McNair Named Assistant Dean of Students for Student Outreach and Support

Mon, 08/19/2019 - 04:03pm | By: David Tisdale

A veteran staff member with more than 21 years of experience in The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Division of Student Affairs will take on a new role in service to the Hattiesburg campus.

Delores McNair has been named Assistant Dean of Students for Student Outreach and Support, after serving most recently as the longtime Administrative Assistant/Information Specialist for the Office of the Dean of Students. In her new role, she will be the primary advocate and case manager for students needing assistance navigating the university’s administrative processes, referring them to appropriate university and community resources, and advocating for their needs.

The position’s title changes from Coordinator of Student Ombudsmen Services to reflect a more common industry best practice, and expanded role of the position. McNair replaces Alfreda Horton, who retired from USM in June.

“In this role, I will continue to serve as an advocate for student success when situations occur that might impede academic progression,” McNair said, while also expressing gratitude for Horton’s service to USM, saying she “set the standard for student care and advocacy as the Ombudsman, and created partnerships with our academic areas.”

“This office will continue to serve as a resource for faculty and staff in addressing and meeting the needs of our students,” McNair said.

McNair holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology USM, and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Child and Family Studies, also from USM. She is active in community service, including as current president of the Hattiesburg Public School District Board of Trustees.

“I am excited about the appointment of Delores in this role,” said USM Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Dee Dee Anderson. “She has an extensive amount of experience working in the Dean of Students Office, helping us to achieve our mission of developing healthy, connected, learning-focused students and communities.”

For information about the USM Division of Student Affairs, visit https://www.usm.edu/student-affairs/index.php.