Southern Miss Manager Named Outstanding New Professional

William C. Takewell, student activities manager at The University of Southern Mississippi, has been named the Outstanding New Professional for the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Region III. Takewell was recognized during the ACUI Regional III Conference last month in Atlanta, Ga.

ACUI Region III consists of college and university union and student activities professionals from Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Puerto Rico and Bermuda. The Outstanding New Professional is selected annually and presented to an individual who has worked in the profession for two to five years.

“Receiving the honor of ACUI Region III's New Professional is truly something that is a testament to the amazing students and staff I get to work with every day here at Southern Miss,” said Takewell, who is the first Southern Miss representative to capture the award. “I know that I would not have been recognized had it not been for certain people believing in me and my abilities as a new professional in student affairs.”

A native of Ponchatoula, La., Takewell began working at Southern Miss in July, 2012 as a communication specialist for Student Activities in the Union and Programs Department. During that time he helped establish innovative means for communication with students – initiating the Student Activities Ambassador, and office assessment programs.

Takewell earned his undergraduate degree in Organizational Communication from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2012 and his master's degree in Counseling and Personnel Services with emphasis in Student Affairs Administration from Southern Miss this year.