Awards and Honors

Best Original Graduate Research Paper

This award goes to the anthropology graduate student with the best paper from the prior calendar year.

Shan M. M. Winn Award for Anthropology Student of the Year

This award goes to the top graduating anthropology major of the year, based on the following criteria: overall GPA, total credits attempted, and performance in the major. It is named for Shan Winn, who taught anthropology at USM 1975-1995. The consummate anthropologist, Shan conducted research in both archaeology and cultural anthropology all over the world. At USM, he was known for his engaging teaching both in the classroom and on study abroad to places ranging from Mexico to Kurdistan.

Atly Graham Economics Scholarship

This scholarship goes to the Economics major with the Highest GPA with the most number of hours.

The Mark Klinedinst Distinguished Graduate Award

The purpose of this fund is to award a scholarship to a student majoring in Economics. This scholarship is awarded to a rising senior in Economics who shows great potential.

Best Sociology Research Paper of the Year

This competitive award is given to the best research paper written by a student enrolled in an upper-division (e.g., 300/400 level) sociology course.

Ronald G. Marquardt Paralegal Award in Legal Studies

This is awarded each year to the Legal Studies major who best exemplifies the scholarly standards of the Legal Studies Program at Southern Miss. The award is named for Dr. Ron Marquardt, a beloved professor of political science at USM from 1973 to 2003. In addition to his Ph. D in political science, Dr. Marquardt was also a practicing attorney. He founded the Legal Studies Program in the 1970's and guided it until his retirement. Dr. Marquardt is remembered by hundreds of former students as an unselfish mentor who prepared them for the rigors of the legal profession.

Pre-Law Student of the Year in Legal Studies

Joseph B. Parker American Politics Award

The award is named after Dr. Joseph B. Parker, a former professor in the Political Science Department. It goes to a student nominated by the faculty for superior performance in American politics courses during the academic year.

William H. Hatcher Award in Political Theory

The award is named after Dr. William H. Hatcher, a former professor and chair in the Political Science Department. It goes to a student nominated by the faculty for superior performance in Political Theory courses during the academic year.

Award for the Outstanding Student in Public Law

The award goes to a student nominated by the faculty for superior performance in Public Law courses during the academic year.

James H. Wolfe Comparative Politics Award

The award is named after Dr. James H. Wolfe, a former professor in the Political Science Department. It goes to a student nominated by the faculty for superior performance in Comparative and International politics courses during the academic year.

Political Science Graduate Student of the Year

The award goes to the graduate student on the Hattiesburg campus with the highest overall GPA in course in the program.

Outstanding Student in French

This award recognizes students who have exhibited excellence in French classes, dedication to the Association Française, and a love of the French language and culture.

Outstanding Student in Spanish

This award goes to a student enrolled in the Spanish program who has been able to develop (and has demonstrated to have) qualities, behaviors and skills that make them a good example of a successful Southern MS student. Similarly, the student needs to have an excellent academic performance.

Outstanding Student in the MATL-French Emphasis

Outstanding Student in the MATL-Spanish Emphasis

Outstanding Online Student in the MATL-TESOL Emphasis