Duplantis, Jones Receive Promotions at Southern Miss

Two University of Southern Mississippi administrators have been promoted, with Fran Jones as the new director of Union and Programs and Josh Duplantis director of the Office of Community Service Learning (OCSL).

A native of Hazlehurst, Miss., Jones is a Southern Miss alumna and previously served as the associate and interim director for Union and Programs. Her responsibilities include managing facilities, budgets and overseeing events for the Hub, the Union and the Thad Cochran Center. She also oversees the Student Activities Offices and Union Administration Office, and plans to create more awareness about what the university has to offer students.

Jones says she's always enjoyed working with students, including advising the council for the Student Government Association. “It's truly great to see the students grow and develop their leadership skills,” she said.

A Raceland, La. native, Duplantis earned a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University and master's degree from Auburn University. He will be involved in all stages of the planning process as leader of OCSL, including developing and coordinating programs, managing budgets, recruiting faculty and monitoring the individual needs of each program.

Duplantis served as assistant director for OCSL before being appointed director. “We look forward to continually enhancing programs for all university and community constituents by providing meaningful and intentional opportunities to serve our communities,” he said.