Myers Makes History as First Southern Miss RISE Scholar to Join Sorority Chapter

Mon, 09/22/2025 - 09:29am | By: Dr. David Tisdale

Veronica Myers says she’s enjoying college life to the fullest at The University of Southern Mississippi. Whether it's attending her ballet and dance appreciation classes, community service projects, or going to football games, the junior from Gautier, Miss., is making the most of her Southern Miss experience with each step preparing her to be Ready for Life.  

Myers recently expanded her social and community service network at the university by becoming one of the newest members of Southern Miss’ Phi Epsilon Chapter of Delta Delta Delta sorority. A RISE (Reaching, Including, Supporting, Educating) To The Top! student, Myers was inspired to join a sorority by her sisters, who were involved in Fraternity and Sorority Life while in college.

She is the first RISE student to participate in primary recruitment with Fraternity and Sorority Life at Southern Miss.

“The girls in Delta Delta Delta are nice, funny and there are many who I already know,” Myers said. “The recruitment process was exhausting, but fun. I now have even more friends since I became involved with the chapter.” 

In addition to Tri Delta, Myers is a member of the Aspiring Special Educators Network, the Institute for Disability Studies Community Volunteering Day, STEP UP to Leadership and Special Olympics College. She also enjoys horseback riding in her free time.

A collaborative effort between the university’s Institute for Disability Studies and School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development, RISE To the Top! is a four-year, eight-semester inclusive college certificate program that incorporates academics, student life, community engagement, and employment preparation for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

As part of the program, participants enroll in at least one class each semester, are matched with peer mentors, take part in employment-focused internships and service activities, and participate in spring commencement.

“RISE To The Top! is all about creating opportunities for students to become fully immersed and included in every aspect of student life as a Southern Miss Golden Eagle,” said RISE Executive Coordinator Danielle Mullins. “Watching Veronica go through the recruitment process, receiving a bid, and running home to Tri Delta has filled me with great pride, as this is a historic moment—not only for RISE, but also for the university.”

“This opportunity is more than simply joining a sisterhood—it is about being heard, seen, valued and included in every aspect of the college experience,” added Mullins. “It also exemplifies what’s possible when we believe in every single student’s potential. Veronica is not just making history—she’s opening doors for others to follow.”

Emori Sparkman, a senior from Hattiesburg, served as Myers’ Gamma Chi, a recruitment counselor who serves as a neutral guide for potential new members as they find the right sorority fit.

“Watching Veronica go through recruitment was truly inspiring,” Sparkman said. “Her recruitment journey was a powerful reminder that there’s no single ‘right’ way to be a sorority woman. Her presence expands our understanding of what sisterhood, inclusion and belonging should look like.”

Hannah Scott Back, coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Student Programming, said having the opportunity to open the door between RISE and Fraternity and Sorority Life “has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.”

“I was overjoyed when Veronica found her home in the university’s sorority community,” Back continued. “This step toward greater inclusion in our fraternity and sorority community is truly monumental, and one of my primary goals is to continue this momentum for years to come.”

Phi Epsilon Tri Chapter Advisor Betsey Mercier said extending membership to Myers “reflects the very heart of our (Tri Delta’s) values: truth, self-sacrifice and friendship.”

“Veronica embodies the guiding principles of Tri Delta: Brave, Bold and Kind,” Mercier said. “Our chapter members are truly excited to walk beside her, share in her journey and celebrate all she brings to our sisterhood. The friendships she will form and the love she will experience are deeply rooted in why Tri Delta was founded. We strive to create a space where women find unwavering support, encouragement and belonging.”

“By embracing Veronica as a sister, we are not only living out the vision of our founders, but also strengthening our chapter’s commitment to courage, compassion and lifelong friendship.”

Myers said her involvement in RISE has brought joy and a world of opportunities—academically, socially, and through community service and leadership. She credits inspiration and support from fellow students Camryn Thompson (current RISE graduate assistant), Madison Hill (current RISE student partner) and Kayden Wylie (past RISE student partner). She also cited Candice Salyers, Southern Miss dance professor; Laura Malone, academic advisor; and the RISE staff.

“They have each helped me get through college and see what I want to do after graduation, which is working with horses,” Myers said. “With their help, I feel prepared to reach my goals.”

“I’ve also enjoyed meeting new friends and have become more confident and social than when I started college,” she added. “Being at Southern Miss makes me feel good, happy and included.”

To learn more about RISE To The Top! at USM, call 601.266.4676, email or visit RISE to the Top! | School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development | The University of Southern Mississippi.