Fitts Selected Associate Dean of Students

A University of Southern Mississippi alumna who has served her alma mater in a variety of capacities is taking on a new role in its Division of Student Affairs.

Wynde Fitts, who previously served as director of Greek Life and most recently as director of the Office of the First Year Experience, has been chosen as the new Associate Dean of Students in the Dean of Students Office.

“I have great pride in my university, and it is my goal to motivate others to embrace what it means to be a Golden Eagle – as a leader, scholar and citizen,” Fitts said.

In her new role, Fitts is responsible for administering the Student Code of Conduct and serving as a university judicial officer. She will advise the Student Government Association, student peer judicial boards, as well as student groups managing marquee university-wide events.

“I am personally very excited about Homecoming and The Big Event, as Southern Miss tradition and serving are hallmarks of mine,” said Fitts.

A Jackson, Miss. native, Fitts holds a bachelor's degree in journalism with a minor in marketing and a master's degree in counseling and personnel services, with an emphasis in student affairs administration. She served as director of Greek Life from 1999 to 2003 and then as director of the Office of the First Year Experience from 2003 to 2012.

She is known for her keen ability to connect with students from all walks of life, said Dean of Students Dr. Eddie Holloway. “One of her great strengths is her ability to bond with students from all ethnicities and social statuses,” he said.

Fitts plans to be an active advocate for the value of civility, which she sees as integral to the college experience. “I believe the greatest investment I can make in this position is the success of our students,” she said. “Accountability and civility are part of the college experience, and it is my charge to educate our students about those core principles, both in and out of the classroom.”