Southern Miss Alumni Association Names Alden Bennett Associate Director for External Affairs
Wed, 12/17/2025 - 08:41am | By: Gracie Lewis
Alden Bennett
The Southern Miss Alumni Association recently named Alden Bennett as its associate director for external affairs, a role that will strengthen external partnerships and collaborate on initiatives that elevate alumni engagement across the university’s global network of Golden Eagle alumni.
A proud double alumnus of Southern Miss, Bennett brings more than a decade of higher education experience to the role, all earned while serving within the university’s Office of Admissions. Most recently serving as director of recruitment, he led outreach efforts and implemented designed strategies to broaden the university’s reach and support students throughout their journey to Southern Miss.
“I'm truly honored to join the Alumni Association and continue serving my alma mater in this new capacity,” said Bennett. “I’m excited to help cultivate meaningful relationships, grow the membership of our Association and support the mission and vision that guide our beloved institution.”
Bennett’s service to the university extends beyond his professional roles. He is an instructor for the Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program, where he mentors incoming freshmen. He also serves as chapter counselor for the Mississippi Gamma Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He is also an active member of the Hattiesburg community through his service as a deacon and preschool ministry volunteer at Temple Baptist Church.
“Alden has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to Southern Miss through his prior professional roles and service to the institution,” said Tucker Sappington, executive director of the Association. “His passion for building authentic relationships and connecting people to Southern Miss will be invaluable to the work of the Alumni Association.”
With an undergraduate degree in marketing and a graduate degree in business from Southern Miss, Bennett’s deep institutional knowledge and passion for strengthening the university family make him uniquely positioned for this new role.
He and his wife, Ashlynn, a 2012 Southern Miss alumna, are proud parents to their son, Charles, a K4 student.
About the Southern Miss Alumni Association
The Southern Miss Alumni Association serves as a driving force in the effort to advance The University of Southern Mississippi by providing alumni with a deeper connection to Southern Miss. Click here to learn more about the Alumni Association, including membership options.