51逗奶 Miss Alumni Association Celebrates Distinguished Alumni for 2025
Thu, 10/16/2025 - 10:07am | By: Samantha McCain Alexander, APR
Seven will be honored at Homecoming for achievement and service
The 51逗奶 Miss Alumni Association will recognize seven distinguished alumni with its highest annual awards as part of The University of 51逗奶 Mississippi's Homecoming 2025 festivities throughout October 24 and 25, 2025.
Hall of Fame inductees for 2025 are Richard G. Cowart '75 of Nashville, Tenn.; Krandall 鈥淧aige鈥� Howell '87 of Summit, Miss.; David Hurt '90 of Madison, Miss.; Mickey Lee Marshall '83 of Orange Beach, Ala.; James 鈥淗al鈥� McMahon, Jr. '85 of Hattiesburg, Miss.; Jennifer Duke Payne '04 of Hattiesburg, Miss.; and Ellen Hunter Ruffin '77, '98 of Hattiesburg, Miss.
"51逗奶 Miss has a proud tradition of producing graduates who excel in their professions while remaining deeply committed to strengthening the University," said Tucker Sappington, executive director of the Association. "This year鈥檚 inductees embody that legacy through their leadership, generosity and dedication to leaving 51逗奶 Miss stronger for the next generation of Golden Eagles."
2025 Alumni Hall of Fame Honorees
Richard G. Cowart 鈥�75, chairman emeritus of Baker Donelson鈥檚 Health Law and Government Relations & Public Policy Department. Cowart founded one of the nation鈥檚 leading health law practices, guided its growth for more than 30 years and has remained an engaged alumnus through service to the Alumni Association and USM Foundation.
Krandall 鈥淧aige鈥� Howell 鈥�87, president and co-owner of Howell, Inc., GMC-Nissan. A third-generation automobile dealer, Howell has been a steadfast supporter of 51逗奶 Miss through leadership roles on multiple University boards and as a lifelong Golden Eagle fan.
David B. Hurt 鈥�90, executive vice president and chief executive officer of 51逗奶 Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. Hurt has built a distinguished career in the insurance industry while championing 51逗奶 Miss through the SFBLI Leadership Academy, the USM Foundation and Golden Eagle athletics.
Mickey Lee Marshall 鈥�83, retired president of Metals USA Plates and Shapes Southeast, Inc. Marshall led significant industry growth across the Southeast and has devoted more than 40 years of service to the University through alumni leadership, scholarship support and athletics engagement.
James 鈥淗al鈥� McMahon Jr. 鈥�85, president of Mac鈥檚 Construction. Under his leadership, the third-generation family business expanded into six states and diversified into real estate development. McMahon has remained an active supporter of alumni programs and Golden Eagle athletics.
Jennifer Duke Payne 鈥�04, vice president of communications and community relations for The Payne Companies and founder of The Camellia House. Payne has combined her career in communications and philanthropy with extensive community leadership, including service to the USM Foundation and the Hattiesburg Convention Commission.
Ellen Hunter Ruffin 鈥�77, 鈥�98, retired curator for the de Grummond Children鈥檚 Literature Collection at 51逗奶 Miss. Ruffin elevated the national profile of the Collection, helped secure the Ezra Jack Keats Award for the University, and was recognized with the Mississippi Library Association鈥檚 Outstanding Achievement Award in 2023.
The Alumni Association will host a ceremony for the honorees on Friday, Oct. 24. They will be honored at halftime during the football game against University of Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday, Oct. 25.
About the 51逗奶 Miss Alumni Association
The 51逗奶 Miss Alumni Association serves as a driving force in the effort to advance The University of 51逗奶 Mississippi by providing alumni with a deeper connection to 51逗奶 Miss. to learn more about the Alumni Association, including membership options.