2018-19 Annual Report

NNUAL 

EPORT 

018-19 

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI 

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

HOMECOMING 

It is my distinct privilege to serve as the next dean of 

the College of Business and Economic Development 

at The University of Southern Mississippi. 

As an alumnus of Southern Miss, I know the business school has a long 

and proud history of developing the business leaders of South Mississippi 

and beyond, and it is an honor to be chosen to carry on its great tradition. 

The commitment and spirit of our students, faculty and staff make this a 

special place, and I am elated to be the new leader of such an important and 

inspiring group of people. 

As dean of the College of Business and Economic Development, I am proud 

to look back with you on a successful 2018-19 academic year. I hope 

you’ll take the time to look through this annual report containing the 

impressive accomplishments of the past year, including impactful research 

contributions, notable program rankings, critical real-world connections, 

and the impressive successes and accolades of our students and faculty. 

We have much to be proud of, and the future promises to be even greater! 

I am incredibly grateful to serve as dean of such a dedicated community 

of faculty and staff, who are so committed to building future business 

leaders and positively impacting the lives of our students. I hope you enjoy 

this annual report, and if you have any questions or feedback, feel free to 

contact me at bret.becton@usm.edu. 

Kind Regards, 

J. Bret Becton, Ph.D. 

Dean

ISION 

ND 

ISSION 

VISION 

WE INSPIRE POSITIVE CHANGE 

AS WE CULTIVATE TALENT AND 

CONNECT WITH ORGANIZATIONS. 

MISSION 

WE CREATE EXCELLENCE IN THE USE OF CORE 

BUSINESS CONCEPTS, BUILD KNOWLEDGE 

THROUGH SCHOLARSHIP, PROMOTE PROGRESS 

IN OUR PEOPLE, AND SUPPORT THE ECONOMIC 

DEVELOPMENT OF OUR COMMUNITIES. 

2 | C O L L E G E O F B U S I N E S S A N D E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T

IN THE SOUTHERN MISS COLLEGE 

OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC 

DEVELOPMENT, OUR VALUES 

EMPHASIZE THAT WE ARE 

GENUINE 

EMPHASIZING 

THE INTEGRITY OF OUR 

INTERACTIONS AS WE VALUE AUTHENTICITY 

RELEVANT 

IN 

SYNC WITH CHANGING TIMES, RESEARCHING AND 

TEACHING CONCEPTS THAT ARE APPLICABLE TO BUSINESS 

INCLUSIVE 

WELCOMING 

AND SUPPORTIVE FOR ALL WHO WANT 

TO ENHANCE THEIR BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE 

TENACIOUS 

PERSISTENT, DETERMINED, STEADFAST, TIRELESS AND FIRM, 

HOLDING FAST TO OUR GOALS AND DREAMS FOR OURSELVES, 

OUR STUDENTS AND OUR COMMUNITIES 

OUR GRIT AND 

DETERMINATION SHOW. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 3

ABLE OF 

ONTENTS 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1 

Homecoming 

2 

Vision and Mission 

6 

By the Numbers 

7 

Business Engagement 

8 

Connecting With 

Real-world Leaders 

14 

Affiliated 

Center Contributions 

17 

Immersed in the Field 

18 

Preparing 

Students to Lead 

21 

MBA at a Glance 

22 

Mississippi Defense 

Diversification Initiative 

23 

International 

Business Program 

24 

Experiential Learning in 

the School of Marketing 

27 

Analytics Initiative 

30 

The Study Abroad 

Experience 

32 

Hard Work Pays Off 

34 

Serving Love on a Plate 

36 

Breaking the Mold 

38 

Where Do They Go 

After Graduation? 

40 

New Courses 

and Certificates 

41 

Traveling to 

Success 

43 

Faculty Intellectual 

Contributions and Impact 

47 

In Memoriam 

48 

Recognizing Extraordinary 

Student Efforts 

52 

Student Outcomes 

28 

The Internship Experience 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 5

BY THE NUMBERS 

For the first time in history, USM welcomed MORE THAN 2,000 first-time, fulltime 

freshman students to the university for the 2018-19 academic year. 

THIS IS AN 11% INCREASE OF ENROLLED FROM FALL 2017. 

2,221 

TOTAL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STUDENTS 

“When you offer something of exceptional quality, you get noticed. When you offer something that is 

both unique and of the highest quality, you win awards. Nowhere is this truer than with University 

of Southern Mississippi’s MBA in Sport Event Security Management, the only MBA concentration of 

its kind available anywhere in the world.” - Quote from onlinembapage.com 

Top Online MBA Programs in Sport Management recognizing our MBA with Sport Event Security Management emphasis, Online MBA Page, 2019-20 

of student-athletes are from the College 

27% of Business and Economic Development 

#36 Best Online Undergraduate Business School in the nation by College 

Consensus, 2019 

#36 Best Online Business School in the nation by SuccessfulStudent.org, 2019 

Top Universities for Professional Sales Education in the 

Nation, Sales Education Foundation Annual Report, 2019 

#119 Best Online MBA Program, U.S. News & World Report, 2019 

#17 Best Online MBA Program, Affordable Colleges Online, 2018-19 

#41 Best MBA Degree Program Online, Best College Reviews, 2018 

#136 Best Online MBA Program, U.S. News & World Report, 2018 

#188 in the Top 200 Best Part-Time MBA Program, U.S. News and World Report, 2018 

#1 BEST ONLINE BUSINESS 

SCHOOL IN MISSISSIPPI BY 

SUCCESSFULSTUDENT.ORG, 2019 

#8 BEST ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE 

IN SPORT MANAGEMENT BY 

BESTCOLLEGEREVIEWS.ORG, 2019 

#18 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degree in Sport Management, OnlineU.org, 2019 

#26 Top International Business program in the country by study.com, 2019 

#16 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Business 

for the Business program by OnlineU.org, 2019 


BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT 

ACC Advisory Board – During the 2018-19 academic year, the School 

of Accountancy Advisory Board has experienced an 85% increase in 

membership, welcoming 11 new members to the group. Dr. Marvin 

Bouillon, director of the School of Accountancy, has worked to increase 

membership and participation in the school's Advisory Board since he 

began in July 2018. 

"The School of Accountancy Advisory Board members’ input and 

contributions are critical to the success of the school. We hope to 

expand the board to include members from governmental organizations, 

corporations and junior colleges. We are looking for successful 

accounting executives interested in being a part of something great," 

said Bouillon. "Additionally, we have invited the president of Beta Alpha 

Psi to join, as a student member." 

44 

Members of the Partner’s 

Advisory Council (PAC) 

96 

86 

Members of the Business 

Advisory Council (BAC) 

Friends of the BAC 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 7

CONNECTING WITH 

REAL-WORLD LEADERS 

ALUMNA OF THE YEAR 

Joy Lightsey at 

Alumna of the Year 

Joy Lightsey was selected as the 2018 Alumna of the Year by the 

College of Business and Economic Development. Lightsey earned her 

business administration degree in accounting from Southern Miss 

in 1973. She worked as the senior vice president of operations for 

SunTech Inc. and served in that capacity for over 10 years before the 

company was sold, and she began consulting with the new owners 

over the next two years before retiring. Since retiring, she has been 

actively involved with the Southern Miss community, as she currently 

serves on the Board of Directors for the USM Foundation. Additionally, 

Lightsey established an endowment for accounting students and 

served as the chair of the Building Better Business campaign in 2015, 

supporting the completion of what we now know as Scianna Hall. 

Left to Right, President Rodney D. Bennett, 

Robert St. John, Dr. Stacey A. Hall 

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 

Robert St. John, restaurateur and author, was recognized as the 2019 

Entrepreneur of the Year. St. John has spent almost 40 years in the 

restaurant business, 30 of which have been as the owner of the Purple 

Parrot, Crescent City Grill, Mahogany Bar, Branch, Tabella, Ed’s Burger 

Joint, The Midtowner and Midtown Donut in Hattiesburg, Miss. In 2009, 

St. John founded Extra Table, a statewide non-profit organization that 

ships over 14 tons of healthy food to over 39 Mississippi soup kitchens 

and mission pantries every month. St. John is the author of 11 books 

with the 12th book, Palate to Palette: An Italian Travel Journal, in the 

works. Additionally, he has written a weekly syndicated newspaper 

column for over 20 years. 


CONNECTING WITH REAL-WORLD LEADERS 

EXPERIENCE 

BUSINESS CASUALLY 

The college hosted its annual Experience Business 

Casually event this fall, allowing students to interact 

with business professionals from the community. 

The event encourages students to network with 

professionals in a casual, comfortable environment 

by visiting stations that highlight particular topics, 

such as handshake tips, résumé and cover letter 

critique, financial tips, graduate school information 

and internships. 

ARE YOU A BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL 

INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING? EMAIL 

BAILEY.HARRIS@USM.EDU TO SIGN UP! 

Over 300 College of Business and Economic 

Development students were in attendance. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 9


ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM 

Experts from banking, finance, economics and academia came together 

to explore research related to the economic outlook for 2019. Dr. Darrin 

Webb, state economist for Mississippi, and Adrienne Slack, VP and 

regional executive of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, spoke about 

economic trends and forecasts for 2019. 

Sponsored by the College of Business and Economic Development, the 

Trent Lott National Center and The First, A National Banking Association 

“THE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 

FORUM CONTINUES TO GROW EVERY YEAR. 

IT GIVES US AN OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT WITH 

PEOPLE FROM THE GULF SOUTH REGION, TO 

FIND OUT WHAT IS GOING ON AND HOW OUR 

COMPANY CAN BE OF SERVICE. WE BELIEVE THE 

CONFERENCE GIVES THOSE IN ATTENDANCE A 

SOLID FOUNDATION OF ECONOMIC EXPECTATIONS 

UPON WHICH TO PLAN THE UPCOMING YEAR.” 

Quote from M. Ray “Hoppy” Cole, President and CEO of The First, 

A National Banking Association 

From left to right: M Ray “Hoppy” Cole, Adrienne Slack, Dr. Darrin Webb, 

President Rodney D. Bennett 



INSPIRED LEADERS SERIES 

The goal of the Inspired Leaders Series is to invite industry leaders to 

answer the question, “What inspires you?” Over the 2018-19 academic 

year, we have had the honor of hosting two executives, Ms. Maxine 

Coleman and Mr. Duane Lock. During each of their visits, they were 

able to engage students in large- and small-group settings through 

conversations about what has inspired them in their lives and careers. 

Ms. Maxine Coleman, a retired executive from Mars Inc., was chosen 

as the fall 2018 Inspired Leader. Ms. Coleman served as vice president, 

personnel and organization for Mars Inc., as well as an instructor 

at several universities as part of the National Urban League's Black 

Executive Exchange Program. Prior to working for Mars, Ms. Coleman 

worked in several management positions in personnel and marketing. 

Spring 2019 Inspired Leader and alumnus, Mr. Duane Lock, currently 

serves as the founder and president of River Oaks Energy in Dallas, 

Texas. Lock earned his undergraduate degree from Southern Miss 

in 1983. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, he worked in corporate 

America for nearly 20 years. Lock used his extensive experience 

from holding senior management positions for publicly traded energy 

companies to become an entrepreneur and launch his own electricity 

brokering and consulting company in 2003. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 11


Companies and students turned out in record 

numbers for this year’s event. A total of 81 

representatives from 30 companies and 147 

students participated in the 2018 Meet The Firms. 

MEET THE FIRMS 

Meet the Firms is an annual career fair designed to benefit 

both accounting students and recruiting firms. Accounting 

firms from all over the nation are invited to showcase their 

organization’s attributes to undergraduate and graduate 

students in the School of Accountancy. This venue provides 

the business professionals an outlet to meet and connect 

with potential candidates from Southern Miss to fill positions 

within their companies, whether that be internships or fulltime 

career positions. 

Hosted by College of Business and Economic Development, 

School of Accountancy 

100% PLACEMENT FOR 

USM STUDENTS IN THE 

MASTER OF PROFESSIONAL 

ACCOUNTANCY PROGRAM 



EAGLES ENGAGED IN 

ENTREPRENEURSHIP 

With the guidance of Dr. SherRhonda Gibbs, students in the 

Entrepreneurship program hosted an event to provide a venue for students 

to learn more about how to succeed as an entrepreneur. Welcoming 

students of all majors who aspire to be entrepreneurs, the event included 

creative activities, a “shark tank” challenge, and short presentations by local 

entrepreneurs on topics such as startup funding, human resources and 

marketing. Additionally, they were provided information on the resources 

available to them on campus and were given an opportunity to network 

with seasoned entrepreneurs and business owners. 

Students enrolled in the New Venture Creation 

course also had the opportunity to earn 

certificates in ETHICAL 

LEADERSHIP, GOOGLE 

ANALYTICS and ADVANCED 

GOOGLE ANALYTICS. 

The event is the first of its kind to be held at Southern Miss and is part 

of a class project for students in the New Venture Creation course in the 

School of Management. 

Over 100 participants! 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 13

AFFILIATED CENTER 

CONTRIBUTIONS 

CENTER FOR ECONOMIC AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION 

In addition to curriculum development and teacher training in entrepreneurship, economics and financial literacy, 

the Southern Entrepreneurship Program (SEP) serves as the center’s flagship initiative. 

SEP at a Glance The Southern Entrepreneurship Program provides Mississippi youth a head start in becoming our state’s future business 

leaders and innovators through a hands-on approach to opportunity recognition and real solution development. 

During the 2018-19 school year, the SEP engaged 

around 700 students, hosted 8 events, coordinated 

44 volunteers, and awarded $6,750 to winners. 

Since 2007, the SEP has provided engaging high school 

programs to over 5,500 students through a growing 

statewide network of 66 schools and 110 educators. 

Among SEP students interested in Southern Miss, 100% 

stated SEP participation played a role in the university's 

appeal, with 75% reporting this influence to be significant. 

