Dr. Joseph S. Paul sworn in as USM’s 11th president
Dr. Joseph S. Paul eschewed the spotlight during his presidential inauguration October 5 at The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Hattiesburg campus, deflecting the focus instead on the institution to which he’s been called to serve as leader.
A beloved son of the University, Dr. Paul was installed as the 11th president of his alma mater during an investiture ceremony held in historic Bennett Auditorium as the school also celebrated homecoming week. The 1975 graduate of Southern Miss first served in the post on an interim basis beginning in July 2022 before being named president starting November 1 of last year by the State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL).
“Today’s events may appear to be about me, the person just inaugurated as the eleventh president,” Dr. Paul said in his remarks to the hundreds of USM faithful in attendance. “But what today is really about is the celebration of this noble institution, The University of Southern Mississippi, a collection of people and purposes and challenges and opportunities that is both ineffable yet tangible, that passes from one generation to another, that has outlived its founders from one hundred thirteen years ago and will outlive us gathered here today.
“This ceremony is about what endures in the culture and spirit of this place, and the work we do here is greater than us as individuals and more lasting than our moment in time,” continued Paul. “It is about constant change and about our steadfast calling to serve our students well.”
A Bay St. Louis, native, Paul most recently served his alma mater as vice president for student affairs before retiring after a forty-year career at the school, holding various roles in student affairs administration. He earned a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Alabama and is a member of the Southern Miss Alumni Association Alumni Hall of Fame.
He hailed his alma mater for its deeply held values of “caring, community and grit.”
Representatives of the university’s student body, faculty and staff were on hand to formally welcome Paul as their president, praising his leadership and commitment to academic freedom, student development and achievement, and commitment to fostering an environment of collegiality and cooperation among all USM employees and its stakeholders for the good of the institution.
“Dr. Paul has accomplished a lot this past year and has undoubtedly pushed Southern Miss further in the right direction,” said Student Government Association President Jonathan Jenkins. “Southern Miss has significantly benefited from his leadership, and I am confident we will continue to see Southern Miss soar to new heights during his presidency.”
Dr. Jennifer Courts, president of the USM Faculty Senate, said that, in his time as president, Paul has proven he recognizes the importance of the University’s faculty “in achieving the vision of Southern Miss to be a student-centered public research university with an unparalleled student life experience.”
“In creating a community that values faculty feedback, he has confirmed that he understands that this vision can only be fully realized in collaboration with faculty,” Dr. Courts continued. “Dr. Paul knows that including his constituents in the decision-making process helps move our institution into the future, leading to a more stable and cohesive community and greater innovation. He is a strong leader who serves not for the prominence the position can offer, but for the good it allows him to accomplish.”
Dr. Shea Kidd-Brown, vice president of campus life at Wake Forrest University, presented the inauguration address. A native of Hattiesburg, Dr. Kidd-Brown earned her undergraduate degree from USM, where she says leaned on Paul’s mentorship in navigating her way through her academic career at the University and was inspired by his example to pursue a career in higher education.
“Dr. Paul, no one is better suited for this appointment, at this time, than you,” she said. “May you continue to leave USM better than you found it.”
University officials report that many positive developments have already occurred at the University during Paul’s presidency, including an increase in new student enrollment, as well as a surge in alumni and Eagle Club memberships and season ticket sales for the University’s athletics programs. A recent anonymous endowment of $6 million made to the school’s capital campaign has pushed it well past its goal of $150 million.
Paul called on all members of the USM family to join him in a collective effort to maintain the momentum in every aspect of the University, particularly in how it serves the needs of its students, which he referred to as the school’s “Why.”
“Let’s set our sights on being distinctive in the content of our academic programs, course offerings and student life, and provide for our students in all we do a value added they won’t find in other places,” Paul urged. “Let’s help our students, who often come from ordinary backgrounds and circumstances, go out into the world and do extraordinary things. Let’s help them be ready for life, and ready for their journey To The Top.”
Dr. Heather Annulis, director of the School of Leadership at USM’s Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach, said the events of the week recognizing Paul’s investiture “continues our excitement and momentum at Southern Miss,” further noting, “We stand behind him with our full support as he leads our institution, including Coastal USM, to the top.”
