Three Students Join USM Business EAGLE Scholars Program

Wed, 04/29/2020 - 09:14am | By: Bailey Harris

University of Southern Mississippi (USM) College of Business and Economic Development students Quinn Gordon, Bailey Bynum, and Rachel Green have been chosen to join the EAGLE Scholars Program for the 2020-2021 academic year.

As EAGLE Scholars, they will receive leadership and professional development programming from business professionals and other industry and community leaders. Additionally, they receive an annual scholarship to assist with tuition and a potential study abroad scholarship.

Gordon, a junior from Brandon, Mississippi, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing. Gordon is excited about the networking opportunities this program will provide and to make lifelong connections with professionals and peers.

Bynum is a junior from Clinton, Mississippi pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in both accounting and finance. She has been selected as the Joseph and Suzanne Quinlan EAGLE Scholars Finance Scholar. Bynum is a member of both Beta Alpha Psi and the university's Horticulture Club.

For Bynum, being a part of the EAGLE Scholars Program will open doors. "I look forward to participating in all of the professional opportunities, being a voice for the students within the college and at the university, and beginning to take on leadership roles more confidently," she said.

Green is a junior from Sumrall, Mississippi pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. She has been selected as the Lou Ann and Louis Poynter EAGLE Scholars Accounting Scholar beginning in Spring 2021. Green is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), a student member of the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA), the treasurer for Lambda Sigma Honor Society, and an Eco-Ambassador for the USM Office of Sustainability.

The Eagle Scholar Program is the premier program in the College of Business and Economic Development that began in 2011. Envisioned by Dr. Hyler Bracey, former Southern Miss professor, the program was created to provide more than just funds. Exposing students to how leaders in the corporate world think, plan and interact give these Southern Miss Business students a competitive advantage on an international level.

Dr. Bret Becton, dean of the college, reflected on the impact this scholarship has had on former EAGLE Scholars. "This program has transformed the students that have been a part of it. Watching students become more confident, intentional, professional leaders as a result of this really validates the program's purpose,” he said. “The program is growing quickly, and we look forward to one day having 20 or 30 EAGLE Scholars.”

For information about the USM College of Business and Economic Development, visit https://www.usm.edu/business/index.php.