Southern Miss President Saunders Wins Top Women in Business Award

University of Southern Mississippi President Martha D. Saunders took home the prestigious Stevie Award for Women in Business presented annually to top executives worldwide during ceremonies held Friday, Nov. 11, in New York City.

Saunders was honored in the Communications or PR Campaign of the Year – Community Relations category for “The Southern Miss Story: Enriching a University Brand through a Centennial Celebration.” Last year marked the 100^th anniversary of the university's legislative founding.

"It was an honor to accept the award,” Saunders said. “Southern Miss is a GREAT university. To be recognized in such a prestigious arena is especially gratifying." 

The Stevie Awards are designed to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and business people worldwide. The recognition began with The American Business Awards in 2002. Created in 2004, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business serves as the only global, all-encompassing business awards program for women executives, women entrepreneurs and the organizations they oversee. Approximately 1,800 nominees competed for awards in a variety of categories in 2011.

“Women entrepreneurs and executives continue to innovate, excel and impress,” said Michael Gallagher, president of the Stevie Awards.  “Regardless of general economic conditions, the achievements of women-owned and –run organizations around the world remain high, and are reflected in this year's honorees.”

Stevie is taken from the name Stephen, which is derived from the Greek
for “crowned.” The Stevie statue, crafted by the makers of the Oscars and Emmy awards, is approximately 16 inches tall, hand-cast and finished in 24-karat gold.

The Stevie Award represents the second distinguished prize Southern Miss has garnered in association with the Centennial campaign. This summer Saunders was presented the Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America, signifying the highest level of achievement in public relations practices.

“Dr. Martha Saunders is truly the definition of ‘The Entrepreneurial Woman.' Mississippians and Southern Miss alumni should be very proud of the honor and recognition she has brought to our state and University. We have come to expect the best from her,” said Danny Mitchell, co-chairman and senior counsel of the GodwinGroup, which nominated Saunders for the award.

For more information about the Stevie Awards, visit: http://www.stevieawards.com/