Vision

As a Carnegie Doctoral/Research-Extensive and a Four-Year Class 1 Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) institution, The University of Southern Mississippi will be a premier, comprehensive, dual-campus university that is distinguished by its established excellence in undergraduate education with nationally known graduate programs, a groundbreaking economic development emphasis, and a demonstrated commitment to improving quality of life.

With two campuses and five teaching and research sites across south Mississippi as well as France, Mexico, England, and Spain, The University of Southern Mississippi serves the state, the Southeastern U.S. region, and the nation through its strong, varied undergraduate programs built upon a sound general education curriculum; through its master’s and doctoral programs in the sciences, education, psychology, economic development, the humanities, business, health, engineering technologies, and the arts; and through its faculty’s innovative research achievements. Southern Miss’ academic and research initiatives demonstrate its commitment to knowledge-based economic development and to enhanced quality of life. The University of Southern Mississippi is committed to its academic programs and student services on the Gulf Coast and to working with community leaders to assure educational, cultural, and economic growth for all citizens who live and work in the coastal communities of Mississippi. The University of Southern Mississippi is distinguished by

* innovative research that includes scientific, technological, and societal projects
* a commitment to all population groups of our state and society among the student body, faculty, and staff by providing cross-cultural activities
* a faculty that is distinctive in teaching abilities, scholarly reputations, and a commitment to the education and achievements of its students
* excellent international education programs that contribute to global literacy for Mississippians
* leadership in addressing public interest and improving the quality of life
* close-working partnerships with government, business, community leaders, and groups who appreciate the contributions of higher education and serve as key advocates for the university
* cutting-edge economic development research and education

The mission of The University of Southern Mississippi includes generating new knowledge, applying knowledge in service to humanity, facilitating an appreciation of artistic creations and performances, promoting cultural understanding, and, most importantly, fostering learning among students in ways that prepare them to become contributing citizens and leaders in a global society. Concisely stated, the university is in the business of helping people learn, and this learning occurs through the discovery, transmission, and application of knowledge. Therefore, Southern Miss can be characterized as a not-for-profit institution that is in the learning business.