Awards and Honors

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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 Studies

Award 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

Photo of Joshua Riley McGregor

I chose interdisciplinary studies because it allowed me to have an academic experience specifically tailored to my interests.

Outstanding Freshman in Interdisciplinary Studies

This 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

Photo of Morgan G. Ferguson

I struggled for the majority of my Freshman year with picking a major as I had great interest in several subjects, but never could find one that I felt I was fully interested in, or that felt right for me. When I learned about the Interdisciplinary Studies program, I instantly knew I had found the perfect major for me. Not only could I study in a concentration I was passionate about, but I also grew excited for future classes I would take. Now, I feel more confident than ever that I am on the right path as I finish my first year of college.

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

Matthew Wayne Adams

▪️Liberal Studies, BLS, 2023

Photo of Matthew Wayne Adams

I chose Liberal Studies because of the freedom it provided to me in terms of course selection. I was not sure coming into college what I wanted to do, so this major gave me the flexibility I needed to figure that out.

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

Griffin Davis Cheatham

▪️Liberal Studies, BLS, 2023

Photo of Griffin Davis Cheatham

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 Studies

This 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

Photo of Hailey Elaine Stephens

There are many reasons why someone might be drawn to the liberal studies program at USM. I chose Liberal Studies because the program is highly flexible, allowing me to create a course of study that reflects my interests and goals. Liberal studies graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers, from education and non-profit work to business and government. This will help me to achieve my career goal of starting a family business breeding Quarter Horses

Outstanding Freshman in Liberal Studies

This 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

Natalie A. Stephens

There are a few reasons why I chose to study liberal studies at tUSM. Critical thinking skills: The liberal studies program at USM emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued by employers in a variety of industries. My sister and I want to start a business together and critical thinking skills are invaluable to my future. Liberal Studies also allows me to build a program unique to my needs and future.

Outstanding Freshman in Exploratory Studies Award

Award 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

Caden Arthur

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

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.

Awards and Honors