"THE SEP COMPETITION IS ONE OF THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITIES AND CONTRIBUTIONS EVER MADE TO OUR YOUTH AND TO 

OUR COMMUNITIES. THIS PROGRAM REMINDS OUR STUDENTS THAT THEIR TALENTS ARE WORTHY OF FINANCIAL GAIN AND ARE 

VALUABLE TO OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH. WHEN THEY WIN, WE AS A SOCIETY WIN. FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA 

(FBLA) AT BILOXI HIGH SCHOOL BELIEVES SO MUCH IN THIS PROGRAM THAT WE STARTED TO SUPPORT IT FINANCIALLY THIS YEAR, 

AND I PERSONALLY PLAN TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING THIS PROGRAM AFTER RETIREMENT!" 

- Clementine Fantroy (Instructor, Biloxi High School) 

More than 500 students and 

educators attended the 2018-19 

statewide kickoff event, SEP ARRIVE! 

Pictured, from left to right, are young 

entrepreneurs sharing their startup stories: 

JJ Townsend, Citizenville.org; Nick Wallace, 

Nick Wallace Culinary; Chelsey Jones, 

Makeup by Chels; Josh Frazier, Torrus; 

Christopher Lomax, Pearlbend; Leslie Saucier, 

Leslie Saucier Art; James Wilcox, director 

of the SEP and the Southern Miss Center for 

Economic and Entrepreneurship Education. 

(photo by Greg Campbell) 


AFFILIATED CENTER CONTRIBUTIONS 

Concept division winner at the 2019 SEP 

state competition, Garrett Johnson, 

Madison Central High School, presents a 

prototype of his new product designed 

to assist amputees. (photo by Kelly Dunn) 

"THIS OPPORTUNITY GAVE MY SENIORS A NEW 

PERSPECTIVE ON THEIR ENGINEERING DESIGN AND 

DEVELOPMENT CAPSTONE PROJECTS. INSTEAD OF 

JUST DEVELOPING AND BUILDING A PRODUCT THAT 

WORKS, THEY HAD TO DEVELOP SOMETHING THAT WAS 

MARKETABLE. THEY QUICKLY LEARNED THAT THESE ARE 

TWO VERY DIFFERENT DISTINCTIONS. SEVERAL WERE 

INSPIRED TO THINK ABOUT PATENTING OR MARKETING 

THEIR PRODUCTS IN THE FUTURE. WE DEFINITELY WANT 

TO BE INVOLVED IN THE SEP AGAIN NEXT YEAR." 

- Michelle Robinson (Instructor, Madison Central High School) 

Student winners at the 2019 SEP state competition 

Front row, from left: Harrison Welch, Madison Central High School; Mark Troyer, Madison Central High School; 

Malcolm Bell, Gulfport High School; Second row: Erica Gates, Biloxi High School; Yasmin Colon, Leland High 

School; Garrett Johnson, Madison Central High School; Rotrik Morris, New Hope High School (photo by Kelly Dunn) 

Students at the 2018-19 statewide kickoff event, SEP 

ARRIVE! worked in teams to identify and promote 

strategies to reduce brain drain in Mississippi. Pictured 

is a student team from Harrison Central High School 

showcasing their campaign. (photo by Greg Campbell) 

James Wilcox, the director of the Center for Economic 

and Entrepreneurship Education, was selected for the 2019 

Young Scholars Program awarded by the Association of Private 

Enterprise Education, an association of teachers and scholars 

with a common interest in studying and supporting the system of 

private enterprise. The purpose of the monetary sponsorship was 

to offset young scholars’ expenses while they attend and present 

at the annual meeting in Nassau, Bahamas. The meeting allows 

members to share their scholarly finds with one another. Wilcox 

served as a discussion panelist on “Perspectives on Financial 

Literacy in Economics Education.” 

In March 2019, CEEE received an award from the Jimmy A. 

Payne Foundation to create THE HATCHERY—a universitywide 

initiative to support entrepreneurship. This strategic investment in the startup culture at 

Southern Miss will ultimately help prepare students, regardless of college or degree program, 

as emerging leaders and career-ready entrepreneurs who will positively impact the state 

of Mississippi. The first objective of The Hatchery is to serve as the hub for the university’s 

entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting resources and identifying gaps. As additional support 

is identified, The Hatchery’s services are anticipated to include student scholarships, seed funds 

to assist student startups with necessary research and prototype development, and a business 

residency program to offer advanced services and personalized mentorship. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 15

AFFILIATED CENTER CONTRIBUTIONS 

SMALL BUSINESS 

DEVELOPMENT CENTER 

Four years ago, The University of Southern Mississippi launched a Small 

Business Development Center (SBDC) focused on providing comprehensive 

assistance to startup companies, growing businesses and struggling 

businesses, and the success of this center has been monumental. 

Southern Miss created its Small Business Development Center through 

a partnership with the Small Business Administration, the Mississippi 

Small Business Development Center Network, the University of 

Mississippi, the Trent Lott National Center and the College of Business 

and Economic Development. 

In its most recent fiscal year alone (Oct. 1, 2017, to Sept. 30, 2018), 

the SBDC assisted approximately 200 clients, 

continued to coach 74 long-term clients, 

submitted applications for 17 loans totaling 

$4.6 million, and achieved actual capital 

infusion of $2.5 million in client projects, 

beginning 12 businesses from the ground up. 

In addition, over the course of this academic 

year, the SBDC has offered over 40 workshops. 

To say the SBDC has been an invaluable resource to the region would 

be a significant understatement. What’s more, the center’s services 

come free of charge. 

“The combination of building better, more educated small business 

owners, building more sustainable small business, providing confidential 

assistance to our entrepreneurial community from sidelines to multi-milliondollar 

businesses and franchises would be sterling value propositions 

by themselves,” said SBDC counselor, Rita Mitchell. “Yet, we also add the 

vital element of preventing an unsustainable business plan and model 

from rolling out and evaporating savings, homesteads, time and effort, by 

encouraging those pre-venture clients to ‘hit the pause button,’ based on 

our time-honored system, databases and research analyses.” 

Original story by Van Arnold, Assistant Director for News and Media 

Relations, University Communications 

THE USM SBDC HAD A NEW ADDITION IN 2018 

OF A FULLY CREDENTIALED MS SBDC COUNSELOR, 

JOMA SHELBY (USM HONOR GRADUATE). 


IMMERSED 

IN THE FIELD 

Dr. Brandon Allen took a select group of students to Jackson for the 

Sanderson Farms Championship PGA Tournament during the fall 

semester. The students from his Introduction to Sport Management 

class had the opportunity to meet with Jonah Beck, the director of 

operations, and Kacie Towles, the volunteer coordinator, to discuss 

sponsorship strategies, facility management and event logistics. 

“For the past four years, our program has brought students to 

volunteer at Sanderson Farms Championship. Students are able to 

visualize the magnitude of operating a mega event while being able to 

make connections with business leaders from all over the world. This 

trip brings their academic studies to life,” said Dr. Allen. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 17

PREPARING STUDENTS TO LEAD 

STUDENT ORGANIZATION HIGHLIGHTS 

BETA ALPHA PSI 

Twelve members of the Southern Miss Beta Alpha Psi chapter attended the 

annual meeting in Washington, D.C., this year. Students had the opportunity 

to tour and explore the country’s capitol, participate in a community 

service project with Reading Across America, attend several seminars 

given by professionals on a diverse number of topics, and network with 

other chapters across the country. 

Beta Alpha Psi members on a visit to Ingalls Shipbuilding, 

which included a tour and short presentation given by 

the vice president of finance and controller, Frank Martin. 

Additionally, a mixture of members… 

• attended the 2019 regional meeting in Jacksonville, Fla.; 

• completed parts of the CPA Exam; 

• studied abroad; and 

• participated in a team-building retreat at Lake Sehoy 

Challenge Course. 

“THE BETA ALPHA PSI ANNUAL MEETING HEAVILY IMPACTED ME, AS AN 

ACCOUNTING MAJOR AND AS A DEVELOPING YOUNG PROFESSIONAL. 

BECAUSE OF THIS EVENT, I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH 

FELLOW CHAPTER PRESIDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY AND 

DISCUSS OUR CHAPTER’S SUCCESSES, SHARE ADVICE AND BRING BACK 

IDEAS TO SOUTHERN MISS ON HOW TO IMPROVE OUR CHAPTER.” 

- Sayle Sanson, President of Beta Alpha Psi 

GUEST SPEAKERS 

Ashley Foley with RSM 

Ray Ruiz with Surgent 

Ryan Hirsch with NASBA CPT 

Julie Uher with Holt & Associates 

Autumn Brown and Cliff Jackson with Smith, Dukes & Bucklew 

Jennifer Hilliard with Haddox, Reid, Eubanks & Betts 



BETA GAMMA SIGMA 

Nishu Gupta and John “Trey” Haire represented our Beta Gamma Sigma chapter 

at the 2018 Beta Gamma Sigma Global Leadership Summit in Chicago, Ill. The 

summit is a premier annual event where hundreds of the highest achieving 

students from the top five percent of business schools around the world 

will gather for a unique learning experience. This year, the event focused 

on “Innovative Leadership.” The students participated in activities, such as 

discovering strengths and enhancing skills in teamwork, networking, ethical 

leadership, time-management and communication. 

FASHION 

MERCHANDISING 

ORGANIZATION 

In fall 2018, the organization hosted a clothing 

drive for gently used clothing. The clothing 

was donated to a local women’s shelter. The 

organization is currently planning a fashion 

show for fall 2019. 

INDUCTED 96 

STUDENTS INTO THE 

CHAPTER IN 2018-19 

THE SOUTHERN MISS CHAPTER OF BETA GAMMA SIGMA 

EARNED HIGHEST HONORS FROM BETA GAMMA SIGMA 

INTERNATIONAL FOR THE FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR. 

SPORT MANAGEMENT CLUB 

The Sport Management Club hosted the Sport 

Management Symposium as a means for undergraduate 

and graduate students to receive advice from sport 

professionals. The overall theme of the symposium was 

"Getting a Foot in the Door: Entering the Sports Industry." 

A panel of professionals from a variety of areas within 

the sports industry were asked questions by students. 

From left to right: DJ Pulley (Athletic Director, William 

Carey University), Deven Matthews (Director of Ticket 

Sales, Southern Miss Athletics), Bryan Caldwell (Athletic 

Director, Gulfport High School), Jonah Beck (Director of 

Operations, Sanderson Farms PGA Championship) 

In addition, approximately 10 students attended part of the National Center for 

Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS 4 ) conference, titled Managing Crowds 

at Sport and Entertainment Events Workshop. The students heard from a variety 

of keynote speakers, including William Evans, the executive director of public 

safety and chief of police from Boston College, and Abigail Williams, the team lead 

for critical infrastructure and special events at the DHS Counterterrorism Mission 

Center. The students also networked with many sport security professionals and 

toured the Fallen Oaks Golf Course to gain an insight on the security measures 

used for events, such as the Rapiscan Systems Classic. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 19


STUDENT ECONOMIC 

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION 

The Student Economic Development Association attended a roundtable 

discussion hosted by the Golden Triangle Development Link. In addition, the 

Golden Triangle facilitated tours of PACCAR Engine, Steel Dynamics Inc. and 

Columbus Brick Company, allowing students to see the impact that these 

industries have on the Golden Triangle region. 

“I enjoyed seeing real-life applications for what we have learned in the classroom. 

Each location was unique,” said Caleb Prine, Master of Economic Development 

student and member of the SEDA. 

SEDA touring PACCAR Engine 

Each year, the Mississippi 

Forestry Association (MFA) 

hosts the SEDA students for 

a tour of the GP Leaf River 

Cellulose plant in Perry County. 

ACCOUNTING SOCIETY OF GULF PARK 

The ASGP hosted a number of local accounting professionals, who shared their 

stories, information on unconventional career options available to those in 

business, and opportunities for internships at their firms. Although the society 

consists of accountants, a number of members and visiting supporters from 

all studies of business enjoyed meeting and networking with the organization. 

They hosted a representative from Wiley’s CPA review course, who raffled off 

a review course, courtesy of Wiley, worth $1,800. Members also volunteered at 

the MSCPA's “CPA Day of Service,” Warrior Dash for St. Jude, and USM's very own 

Jazz and Blues Festival. 

ETA SIGMA DELTA 

Hospitality and tourism management 

students attended the American Hotel 

and Lodging Association HX Hotel 

Experience Conference in New York. 

AMERICAN MARKETING 

ASSOCIATION (GULF PARK) 

The Gulf Park chapter of AMA held a variety of educational events for students, 

including a branding seminar with Lance Hopkins, a success seminar with 

Sadie Anderson, and introduction to the Graduate School and MBA Program 

with Heather Sison and Lauren Agnew. The chapter also participated in the 

university’s Welcome Week Student Involvement Fair and the Homecoming 

Week Lawn Banner Competition. 


MBA AT A GLANCE 

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is 

in the top 5 master’s degrees awarded at Southern Miss 

and has been for the last 5 years (IHL 2018 Degree Book). 

In 5 years, MBA enrollment 

has almost TRIPLED. 

USM OFFERS THE ONLY MBA WITH A SPORT EVENT SECURITY EMPHASIS IN THE NATION. 

2018-19 GRADUATES 

35% COMPLETED 

THE DEGREE IN 

ONE CALENDAR YEAR. 

58% OF THESE 

STUDENTS WERE WORKING 

PROFESSIONALS, ENROLLED 

AS PART-TIME STUDENTS. 

45 MBA STUDENTS COMPLETED THE MBA PROGRAM DURING THE 2018-19 ACADEMIC YEAR. 

AVERAGE GPA AT GRADUATION: 

3.70 

THEY HAVE 7 YEARS 

OF PROFESSIONAL 

WORK EXPERIENCE, 

ON AVERAGE. 

