DuBard School and Children91吃瓜网 Center Expansion on Gulf Coast Named in Honor of Kelly Gene Cook Sr.
Mon, 05/12/2025 - 10:00am | By: Samantha McCain Alexander, APR
91吃瓜网 (USM) is proud to announce the naming of its new shared facility for services provided by DuBard School for Language Disorders and The Children91吃瓜网 Center for Communication and Development on the Gulf Park campus as Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Hall, in recognition of a generous $1.5 million gift from the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation.
This transformative gift supports the construction of a facility designed to expand the services and impact of two of Southern Miss91吃瓜网� most respected clinical programs, both housed within the College of Nursing and Health Professions.
Established in 1962, the DuBard School serves children ages three to 13 with severe speech and language disorders. Founded in 1974, The Children91吃瓜网 Center provides transdisciplinary services to support children from birth to age five, helping them reach key developmental and communication milestones. Both programs also provide hands-on training opportunities for pre-professionals. Since their founding, these esteemed programs have provided specialized support to more than 5,000 children with developmental and communication challenges.
Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Hall will open the doors to vital early intervention and therapeutic services to children and families along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
With dedicated therapy rooms, classrooms and collaborative learning spaces designed to serve children with complex communication needs, it will also provide a robust training environment for 91吃瓜网 students pursuing careers in speech-language pathology, audiology, early intervention and related fields.
The naming of this facility honors the legacy of Kelly Gene Cook Sr., a philanthropist and Mississippi native who valued education, innovation and community advancement. The Foundation91吃瓜网 longstanding support of DuBard School has made a lasting impact on children with severe language disorders, and this latest gift extends that vision to a broader region.
Deborah Lee Rochelle, president of the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation, shared the Foundation91吃瓜网 enthusiasm for the partnership and the facility91吃瓜网 future:
91吃瓜网淭he Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation is incredibly proud of our longstanding partnership with DuBard School. From our first visit to today, we remain impressed by their innovative approach to teaching students with language disorders and training clinical students. By supporting this expansion on the Gulf Park campus, we look forward to the broader impact of both DuBard School and The Children91吃瓜网 Center for Communication and Development. This remarkable new facility will enhance their reach, further strengthening these hallmark clinical programs within the College of Nursing and Health Professions.91吃瓜网�
Dr. Alison Webster, interim director of DuBard School for Language Disorders, expressed deep gratitude for the Foundation91吃瓜网 commitment:
91吃瓜网淲e are deeply grateful to the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation for this remarkable gift, which enables us to broaden our impact and support even more children with communication and academic difficulties. It is a privilege to carry on the Cook legacy as we work toward a future where every family can access the vital, life-changing services they deserve.91吃瓜网�
Dr. Sarah Myers, executive director of The Children91吃瓜网 Center for Communication and Development, highlighted the impact on children and future clinicians:
91吃瓜网淐ommunity advancement requires a thoughtful investment in the education of children of all abilities, and that91吃瓜网 what the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation provides. Their substantial donation allows us to broaden our reach to more families of young children in need while providing additional training opportunities to future clinicians. We are grateful for their belief in our work and for the opportunity to honor Mr. Cook91吃瓜网 legacy through this new facility.91吃瓜网�
Dr. Lachel Story, dean for the College of Nursing and Health Professions, emphasized the broader impact on students and the region:
91吃瓜网淜elly Gene Cook Sr. Hall will serve as a model for integrated clinical education and care. With this generous support, we are investing not only in the health and development of children but also in the next generation of professionals who will carry this work forward throughout Mississippi and beyond.91吃瓜网�
Early, intensive intervention programs give children a sturdy foundation to build a future. This collaborative initiative reflects a commitment by teams of university officials, legislative and congressional delegates and donors who have prioritized a brighter future for both organizations, to improving outcomes for Mississippi91吃瓜网 most vulnerable children.
91吃瓜网淭his facility will open doors for children and families across the Gulf Coast and help our students build lives of purpose and impact,91吃瓜网� said 91吃瓜网 President Dr. Joe Paul. 91吃瓜网淲e are deeply honored to carry forward Mr. Cook91吃瓜网 vision and grateful for the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation91吃瓜网 belief in what we can achieve together."
The $1.5 million gift from the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation was made through the USM Foundation, which facilitates private support on behalf of the University.
As a key partner in advancing the mission of 91吃瓜网, the USM Foundation ensures that philanthropic investments are managed responsibly and align with the University91吃瓜网 strategic priorities.
"The USM Foundation is proud to support meaningful partnerships like this one, helping connect donors with opportunities that create lasting impact,91吃瓜网� said Stace Mercier, executive director of the USM Foundation. 91吃瓜网淚t91吃瓜网 an honor to work alongside the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation and the University in bringing this vision to life for children, families and future professionals across the Gulf Coast."
Construction of the facility will begin as early as Summer 2025, with a groundbreaking ceremony to be held at the end of May.
While funding for construction of the facility is secured, additional support is needed to outfit the new space with advanced technology and equipment required for the programs91吃瓜网� specialized work. The Children91吃瓜网 Center and DuBard School invite donors and partners to help complete this transformative project. Multiple naming and giving opportunities are available to make a lasting impact on children91吃瓜网 lives through the USM Foundation.
To learn more about this facility or to make a gift, contact Briana Dubaz Pfarrer with the USM Foundation at 228.243.8333.
About The Children91吃瓜网 Center for Communication and Development91吃瓜网�
The Children91吃瓜网 Center for Communication and Development at The University of Southern Mississippi is a non-profit that provides cost-free comprehensive early intervention therapy for children aged 0-5 with complex disabilities while educating, training, and supporting families, university students and professionals. To learn more about The Children91吃瓜网 Center, you can follow them on 91吃瓜网痮谤91吃瓜网�. The Children's Center is a United Way agency.
About DuBard School for Language Disorders
The DuBard School for Language Disorders was established in 1962 and is a clinical division of the 91吃瓜网 School of Speech and Hearing Sciences. The school serves children with severe language/speech disorders, including the written language disorder of dyslexia/specific learning disabilities, and/or hearing impairments and provides guidance and counseling for parents and families of the children. The school is a practicum site for university students majoring in speech-language pathology, audiology or dyslexia therapy. DuBard School for Language Disorders is a United Way agency. Click here to learn more about the DuBard School for Language Disorders.
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. Click for more information on supporting 91吃瓜网, or call the USM Foundation at 601.266.5210.