Southern Miss Awards Honorary Doctorate to Clarence Magee for Lifelong Commitment to Education and Civil Rights

Mon, 05/12/2025 - 02:00pm | By: Jennifer Rigney

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) proudly conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, upon Clarence Edward Magee during its Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony. The honorary degree recognized Magee’s lifelong dedication to education, civil rights, and community service throughout Mississippi and beyond.

In rare and special instances, Southern Miss awards honorary degrees to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the institution, community or their respective fields. This year, the University’s Honorary Degree Committee unanimously recommended Mr. Magee, citing his profound impact on education and advocacy for civil rights in the Hattiesburg region and across the state.

Born in Columbia, Miss., Magee is the eldest of 10 children. Raised on a family farm, he developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for education. He became the first in his family to attend college, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Alcorn A&M College (now Alcorn State University) in 1954. Following graduation, he served in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed in both the U.S. and Germany.

Magee began his professional career as an educator, teaching in Wayne County Schools, the Prentiss Institute, and the Hattiesburg Public School District. In 1964, he earned a master’s degree in education from West Virginia University. He later transitioned to public service roles with the Southern Mississippi Planning Development District and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services, where he served until his retirement in 1998.

Even in retirement, Magee has continued to make a lasting impact. A dedicated civil rights leader, he played a pivotal role in advocating for affordable housing, leading to the establishment of the Francis Street Apartments in Hattiesburg. He was also a charter member and first secretary of the 1965 Community Action Committee, which created the P.A.C.E. Head Start program—offering early childhood education and support to underserved children and families.

Magee has remained a steadfast voice for justice throughout his life. He serves as president of the Forrest County Branch of the NAACP, a position he has held since 2001 and from 1970-74. He was one of 46 individuals summoned to testify in the landmark case United States v. Theron C. Lynn, which paved the way for African Americans to register to vote.

“Mr. Magee has excelled as a teacher, administrator in agricultural and nutritional services, in industry, business and civic services,” said Dr. Eddie Holloway, USM senior associate provost for community and belonging. “Perhaps more so, his work with civil rights national organizations has been supreme and impactful on our local community, the state of Mississippi and the nation. He has been a giant among the vast number of educators and leaders who have lived and worked in Hattiesburg and throughout Mississippi.”

In addition to his civic engagement, Magee is a devoted member of St. James Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, where he serves in numerous leadership capacities.

Magee and his wife, Carrie Mae Bradley Magee, have two daughters, Veronica Magee Jordan and Karen Magee Taylor, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

The honorary doctorate is among the highest forms of recognition at the university. Nominees for the honorary degree should have demonstrated, in their life and work, high standards of excellence as evidenced by criteria of scholarship, creative activity or service. Nominations are reviewed by the institution’s Honorary Degree committee, whose recommendation is transmitted to the university provost, who then makes a recommendation to the university president. All honorary degree recommendations are submitted to the Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees for final review and approval.