42% 

WERE ONLINE STUDENTS. 

33% 

HAVE A NON-BUSINESS 

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE. 

44% 

FEMALES 

MALES 

56% 

AGE RANGE: 21–49 YEARS OLD 

94 STUDENTS ARE CURRENTLY PURSUING AN MBA AT SOUTHERN MISS 

43% 

FEMALES 

MALES 

57% 

AGE RANGE: 21–54 YEARS OLD 

47% 

HAVE A NON-BUSINESS 

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE. 

53% 

OF CURRENT MBA 

STUDENTS ARE ONLINE. 

70% ARE WORKING 

PROFESSIONALS, ENROLLED 

AS PART-TIME STUDENTS. 

THEY HAVE 

MORE THAN 8 YEARS 

OF PROFESSIONAL WORK 

EXPERIENCE, ON AVERAGE. 

7% ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 

FROM 6 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES 

(BRAZIL, INDIA, MOROCCO, NEPAL, RUSSIA, THAILAND). 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 21

MISSISSIPPI DEFENSE 

DIVERSIFICATION INITIATIVE 

The United States Department of Defense (DoD), Office of Economic 

Adjustment awarded The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) 

a Phase I grant in 2016 to support national security technology 

acceleration and economic diversification efforts for defense 

contractor communities in Mississippi. Over the last three years, this 

Mississippi Defense Diversification Initiative (MDDI), made up of the 

College of Business and Economic Development and Trent Lott National 

Center, developed three pilot models to aid regions whose economic 

health is dependent on defense programs. 

1. Goal: Incorporate defense community topics into the Master of 

Science in Economic Development (MSED) program at Southern Miss. 

Accomplishment: Launched in summer 2017, the Economic Development 

for Defense Communities (ED 711) course educates economic developers 

on how to help communities adapt to DoD program changes. The same 

year, the MDDI supported USM efforts to launch a Hacking for Defense 

(H4D) course that allows student groups to work on Department of 

Defense (DoD)-provided problem sets. The current DoD provided problem 

sets that are matched to the state’s military footprint, and the student 

groups are interacting with military personnel stationed in Mississippi. 

2. Goal: Provide economic diversification technical assistance for 

Mississippi-based defense companies and communities. 

Accomplishment: The MDDI team identified and targeted companies 

likely to be innovative and technology-focused and built a network 

of interrelated companies. The network is growing into a business 

ecosystem capable of short- and long-term economic strategies that 

advance the state’s opportunities. The network has now been expanded 

to include supply chain companies, defense-dependent communities, 

military installations and assets, and other defense stakeholders. 

In addition, Governor Phil Bryant signed Executive Order 1401, recognizing 

the need for the state to become more strategic and proactive with the 

defense economy to protect, grow and diversify defense and national 

security assets as an economic driver for the state. The Executive Order 

created a task force to develop a statewide defense plan. 

3. Goal: Create an online platform to build defense-related businessto-business 

relationships and assist technology transfer and 

commercialization of defense intellectual property. 

Accomplishment: The team developed the MDDI website, launched 

two social media platforms, and produced three videos for descriptive 

communication in advancements of technology transfer and to provide 

examples of partnership efforts that will continue after the OEA grant is 

complete. Housed on the MDDI website are many resources to support 

defense business, such as an entrepreneurial “playbook.” 

Fall 2018, Southern Miss secured continued funding for Phase II, 

outlining the following objectives: 

• Objective 1 - Continue to incorporate defense diversification 

assistance into the business development ecosystem and create 

defense industry networks in Mississippi. 

• Objective 2 - Continue to incorporate defense diversification into 

the academic curriculum. 

• Objective 3 - Develop a strategic plan for Mississippi’s Defense and 

Homeland Security Economy to synchronize Mississippi’s existing 

defense-related economic assets and programs in support of a 

statewide defense plan for the governor. 

• Objective 4 - Lead Mississippi’s MEP network in building a DFARS 

Cybersecurity Requirement assistance tool for Mississippi companies. 

MDDI continues to be recognized statewide as a champion for defense 

diversification. The network of private sector companies, non-profits 

and public-sector partners is continuing to grow. 

At the 2019 International Homeland Defense and Security Summit in 

March 2019, Governor Phil Bryant announced the Mississippi Defense 

Strategic Plan. 

Dr. Chad Miller, along with fellow 

members of the Mississippi Defense 

Initiative Task Force and the Governor, 

at the Homeland Defense and Security 

Summit in Biloxi as they unveiled the 

state’s defense strategic plan. 


INTERNATIONAL 

BUSINESS PROGRAM 

The Southern Miss International Business program, housed in 

the School of Management, was recently ranked among the 

nation's Top 50 by online resource guide by Study.com. 

Dr. John Lambert, associate professor of international business, has worked diligently 

to increase awareness and engagement in the program. One of many ways he has done 

so is by beginning the International Business Speakers Series, welcoming three guests 

during the spring semester to campus to share their expertise with students, faculty and 

the community. 

In addition, Dr. Lambert’s International Business capstone students immersed themselves 

into a semester-long applied learning project in collaboration with community partners. 

In groups of four, students worked closely with their assigned businesses to create and 

present plans to resolve their partners’ export issues. Sanderson Farms, SumaGrow and 

the French American Chamber of Commerce (FACC) Gulf Coast chapter were the three 

organizations to work with the students throughout the semester as they developed 

international business plans. 

Shelly Reboul, international sales manager, represented Sanderson Farms, while SumaGrow 

was represented by Aimee Murry, public relations and marketing communications manager. 

Both attended and took part in critiquing the students’ final presentations. 

Students working with Sanderson Farms discussed how they could better leverage their 

product in Asia. Students working with SumaGrow presented plans to break into the 

Brazilian market. 

“The students were eager to investigate ways to expand our 

products into Brazil and dedicated to ensuring the culture 

of our company was reflected throughout the report,” said 

Aimee Murry. “When I showed our company president 

the business plan developed by these students, he was 

impressed and asked about their availability for hire.” 

Aimee Murry, International 

Business Series speaker 

Shelly Reboul and International 

Business Capstone students 

Students working with the FACC Gulf Coast chapter received the opportunity to travel 

to the company’s location in New Orleans to present their project, which focused on 

revising the trade brochure the FACC uses to engage potential new members. 

Dr. Lambert serves as the vice president for trade with the French American Chamber of 

Commerce, Gulf Coast chapter, in addition to serving on the Mississippi District Export Council. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 23

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING 

IN THE SCHOOL OF MARKETING 

The College of Business and Economic Development School of Marketing faculty incorporate client-based projects 

into their curriculum, allowing the students to solve real-world problems as they prepare to begin their careers. 

Organizations nationwide have become clients for 300- and 400-level 

courses across the curriculum in the school. To begin, companies introduce 

real problems they face to the students. Students apply the skills that they 

are learning in the classroom to present marketing and implementation 

plans, business plans and innovative solutions to the clients. 

While the organization is receiving the benefit of cost-free consulting, 

the students are provided with (1) a networking opportunity and (2) 

hands-on experience in developing and presenting strategic plans, 

better preparing them for their future careers. 

Paige Whiting 

PROFESSIONAL SELLING PROGRAM 

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS 

Professor Chris Balaski has integrated multiple experiential learning opportunities 

into his Professional Selling course curriculum in an effort to better prepare his 

students for their careers in the sales field after graduation. Students in Advanced 

Professional Selling had the opportunity to present mock sales pitches to Frito-Lay 

representatives Katie Frederick, Jamil Murray, Cody Self and Rachel Anthony. The 

students played the role of a Frito-Lay salesman selling products and displays, while 

the representatives played the role of a store owner. Following the presentations, the 

students received detailed feedback from the guests on their pitch. Paige Whiting 

was chosen by Frito-Lay as having the best pitch. 

LISTED IN THE TOP UNIVERSITIES FOR PROFESSIONAL 

SALES EDUCATION IN THE NATION, ACCORDING TO THE 

2019 SALES EDUCATION FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 

This class also partnered with an improvisational course and put one another 

to the test through role-play scenarios. The theatre students acted as potential 

customers, while the professional selling students pitched their product, 

Federated Insurance. This allowed both groups of students to practice the skills 

they are learning in their respective courses. 

SOUTHERN MISS IS THE ONLY UNIVERSITY 

TO OFFER A PROFESSIONAL SELLING 

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN THE STATE. 



MARKETING PROGRAM 

CLASSROOM CONSULTANTS 

During the fall 2018 semester, Dr. Joanne Cao's Integrated 

Marketing Communications class worked with three clients 

in an effort to deliver innovative solutions to marketing and 

communication problems. 

The clients included Fourth Street CrossFit, two of the 

owners being Southern Miss alumni, Heather Graham and 

Daryl Bosarge; Petal Excel by 5, alumna Nadine Coleman 

being a board member for the organization; and Boys and 

Girls Country of Houston. 

The Boys and Girls Country of Houston is a nonprofit 

organization licensed by the state of Texas as a residential 

home. Boys and Girls Country addresses a child's wellbeing, 

helping to break the cycle of poverty for children by 

providing a secure, stable, Christian home environment with 

an emphasis on education, building healthy relationships, 

and setting goals for the future. They do this with broadbased 

financial support and hundreds of volunteers. 

Charles "Chuck" Scianna, a member of the Board of Directors 

for Boys and Girls Country, connected the school with 

the organization. Scianna is an alumnus of Southern Miss, 

the College of Business and Economic Development 2018 

Entrepreneur of the Year, and the namesake for Scianna 

Hall, the building that houses the College of Business and 

Economic Development on the Hattiesburg campus. 

Sasha Smith, communications and marketing manager, 

represented the Boys and Girls Country of Houston during 

the presentation as students pitched ideas to increase 

brand awareness, financial support and volunteers. 

Boys and Girls Country of Houston has also partnered 

with Dr. Gallayanee Yaoyuneyong's Apparel Product 

Development course to develop welcome packages for a 

new monthly donation campaign and her Digital Media 

Merchandising course to work on their website, blog and 

other digital presence. 

THIS STORY WAS ALSO FEATURED IN THE HATTIESBURG AMERICAN. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 25


SPORT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 

COLLABORATING WITH 

SOUTHERN MISS ATHLETICS 

Dr. Chris Croft led efforts to connect his undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in 

sports marketing courses with Southern Miss Athletics. His students worked with Southern 

Miss basketball, baseball, volleyball and the Southern Miss Athletics Marketing team. 

Collaborating closely with Murray Littlepage, director of marketing for Southern Miss 

Athletics, Dr. Croft’s students assisted with marketing and promotional ideas for a variety 

of sports and went on facility tours of the Reed Green Coliseum and the Payne Center. 

DURING DR. BRANDON ALLEN’S SPORT SALES METHODS AND TECHNIQUES 

COURSE, STUDENTS PRACTICED THEIR SKILLS BY ASSISTING THE SOUTHERN 

MISS ATHLETICS TICKET OFFICE IN CONTACTING OVER 3,700 CUSTOMERS ABOUT 

BASEBALL AND FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS. THE STUDENTS LOGGED OVER 400 

HOURS OF PHONE CALLS, SELLING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS’ WORTH OF TICKETS. 

Other clients that the school’s faculty and students have 

partnered with this year include the following: 

Randy Price and Company 

The DREAM of Hattiesburg 

K Pavoloni and Company 

Courtyard by Marriott 

Hattiesburg Clinic 

Reach Unlimited 

Dance 4 Life Academy 

Trupanion Pet Insurance 

Eagle Maker Hub 

Max Draughn, president of Heartwood 

Capital Inc., presented to Dr. Kelli King's 

Healthcare Marketing class about 

keys to success in the pharmaceutical 

industry. We are very grateful for 

Mr. Draughn and his wife, Susan, for 

their endowment that supports our 

Healthcare Marketing program. 


ANALYTICS INITIATIVE 

GAZELLE/MSED 

The University of Southern Mississippi became the first 

institution of higher education to deploy the advanced AIenabled 

economic data analytics platform, Gazelle.ai, within 

its curriculum in the College of Business and Economic 

Development. Both graduate and undergraduate students 

have access to the platform that mines and curates data 

collected from millions of business establishments and uses 

trained algorithms to forecast growth. 

“The ability to harness and interpret the ever-increasing 

amount of data available to decision-makers has become 

an increasingly important differentiator in the business 

world,” said Steven Jast, president of Gazelle.ai. “We’re 

thrilled that The University of Southern Mississippi will be 

using our tool to help equip students and prepare them 

for a rapidly evolving business environment.” 

ANALYTICS IN THE MPA PROGRAM 

Master of Professional Accountancy courses such as Advanced Auditing, 

Audit Analytics & IT Auditing and Advanced Cost/Managerial Accounting have 

integrated analytics tools, such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Sage 50 

2018, General Ledger Software, CaseWare IDEA Data Analysis Software, and 

Tableau Data Analytics and Visualization Software into the curriculum. 

100% of MPA students achieved both 

Specialist and Expert Certification in 

Microsoft Excel during spring 2019. 

Named for “gazelles,” a term 

used to denote rapidly 

growing companies, the 

platform was created for 

economic development 

professionals whose role 

is to identify and attract 

growing companies that bring jobs and investment to 

communities. Gazelle.ai are being integrated into courses 

focusing on economic development, entrepreneurship, 

marketing, marketing research and management. 

Dr. Chad Miller, professor of economic development, 

added, “In keeping with our mandate to innovate and 

encourage fresh thinking, we are looking forward to 

becoming the first college to use Gazelle.ai. I’m very 

confident that our students and faculty will come to find 

the platform to be an indispensable resource.” 

