Southern Miss Alumni Association Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
Mon, 09/08/2025 - 09:46am | By: Samantha McCain Alexander, APR
The University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association will induct seven of its most dedicated and distinguished alumni into its Hall of Fame.
The 2025 inductees include:
Richard G. Cowart '75 of Nashville, Tenn.
Krandall Paige Howell '87 of Summit, Miss.
David Hurt '90 of Madison, Miss.
Mickey Lee Marshall '83 of Orange Beach, Ala.
Hal McMahon '85 of Hattiesburg, Miss.
Jennifer Duke Payne '04 of Hattiesburg, Miss.
Ellen Hunter Ruffin '77, '98 of Hattiesburg, Miss.
“As the highest honor presented to a Southern Miss alumnus, I’m proud to congratulate this year’s class on their significant professional accomplishments and contributions,” said Tucker Sappington, executive director of the Alumni Association. “They bring favor and distinction to our University, and I’m excited to celebrate them as we enter one of our institution’s best traditions – Homecoming.”
Established to recognize those whose contributions of time and financial means have helped move Southern Miss forward, these seven inductees will be honored at the Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, Oct. 24. They will also be recognized during the Homecoming game against the University of Louisiana Monroe on Saturday, Oct. 25.
The Hall of Fame banquet is annually hosted as a highlight of The University of Southern Mississippi’s Homecoming celebration. Additional events hosted by the Association during Homecoming weekend include:
Thursday, Oct. 23
27th Annual Alumni Homecoming Scholarship Golf Tournament
Hattiesburg Country Club, 1 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25
Annual Awards Brunch and Business Meeting
Thad Cochran Center, TBA
Pregame at Southern Station
Spirit Park, TBA
To learn more about The University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame, click here.
Click here for more information on Alumni Homecoming events.
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.