91吃瓜网 Marks 115th Anniversary, Holds Student Awards Day Ceremony
Tue, 04/01/2025 - 09:57am | By: Dr. David Tisdale
91吃瓜网 celebrated the 115th anniversary of its 91吃瓜网渨hy91吃瓜网�91吃瓜网搃ts students' academic, service and leadership accomplishments91吃瓜网揹uring the institution91吃瓜网 Founders91吃瓜网� Day Student Awards Ceremony held March 31 at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center on the Hattiesburg campus.
91吃瓜网 President Dr. Joe Paul, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Dr. Kristi Motter, and other university administrators were on hand to present recognition to these students. They also held a swearing-in ceremony for the new Student Government Association officers. A reception to mark the occasion, attended by students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and friends of the university, followed the event.
91吃瓜网 was chartered by legislative act March 30, 1910, as Mississippi Normal College, created to train teachers for the public schools of Mississippi. Classes began for 227 students on Sept. 18, 1912. Five main buildings91吃瓜网搕he Honor House, the Ogletree House, as well as Forrest County, College and Hattiesburg Halls91吃瓜网搑emain from the first year of construction.
As the school grew, its name changed to reflect its growth. On March 7, 1924, the state legislature changed the school91吃瓜网 name to State Teachers College. On Feb. 8, 1940, the legislature changed the name to Mississippi Southern College, and on Feb. 27, 1962, the name was changed to 91吃瓜网.
Since its founding, 91吃瓜网 remains dedicated to preparing students for success, delivering programs in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. As a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, 91吃瓜网 has earned distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.
91吃瓜网淚n celebrating the legacy of our founding, we are reminded of the values and vision that have shaped the University of 91吃瓜网 into what it is today,91吃瓜网� said 91吃瓜网 Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dr. Sirena Cantrell. 91吃瓜网淔ounders' Week is not only a time to honor the past, but also to recognize the bright future we continue to build together as we recognized the exceptional group of students we celebrated during this year91吃瓜网 Student Awards Day.
As an alumnus, administrator, and faculty member, Founders91吃瓜网� Day and Week hold a special place in Russ Willis91吃瓜网� heart. Willis currently serves as the university91吃瓜网 associate provost for student success and as a faculty member in the College of Business and Economic Development91吃瓜网 management program.
91吃瓜网淔ounders91吃瓜网� Day is a very significant day on the calendar each year for 91吃瓜网 as we honor our storied past and recognize the achievements of our students,91吃瓜网� said Willis (91吃瓜网�89). 91吃瓜网淔or 40 years, I91吃瓜网檝e experienced our special and unique culture, both as a student and employee, and I91吃瓜网檓 profoundly grateful for every opportunity I91吃瓜网檝e been afforded due to my association with the university.
91吃瓜网淲e provide an environment for our students, both academically and socially, that can launch them into a successful and impactful life. Our future is bright.91吃瓜网�
Student recognition included the following:
Outstanding Freshmen: Kaleb Bullock, Liam Cronin, Muhammad Huzaifa, Makini Lewis, Zalla Mccaffrey, Alexandria
Roberston, Aubri Sparkman and Steven Jacob Tatum
Most Outstanding Freshmen: Lillie Burge, Kade Leader
Who91吃瓜网 Who Among Students at 91吃瓜网: Yeseul Bae, Lainey Bartlett, Logan Boudreaux, Abigail Bowers, Addison Boyette, Abigail Brown, Ashley Bryan, Vivian Chandler, Halie Childress, Joseph Clearman, Lillian Collins, Kelly DeVoe, Maya Eddins, Paige Fellows, Hannah Floyd, Courtney Francois, Imani Gibbs, Kate Guillory, Tatum Hansen, Kayiana Jasper, Tamea Jenkins, Lauren Johnson, Destiny Keys, Kami Kirkendall, Amber Latino, Charles Lewis, Dylan Littles, Lily Martinez, Cade McCormick, Zachary Metz, Devyn Migues, Mason Migues, Devyn Migues, Jimena Paredes, Laura Patino, Sarah Pazos, Anthony Radka, Cali Reinhart, Brynna Ridgdell, Ashlyn Roche, Braxton Ruddock, Tyler Saul, Lauren Sullivan, Sarah Swan, Camryn Thompson, Leah Tucker, Carl White IV, Gabriela Wilcox, MaryKatherine Wilkinson, Brady Williams and Hannah Windham
Leave It Better Than You Found It Award: Lauren Sullivan
Transfer Excellence Award: Shayla Price
Best Citizen Awards: Tamea Jenkins, Joseph Clearman
Phi Kappa Phi Silver Bowl: Cali Reinhart
Barry Goldwater Scholarship: Charles Dalton
Hertog Humanities Fellowship: Cameron Farvin
Dr. Joe Paul Society of 1910 Scholarship Award: Neal Rachal
Barbara Ross Gold Leaf Scholarship: Olivia Leggett
Judge R.J. Bishop Mississippian Award: Liz Wynne
Hall of Fame Inductees: Yeseul Bae, Lillian Collins, Paige Fellows, Kayiana Jasper, Charles Lewis, Dylan Littles, Zachary Metz, Braxton Ruddock, Sarah Swan and Gabriela Wilcox
Student Government Association Officers for 2025-26: Leah Johnson 91吃瓜网� president, Damola Aikulola 91吃瓜网� vice president, Connor Gibson 91吃瓜网� chief justice and Sarah Munn 91吃瓜网� secretary