Mr. Mike Skinner, with Horne Cyber in Memphis, spoke to MPA students during the 

spring semester about data analytics, cybersecurity, big data, artificial intelligence and 

automation, and other technological initiatives impacting the future of the accounting 

profession. Mike was joined by Blake Pittman, a cyber risk analyst with Horne Cyber 

and a 2015 graduate of the MPA program at Southern Miss. 

Other guest speakers include Kyle Stoner with PWC New Orleans and Mario Perez 

with Audimation Services. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 27

THE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE 

ELI LILLY 

Eli Lilly once again selected two interns from the Southern Miss 

Healthcare Marketing program for the 2019 Summer Sales Internship. 

Seth Nash and Jenny Hamilton were two of 60 interns this summer. 

This is the third year in a row to have two interns selected for the 

internship. Currently, five Southern Miss graduates work for Lilly. 

“I FEEL THAT THIS IS OUR BEST ACCOMPLISHMENT YET WITH 

THIS INTERNSHIP. BECAUSE THERE WERE MORE ‘TARGET’ 

SCHOOLS THIS YEAR, THERE WAS A VERY HIGH LIKELIHOOD OF 

ONLY GETTING ONE INTERN SELECTED FOR SOUTHERN MISS. WE 

ARE BEYOND THRILLED TO HAVE TWO REPRESENTING US.” 

Quote from Dr. Kelli King, professor of healthcare marketing 

KPMG 

Paige Dillistone (accounting) was accepted into the Global Internship Program through KPMG, 

one of the Big Four Accounting Firms, in Jackson, Miss. Over 200 applicants were reviewed 

for the internship, and Paige was one of 20 to receive the honor. During her internship, Paige 

completed a four-week rotation in Sydney, Australia. 

“DURING MY INTERNSHIP, I WAS ABLE TO EXPERIENCE AUDITING FOR BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 

COMPANIES IN THREE DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES. IN ADDITION TO WORK, I TRAVELED WITH OTHER INTERNS 

TO THE BLUE MOUNTAINS, THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, THE TARONGA ZOO AND BONDI BEACH. WE HELD 

KOALA BEARS, GOT TANS IN FEBRUARY, AND ENJOYED THE CITY AS MUCH AS WE COULD, ALL WHILE 

WORKING FOR ONE OF THE BIGGEST PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS IN THE WORLD. PARTICIPATING IN AN 

INTERNSHIP HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST CHOICES I HAVE MADE AS A STUDENT, AND I WOULD ENCOURAGE 

ANYONE LOOKING INTO AN INTERNSHIP TO MAKE THE LEAP AND GET THE EXPERIENCE NOW!” 

Quote from Paige Dillistone 

In addition, Jonathan Brent (accounting) accepted a 10-week internship with KPMG in Dallas, Texas. 

“MY INTERNSHIP WAS SUCH AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE AND GAVE ME THE CHANCE TO IMPLEMENT THE FOUNDATION OF SKILLS AND LESSONS I HAVE LEARNED 

HERE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI. HATTIESBURG HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY HOME, AND INTERNING IN SUCH A BIG CITY SO FAR AWAY WAS QUITE 

CHALLENGING BUT COMPLETELY WORTH IT. NOT ONLY DID I LEARN SO MUCH IN MY FIELD OF WORK, BUT I ALSO GOT THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET SO MANY NEW 

PEOPLE IN AN EXCITING CITY. AT THE END OF MY INTERNSHIP, I WAS OFFERED A FULL-TIME JOB IN THE DALLAS OFFICE AND WILL PLAN TO START IN SEPTEMBER OF 

2020 AFTER MY YEAR OF GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE MPA PROGRAM HERE AT SOUTHERN MISS.” 


YMCA - WORKING ON WALL STREET 

Cole Engle (accounting) interned this summer in the Finance department with the YMCA Retirement 

Fund in Manhattan. The fund is located at the Equitable Building in the Financial District. During 

the previous semester, Cole worked for the USM Foundation Office as a student worker in 

Financial Services. He is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the vice president of scholarship and 

educational programming for the Interfraternity Council at Southern Miss, and the 2018-19 Dr. 

Joe Paul Male Participant of the Year for Intramural Sports. Additionally, he has served as the 

recruitment chairman, fundraising chairman and vice president for his fraternity, Kappa Sigma. 

“WHILE INTERNING THIS SUMMER, I LEARNED HOW THE FUND OPERATES, THE PLAN REGULATIONS, AND HOW THE REPORTING IS 

ACCOMPLISHED. THE COURSES THAT I HAVE TAKEN AT SOUTHERN MISS PREPARED ME FOR THIS CHALLENGE, NOT ONLY IN CONTENT, 

BUT I WAS ALSO TRAINED TO PERSEVERE WHEN SOLVING PROBLEMS. THIS EXPERIENCE ALLOWED ME TO PRACTICE LEARNED SKILLS 

FROM THE CLASSROOM WHILE OBTAINING NEW ONES.” – COLE ENGLE 

FDIC 

“I WILL BE INTERNING WITH FDIC IN THE DIVISION OF RISK 

MANAGEMENT SUPERVISION IN JACKSON, MISS., FOLLOWING 

ORIENTATION IN DALLAS, TEXAS. I HOPE TO GAIN WORK 

EXPERIENCE AND INSIGHT INTO THE WORLD OF ACCOUNTING AND 

BANK EXAMINATION. THIS IS ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO 

EXPLORE MY LIKES AND DISLIKES IN ACCOUNTING AND ULTIMATELY 

LAND A GREAT JOB AND JUMPSTART MY FUTURE CAREER!” 

Quote from Matthew Odom, Intern for FDIC, Anticipated Graduation – May 2020 

Other companies who hired accounting 

interns in 2019 include: 

Robert E Donnell III, CPA 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Clinton CPA Firm 

Coast Electric Power Association 

FDIC 

Haddox Reid Eubank Betts, PLLC 

Hieronymus CPAs, LLC 

Holt & Associates, PLLC 

Horne, LLP 

Topp McWhorter Harvey, PLLC 

Ultradent Products 

Wm F. Horne & Company, PLLC 

Wyndham Destinations 

NOVA IVICA 

Jon Ryan Fennell (general business) will be participating in an 

internship with Nova Ivica, a small business consulting agency 

in Bar, Montenegro. His focus is to revitalize the image of their 

business by producing a range of digital media content for the 

firm. In addition, he will be assisting with business workshops 

on topics ranging from simple business success to advanced 

video-graphic techniques and marketing. 

“MY GOAL IS TO HELP BUSINESSES LIKE NOVA IVICA PRODUCE 

INCREDIBLE MARKETING CONTENT THAT TRANSFORMS THE IMAGE 

OF THEIR PRODUCT, SERVICE, MISSION AND GOALS. THE UNIVERSITY 

OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI HAS BROUGHT ME TO A STATE OF WELL- 

ROUNDEDNESS IN MY UNDERSTANDING OF BUSINESS. WITH THIS WELL- 

ROUNDEDNESS, I AM ABLE TO BE AN EFFECTIVE AND IMPACTFUL PART 

OF A BUSINESS TEAM, WHICH IS, PERSONALLY, THE BEST FEELING IN 

THE WORLD. I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE FACULTY MEMBERS WHO HAVE 

HELPED ME GET TO THE POINT WHERE I AM NOW.” – JON RYAN FENNELL 

MBLUE 

Jessica Foreman (accounting) is 

interning with mBlue, a human 

resource outsourcing company 

located in Prague, Czech Republic. 

Using digital marketing and 

professional social media platforms, 

Jessica assists their clients in finding 

the perfect, qualified individual for 

an open position. 

“MY EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES AT SOUTHERN MISS HAVE HELPED PREPARE ME 

FOR THIS INTERNSHIP IN MORE SUBTLE WAYS THAN I HAD ORIGINALLY THOUGHT. 

THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DOES SUCH A GOOD 

JOB OF GIVING ITS STUDENTS A WELL-ROUNDED BUSINESS EDUCATION. ALTHOUGH 

I AM AN ACCOUNTING MAJOR, MY MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY 

CLASSES HAVE PREPARED ME IMMENSELY BY GIVING ME A SOLID FOUNDATION 

THAT I'M ABLE TO BUILD OFF OF AT WORK.” – JESSICA FOREMAN 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 29

THE STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE 

Some of our students went from finals to flights just days after the semester ended as they began to study abroad 

on one of our three business study-abroad programs: Italian Studies, British Studies and Asian Studies. 

ITALIAN STUDIES 

While in Milan and Florence, students had the opportunity 

to meet with executives from local companies and immerse 

themselves in the professional culture of Italy. Some of 

the businesses they interacted with included the oldest 

chocolate company in Italy (Guido Gobino), one of the most 

prestigious gold leaf companies in the world (Manetti 

Battiloro), and an international paper company with ties 

to Hattiesburg (Sofidel). Their experiences also included 

spending a day in the Tuscan countryside to learn about how 

some of the highest quality olive oil and wine in the world is 

created (Frantoio dei Colli Toscani) and attending a cooking 

class where they made pasta from scratch! Students were 

also taught how to make an authentic cappuccino at a local 

barista school in Florence (Mokaflor Espresso Academy). 

While at the espresso academy, Mr. Russ Willis placed a 

pin on their map of visitors, making Southern Miss the first 

official visitors from Mississippi! Students took advantage 

of their free weekends by exploring places such as Rome, 

Pisa, Cinque Terre and Venice. 

22% OF STUDENTS WHO STUDY ABROAD 

ARE FROM THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS 

AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. 

British Studies 

20 students 

Asian Studies 

15 students 

Italian Studies 

12 students 

Total 

47 


ASIAN STUDIES 

This summer, students on the Asian Studies program got to experience business 

and culture in Tokyo and Hong Kong. In Japan, they visited the Tokyo Development 

Authority, Nissan Global Headquarters, Uchida Yoko and the Mississippi Development 

Authority. The students got a big welcome during their tour of the Tokyo Stock 

Exchange. They also visited the Meiji Palace and Imperial Gardens and Epson Digital 

Arts museum and got to try sushi at the fish market in Tokyo. In Hong Kong, students 

saw the Hong Kong Trade Development Center and Hong Kong Science Park and tried 

traditional Chinese food. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting students at 

Kaetsu University in Japan. Southern Miss Business students assisted in a few English 

language classes, dressed in yukuta, tried traditional Japanese calligraphy, and 

played video games with Japanese college students. Students from Kaetsu University 

will be visiting Southern Miss in spring 2020. 

BRITISH STUDIES 

While in London, students were able to visit some of the most iconic businesses in 

Britain, including Lloyd’s of London, the oldest and largest insurance brokerage firm in 

the world; Jaguar, the world-renowned auto luxury maker; Twinings Tea, the oldest tea 

purveyor in England, having occupied the same premises on the Strand since 1706; and 

a behind-the-scenes look at arguably the most well-known sporting event in the world— 

The Championships at the All England Club—more commonly known as Wimbledon. 

Additionally, students visited smaller, family-owned business, including both 

a winery and cheese maker in Kent, the agricultural belt of England. 

Students immersed themselves in British history and culture, 

including a river cruise down the River Thames to Greenwich, 

England, home to Royal Naval Observatory and the Prime 

Meridian, a private meeting with Charles Walker, a member of 

Parliament inside the Palace of Westminster, and attendance 

at musical shows in London’s famed theatre district of the 

West End. Of course, no visit to London would be complete 

without visiting Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden, 

Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral. During the 

students’ mini-break, they were able to travel to the 

continent to such cities as Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, 

Barcelona and Madrid. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 31

HARD WORK PAYS OFF 

EAGLE SCHOLARS PROGRAM 

This year, David Jones, Jeremiah Willis, Elizabeth Rivera-Vega and Hayes Thompson joined the Eagle Scholars Program. 

“I HAVE ALWAYS WORKED HARD, AND THANKS TO SOUTHERN MISS AND THE FOUNDATION, I HAVE AN 

OPPORTUNITY TO WORK SMART. I REMAIN GRATEFUL FOR EVERY OPPORTUNITY AFFORDED TO ME. THE EAGLE 

SCHOLARS PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE THE SAFETY, FREEDOM AND PROTECTION I NEED TO REACH GRADUATION 

BY PROVIDING FUNDS FOR MY EDUCATION NOW AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR MY CAREER AHEAD.” 

C. David Jones, Accounting | Biloxi, Miss. 

“AS A THIRD-GENERATION GRADUATE OF SOUTHERN MISS, THE EAGLE SCHOLARS PROGRAM 

SCHOLARSHIP HAS ALLOWED ME TO GROW AND DEVELOP AS A STUDENT, BUSINESS PERSON 

AND INDIVIDUAL. THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN A TRUE BLESSING TO MY FAMILY 

AND ME, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY THE KNOWLEDGE SHARED WILL LAST A LIFETIME.” 

S. Hayes Thompson, General Business | Summit, Miss. 

“BEING CHOSEN AS AN EAGLE SCHOLAR HAS OPENED MANY DOORS AND CONTINUES TO OPEN DOORS 

TO OPPORTUNITIES FOR ME. IT HAS HELPED ME GROW PROFESSIONALLY, AND IT HAS CHALLENGED ME 

ACADEMICALLY. I AM TRULY GRATEFUL AND PROUD TO HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS AN EAGLE SCHOLAR.” 

Elizabeth Rivera-Vega, Finance | Biloxi, Miss. 

“TO KNOW THAT PEOPLE BELIEVE IN ME ENOUGH 

TO PROVIDE ME WITH THE EAGLE SCHOLARS 

PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP HAS ENCOURAGED 

ME EVEN MORE TO MAKE MY DREAM OF 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT A REALITY.” 

Jeremiah Willis, Marketing | Jackson, Miss. 

Interested in 

being a part of 

this program? 

We have an endowment fund where you can make your 

gift, of any amount, to support the Eagle Scholars. If 

you are interested in leaving a lasting legacy, consider 

changing lives by establishing an Eagle Scholars Program 

Scholarship. For more information about contributing, 

contact J.T. Tisdale at 601.266.6824. 


