Southern Miss Proud

Student Success

USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists.

Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Student Research

The USM Drapeau Center for Undergraduate Research was established in October 2011. The overall mission of the center is to enhance the undergraduate experience by promoting and supporting student-faculty collaborations in research, creative projects and scholarship. 

The benefits of active participation in faculty-mentored research are myriad both to the student experience and the university community at large.

Southern Miss to the Top!

The University’s motto “Southern Miss to the Top!” represents a common sentiment among the Southern Miss faithful. The phrase represents our desire for the best for the University constituency, whether in the classroom, on the playing field or in the community.

“To the Top!” Is our call to action, an expectation and a challenge: to be determined and persistent; to always give maximum effort, regardless of what the odds or others say; to commit to worthwhile pursuits; to expect results; and to never, ever quit.

 

About USM

Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 146 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” designation.

As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $663 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of approximately 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi.

Our Traditions

The traditions of The University of Southern Mississippi are deeply treasured. The Alumni Association, in conjunction with the Student Alumni Association, take a lead role in promoting and advancing these customs, ceremonies and celebrations of Southern Miss. Alumni, friends, students, faculty, staff and fans of the Golden Eagles are invited to regularly take part in the traditions of the University.

Traditions

School Spirit

Colors -

Inspired from the beauty of nature’s field of Black-Eyed Susans, black and gold have been Southern Miss’ colors since the beginning.

Mascot -

Over the years, Southern Miss has experienced an evolution of mascots. Golden Eagles was chosen officially as the athletic teams’ name in 1972. Our mascot is Seymour d’Campus, an individual in a Golden Eagle costume. 

Mission

The University of Southern Mississippi is a community of engaged citizens, operating as a public, student-centered, doctoral-granting research university serving Mississippi, the nation, and the world. The University is dedicated to scholarship and learning, integrating students at all levels in the creation and application of knowledge through excellence in teaching, research, creative activities, outreach, and service. 

The University nurtures student success by providing distinctive and competitive educational programs embedded in a welcoming environment, preparing a diverse student population to embark on meaningful life endeavors.

Vision

The University of Southern Mississippi aspires to be a model student-centered public research university that prepares students to thrive in a global society by providing high quality programs and transformative experiences in a community distinguished by inclusiveness.

Values

The mission of the institution is supported by the following values: 

1. Research and instructional excellence focused on student success at all teaching sites and through campus-based and distance education
2. Student engagement that fosters personal growth, professional development, and a lifelong commitment to wellness
3. An inclusive community that embraces the diversity of people and ideas
4. Institutional governance that respects academic freedom and faculty inclusion
5. A campus culture characterized by warmth and mutually-supportive connections among students, faculty, staff, and alumni
6. An approach to academics, research, and personal conduct based on integrity and civility
7. An evolving curriculum that fosters lifelong curiosity and critical thinking
8. Community participation that promotes social responsibility and citizenship