School of Leadership
School of Leadership Awards
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The School of Leadership is pleased to announce a call for the Spring 2026 Student Awards. Annually, the School of Leadership recognizes outstanding academic, University, and community service for both undergraduate and graduate students. Students within School of Leadership academic programs are eligible to complete a self-nomination application:
- Applied Technology, BAS
- Industrial Engineering Technology, BS
- Organizational Leadership, BSBA
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management, MS
- Human Capital Development, MS
- Human Capital Development (Instructional Technology and Design), MS
- Human Capital Development, PhD
- Human Capital Development (Instructional Technology and Design), PhD
Please read the award descriptions below related to each award category and apply based on your meeting the award criteria. The deadline for submitting a self-nomination is Friday, February 20, 2026, at 5 p.m. For questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Casey Maugh Funderburk, casey.maughFREEMississippi.
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Applied Technology
Criteria:
- GPA - minimum 3.5 (in the major)
- Senior standing - number of hours earned >90
- Contribution to the school/university
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Industrial Engineering Technology
Criteria:
- GPA - minimum 3.5 (in the major)
- Senior standing - number of hours earned >90
- Contribution to the school/university
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Organizational Leadership
Criteria:
- GPA - minimum 3.5 (in the major)
- Senior standing - number of hours earned >90
- Contribution to the school/university
Outstanding Master's Student in Human Capital Development
Criteria:
- Demonstrates academic excellence (3.75 GPA or higher, >20 earned hours)
- Shows collegiality among SoL community
- Contributes to the department, university and HCD community through outreach activity
- Any other notable or outstanding characteristics which make the nominee exceptional
Outstanding Master's Student in Human Capital Development (ITD)
Criteria:
- Demonstrates academic excellence (3.75 GPA or higher, >20 earned hours)
- Shows collegiality among SoL community
- Contributes to the department, university and HCD(ITD) community through outreach activity
- Any other notable or outstanding characteristics which make the nominee exceptional
Outstanding Master's Student in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Criteria:
- Demonstrates academic excellence (3.75 GPA or higher, >20 earned hours)
- Shows collegiality among USM, SoL and LSC communities
- Contributes to the department, university and LSC community through outreach activity
- Any other notable or outstanding characteristics which make the nominee exceptional
Outstanding Doctoral Student in Human Capital Development
Criteria:
- Demonstrates academic excellence (3.75 GPA or higher, >30 earned hours)
- Represents the SoL through presentations and publications
- Shows collegiality among SoL community
- Contributes to the SoL, university and HCD community through outreach activity
- Any other notable or outstanding characteristics which make the nominee exceptional
Outstanding Doctoral Student in Human Capital Development(ITD)
Criteria:
- Demonstrates academic excellence (3.75 GPA or higher, >30 earned hours)
- Represents the SoL through presentations and publications
- Shows collegiality among SoL community
- Contributes to the SoL, university and HCD community through outreach activity
- Any other notable or outstanding characteristics which make the nominee exceptional
Important Dates:
| Application deadline | February 20 at 5 p.m. |
| Recipients notified | March 6 |