HARD WORK PAYS OFF 

RHYNE E. NEUBERT SCHOLARSHIP 

Aubrey Sanders (MPA, Hattiesburg, Miss.) and Jenna VanDan (Accounting, 

Summit, Miss.) were awarded the Rhyne E. Neubert Scholarship by the 

Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA) Foundation. The 

$2,500 scholarship was established in 2016 to honor Neubert, who had served 

as a trustee of the MSCPA Education Foundation since its inception. 

“I WAS AT A LOSS FOR THE ADEQUATE WORDS TO THANK THE SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY 

AT USM, NOT ONLY FOR THE NOMINATION, BUT ALSO FOR ITS INVESTMENT IN ME. 

MOREOVER, I WAS AND STILL AM INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL FOR THE MSPCA, MR. NEUBERT 

AND THE SELECTION COMMITTEE FOR THIS HONOR.” – AUBREY SANDERS 

VanDan echoed those sentiments. “I was ecstatic and honestly in disbelief that 

I was being awarded this scholarship,” she said. “Receiving this scholarship 

reaffirmed that hard work and determination will be recognized and rewarded.” 

MISSISSIPPI YOUNG BANKERS 

LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP 

Brandon Cade (Finance, Brookhaven, Miss.) was awarded the 2018 Mississippi 

Young Bankers (MYB) Leadership Scholarship. Only one student in the state is 

chosen to receive the scholarship. Cade is the sixth USM student to win the 

$2,000 scholarship in the last eight years. 

"I AM EXTREMELY HONORED TO RECEIVE THIS AWARD FROM THE MISSISSIPPI BANKING 

ASSOCIATION AND THE MISSISSIPPI YOUNG BANKERS. THIS AWARD IS IMPORTANT TO 

ME BECAUSE IT WILL HELP TO CONTINUE MY EDUCATION AT SOUTHERN MISS. I WOULD 

LIKE TO THANK DR. (MARVIN) BOUILLON FOR SEEING ENOUGH POTENTIAL IN ME TO 

NOMINATE ME FOR THE AWARD.” – BRANDON CADE 

In addition, John Trey Haire was recognized as an MYB Scholar at the 

Mississippi Young Bankers Scholar Study Conference and Convention. As a 

finalist for the 2019 Mississippi Young Bankers Swayze Scholarship, he was 

awarded a $1,500 scholarship. 

PUBLIC COMPANY ACCOUNTING OVERSIGHT BOARD SCHOLARSHIP 

Kameshia Mays (MPA, Greenville, Miss.) was awarded the $10,000 merit-based scholarship from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) 

for 2018-19. A single student is chosen from 332 colleges and universities nationwide. Mays is the first USM student to earn the honor in six years. 

“I WAS ELATED WHEN I LEARNED THAT I HAD WON THE SCHOLARSHIP. USM HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT PART OF MY SUCCESS. THE UNIVERSITY ALWAYS GOES BEYOND TO ENSURE 

THAT EACH STUDENT HAS WHAT IS NEEDED TO SUCCEED, AND FOR ME THAT INCLUDES MAKING THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN AN EDUCATION AFFORDABLE.” – KAMESHIA MAYS 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 33

SERVING LOVE 

ON A PLATE 

LOVE. NOURISH. INSPIRE. 

This is the vision alumna Katie Dixon has for her restaurant, 

Birdhouse Café in Hattiesburg. Miss. Dixon, a 2005 graduate from our 

BSBA Marketing program, desires to serve nutrient-rich food to the South. She 

does so through her diverse and healthy menu. 

When entering her restaurant, it is far from a 

traditional dining experience. Instead, it feels as 

though you are walking right into a home. The 

“kitchen” is actually an island in the center of the 

room with fresh tea brewing on the stovetop. “We 

want to show people it is not as complicated as 

people make it, that healthy eating can be easy 

and fun,” said Katie as we explored the layout of 

her restaurant. Each meal is cooked to order right 

in front of the guests’ eyes. 

Katie’s passions are far greater than just adding nutritional value to food. In addition, she wants 

to add value in the lives of those around her. She has personal relationships with each of her 

seven employees, five of which are Southern Miss students or alumni. “I want to know what 

their vision is, where they want to see themselves in a year,” Katie said thoughtfully. 

She invests in her employees, empowering them to be creative within the business. She 

encouraged her restaurant manager, Lydia, to use her talent for design and art. “I asked her, 

while you are here, what can we do to make your work environment more fun? You’re creative, 

and you are not getting to use that talent. This summer, she will sew aprons, and we will use all 

of our excess fruits and vegetables, like avocado cores and strawberries, to naturally tie-dye 

the aprons to give to children while we teach them a cooking class.” She also encouraged her 

former head chef, who had dreams of traveling, to accept a position as a chef in New York City. 

Katie’s love for food was inspired by her grandmother. “My grandmother and grandfather had a 

farmhouse with chickens and cows and a fresh vegetable garden. My grandmother cooked every 

day for a large family. On the weekends, my family and I spent a lot of time at the farm. I learned 

from my grandmother. Both of our hearts wanted to serve love on a plate, food for the soul. I can 

still vividly see the flour on my grandmother’s hands as she was making fresh biscuits.” 

I TELL PEOPLE ALL THE TIME THAT WE ARE SOME OF THE LUCKIEST PEOPLE IN THE 

WORLD LIVING IN MISSISSIPPI, WITH ALL OF THE FARM LAND WE HAVE. WE HAVE 

SOME OF THE FRESHEST AND BEST PRODUCE RIGHT HERE AT OUR DOORSTEP.” 


CONTESTANT ON MASTERCHEF 

In 2016, Katie appeared as a contestant on MasterChef. After applying on a whim, she was 

immediately asked to audition in Jackson, Miss. Katie is self-taught and has no formal 

training;however, she does enjoy taking cooking classes while traveling, learning to cook 

international dishes, and putting her own healthy, Southern spin on them. 

“For my audition, I made a salmon burger with a sweet potato mash. I brought along one of my 

raw desserts for each judge, and they loved it! I swear that is what sealed the deal that day.” 

Out of 22,000 applicants nationwide, Katie ultimately finished in the Top 6. She describes her 

experience on MasterChef “like living in a dream. I still have a great relationship with Gordon 

[Ramsey] and his team.” While on MasterChef, Katie made lamb curry for one of her challenges. 

One of the judges was Edward Lee, a chef out of Louisville, Kentucky. “Chef Edward Lee told me 

that my curry was one of the best he had ever had!” 

In 2018, she competed once again, this time on Food Network Star and is currently under a 

signed contract with Food Network. 

I THINK THE NUMBER ONE THING I ATTRIBUTE 

A LOT OF MY SUCCESS TO IS MY PROFESSORS.” 

COMING HOME TO SOUTHERN MISS 

During Katie’s collegiate career, she was very involved in campus life. She was a member of 

Greek life, Southern Style and a cheerleader, while holding a full-time job as a waitress. 

When asked who her favorite professor was, she stated that former marketing professor, Dr. 

Bill Smith, and his wife, Ginger, are still close friends of hers. She explained that the principles 

she learned throughout college have proven useful in owning her own business. While taking 

his class, Dr. Smith told her, “If you meet the need of your customer, you will succeed.” She has 

lived up to this advice by providing nutrient-rich food to Hattiesburg. 

The Dixon family stays engaged with Southern Miss. “At USM, there is something for 

everyone.” Coming back to campus as a family has become a bonding experience. She and 

her husband Todd, who also graduated from USM, enjoy cheering for the Southern Miss 

football team during the fall. The family attends beach volleyball games regularly because 

of her 13-year-old daughter, Stevee Kate’s, interest in volleyball, and they enjoy coming to 

plays performed by the Theatre department because of her seven-year-old daughter, Risi’s, 

passion for theatre and dance. “We recently went and saw The Three Musketeers two nights 

in a row on Southern Miss’ campus.” 

Katie also visited Scianna Hall this spring to speak at the USM School of Marketing Major 

Confidential, sharing her story with the students and encouraging them to follow their passions. 

Katie’s future looks bright as she writes her first cookbook, travels for international catering 

jobs, and searches for her second restaurant location. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 35

BREAKING 

THE MOLD 

THE COLLEGE’S FIRST FEMALE 

ACCOUNTING STUDENT 

In 1952, Miriam Moore Adamson became the first woman to graduate from the Accounting program at 

The University of Southern Mississippi. In addition to her undergraduate degree in accounting, Miriam 

also received a minor in business administration. 

Born in House, Mississippi, she led a life full of adventure as she often 

moved to new cities. Miriam rarely stayed in one place for long due 

to her father’s position in the Navy. Little did she know, she would 

continue to move frequently until retirement. 

After graduating high school in a class of only 13, Miriam later attended 

East Central Junior College in Decatur, Mississippi. Majoring in secretarial 

studies, she explained that at that time, women normally prepared 

to be a secretary/bookkeeper, teacher or nurse. Upon completion at 

East Central, she began working for Mississippi Paint and Glass as a 

secretary and bookkeeper. There, she realized that bookkeeping was 

much more enjoyable for her than secretarial work, and that began her 

pursuit of an accounting degree. She saved up her money, bought a car, 

and drove it down to Hattiesburg. 

When asked about her college experience, she described Southern 

Miss as a supportive, friendly campus. She and her friends would often 

attend football games, go see plays put on by the Theatre department, 


and go to the beach for the day. She and her roommate, Bernice 

Snowden, who had also attended East Central with Miriam, remained 

friends until Bernice passed away a few years ago. 

While reminiscing on her time in the Accounting program, Miriam 

told stories about her favorite professors and classes. “Mr. Scott 

would put a copy of our exam, turned upside down, on each student’s 

desk. There were a couple times in Cost Accounting that Mr. Scott 

said, ‘Thanks to Miss Moore, I had to change this exam.’ He would 

say it with a grin.” Mr. Scott was making changes to the exam so 

that the questions were also relatable for Miriam, as all were geared 

specifically toward men at the time. 

“I LOVED MY ACCOUNTING CLASSES AND TOOK EVERY 

ADVANCED CLASS THAT THEY TAUGHT IN MY TWO YEARS AT 

SOUTHERN MISS. EVEN THOUGH I WAS THE ONLY FEMALE 

IN MY CLASSES, MY MALE CLASSMATES WERE VERY 

SUPPORTIVE AND ALWAYS TREATED ME WITH RESPECT.” 

“When I was about ready to graduate, Dr. Joe Greene, the dean of the 

Business School, said he had checked the records back as far as he 

could, and as far as he could tell, I was the first female to graduate from 

[Southern Miss] in accounting.” 

Once she graduated from Southern Miss, Miriam followed in her father’s 

footsteps and joined the Navy in 1953. She was the only female in her 

company of 30. “They took good care of me, treated me like they would 

have their little sister. One of the guys in my company gave me the 

nickname, Mim.” 

Mim worked as a disbursing officer for two years in San Diego before leaving 

to marry her husband, Don Adamson. A few years later, Don secured a 

position at IBM, which they jokingly said stood for “I’ve Been Moved.” The 

Adamson family moved 15 times over a 30-year period, living in places such 

as Michigan, Louisiana, New York, Connecticut, Georgia and Mississippi. 

In each new location, Mim would quickly find an accounting position 

and begin work again. Due to these frequent moves, Mim had the 

opportunity to work for quite a few interesting companies. 

While the family lived in New York during the late ‘60s, Mim worked 

as a bookkeeper for Mr. Ed Jurist, who owned Vintage Car Store, and 

the name says it all. “At the time, it was the largest vintage car dealer 

in the country. He always had a showroom filled with cars that men 

drooled over.” Mim mentions Jurist owning and selling vehicles, such as 

Phantom IV Rolls and Excalibur cars. 

When the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida, in the mid ‘70s, Mim 

accepted a position at Creative Ceramics working for Elliott Mackle. 

The company was transitioning into a ceramics manufacturer, building 

a factory, hiring employees and starting production, and Mim was 

hired to set up and run an accounting system for the growing business. 

In Connecticut, Mim secured a job as an accountant for Mr. Scott Savage, 

the owner of Savage Eye Wear and other businesses. Scott invented certain 

swim goggles and nylon frames for eye glasses and different types of ski 

goggles. “His goggles were used in the Winter Olympics at least one year.” 

Miriam also secured jobs through various CPA firms, being assigned 

to work temporarily for companies in need. “Without my degree 

in accounting from USM, I could never have held the jobs that I did. 

Professor Robert Scott did a great job of preparing the accounting 

majors for life outside of college.” She described her courses as being 

taught by professors that cared about and assisted with her success. 

In addition to Mim’s career, she has always been very involved in volunteer 

work. She set the books up for Boca Raton Methodist Church in Florida 

while living there. She was elected president of the Board of Trustees at 

Long Ridge Methodist Church in Connecticut, where she led the initiative 

to renovate their Fellowship Hall. She was on the Finance Committee at the 

First Methodist Church in Greensboro. She started a coffee club of 10 ladies, 

which grew to over 350 members who lead many volunteer projects. She 

joined the Missions Committee at her church in Hattiesburg. 

Mim and her husband of 65 years have three children (Debbie, Doug and 

Cindy), six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is known by the 

family as a “self-taught technology whiz.” In fact, while her granddaughter 

was in graduate school a few years ago, Mim was called for assistance 

with a group project involving Excel. Shocking the fellow group members, 

Mim immediately knew how to solve the problem they were experiencing! 

Mim and Don retired in Georgia 

before moving to Hattiesburg 

in 1997. “We just decided we 

wanted to be some place with a 

college campus and in a city that 

has what Hattiesburg has.” 

They have travelled the world 

to places, such as Hong Kong, 

Australia, Switzerland, Ireland, 

China, Scandinavia, Thailand, 

England, Italy, Austria, Russia 

and many, many more. 

