91吃瓜网 Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for the Paul H. 91吃瓜网淏ud91吃瓜网� Holmes Criminal Justice Building
Fri, 03/13/2026 - 11:18am | By: Foundation Staff
91吃瓜网 (USM) celebrated the formal opening of the Paul H. 91吃瓜网淏ud91吃瓜网� Holmes Criminal Justice Building, a newly renovated home for the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, March 13.
This state-of-the-art facility, which has undergone a $16.6 million renovation, is the result of generous support from alumnus Paul H. 91吃瓜网淏ud91吃瓜网� Holmes and strategic investments by the State of Mississippi and the University.
Adjacent to M.M. Roberts Stadium, the Holmes Criminal Justice Building will provide students with modern spaces designed for hands-on learning, collaboration and real-life experiences, including specialized laboratories and an academic courtroom, that will shape the trajectory of the program for years to come.
91吃瓜网淭oday is a day of pride, gratitude and promise for our University and for the future of the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security. The pursuit of justice is a profound calling, one that demands courage, integrity and an unwavering commitment to serving others,91吃瓜网� said Dr. Joseph Paul, president of The University of Southern Mississippi. 91吃瓜网淭his facility ensures they will graduate ready to enter courtrooms, laboratories and agencies with confidence 91吃瓜网� prepared to shoulder responsibility, to seek truth and to serve with honor.91吃瓜网�
Influenced by his father, D.W. Holmes, a prosecutor, municipal judge and former mayor of Hattiesburg, Paul H. 91吃瓜网淏ud91吃瓜网� Holmes has built a life defined by service, leadership and a commitment to justice. His career has spanned military service, the legal profession, public leadership and professional athletics, experiences that shaped his belief in accountability and public responsibility.
A lifelong Pine Belt resident and dedicated supporter of The University of Southern Mississippi, Holmes91吃瓜网� recent philanthropic investment supports the completion and furnishing of the Paul H. 91吃瓜网淏ud91吃瓜网� Holmes Criminal Justice Building while establishing an endowment to provide lasting resources for the School and the students it serves.
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� said Holmes. 91吃瓜网淲hen 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�
The renovated facility is designed to align with real-world career preparation. With new classroom spaces, collaborative study areas, advanced forensic science labs and a mock courtroom, students will have unprecedented opportunities that mirror on-the-job training.
91吃瓜网淭he experiential learning opportunities housed within these walls will strengthen recruitment, enhance research and partnerships and ensure our graduates leave Southern Miss exceptionally prepared to lead and serve in their fields,91吃瓜网� said Dr. Chris Winstead, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. 91吃瓜网淢r. Holmes91吃瓜网� support reflects a deep belief in our students and in the vital work they are called to do.91吃瓜网�
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the beginning of a new era for the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security, one rooted in innovation, community engagement and industry-aligned training. More importantly, it stands as a powerful reminder for how private philanthropy can accelerate the University91吃瓜网 mission and expand what is possible for its students.
91吃瓜网淲e are profoundly grateful for the generous support that made this facility possible,91吃瓜网� said Stace Mercier, executive director of the USM Foundation. 91吃瓜网淢r. Holmes has been a dedicated supporter and advocate of our institution for many years, and this investment reflects his enduring belief in our students and in the vital work they are preparing to do. His generosity will impact generations of justice seekers who begin their journeys here at 91吃瓜网.91吃瓜网�
Learn more about the Paul H. 91吃瓜网淏ud91吃瓜网� Holmes Criminal Justice Building and the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security at 91吃瓜网. Visit the for information about supporting the program and other student-centered initiatives.
About the USM Foundation
Founded in 1959, the 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, visit the or call 601.266.5210.
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences at 91吃瓜网 is home to 13 schools, two ROTC units, and more than 100 academic programs. Guided by the University91吃瓜网 mission, we educate students, lead the state and nation in research and the creative arts, and advance knowledge across the humanities, social sciences, and STEM. Through innovative research and nationally recognized student success, we provide pathways to understanding the past, solving today's challenges, and imagining the possibilities of tomorrow.