Browsing: People

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver and former Ole Miss Rebel A.J. Brown will go from catching touchdowns in the Super Bowl to delivering words of encouragement and inspiration at the University of Mississippi’s 172nd annual Commencement on May 10.

Robert Edwin “Ed” Smylie of Crossville, Tennessee, a Mississippi State alumnus who played a pivotal role in the Apollo 13 mission’s success, died Monday [April 21].

What happens when God puts two women full of life and ambition together? Nicole and LeAnn have the answer to that— you get the Sole Sisters! This dynamic duo, perfect pair, and two peas-in-a-pod knew that God strategically placed them in each other’s lives for a purpose far greater than they could have possibly imagined. That purpose was for the creation of Sole Sisters and for God to be glorified and edified through their business. 

Slalom skateboarding is a form of downhill skateboard racing that first appeared in the 1960s and 1970s and reemerged in popularity in the 2000s. Slalom racers skate down a course usually marked by plastic cones, with the winner doing it the fastest. 

On Tuesday, April 22, the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) and Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC) announced the high school winners of this year’s prestigious Miss Softball and Mr. Baseball. Presented by C spire, 14 recipients, one female and one male athlete from each of the seven MHSAA classifications, were recognized for distinct excellence in their sport. 

With flags waving above the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s newest long-term care facility, veterans, state leaders and community members recently gathered…

Aliyah’s journey into healthcare started when she was just a little girl, watching her grandmother make a positive difference in people’s lives as a nurse. At the time, she didn’t fully grasp the impact. But over the years, that quiet inspiration grew into something bigger—a calling she could no longer ignore. When it was all said and done, Aliyah decided to follow the legacy of her grandmother. 

On Tuesday, April 8, the third annual Mississippi Pinnacle Awards Gala took place at the Lake Terrace Convention Center. Hosted by Hattiesburg’s Sales & Marketing Professionals, the gala honored the talents and achievements of ten of our state’s businesses, events, humanitarians, individuals, and organizations. 

Season 23 of American Idol featured two Mississippi contestants, Jamal Roberts of Meridian and Lillie Z. Rhoden of Stonewall, earning golden tickets that advanced them to Hollywood. Jamal Roberts is a schoolteacher who sang “Her Heart” by Anthony Hamilton. Lillie Z. Rhoden also impressed two judges and earned her way to Hollywood by singing a cover of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell.”

Maxim van Norden, a University of Southern Mississippi (USM) hydrography adjunct professor was recently inducted into the Hydrographer Hall of Fame by the Board Trustees of the Hydrographic Society of America at the U.S. Hydro Conference in Wilmington, N.C. Van Norden’s 53 years of dedication have provided a pathway for students to explore hydrography and be a part of a growing field along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

University of Southern Mississippi freshman Molly Collins was recognized earlier this semester with the Congressional Award Program’s Silver Medal, an honor that acknowledges achievements in voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration.

Leah Ann Peavey relishes being a role model for young women considering studies and careers in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) discipline. A 1984 graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) polymer science program, Peavey remains passionate about her field more than 40 years later. 

Two-time College Football National Champion, Heisman trophy winner and first-round NFL draft pick Tim Tebow will make an appearance in the Hump at Mississippi State on Monday [April 7]. Students, employees, alumni and the surrounding community are invited to hear from the five-time New York Times bestselling author and television football analyst at 7 p.m.

Mississippi State’s Joseph M. Thompson, an assistant professor in the Department of History, has been named a finalist for the 45th annual Los Angeles Times book prize in the history category.

The 2nd Annual Casey Jones Blues Fest takes place Saturday, March 22, in downtown Water Valley, Mississippi. The festival celebrates the life of Water Valley resident John Luther “Casey” Jones, a legendary engineer with Illinois Central Railroad. 

Aubri Sparkman is Hattiesburg’s youngest muralist and possibly the youngest muralist in the state of Mississippi. The 19-year-old artist has certainly made a name for herself in the Magnolia State’s public art scene. Her passion for art was instilled in her from a young age, with her great-grandfather being a renowned street artist in New Orleans. This artistic lineage, coupled with her mother and sister also being artists, has deeply influenced Sparkman’s artistic journey.