3 + 2 = ? 

FEMALE ACCOUNTANT, DOG MATHEMATICIAN 

Miriam owned a dog that could do simple addition problems. Kuddles, the peek-a-poo, could be asked to add two 

single-digit numbers together and tap out the correct answer with her paw in the palm of your hand. She eventually 

got so good, she could tap out the family’s zip code. She was featured in multiple newspaper articles, performed for 

schools and churches, and became a sensation in each of the towns the Adamson family moved to. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 37

WHERE DO THEY GO AFTER GRADUATION? 

22 

OREGON 

82 

WASHINGTON 

17 

IDAHO 

11 

MONTANA 

4 

WYOMING 

Three Master of Science in Economic 

Development alumni were recognized in 

the 2019 Mississippi Business Journal Top 50 

under 40. Congratulations to Chelsey Everett, 

research director for economic development 

of the ADP of Hattiesburg; Matthew Harrison, 

executive director of the Grenada County 

Economic Development District and Grenada 

Area Chamber of Commerce; Blaine LaFontaine, 

candidate for the Mississippi State Senate 

District 46 and president of the Hancock 

County Board of Supervisors. 

306 

CALIFORNIA 

36 

NEVADA 

17 

UTAH 

151 

COLORADO 

106 

ARIZONA 

24 

NEW MEXICO 

2 

GUAM 

17 

ALASKA 

23 

HAWAII 

EAGLES ABROAD 

OUR GRADUATES LIVE IN 

MANY DIFFERENT COUNTRIES 

Albania 1 • Aruba 1 • Australia 4 • Bangladesh 2 • Belarus 1 • Bolivia 3 • Botswana 1 • Brazil 15 • Canada 24 • Chile 1 • China 19 

Colombia 12 • Cyprus 2 • Denmark 1 • Dominican Republic 1 • Ecuador 10 • El Salvador 11 • Finland 1 • France 3 • Germany 11 • Ghana 2 

Guatemala 2 • Guinea 1 • Honduras 7 • Hong Kong 8 • India 26 • Indonesia 1 • Ireland 1 • Italy 2 • Jamaica 3 • Japan 31 • Jordan 1 

Kenya 1 • Republic of Korea 4 • Kuwait 2 • Kyrgyzstan 1 • Lebanon 1 • Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic 1 • Madagascar 1 


A T 

2 

NORTH DAKOTA 

8 

SOUTH DAKOTA 

13 

NEBRASKA 

26 

KANSAS 

92 

OKLAHOMA 

TOTAL OF 26,197 LIVING BUSINESS ALUMNI. 

34 

MINNESOTA 

36 

IOWA 

101 

MISSOURI 

170 

ARKANSAS 

1,451 

TEXAS 

1,561 

LOUISIANA 

28 

WISCONSIN 

118 

ILLINOIS 

49 

INDIANA 

41 

MICHIGAN 

628 

TENNESSEE 

68 

KENTUCKY 

85 

OHIO 

65 

PENNSYLVANIA 

12 

WEST VIRGINIA 

234 

VIRGINIA 

5 

VERMONT 

307 

NORTH CAROLINA 

158 

SOUTH CAROLINA 

81 

NEW YORK 

10 

NEW HAMPSHIRE 

903 

15,757 1,335 

GEORGIA 

MISSISSIPPI 

ALABAMA 

1 

PUERTO RICO 

1,148 

FLORIDA 

52 

NEW JERSEY 

85 

MARYLAND 

12 

DISTRICT OF 

COLUMBIA 

4 

MAINE 

34 

MASSACHUSETTS 

3 

RHODE ISLAND 

12 

DELAWARE 

35 

CONNECTICUT 

1 

VIRGIN ISLANDS 

P A C I F I C 

A T 

Malaysia 54 • Mexico 4 • Nepal 5 • Netherlands 2 • New Zealand 2 • Nicaragua 5 • Nigeria 3 

Panama 7 • Peru 5 • Poland 1 • Romania 1 • Russian Federation 6 • Saudi Arabia 6 • Singapore 10 

Slovakia 3 • Spain 2 • Sweden 6 • Syrian Arab Republic 2 • Taiwan, Province of China 23 

Thailand 13 • Trinidad and Tobago 1 • Turkey 1 • United Kingdom 9 • United Arab Emirates 1 

P A C I F 

I C O C E A N 

L A N T 

I C O C E A N 

L A N T 

I C O C E A N 

I N D I A N 

O C E A N 

I N D I A N 

O C E A N 

O C E A N 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 39

NEW COURSES AND CERTIFICATES 

CURRENT ISSUES IN PROFESSIONAL 

ACCOUNTANCY (ACC 690) 

The Current Issues in Professional Accountancy graduate course has 

formally gained approval from the Graduate Council and is officially being 

taught in summer 2019. The School of Accountancy has been pilot-testing 

the course with great success, as many MPA students have successfully 

completed parts or all of the CPA exam during the MPA program. The 

course was developed to support the process of students beginning 

their CPA exam while still in the master’s program. During the course, 

students review issues related to professional accountancy, including 

financial accounting and reporting, regulation, auditing and attestation, 

and business environment and concepts. 

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 

FOR ACCOUNTING (BA 211) 

The Professional Business Standards of Accounting course, taught 

by Ms. Amber Hatten and Ms. Valerie Simmons, was pilot-tested 

during the spring 2019 semester with great results. The course 

focuses on preparing accounting students for entering the 

accounting profession, with topics including interviews, recruiting 

for internships and full-time positions, graduate school, the CPA 

exam, etc. A variety of guest speakers and members from the 

accounting profession joined class each week to discuss topics, such 

as appropriate professional dress, résumés, and the importance of 

academic and professional organization involvement. 

EVAN PEELER, DECEMBER 2018 MPA GRADUATE, SUCCESSFULLY 

COMPLETED ALL FOUR PARTS OF THE CPA EXAM DURING HIS YEAR 

IN THE MPA PROGRAM, PASSING EACH SECTION ON HIS FIRST 

ATTEMPT. UPON GRADUATION, HE BEGAN HIS PROFESSIONAL 

CAREER WITH KPMG LLP IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. 

GUEST SPEAKERS 

Karen Moody and Lydia Windam 

from the Mississippi Society of CPAs 

Amber Hatten invited Dr. Holly Syrdal and her Social Media Marketing and Merchandising students 

to lead a workshop focused on teaching the Professional Business Standards for Accounting 

students how to optimize their LinkedIn profiles for personal branding. Dr. Syrdal's students 

have been working on a semester-long task to optimize their own personal LinkedIn profiles and 

provided many expert tips on how to network effectively through the social media platform. 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

MARKETING AND 

MERCHANDISING (MKT 478) 

Dr. Holly Syrdal taught a new course titled Social 

Media Marketing and Merchandising during spring 

2019. The course takes a practical approach by 

gaining hands-on experiences using social media 

strategically when developing a social media 

plan. One of the group projects allowed students 

to assist an assigned non-profit community 

partner by creating social media marketing plans 

and presenting their successful execution results. 

Students also earned a social media certification, 

providing tangible evidence of the digital skills 

acquired during the course. 

UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS ESSENTIALS CERTIFICATE 

A new undergraduate Certificate in Business Essentials will launch fall 2019. The 12- hour program was created specifically for non-business students, 

allowing those pursuing their dreams in other fields of study the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of business skills valued in every industry. 


CHICK-FIL-A 

Two of our accounting students, Rachel 

Green and Tyler Pittman, received the 

opportunity to attend a three-day event 

held by Chick-fil-A Corporate in Atlanta, 

Ga. Fifty-eight students from all over 

the country were selected to attend the 

leadership program, designed for those 

pursuing careers in accounting and IT. 

TRAVELING TO 

SUCCESS 

AICPA 

Dr. Megan Leach is a graduate of our MPA program and 

recently became a visiting assistant faculty member in the 

School of Accountancy in Hattiesburg. While earning her 

Master of Professional Accountancy degree, Dr. Leach was 

selected to attend the AICPA Accounting Scholars Leadership 

Workshop, a prestigious and competitive program for minority 

accounting students pursuing the CPA designation. The event, 

hosted in Atlanta, helps to strengthen students’ professional 

skills and provide guidance for understanding the possibilities 

and benefits of earning the CPA credential. Speakers, panel 

discussions and interactive programs provide participants 

an opportunity to gain confidence, improve leadership skills, 

develop tools to pass the CPA exam, and enhance understanding 

of a career path within the accounting profession. 

While working on completing her MPA degree, Dr. Leach also 

completed the University of Florida's Post-Doctoral Bridge to 

Business Program (PDBP). The PDBP is an AACSB-endorsed 

program aimed at bridging the gap of doctoral faculty 

shortages faced by many business schools. The program 

provides a bridge for non-business disciplines to teach in areas 

of business, including accounting and finance. By completing 

the PDBP, Dr. Leach was able to successfully make the 

transition from student to faculty member and join our team 

in the School of Accountancy in fall 2018. 

NATIONAL COLLEGIATE SALES COMPETITION 

Gabriela Alongia and Trey Pittman, students from Professor Chris Balaski’s 

professional sales course, represented our college at the National Collegiate 

Sales Competition in Kennesaw, Georgia. Over 140 students participated in 

the undergraduate competition. Each team had 20 minutes to close a sale for 

Gartner with a fictitious CIO from a university. Each role play was judged by 

both academics and corporate sponsors. Mr. Balaski served as a judge and 

coach for the competition. 

“The NCSC Sales Competition was an 

amazing experience that I am honored I 

was able to participate in! At first, I was 

very nervous to do this competition, 

by then I thought to myself, ‘Nothing 

good will ever happen if I don’t take a 

chance.’ Now I can say that I am glad I 

stepped out of my comfort zone and 

took that chance. The competition 

was beneficial because we used our 

‘SPIN’ selling skills that we learned 

in MKT 400 to handle each role play 

we participated in,” said Pittman, 

who is currently working toward a 

professional selling certificate. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 41

TRAVELING TO SUCCESS 

HONORS COLLEGE UNDERGRADUATE SYMPOSIUM 

Seven of our College of Business and Economic Development honors students 

presented at the 2019 Undergraduate Symposium. Additionally, Dr. John Miller, Dr. 

Wei Wang, Dr. Joanne Cao and Dr. Gallayanee Yaoyuneyong volunteered as judges 

for the presentations. 

PARTICIPANTS 

• CAMERON KENNEY – Marketing 

Does It Just Mean More? An Investigation Into the Involvement and Motivations 

of College Football Fans at The University of Southern Mississippi 

• TREVOR TERRY – Marketing 

Integrated Marketing Communications: Boys and Girls Country of Houston 

• AUDREY KELLY – Accounting 

The Impact of State Political Party Association on the Gender Pay Gap 

• MATTHEW KELLER – Finance 

What Community Bank Ads Are Actually Saying: A Content Analysis of Community 

Banking Advertisement Materials in Southern Mississippi and Southern Louisiana 

• BEN MILAM – Finance 

Exploring Financial Literacy of Independent Musicians in the Gig Economy 

• EVELYN LAWSON – Marketing 

Integrated Marketing Communications Plan for Boys and Girls Country of Houston 

• PARKER WILKINS – Marketing 

4th Street Crossfit: An Integrated Marketing Plan 

HONORS THESIS ADVISORS INCLUDED DR. JAMYE FOSTER, DR. MELINDA 

MCLELLAND, DR. REGINALD WILSON AND DR. JOANNE CAO. 

Cameron Kenney won the $500 prize for first place in his 

category, “Local/Regional Topics.” Trevor Terry also won the 

first place prize in his category, “Business or Public Policy.” 

Aubrey Kelly was selected to present her honors thesis 

research at the annual Society of Business, Industry 

and Economics (SOBIE) Conference in Sandestin, Florida. 

Aubrey’s research focused on the correlation between 

political party association by state on the gender wage 

gap in that respective state. 

Matthew Keller and Ben Milam 

also presented their thesis 

research at the Association of 

Marketing Theory and Practice 

Conference in Charleston, 

South Carolina. Presenting at 

an academic conference is uncommon for business 

undergraduate students, as most presenters are 

professors and Ph.D. students. Both students 

worked with Dr. Jamye Foster, associate professor 

of marketing, as their thesis advisor during their 

interdisciplinary research, both of which brought 

together marketing and finance concepts. 

Two recent marketing graduates also presented 

at the conference. Alumna Michelle Le presented 

her interdisciplinary research on “The Impact of 

Brand Love, Brand Attachment and Electronic 

Shopping Experiences Satisfaction on Consumer 

Willingness to Write Reviews.” Her thesis advisors 

were Dr. Joanne T. Cao, assistant professor of 

marketing, and Dr. Gallayanee Yaoyuneyong, 

professor of merchandising. Alumnus Tally Shaw 

examined social media likes/shares impact on key 

marketing outcomes with the help of his thesis 

advisor, Dr. Melinda McLelland, associate professor 

of marketing. Through an experimental design, he 

compared the outcomes in both a local/small market 

and a large/national market. Tally is currently 

employed as an account representative with Howard 

Technology Solutions. 


FACULTY INTELLECTUAL 

CONTRIBUTIONS AND IMPACT 

PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL ARTICLES - 2018-19 

Abdurakhmonov, M., Bolton, J. F., & Ridge, J. 

W. (In press). When the Cat’s Away, the Mice 

Will Play: A Model of Corporate Regulatory 

Compliance. Journal of Managerial Issues. 

B. F., Y. Q., & Collins, B. J. (2018). A dynamic 

model of electric vehicle adoption: The role 

of social commerce in new transportation. 

Information & Management. 

Cao, J. T., Foster, J. K., Yaoyuneyong, G., & Krey, 

N. (In press). Hedonic and Utilitarian Value: 

The Role of Shared Responsibility in Higher 

Education Services. Journal of Marketing for 

Higher Education. 

