Southern Miss Honors College Marks 50 Years of Excellence with Anniversary Celebration
Thu, 03/19/2026 - 09:33am | By: Gabriela Shinskie
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Honors College will celebrate its 50th anniversary the weekend of April 17-18 in conjunction with the 2026 Undergraduate Symposium on Research and Creative Activity (UGS), bringing alumni, faculty and students together for a day of panels, research presentations and special events.
The celebration begins with a private reception on Friday, April 17, dedicated to thanking donors and friends of the Honors College. Festivities will continue Saturday at 9 a.m. with a breakfast for alumni, followed by panel discussions featuring university and Honors College leaders. A luncheon and keynote address are scheduled, along with a screening of “The Prof,” a film written, directed and produced by Honors College students. The day will also include an open house and opportunities to view student research presentations during the symposium.
“We hope that alumni and friends will join us as we reminisce about the value of an Honors education, the faculty and students who made a difference in our lives and the impact of the Honors College on our shared communities,” said Dr. Joyce Inman, dean of the Honors College.
Speakers include Southern Miss President Dr. Joe Paul; former Honors College dean Dr. Maureen Ryan; Honors College faculty fellow Dr. Andy Wiest; former academic adviser and research initiatives coordinator Paula Mathis; and Honors College alumnus Byron Glick. Attendees are also invited to the UGS luncheon to hear from keynote speaker Dr. Christopher Anderson, an Honors College alumnus and the James D. Hardy Endowed Chair in Surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Inman said the anniversary marks a significant milestone for the college and an opportunity to reflect on its commitment to academic rigor, interdisciplinary research and student engagement.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Honors College, truly a landmark celebration in the history of The University of Southern Mississippi,” said Inman. “We look forward to discussions related to the next 50 years of the Honors College as we continue striving for excellence in our efforts to meet the needs of Southern Miss students dedicated to taking their education to the next level.”
About the Honors College
Established in 1976, the Southern Miss Honors College was the first honors college in Mississippi and the sixth-oldest public honors college in the nation. The college is home to more than 500 scholars and administers University Forum, the Drapeau Center for Undergraduate Research, Nationally Competitive Programs and Awards, and the USM Beckman Scholars Program. The Honors College provides enriched academic opportunities for high-achieving students through interdisciplinary learning, research and community engagement.