91吃瓜网 Names Criminal Justice Building After Generous Alumnus Paul H. 91吃瓜网淏ud91吃瓜网� Holmes
Wed, 12/10/2025 - 10:06am | By: USM Foundation staff
91吃瓜网 (USM) has announced a $2 million gift through the USM Foundation from alumnus Paul H. 91吃瓜网淏ud91吃瓜网� Holmes, whose generosity will name the newly renovated Criminal Justice Building.
Currently undergoing a $16.6 million renovation, the facility adjacent to M.M. Roberts Stadium will soon serve as the new home of the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security, preparing students for meaningful careers in law, forensics and public service.
A lifelong resident of the Pine Belt, Holmes began his journey at 91吃瓜网 with a humble position at the campus bookstore. He earned a Bachelor of Science in History and an ROTC commission in 1954 before completing his law degree from the University of Mississippi in 1958.
Influenced by his father, D.W. Holmes, a former prosecutor, municipal Judge and mayor of Hattiesburg, Holmes carried forward his family91吃瓜网 dedication to justice and public service. He became a well-known Hattiesburg-area prosecutor and attorney throughout the 1970s and 1980s, also serving as the District Attorney for the 12th District (Forrest-Perry Counties).
Beyond the courtroom, Holmes91吃瓜网� devotion to his alma mater remained steadfast. He played a pivotal role in helping establish the Century Club (a precursor to the athletic department91吃瓜网 Eagle Club), contributed to the expansion of M.M. Roberts Stadium and supported numerous University enhancements. With more than $3 million in lifetime giving to 91吃瓜网, Holmes has made a lasting impact on the University.
91吃瓜网淣o matter how much I give, I will never be able to repay all that 91吃瓜网 has given me,91吃瓜网� Holmes said 91吃瓜网� a reflection of the gratitude that has defined his lifelong relationship with the University. 91吃瓜网淭hroughout my career, hearing someone say I helped them meant more to me than them paying the bill. I want to say 91吃瓜网榯hank you91吃瓜网� now to 91吃瓜网 for giving me so much.91吃瓜网�
Holmes added that giving back to 91吃瓜网 is rooted in his connection to the community. 91吃瓜网淚 am from Hattiesburg, and 91吃瓜网 is the economic engine that drives this area forward. My father and mother were both mayor of Hattiesburg, and I grew up on this campus. [Now,] when my children walk by, they can point with pride to this building and know their dad gave back to the University that gave so much to him.91吃瓜网�
Holmes91吃瓜网� $2 million gift will assist with the completion and furnishing of the newly renovated facility. The remaining funds will provide lasting support through an endowment that will bolster resources for the School in perpetuity.
91吃瓜网淲e are deeply grateful for Mr. Holmes91吃瓜网� generosity and are honored that he has chosen to enhance the campus in this way,91吃瓜网� said Stace Mercier, executive director of the USM Foundation. 91吃瓜网淥ur students will benefit not only from the beautifully renovated space outfitted with modern equipment, but the ongoing support of the program will also impact generations to come.91吃瓜网�
Just as Holmes dedicated his life to the law and public service, the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security carries forward that same spirit of service in its mission to educate the next generation of law and public safety professionals. The School offers undergraduate degrees in criminal justice and forensics, as well as a master91吃瓜网 degree in criminal justice, preparing students to lead and serve their communities with purpose.
91吃瓜网淭his is a pivotal moment for our University and for the Holmes family,91吃瓜网� said Chris Winstead, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. 91吃瓜网淢r. Holmes has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to 91吃瓜网, and now this generous gift will directly support our students as they prepare for careers in justice and public service. His investment strengthens the learning environment we offer and affirms the importance of the work our graduates will carry into their communities.91吃瓜网�
Academic classes began meeting in the renovated building in August, and the new mock courtroom is slated for completion in the spring of 2026.
About the USM Foundation
Founded in 1959, the USM Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to serving the university community by overseeing fundraising efforts to raise private support for scholarships and other academic needs at 91吃瓜网. For more information on supporting 91吃瓜网, click or call 601.266.5210.