Smith to Direct USM School of Kinesiology and Nutrition

Fri, 03/20/2026 - 11:07am | By: Karelia Pitts

Dr. Stephanie McCoy Smith will become director of the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition at The University of Southern Mississippi on July 1, 2026, after serving as interim director for one year.

“It is an honor to lead the Southern Miss School of Kinesiology and Nutrition and work alongside faculty who are deeply committed to student success, impactful research, and service,” said Dr. Smith. “Our focus will be on expanding opportunities that prepare students to advance health through physical activity and nutrition, ultimately empowering graduates to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the health and well‑being of the communities they serve.”

With a doctorate in health, physical activity and chronic disease from the University of Pittsburgh, Smith joined the Southern Miss faculty in 2016. Her research focuses on the impact of physical activity and sedentary behavior on children and adolescents. Since 2021, Smith has served as the School’s associate director.

“Dr. Smith’s leadership during her interim appointment has been nothing short of outstanding. She has strengthened collaboration, elevated the School’s visibility, and positioned our programs to meet critical workforce and health needs across the state,” said Dr. Trent Gould, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences. “As director, she brings the vision and momentum needed to take the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition to its next level of impact.”

The School of Kinesiology and Nutrition prepares graduates to address health issues and transform the human condition through coursework in exercise, physical education, sport, food and nutrition. Students work alongside faculty to make a positive impact on society through innovative research on a range of topics, including developing effective nutrition programing for children, providing medical professionals with a better understanding of impact variables, investigating cardiometabolic diseases in Mississippians and more.

At the undergraduate level, the School offers bachelor’s degrees in fitness and nutrition, kinesiology (emphases in exercise science and physical education), nutrition and dietetics, and sport coaching. Graduate programs include master’s degrees in coaching and sport performance, kinesiology (emphases in exercise science), and nutrition and food systems. In 2024, the School added a Ph.D. program in kinesiology to train the next generation of research scientists and scholars. Annually, students majoring in these areas complete nearly 36,000 hours of service to the community through practicum and internship experiences.

Learn more about the College of Education and Human Sciences and the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition.