Southern Miss Research Leader Honored with State Civilian Service Medal
Wed, 02/25/2026 - 09:34am | By: Gabriela Shinskie
Pictured from left to right: Command Sgt. Maj. Carl Dean; Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker; President of the Area Development Partnership Chad Newell; Col. Willian L. Henry
Dr. Henry Jones, director of research and scientific entrepreneurship at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), has received the Mississippi Meritorious Civilian Service Medal for his contributions to Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center and the Mississippi National Guard.
The medal recognizes Jones’ efforts to strengthen partnerships among Southern Miss, Camp Shelby, state leaders and community organizations in support of military initiatives and national defense.
Col. Willian L. Henry, Command Sgt. Maj. Carl Dean, Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker and Chad Newell, president of the Area Development Partnership, presented the award during a recent ceremony at Camp Shelby. Jones said the recognition reflects the strength of collaboration between the university and its military partners.
Col. Willian L. Henry presented Dr. Jones with the Mississippi Meritorious Civilian Service Medal.
"I am honored to receive this recognition, which highlights the strength of the many collaborations between USM and our military neighbors. From the training grounds of Camp Shelby to the strategic assets on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, South Mississippi has an outstanding history of supporting national defense. I believe our future is even brighter as we leverage our unique culture and expertise to drive further innovation in support of our dedicated service members,” said Jones.
Dr. Kelly Lucas, vice president for research at Southern Miss, said Jones’ work has strengthened relationships with military and community leaders across the state.
“Dr. Henry Jones represents the collaborative, mission-driven leadership that makes Southern Miss a vital partner in national defense. He has built trusted relationships with military and community leaders across Mississippi, and those partnerships are translating into real research, training and innovation opportunities. His work reflects practical solutions, strong collaboration and a deep commitment to supporting the men and women who serve and our national defense. This recognition is well deserved,” said Lucas.
Jones, a South Mississippi native, has supported multiple initiatives tied to Mississippi’s defense mission, helping improve communication and align shared goals among the university, military installations and state partners.
He has more than 20 years of experience in product commercialization, business creation and software innovation. Jones founded Kopis Mobile, an Inc. 500 Mississippi-based technology firm, and has testified before a U.S. Senate committee on the importance of investing in emerging technologies nationwide.