Chen, L., Wu, F.-M., Feng, F., Lai, F., & Wang, 

Y.-M. (2018). A Common Set of Weights 

for Ranking Decision-Making Units with 

Undesirable Outputs: A Double Frontiers Data 

Envelopment Analysis Approach. Asia-Pacific 

Journal of Operational Research, 35(6), 1-25. 

Chen, L., Lai, F., Wang, Y.-M., Huang, Y., & 

Wu, F.-M. (2018). A two-stage network data 

envelopment analysis approach for measuring 

and decomposing environmental efficiency. 

Computer & Industrial Engineering, 119, 388-403. 

Chu, Z., Xu, J., Lai, F., & Collins, B. J. (2018). 

Institutional Theory and Environmental 

Pressures: The Moderating Effect of Market 

Uncertainty on Innovation and Firm 

Performance. IEEE Transactions on Engineering 

Management, 65(3), 392-403. 

Chu, Z., Feng, B., & Lai, F. (2018). Logistics 

service innovation by third party logistics 

providers in China: Aligning guanxi and 

organizational structure. Transportation 

Research Part E-Logistics and Transportation 

Review, 118(10), 291-307. 

Cole, S., Zhang, Y., Wang, W., & Hu, C. (2019). 

The influence of accessibility and motivation 

on travel participation of people with mobility 

impairment. Journal of Travel and Tourism 

Marketing. 36(1). 119-130. 

Collins, B. J., Galvin, B. M., & Meyer, R. D. 

(2019). Situational Strength as a Moderator 

of the Relationship Between Organizational 

Identification and Work Outcomes. Journal of 

Leadership & Organizational Studies, 26(1), 87-97. 

Davis, M. & Miller, J. J. (2019). A conceptual 

analysis of the theory of consumer choice 

on NBA attendance. Journal of Applied Sport 

Management, 11(2), 1-10. 

Davis, M. & Miller, J. J. (2019). A fan’s choice: The 

application of the theory of consumer choice 

to Major League Baseball. Applied Research in 

Coaching and Athletics Annuals, 34, 146-175. 

Dogru, A. K. & Melouk, S. H. (2018). Adaptive 

appointment scheduling for patient-centered 

medical homes. Omega: The International 

Journal of Management Science, 85, 166-181. 

Ehoff, Jr., C. & Bouillon, M. (In press). Accounting 

for Goodwill: Still Crazy after All These Years. 

Journal of Accounting, Ethics and Public Policy. 

Galvin, B. M., Randel, A. E., Collins, B. J., & 

Johnson, R. E. (2018). Changing the focus of 

locus (of control): A targeted review of the 

locus of control literature and agenda for future 

research. Journal of Organizational Behavior. 

Goodwin, K. R., Waller, B., & Weeks, S. (2018). 

Connotation and Textual Analysis in Real 

Estate Listings. Journal of Housing Research. 

Dr. Fujun Lai was a guest editor 

for the March 2019 special issue of 

Information and Management (impact 

factor = 3.890; acceptance rate = 8%). 

In addition, Dr. Lai and Dr. Brian Collins 

each contributed an article to the issue. 

Dr. SherRhonda Gibbs was the 

managing guest editor for the special 

issue of the New England Journal of 

Entrepreneurship (acceptance rate = 

20%) and became associate editor of 

Management Decision (impact factor = 

1.53; acceptance rate = 12%). Dr. Gibbs 

also had a published paper in the Journal 

of Small Business Strategy (acceptance 

rate = 18%) that was later featured by 

Society for Industrial and Organizational 

Psychology (SIOP) News online. 

Dr. Kimberly Goodwin had an 

acceptance in the Journal of Housing 

Research for her paper, titled “Measures 

of Real Estate Market Sentiment and 

Their Relationship with U.S. Home 

Prices.” Dr. Goodwin presented this work 

at the Asian Real Estate Society meeting 

in Incheon, South Korea. Additionally, 

Dr. Goodwin was interviewed for two 

separate online articles: The Mississippi 

Business Journal, discussing how climate 

change and changing weather patterns 

could impact insurance rates; and the 

LendingTree, discussing how gender may 

affect one’s credit score. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 43

FACULTY INTELLECTUAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND IMPACT 

PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL ARTICLES - CONTINUED 

Goodwin, K. R. (In press). Measures of Real Estate Market Sentiment and 

Their Relationship with U.S. Home Prices. Journal of Housing Research. 

Hall, S., Manning, D., Keiper, M., Jenny, S., & Allen, B. (2019). Stakeholders’ 

Perception of Critical Risks and Challenges Hosting Marathon Events: 

An Exploratory Study. Journal of Contemporary Athletics, 13(1), 11-22. 

Hubbard, J., Mitra, S., & Miller, C. R. (2019). Analyzing Human Capital 

as a Component of the Aerotropolis Model. Journal of Air Transport 

Management, 78, 63-70. 

Kanuri, S. & Malm, J. (2018). Performance of Female CEOs. Journal of 

Investing, 27(1), 135-142. 

Kanuri, S. & Johnson, W. (2018). Is Target Date Mutual Fund 

Underperformance Rational? Journal of Investing, 27(1), 87-97. 

Lai, F. & Luo, X. (2019). Social Commerce and Social Media: Behaviors in 

the New Service Economy. Information & Management, 56(2), 141-142. 

Lambert, J. T., Weber, M. J., Conrad, K. A., & Jennings, S. S. (In press). 

Consumer Ethnocentrism in the USA and Wine Choice. Journal of 

Business Management and Change. 

Lambert, J. T., Weber, M. J., Conrad, K. A., & Jennings, S. S. (2018). 

Managing Amid Perception: Wine Price-Point Considerations in Several 

States in the USA. Journal of Business Management and Change, 12-30. 

Leach, M. A., Leach, M. M., & Lee, E. (2019). Culture Convergence of 

Manufacturing Managers in Mexico, Korea, Hong Kong, and USA. 

Journal of Research in Emerging Markets 1(2), 16-32. 

Leach, M. A., Lee, E., & Leach, M. M. (2019). Is There a Relationship 

between VARK Learning Styles and the Perceived Usefulness of Online 

Learning Tools in Accounting Principles Courses? Korean Accounting 

Review, 44(2), 133-163. 

Leach, M. A., Stammerjohan, C. A., Stammerjohan, W. W., & Leach, 

M. M. (2018). Ethical Decision Making of Future Mexican Managers. 

International Review of Advances in Business, Management, and Law, 

1(1), 85-94. 

Lewis, S. X., Magruder, J. S., Mitchell, D. S., Smolinski, C., & Burks, E. 

J. (2018). Redefining ‘Useful Life’ -- An Energy Consumption Method 

Emerges from the CC/DS Environment. Journal of Accounting and 

Finance, 18(5), 105-112. 

Li, X., Lai, F., & Yuan, Y. (In press). Understanding Adoption and 

Continuance of Online Direct Sales Channel. Journal of Computer 

Information Systems. 

Miller, J., Gillentine, A., Olinger, A., & Vogt, S. (2019). A content analysis 

of the Journal of Legal Aspects of Sport: 1992-2016. Journal of Legal 

Aspects of Sport, 29, 139-151. 

2019 DIANA 

CHANGEMAKER AWARD 

Dr. SherRhonda Gibbs was awarded the 

Educator’s Changemaker Award at the 2019 

Diana International Research Institute Impact 

Day at Babson College in Wellesley, Mass. One 

award from six categories is given out each 

year. The awards are granted to individuals 

whose efforts in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, 

through research, advocacy and other essential forms 

of support, have advanced women’s access to resources 

that are critical to launching and scaling successful ventures. 

Dr. Gibbs serves as the interim director of the School of Management 

and senior vice president of membership on the board of the United 

States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. 

USM RECENTLY ACHIEVED 

“R1: DOCTORAL UNIVERSITIES – 

VERY HIGH RESEARCH ACTIVITY” 

STATUS IN THE CARNEGIE CLASSIFICATION 

OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION. 

Only 130 institutions in the nation are classified as R1. 

USM’s inclusion in this elite group of universities recognizes the 

quality research enterprise created by our faculty, staff and students. 



Miller, J., Vogt, S., Scroggins, C., & Gillentine, A. (2019). A content analysis of 

tailgating alcohol policies at NCAA Division I football games. International Journal 

of Sport Management, 20, 1-16. 

Parker, P. D. & Swanson, N. J. (2018). Black and Green Vehicle Dealership, LLP - Fraud 

Case. The South East Case Research Association, 15(1), 91-100. 

Ritz, W., Wolf, M., & McQuitty, S. (2019). Digital Marketing Adoption and Success for 

Small Businesses: The Application of the Do-it-Yourself and Technology Acceptance 

Models. Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing. 

Sequeira, J., Weeks, K., Bell, M., & Gibbs, S. (2018). Making the case for diversity as a 

strategic business tool in small firm survival and success. Journal of Small Business 

Strategy, 28(3), 31-47. 

Stelk, S. J., Park, S.-H., Medcalfe, S., & Dugan, M. T. (2018). An additional analysis 

of estimation techniques for the degree of financial leverage. Review of Financial 

Economics, 36(3), 220—231. 

Syrdal, H. A. & Briggs, E. (2018). Engagement with Social Media Content: A Qualitative 

Exploration. Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, 26(2-1), 4-22. 

VanMeter, R., Syrdal, H. A., Powell-Mantel, S., Grisaffe, D. B., & Nesson, E. T. (2018). 

Don’t Just ‘Like’ Me, Promote Me: How Attachment and Attitude Influence Brandrelated 

Behaviors on Social Media. Journal of Interactive Marketing, 43, 83-97. 

Van Mullem, P. & Croft, J. C. (2018). Developing Under the Guidance of a Mentor: Five 

Strategies for Coaches. Strategies: A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators, 31(6), 16-25. 

Wang, L., Chu, Z., & Lai, F. (2019). Customer pressure and green innovations at third 

party logistics providers in China: The moderation effect of organizational culture. 

International Journal of Logistics Management, 30(1), 57-75. 

Wang, S., Wang, W., & Lee, S. (2018). Interactive roles of social identity and 

evaluative attitudes in sports events participation. Journal of Convention & Event 

Tourism. 19(4-5), 327-346. 

ACUE 

USM’s Association of College and University 

Educators (ACUE) Faculty Development 

Institute is an innovative initiative focused 

on expanding the use of effective teaching 

practices in higher education. Southern Miss 

began its partnership with ACUE, which was 

founded in 2016 by leaders in higher education 

to advance instruction, support college 

educators, and promote student success. 

The program consists of three courses over 

three semesters, beginning with Active 

Learning, followed by Assessment of 

Teaching and Learning, and culminating with 

Effective Course Design. Each intensive, 10- 

week program focuses on research-based 

techniques for promoting active learning, 

improving assessment techniques and 

designing effective courses. 

Five of our very own, Dr. Reginald Wilson, 

Dr. Joanne Cao, Chris Croft, Russ Willis 

and Chris Balaski, are one course away 

from earning the Certificate in Effective 

College Instruction and the title of “ACUE 

Distinguished Teaching Scholar.” 

Currently, we have three professors that 

have already earned the title: Dr. Gallayanee 

Yaoyuneyong, Dr. Steven Stelk and Dr. 

Sungsoo Kim. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 45


GRENADA SPORTS COMPLEX 

FEASIBILITY STUDY 

The University of Southern Mississippi’s College of Business and 

Economic Development collaborated across three business programs 

-- Economic Development, Hospitality and Tourism Management, and 

Sport Management -- to assist the city of Grenada on a sport’s complex 

feasibility study. 

Matthew Harrison, the economic developer from Grenada County and 

a Master of Science Economic Development program alumnus, initiated 

the study in conjunction with Southern Miss, saying he was confident 

that our expert faculty could provide him with valuable knowledge and 

resources to create a well-developed feasibility study. Dr. Sungsoo Kim, 

Dr. Brandon Allen, Dr. Chris Croft and Dr. Chad Miller traveled to Grenada 

County multiple times throughout the summer to collect primary data 

through intercept surveys and secondary data from a variety of sources. 

Upon completion of their research, the team gave a presentation to 

community leaders and citizens showcasing their ideas for the city. The 

collaboration resulted in two reports: Sports Complex Feasibility Study 

for Grenada County, Miss., and a Preliminary Economic Impact Study. 

These reports made it possible for local leaders to make more informed 

decisions concerning their investment of the new sports complex. 

Harrison stated that the feasibility study ultimately became the 

foundation for their success. “We used the data to build awareness and 

educate the community about the economic impact, which allowed our 

support to gain in momentum. The vote was held on October 2 and passed 

with a whopping 86 percent. We could not have had this type of success 

without the feasibility study prepared by Dr. Sungsoo Kim and his expert 

team at the USM College of Business and Economic Development." 

The new, 170-acre complex is currently in the engineering design phase, 

with indoor and outdoor developments. The completed complex will 

include 12 baseball/softball fields and five multi-use fields, along with 

an indoor track, bowling lanes, fitness and training areas, basketball/ 

volleyball courts and a natatorium. 

THE GRENADA SPORT COMPLEX WON THE 2018 

COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARD, 

GIVEN BY THE MISSISSIPPI ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL. 

The award is intended to recognize exceptional contributions of communities in 

the state of Mississippi for efforts, such as business retention and expansion, 

business recruitment, community development and community involvement. 

PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL 

ARTICLES - CONTINUED 

Wang, T., Wang, W., Wu, Z., Su, C., & Chen, M., (2019). 

Understanding farm household’s participation in “Nong jia 

le” in China. Sustainability, 11(5), 1282. 

Wang, W. (2019). The influence of perceived technological 

congruence on consumers’ attitudes toward price change 

and adoption of smartphone application in air travel. 

