Awards and Honors
Awards and Honors
| The School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development is pleased to announce the winners of our 2025 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! |
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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. |
Aneysha E. Holmes
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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. |
Suzanne Demarest
"As a non-traditional student, I have to work hard to keep up with the younger students. Interdisciplinary Studies provided the opportunity for me to focus on both English and History, without the stress of the required language classes. This allows me to earn the degree I want and enjoy the journey."
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Outstanding Senior in Liberal StudiesThis Award is given annually to the graduating student in Liberal Studies with the highest GPA and highest number of USM Earned credit hours |
Kayiana Jasper
"I choose Liberal Studies because it is the foundation and framework of all studies. It has afforded me the opportunity to study in a field that encompasses all aspects of myself and the ever-changing world around me."
Outstanding Freshman in Exploratory StudiesThis Award is given annually to the Freshman student in Exploratory Studies with the highest GPA and a minimum of 15 USM Earned credit hours. |
Ava Pattie
"Choosing exploratory studies was the right decision for me because it allowed me to explore different subjects and discover new interests while still continuing my academic studies. I am thankful I was given the opportunity to take my time in making sure I was comfortable with my educational goals!"
Outstanding Freshman in Exploratory Studies AwardThis 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 Dabney Whitehead
"I chose Freshman Exploratory Studies because I was still discovering what I’m passionate about and wanted the chance to explore different fields before committing to a major. This program gave me the flexibility to learn about various career paths while building a strong academic foundation. This class was a highlight of my freshman year."
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Outstanding Freshman in Exploratory StudiesThis Award is given annually to the Freshman student in Exploratory Studies with the highest GPA and a minimum of 15 USM Earned credit hours |
Lucas Frasier Larson
and Ava Jayce Roach
(not pictured)
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RISE Student Partner Above and Beyond Award |
Madison Hill
Major: Special Education
"Having the opportunity to be a RISE Student Partner has allowed me to build a strong relationship with my partner, practice interpersonal skills, and stay involved in the USM and Hattiesburg communities. My experience working with RISE To The Top! has been a pleasure and I encourage my college peers to get involved!”
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RISE Partner Above and Beyond Award |
Golden Eagle Welcome Week GEWW
"Golden Eagle Welcome Week was so excited to partner with RISE To The Top to welcome the newest cohort of RISE students to the University. One member of GEWW Crew 2024 summed up this partnership perfectly by saying, "as a leader, it is my job to give every new student the opportunity to share who they are and to show them how they add the richness of our campus community."
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The Leadership Experience Certificate (Spring) |
Lovie Dignowity
Major: Health Sciences
"The Leadership Certificate has had a profound impact on my experience at Southern Miss. Through this experience, I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and explore leadership from multiple perspectives. It provided me with opportunities to lead, reflect, and grow while also helping me recognize the many ways leadership can impact others. The certificate not only enhanced my confidence and communication skills but also deepened my understanding of how effective leadership can drive meaningful change."
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The Leadership Experience Certificate (Spring) |
Holly Eckman
Major: Management
"I have become such a well-rounded leader and student due to the Leadership Certificate. The opportunities I was able to partake in not only built on my knowledge and abilities but also allowed me to form valuable relationships with fellow students and leaders."
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The Leadership Experience Certificate (Spring) |
Tatum Hansen
Major: Interior Design
"The Leadership Certificate has helped me grow in confidence and sharpen my communication and collaboration skills, both inside and outside the classroom. It pushed me to reflect on my leadership style and values while connecting with peers who are just as passionate about making a difference. Overall, it’s made my time at Southern Miss more intentional and meaningful."
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The Leadership Experience Certificate (Spring) |
Evelyn Quiej
Major: Speech Pathology and Audiology
"The Leadership Certificate has given me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally at Southern Miss. Being able to reflect on my leadership experiences has been extremely beneficial in helping me grow and evolve as a leader."
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The Leadership Experience Certificate (Spring) |
Peter Cade McCormick
Major: Nursing
‘The Leadership Certificate has impacted my experience by not only teaching me about different leadership styles but also showing me. This has made me more confident in my leadership abilities because of my understanding of leadership therapy. I am very thankful for this certificate and the knowledge it has given me that I can use in my future career."
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The Leadership Experience Certificate (Spring) |
Jada Sanson
Major: Management
"The Leadership Certificate has significantly enriched my experience here at Southern Miss by helping me gain confidence in myself as a leader and step out of my comfort zone. It has provided me with opportunities to study abroad, helped me build meaningful connections, and allowed me to grow both personally and professionally."
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The Leadership Experience Certificate (Spring) |
Camryn Thompson
Major: Social Work
"The Leadership Certificate is an incredible opportunity to grow leadership skills and connections. Through this opportunity, I have learned so much about myself as a leader, studied abroad, and made new friends along the way."
The Leadership Experience Certificate (Spring) |
Heather Thornhill
Major: Kinesiology
"The Leadership Certificate has helped me grow more confident in my ability to lead and collaborate. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and shaped my Southern Miss experience in a really meaningful way."
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The Leadership Experience Certificate |
Awardees (Not Pictured)
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Addison Boyette (Polymer Science)
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Lillian Collins (Political Science)
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Evann Davis (Construction)
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Kayiana Jasper (Liberal Studies)
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Tamea Jenkins (Psychology)
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Walker Johnson (Nursing)
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Alander Neal (Media and Entertainment)
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2025 Inductees
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Hannah Childers
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Morgan G Ferguson
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Marissa Erin Frederick
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Aneysha E Holmes
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Gwynicia Kelly
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Cynthia Angela Mardis
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John Kace Matthews
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Crystal Gayle McCaffrey
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Jacki McDunnah
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Kaylee Jeanette Smith
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Emori Makenna Sparkman
Outstanding Achievement: New Student ID Card Design Competition Winner
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Emori Sparkman
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies
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