Kirkpatrick Inducted in Southern Public Relations Hall of Fame

William E. “Bud” Kirkpatrick, former director of public relations for The University of Southern Mississippi, was recently inducted into the Southern Public Relations Hall of Fame.

A member of the university's Alumni Hall of Fame, Kirkpatrick served Southern Miss for more than 40 years, including as director of the University Union and Student Activities.

"This award is so special to me and my family,” Kirkpatrick said. “I thank my colleagues in PRAM Pine Belt for recommending me, and the members of my staff over the years, for making this award possible. I also thank God for his part in my life, as all glory goes to him."

Among Kirkpatrick's other professional honors are the Edward L. Bernays Best of Show from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association; the Innovation Award from the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi; and Hattiesburg Tourism Volunteer of the Year.

He founded the Pine Belt Chapter of the Public Relations Association of Mississippi and the annual Great Pine Belt Exposition. During Southern Miss' 100^th anniversary, Kirkpatrick served on its Centennial Celebration Committee and is a member of the university's inaugural.

Kirkpatrick was also instrumental in securing Hattiesburg as a pre-Olympic Training Site in 1996, and in developing the Southern Miss Athletic Department's famed “Eagle Fever” campaign of the early 1980s. He is an inaugural member of the university's Centennial Legacy Circleand served on its Centennial Celebration planning committee.

He remains active in his community, including as a volunteer for the Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association and the Hattiesburg Area Daylily Society.