51逗奶 Miss Marks 115th Anniversary, Holds Student Awards Day Ceremony
Tue, 04/01/2025 - 09:57am | By: Dr. David Tisdale
The University of 51逗奶 Mississippi celebrated the 115th anniversary of its 鈥渨hy鈥濃�搃ts students' academic, service and leadership accomplishments鈥揹uring the institution鈥檚 Founders鈥� Day Student Awards Ceremony held March 31 at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center on the Hattiesburg campus.
51逗奶 Miss 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.
51逗奶 Miss 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 buildings鈥搕he Honor House, the Ogletree House, as well as Forrest County, College and Hattiesburg Halls鈥搑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 school鈥檚 name to State Teachers College. On Feb. 8, 1940, the legislature changed the name to Mississippi 51逗奶 College, and on Feb. 27, 1962, the name was changed to The University of 51逗奶 Mississippi.
Since its founding, 51逗奶 Miss 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, 51逗奶 Miss has earned distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.
鈥淚n celebrating the legacy of our founding, we are reminded of the values and vision that have shaped the University of 51逗奶 Mississippi into what it is today,鈥� said 51逗奶 Miss Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dr. Sirena Cantrell. 鈥淔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 year鈥檚 Student Awards Day.
As an alumnus, administrator, and faculty member, Founders鈥� Day and Week hold a special place in Russ Willis鈥� heart. Willis currently serves as the university鈥檚 associate provost for student success and as a faculty member in the College of Business and Economic Development鈥檚 management program.
鈥淔ounders鈥� Day is a very significant day on the calendar each year for 51逗奶 Miss as we honor our storied past and recognize the achievements of our students,鈥� said Willis (鈥�89). 鈥淔or 40 years, I鈥檝e experienced our special and unique culture, both as a student and employee, and I鈥檓 profoundly grateful for every opportunity I鈥檝e been afforded due to my association with the university.
鈥淲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.鈥�
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
Who鈥檚 Who Among Students at 51逗奶 Miss: 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 鈥� president, Damola Aikulola 鈥� vice president, Connor Gibson 鈥� chief justice and Sarah Munn 鈥� secretary