As Mother Nature begins dressing up in autumn foliage with the retreat of summer heat, The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) prepares to reprise one of the season’s favorite local traditions with its annual Homecoming celebration, set for Oct. 20-25.
Employing the theme “There’s No Place Like Homecoming,” the weeklong celebration will feature the induction of the 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame members, numerous student-centered events, the always-popular Homecoming parade and Eagle Walk, and will culminate with the Golden Eagles’ Sun Belt Conference football matchup against the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) Warhawks. The Southern Miss Homecoming Court will also be presented during halftime of the game.
“Homecoming Week 2025 at The University of Southern Mississippi is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration under the theme There’s No Place Like Homecoming,” said Dr. Sirena Cantrell, associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students. “Our Student Government Association (SGA) has been working hard to create a week full of spirit, tradition and Golden Eagle pride.”
“From themed days and student competitions to the parade and the big game, every event is designed to bring our Southern Miss community together and celebrate what it means to come home. Whether you’re a student, alum, or faculty and staff member, Homecoming is a reminder that there’s truly no place like USM.”
This year’s Homecoming parade grand marshal is Dr. Lachel Story, a beloved Southern Miss faculty member, administrator and alumna, selected by the SGA committee in recognition of her longstanding service to the university.
“We wanted to honor Dr. Story and her service to the university throughout her tenure here, as we’ve all seen firsthand the impact she’s had on students during her time as dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions,” said SGA President Leah Johnson. “Homecoming is such an exciting time for all members of our university community, and I’m very happy we can honor Dr. Story and her commitment to Southern Miss in this way.”
Story has taught at Southern Miss for more than 21 years in the college’s baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral programs, and has served in various administrative roles. She began her nursing career 30 years ago as a licensed practical nurse and earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2000) and Master of Science in Nursing (2002) from Southern Miss, followed by a doctorate in nursing from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2008.
“I’m thrilled to be selected as the Homecoming parade grand marshal,” Story said. “Southern Miss has been such an important part of my life for more than 30 years. To be chosen for this honor allows me the opportunity to pay tribute to the institution that raised me and became home for me.”
2025 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees
- Richard G. Cowart ’75, Nashville, Tenn.
- Krandall Paige Howell ’87, Summit, Miss.
- David Hurt ’90, Madison, Miss.
- Mickey Lee Marshall ’83, Orange Beach, Ala.
- Hal McMahon ’85, Hattiesburg, Miss.
- Jennifer Duke Payne ’04, Hattiesburg, Miss.
- Ellen Hunter Ruffin ’77, ’98, Hattiesburg, Miss.
Student Event Highlights
- Homecoming Kickoff Rally
- Bring It On Eagle Style (dance-off)
- Pints for Points Blood Drive
- National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show
- Lawn Display Judging
- Fountain Sit (trivia competition)
2025 Homecoming Court
- Freshman Maid: Savannah Westacott, New Orleans, La.
- Freshman Beau: Nick Gavin, Stringer, Miss.
- Sophomore Maid: Rylee Shea Hailey, Meridian, Miss.
- Sophomore Beau: Aidan Smith, Starkville, Miss.
- Junior Maid: Abby Schmidt, Long Beach, Miss.
- Junior Beau: Charles Johnson III, Itta Bena, Miss.
- Senior Maid: Scottlyn Slay, Clinton, Miss.
- Senior Beau: Caden Reynolds, Hattiesburg, Miss.
- Graduate Maid: Mackenzie Brown, Hattiesburg, Miss.
- Graduate Beau: Zohaib Chaudhary, Lahore, Pakistan
- Queen: Kayley Rawls, Sumrall, Miss.
- King: Jay Fountain, Jackson, Miss.
- Southern Miss: DeAndre Broach, Decatur, Miss.
- Miss Southern Miss: Olivia Leggett, Hattiesburg, Miss.
Saturday, Oct. 25 Game Day Events
- Homecoming Parade featuring the Pride of Mississippi Marching Band and Dixie Darlings | 10:30 a.m. | Hardy Street and Hattiesburg Campus
- Eagle Walk featuring the Southern Miss football team and coaching staff | Noon | Eagle Walk Drive
- Southern Miss vs. ULM | 2:30 p.m. | The Rock
- Presentation of the Homecoming Court | Game Halftime
Click here for more information about Southern Miss Homecoming, including parade route and a complete schedule of events.
