Browsing: Education

From the Griswolds to the Grinch, just about every holiday movie features characters cutting, decorating or stealing the perfect Christmas tree. But most people—including moviegoers—don’t consider that Christmas trees take work to cultivate. Like all trees, they are subject to the threats of disease, insects, fungi and other menaces. This is why scientists in Mississippi State’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center have been studying some of the most popular tree species that decorate homes for the holidays.

Just in time for the holidays, Starkville Chick-fil-A is donating an adapted bike to a young graduate of Mississippi State’s T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability’s Project IMPACT program.

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has been awarded more than $3 million as part of a $17.2 million investment announced by the NOAA RESTORE Science Program to support long-term research on the Gulf of America ecosystem.

The University of Southern Mississippi’s story in 2025 was one of ambition, innovation and impact—a year in which the university advanced its mission of inspired teaching, collaborative research, creative activity, service to society and producing graduates who are Ready for Life. Across our campuses and communities, students, faculty, staff and supporters shaped a year defined by excellence—from national recognition and groundbreaking research to inspiring student accomplishments and transformative partnerships. The highlights that follow capture just a portion of a remarkable year, offering a glimpse of Southern Miss moving boldly forward and creating lasting impact.

OXFORD, Miss. – Aggressive cancers can use blood vessels like roadways, speeding through the body and finding new places to grow. But new research shows that a drug in clinical trials may help stop the spread of cancer before it reaches its destination.

Mississippi State’s Famous Maroon Band is marching to the beat of a new accolade as the 2026 recipient of the prestigious national Sudler Trophy—considered the highest honor a collegiate marching band can receive.

On Monday, December 1, the City of Hattiesburg and The University of Southern Mississippi announced an expanded employee education program that will broaden educational opportunities for all full-time city employees.

The University of Southern Mississippi will hold its fall 2025 commencement ceremonies on Thursday, Dec. 11 and Friday, Dec. 12, at Bernard Reed Green Coliseum on the Hattiesburg campus. Approximately 1,250 students are candidates for degrees this semester.

The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Graphic Design program experienced a landmark spring 2025 semester, earning a series of major recognitions and awards that highlighted the creativity, discipline and national impact of its students. From local and regional competitions to national honors and professional publications, the program continued to strengthen its reputation as a leader in design educatio

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Six-year-old Christopher Best of Flora loves everything about space. Diagnosed with the congenital condition known as Pierre Robin sequence, his Make-A-Wish request was simple—he wanted to experience anything and everything to do with rockets.

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Musicwill present its annual Holiday Choral Spectacular on Dec. 2 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Main Street Baptist Church in Hattiesburg. The concerts will feature the choirs of Southern Miss Choral Activities, the Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra, and several area school choir programs in two joyous evenings of music. 

A Golden Eagle–style holiday tradition will continue Wednesday, Dec. 3, at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Hattiesburg campus with the annual Lighting the Way for the Holidays event. Presented by the Student Government Association (SGA), the celebration is open to members of the university and local communities.

For the second year in a row, the Milken Family Foundation traveled from California to Mississippi to bestow the Milken Educator Award (the “Oscar of Teaching”) on a two-time graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi. Kayla Saxton, a Golden Eagle and third-grade English/language arts teacher at Mannsdale Upper Elementary School in Madison, Miss., received the news during a surprise school assembly. Click here to watch.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has been named a national finalist for the prestigious Bellwether Award, recognized in the Workforce Development category for its leadership in creating innovative solutions that connect education with regional labor market needs. MGCCC is the only college in Mississippi selected among this year’s finalists.

Since fire ants first came to the United States in the early 20th century, researchers have searched for ways to control their destructive spread and eradicate them from areas where people live.

In a Moss Point school conference room, teachers took on the role of students — reading, discussing and analyzing a scientific passage in small groups. As conversation quieted, all eyes turned to the instructor.