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, 10(2). 122-135. 

Wang, W. & Wang, S. (2019). Urban Residents’ Place-Based 

Perceptions and Attitudes toward Tourism Development: A 

Comparison between the United States and China. Journal 

of Quality Assurance in Hospitality and Tourism, 20(2). 

Wang, W., Yaoyuneyong, G., Sullivan, P., & Burgess, B. (2018). A 

model for perceived destination value and tourists’ souvenir 

intentions. Journal of Applied Marketing Theory, 8(2), 1-23. 

Wang, W., Chen, J. S., & Prebensen, N. K. (2018). Market 

analysis of value-minded tourists: Nature-based tourism 

in the Arctic. Journal of Destination Marketing and 

Management, 8(June), 82-89. 

Wang, W., Cole, S., & Chen, J. S. (2018). Tourist innovation in 

air travel. Journal of Travel Research, 57(2), 164-177. 

Weber, M. J., Lambert, J. T., Conrad, K. A., Jennings, S. S., 

& Adams, Jennifer R. M. (2018). Discovering a Cultural 

System Using Consumer Ethnocentrism Theory. Systemic 

Practice and Action Research, 31(6), 617-636. 

Wilson, R. (2018). Juror Bias and Auditor Negligence: 

Evidence Using the Social Identity Theory. Journal of 

Business, Industry, and Economics, 23. 

Yang, Y., Lai, F., & Chu, Z. (In press). Continuous Usage 

Intention of Internet Banking: A Commitment-Trust Model. 

Information Systems and e-Business Management. 

Yuan, Y., Feng, B., Lai, F., & Collins, B. J. (2018). The role of trust, 

commitment, and learning orientation on logistic service 

effectiveness. Journal of Business Research, 93(12), 37-50. 

Zaplac, R., Miller, J., & Miller, K. (In press). A case when you 

can’t fool Mother Nature: Understanding and addressing 

stakeholder reactions linked to organizational decisions 

stemming from a natural disaster. Journal of Case Studies 

in Sport Management. 

I M 


N 

EMORIAM 

JACOB MATTHEW MEEK 

(1999 – 2019) ETHEL, LA. 

LAUREN ANN LONGINO 

(1991 – 2019) BILOXI, MISS. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 47

RECOGNIZING 

EXTRAORDINARY 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

HONORS AND AWARDS 

FALL 2018 AND SPRING 2019 

COMMUNITY AND FACULTY AWARDS 

BOARDMAN ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 

Robert St. John 

Restaurateur and Author 

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA OF THE YEAR 

Joy Lightsey 

Senior VP of Operations, SunTech Inc. (Retired) 

LOUIS K. BRANDT PUBLICATION AWARD 

Dr. Srinidhi Kanuri 

Assistant Professor, School of Finance 

JOSEPH A. GREENE EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD 

Dr. Brigitte Burgess 

Associate Professor, School of Marketing 

BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL (BAC) RESEARCH AWARD 

Dr. Reginald Wilson 

Assistant Professor, School of Accountancy 

Dr. Wei Wang 

Assistant Professor, School of Marketing 

Dr. Fujun Lai 

Professor 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICE AWARD 

Dr. Gallayanee Yaoyuneyong 

Associate Professor, School of Marketing 

Dr. Jacob Breland 

Associate Professor, School of Management 

SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY AWARDS 

OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTING STUDENT 

Kirkland McCarty, Hattiesburg, MS 

POSEY-MUNN BOOK AWARDS (SPONSORED BY MCGRAW HILL PUBLISHING) 

Ryan Sherrer, Picayune, MS 

Charles Overby, Brandon, MS 

Joseph Kirkland, West Monroe, LA 

Lainey Aenchbacher, Savannah, GA 


RECOGNIZING EXTRAORDINARY STUDENT EFFORTS 

JARVIS MAXEY AWARD 

Keiyanna Gaskin, Vicksburg, MS 

CHARLES JORDAN AWARD 

Mahum Caudhry, Lahore, Pakistan 

MISSISSIPPI SOCIETY OF CPAS AWARD 

Paige Dillistone, Hattiesburg, MS 

HADDOX REID EUBANK BETTS AWARD 

Brady Anderson, Purvis, MS 

BKD AWARD 

Jenna Van Dan, Summit, MS 

Brooke Hodges, Clinton, MS 

Sayle Sanson, Gonzales, LA 

BETA ALPHA PSI AWARD 

Erin Howell, Gulfport, MS 

FEDERATION OF SCHOOLS OF ACCOUNTANCY AWARD 

Josh Spivey, Lake, MS 

SCHOOL OF FINANCE AWARDS 

FINANCE FACULTY AWARDS 

Faiyaz Hussain, Dhaka, Bangladesh 

Matthew Keller, Metairie, LA 

John Haire, Clarksdale, MS 

OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN FINANCE 

Gregory Anderson, Perkinston, MS 

Ronald Tyler Russel, Niceville, FL 

SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AWARDS 

MOST ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT STUDENT 

Gabrielle Morgan, Laurel, MS 

OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 

Christian Mason, Seminary, MS 

Chandler Bingham, Pascagoula, MS 

OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN HUMAN RESOURCES 

Emily Johnson, Carriere, MS 

OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP 

Lauren Haley Brown, Petal, MS 

Loida Ventura Paz, Lempira, Honduras 

OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS 

Tjasa Jerse, Medvode, Slovenia 

OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN MANAGEMENT 

Sharon Hughes, Moselle, MS 

Clayton Franklin, Jackson, LA 

STANLEY BROOKING MEMORIAL AWARD IN PRODUCTION AND 

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT 

Robert Norsworthy, Florence, MS 

HONORING DR. JOSEPH A. GREENE 

During the spring semester, the late Dr. Joseph A. Greene was honored by a 

reception for his children, Kathy, Jackie, Mike and Alan. Dr. Greene was the first 

dean of the College of Business and served in that role for 36 years, upholding 

principles that still serve as a driving force behind our college today. Additionally, 

Dr. Greene is the namesake for Joseph Greene Hall, an academic building on the 

Hattiesburg campus. To find out more about the legacy of Dr. Joseph A. Greene, 

visit our website: usm.edu/business/legacy-dr-joseph-greene. 

The Greene children (Alan, Jackie, Kathy, Mike) posing with Dr. Greene's portrait, 

which proudly hangs in the Scianna Hall business building. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 49


MARTIN STEGENGA ACADEMIC AWARD IN MANAGEMENT AND 

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS 

Christopher Reeves, Laurel, MS 

SCHOOL OF MARKETING AWARDS 

OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN SALES AWARDS 

Josh Sullivan, Laurel, MS 

Gabriela Alongia, Metairie, LA 

DOLLY LOYD SPIRIT OF MARKETING AWARD 

Rebekah Besselman, New Orleans, LA 

OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN MARKETING 

Michelle Le, Biloxi, MS 

Elizabeth Snyder, Waveland, MS 

DAVID E. FORD MARKETING LEADERSHIP AWARD 

Cameron Kenny, Mobile, AL 

MERCHANDISING FACULTY AWARD 

KiAndre McMillian, Picayune, MS 

PASSION FOR FASHION AWARD 

Quadriyyah Russell, Jackson, MS 

OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN MERCHANDISING 

Crystal Toole, Merdian, MS 

OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN HEALTHCARE MARKETING 

Caitlin Halsey, Gulfport, MS 

Alexandria Nguyen, Hattiesburg, MS 

SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY 

Shelby Vibbert, West Lafayette, IN 

OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM 

Ashley Duncan, Lexington, KY 

Sabrina Darby, Slidell, LA 

LEADERSHIP IN SPORT MANAGEMENT AWARD 

Valentia Haupt, Santiago, Chile 

OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN SPORT MANAGEMENT 

Andrew O’Dell, Columbia City, IN 

Rikeetha Pereira, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates 

GULF PARK CAMPUS STUDENT AWARDS 

OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTING STUDENT 

Nhiem Nguyen, Ocean Springs, MS 

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION STUDENT 

Orlando Bradford, Gautier, MS 

OUTSTANDING MANAGEMENT STUDENT 

Dejan Duric, Biloxi, MS 

OUTSTANDING MARKETING STUDENT 


OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT 

David Domonkos, D’Iberville, MS 

GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS 

OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT IN PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANCY 

Sheri Lowery, Sumrall, MS 

Aubrey Sanders, Hattiesburg, MS 

OUTSTANDING MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPORT MANAGEMENT AWARD 

Carly Della Sala, Mcungie, PA 

Adam Boardman, Sun Prairie, WI 

GRADUATE SPORT MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD 

Leah Williams, Waynesboro, MS 

OUTSTANDING MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ECONOMIC 

DEVELOPMENT AWARD 

Dr. J. Reid Cummings, Mobile, AL 

Jennifer Hooper, Mobile, AL 

OUTSTANDING MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AWARD 

Charles “Alden” Bennett, Hattiesburg, MS 

Susan O’Basuyi, Saint Louis, MO 

COLLEGE AWARDS 

OUTSTANDING COAST BUSINESS STUDENT AWARD 




OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (UNDERGRADUATE) 

Lakesha Pittman, Byram, MS 

Brooke Hodges, Clinton, MS 


OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (GRADUATE) 

Nishu Gupta, Punjab, India 

Joshua Dove, Louisville, KY 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD 

Matthew Keller, Metairie, LA 

DELTA SIGMA PI SCHOLARSHIP KEY AWARD 

Ronald Tyler Russell, Niceville, FL 

CITIZEN SCHOLAR AWARD 

Ronald Tyler Russell, Niceville, FL 

SPIRIT OF BUSINESS AWARD 


Michelle Le, Biloxi, MS 

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR THESE 

GOLDEN EAGLE GRADUATES 

TOP (LEFT TO RIGHT) 

Jenna Van Dan – BKD Award Recipient; Accounting; Accepted position 

with HORNE LLP 

Trey Haire – Finance Faculty Student Award Recipient; Finance; Accepted 

position as a bank examiner for the Mississippi Department of Banking and 

Consumer Finance 

BOTTOM (LEFT TO RIGHT) 

Joshua Spivey – Federation of Schools of Accountancy Award Recipient; 

MPA; Accepted position with Ernst and Young 

Paige Dillistone – Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants Award 

Recipient; Accounting; Accepted position with KPMG upon completion of MPA 

Brady Anderson – Haddox Reid Eubank Betts Award Recipient; MPA; 

Accepted auditing position with Haddox Reid Eubanks Betts PLLC 

Cameron Kenny – David E. Ford Marketing Award Recipient; Marketing; 

Accepted management trainee position with Cintas 

LEAVING SOUTHERN MISS 

BETTER THAN THEY FOUND IT 

Joshua Spivey and Leah Williams were two of 13 students inducted into 

the 2019 Graduate Student Hall of Fame. Joshua Spivey is in the Master 

of Professional Accountancy program and will graduate in summer 2019. 

During his last semester, he traveled abroad with the Southern Miss Asian 

Studies Program to Tokyo, Japan, and Hong Kong. Upon graduation and 

completion of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, Spivey will be 

a tax associate with Ernst and Young, one of the “Big 4” accounting firms. 

Leah Williams is currently in the Master of Science in Sport Management 

program and plans to pursue a career in collegiate sports marketing 

within a university athletic marketing department. 

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 | 51

TUDENT 

UTCOMES 


ENROLLMENT FALL 2014 FALL 2015 FALL 2016 FALL 2017 FALL 2018 

UNDERGRADUATE 

PROGRAMS 

Accounting 420 373 394 347 367 

Finance 141 127 125 120 110 

Entrepreneurship 156 145 116 146 155 

General Business 372 520 625 666 726 

International Business 64 62 68 61 41 

Management 296 259 218 188 141 

Healthcare Marketing 40 39 35 41 45 

Marketing 221 209 212 231 237 

Hospitality and Tourism Management 113 103 112 89 63 

Merchandising 67 79 54 47 35 

Sport Management 105 98 92 109 116 

TOTAL UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT 1,995 2,014 2,051 2,045 2,036 

GRADUATE 

PROGRAMS 

Sport Management MS 55 58 54 48 55 

Economic Development MS 17 17 16 16 13 

MPA 25 25 32 34 21 

MBA 73 95 110 104 105 

TOTAL GRADUATE ENROLLMENT 170 195 212 202 194 

CERTIFICATE 

PROGRAMS 

Casino Management 2 3 2 2 1 

Sport Security Management 3 4 5 3 3 

Business Foundations 7 10 9 11 5 

Source: USM Institutional Research, Enrollment Dashboards 

DEGREES CONFERRED 2013 - 14 2014 - 15 2015 - 16 2016 - 17 2017 - 18 

UNDERGRADUATE 

PROGRAMS 

Accounting 77 89 97 82 75 

Finance 18 30 33 31 25 

Entrepreneurship 19 17 16 26 15 

General Business 81 70 82 100 131 

International Business 14 12 11 12 15 

Management 83 72 72 57 66 

Healthcare Marketing 6 9 12 7 11 

Marketing 47 58 54 55 55 

Hospitality and Tourism Management 28 22 19 26 27 

Merchandising 8 9 13 10 15 

Sport Management 19 11 18 23 19 

TOTAL UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES AWARDED 400 399 427 429 454 

GRADUATE 

PROGRAMS 

Sport Management MS 35 17 37 20 30 

Economic Development MS 8 10 12 12 14 

MPA 20 22 26 25 23 

MBA 19 25 38 49 45 

TOTAL GRADUATE DEGREES AWARDED 82 74 113 106 112 

TOTAL DEGREES AWARDED 482 473 540 535 566 

Source: USM Institutional Research, Degrees Awarded Dashboards 

EOE/F/M/VETS/DISABILITY UC80716

NNUAL 

EPORT 

018-19 

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

USM.EDU/BUSINESS

2018-19 Annual Report

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