuit of discovering my genuine career aspiration of coaching volleyball. Additionally, I am confident that Interdisciplinary Studies has set me up for success as I transition into graduate school next year!

 

 

Award

Outstanding Senior in Liberal Studies

Award is given annually to the graduating student in Liberal Studies with the highest GPA and highest number of USM Earned credit hours

 

Sarah Hanifi

▪️ Liberal Studies, BLS, 2022

 

 

 

Awards

Outstanding Senior in Liberal Studies

Award is given annually to the graduating student in Liberal Studies with the highest GPA and highest number of USM Earned credit hours

 

Samuel “Cole” Powell

▪️ Liberal Studies, BLS, 2022

Powell

A Jayess, Mississippi native, Samuel “Cole” Powell is majoring in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Religion and Philosophy. Powell intends to pursue a graduate certificate in Instructional Technology from USM beginning Summer 2022 and has also been accepted into Delta State University’s Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, English Track program. 

USM’s Liberal Studies program allowed me to expand my knowledge base on subjects that were both of personal interest and professional relevance. The program’s online course offerings also provided me with the convenience and flexibility necessary to effectively balance my schooling with other responsibilities.

 

 

Awards

Outstanding Senior in Liberal Studies

Award is given annually to the graduating student in Liberal Studies with the highest GPA and highest number of USM Earned credit hours

 

Lauren Seibert

▪️ Liberal Studies, BLS, 2022

Lauren Siebert

I chose BLS because, at the time, I was unsure about my course of study for my Bachelor's Degree. This degree was an amazing opportunity for me to learn about several different fields of study and eventually led me to my decision to pursue a Master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology. I could not have done this without my Liberal Studies degree allowing me to explore my interest and options that best aligned with my career goals, and for that, I will be forever thankful!

 

 

Awards

Outstanding Senior in Liberal Studies

Award is given annually to the graduating student in Liberal Studies with the highest GPA and highest number of USM Earned credit hours

 

Julius Hardy Sims

▪️ Liberal Studies, BLS, 2022

Julius Hardy Sims

I chose Interdisciplinary Studies because it allows me to be well-rounded and knowledgeable in multiple disciplines.  It gives me a broader perspective of issues that I feel are important.  My studies have made me a better critical thinker and have enhanced my communication skills.

 

 


Awards

Outstanding Freshman in Exploratory Studies

Award is given annually to the Freshman student in Exploratory Studies with the highest GPA and a minimum of 15 USM Earned credit hours

 

Clay Ryan Busby 
 Clay Busby

When I first learned I was going to USM I was a bit nervous for I had no idea what major I wanted to pursue! Luckily for me I found out about exploratory studies. Knowing that I could investigate other majors without having to commit helped me a lot with finding what I wanted to do. Thanks to exploratory studies I was truly able to find what I love to study and work towards.

 

 

Awards

Outstanding Freshman in Exploratory Studies

Award is given annually to the Freshman student in Exploratory Studies with the highest GPA and a minimum of 15 USM Earned credit hours

 

Camille Fairley

Camille Fairley

 

Exploratory studies helped me delve into a variety of different areas of study when I was still unsure of my major.  Taking a diverse range of courses through exploratory studies made me discover my true passion for psychology, which I plan to declare as my new major.  If it wasn't for exploratory studies during my first semester of college, I never would have figured out my true calling and purpose in life which is helping others with their mental health.



 

Awards

Outstanding Freshman in Exploratory Studies

Award is given annually to the Freshman student in Exploratory Studies with the highest GPA and a minimum of 15 USM Earned credit hours

Jolie Fields

 

 

 

Awards

Outstanding Freshman in Exploratory Studies

Award is given annually to the Freshman student in Exploratory Studies with the highest GPA and a minimum of 15 USM Earned credit hours

 

Tariana Greenwood

 

 

 

Awards

Outstanding Freshman in Exploratory Studies

Award is given annually to the Freshman student in Exploratory Studies with the highest GPA and a minimum of 15 USM Earned credit hours

 

Abby Elise Hall

 

 

 

Awards

Outstanding Freshman in Exploratory Studies

Award is given annually to the Freshman student in Exploratory Studies with the highest GPA and a minimum of 15 USM Earned credit hours

 

Emma Kennedy

Emma Kennedy

I chose to do Exploratory Studies for my freshman year at USM. I was unsure what I wanted to major in, so this gave me the perfect opportunity to explore my options!

 

 

Awards

Outstanding Freshman in Exploratory Studies

Award is given annually to the Freshman student in Exploratory Studies with the highest GPA and a minimum of 15 USM Earned credit hours

 

Sarah McGill

 

 

 

Awards

Outstanding Freshman in Exploratory Studies

Award is given annually to the Freshman student in Exploratory Studies with the highest GPA and a minimum of 15 USM Earned credit hours

Reagan Phillips

Reagan Phillips

I chose Exploratory Studies for my freshmen year because I was unsure of exactly what I wanted to do. I decided to get my general education curriculum classes out of the way before I narrowed my options down to one major.

 

 

 

Awards

Outstanding Freshman in Exploratory Studies

Award is given annually to the Freshman student in Exploratory Studies with the highest GPA and a minimum of 15 USM Earned credit hours

 

Olivia Grace Pierce

Olivia Pierce

I'm from Tunica, MS. I chose exploratory studies because I wanted some more time to think about my major! I have since changed my major to English

 

  

Awards

Outstanding Achievement in Higher Education for All Program 

Reagan Ratcliff

Reagan Ratcliff

Despite her disability, Reagan has always dreamed of going to college. The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies has allowed her to participate in campus life while giving her educational opportunities through the Higher Education for All program that she wouldn’t have been able to experience otherwise. She enjoyed attending classes and learning about topics such as public health, stress management and living a healthy lifestyle. Reagan has benefited in many ways from the access to collegiate courses and campus life. She has enjoyed her time at USM and has made lifelong friends. 

Reagan moved to the Hattiesburg area from Jackson, MS, after finishing high school. It was her dream to attend college like her sister and her friends were doing. She has been passionate about attending the University of Southern MS because this is where her family has traditionally attended. Her sister, cousins, aunts, uncles, her grandfather and even her great grandmother attended USM. Having this experience has made her feel complete and accomplished.

 

 

Awards

Outstanding Achievement in Higher Education for All Program

 

Mary Ann Taylor

Mary Ann Taylor

Mary Ann Taylor is from Bay St. Louis, MS. In 2007, she graduated from Hancock High School. Shortly after high school, she went to work at a pharmacy where she served ice cream and interacted with customers until 2018. Mary Ann’s goal was to attend college and began USM in 2019. She chose to participate in the Higher Education for All pilot program to get a college experience, community engagement opportunities and socialization. By being in the pilot program, Mary Ann has made many friends and has gained different leadership roles while being here. Mary Ann would like to say thank you to her professors, her Academic Advisor (Laura Malone), and the staff at The Institute for Disability Studies (Dr. Jerry Alliston and Danielle Parks) for supporting her during her journey at USM and enriching her life.

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School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development

110 Elizabeth Harkins Hall (EHH)
118 College Dr. #5112
Hattiesburg, MS 39406

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