The Jimmy A. Payne Foundation awarded $502,689 to Southern Miss to enhance its student environment. These grants will fund 17 vital projects that span all four academic colleges, the Graduate School, University Libraries, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs for the 2024-25 academic year.
The latest round of funding from the Jimmy A. Payne Foundation will support a wide range of projects. In Academic Affairs, the Jimmy A. Payne Foundation Gap Annual Scholarship will provide financial support to students in need, ensuring that more students can complete their studies despite financial challenges.
The Gap Scholarship is awarded to students in need and the total number of students who receive the grant and total grant depends on how much grant is awarded that year. The scholarship is intended for juniors and seniors who need to finish college. Dr. Ashley Burnside, the director of the Center for Student Success explains that the scholarship fills the gap between federal financial aid and what the student needs.
“The gap scholarship is intended for juniors and seniors who are looking to graduate through their undergraduate career but are finding that they have a gap, as the scholarship name would suggest,” Burnside said. “The gap between what their federal financial aid is able to provide and what they actually need to subsist can be alleviated a little bit by this scholarship.”
The funds also support an Apple Design Lab, which aims to foster innovation and creative learning among students by providing access to cutting-edge technology. In Student Affairs, the Student Accessibility Services Testing Center will receive funding to enhance its facilities, improving access for students with disabilities. Another initiative, Wellness Eagles, is designed to support student health and well-being, contributing to a more holistic approach to student life on campus.
The College of Nursing and Health Professions has also received funding for several projects, including improvements at The Children’s Center for Communication and Development (CCCD). This includes the installation of a wall to reduce high-frequency sound, creating a more comfortable and productive environment for children using the center’s playground. The grant will also support a shared facility on the Gulf Park Campus, utilized by both the DuBard School and CCCD, as well as the implementation of a Clinical Observation Recording System (CORS) to enhance the training of healthcare professionals.
In the College of Business and Economic Development, a portion of the funds will go toward The Hatchery. Meanwhile, the College of Arts & Sciences benefits from the renovation of the USM Dance Studio Theatre, providing improved performance spaces for students. Additional projects in this college include the creation of the Boulderburg Geotrail, a hands-on learning experience for geology students, and the development of interactive models in general chemistry to enhance student engagement in science courses. Other initiatives include the creation of a sensory room in the Computer Science department, designed to accommodate neurodiverse students and support for the new Computing Research Center.
The College of Education and Human Sciences has received funding to enhance its EHS Nest, while the Graduate School will benefit from Dissertation Completion Grants, designed to help graduate students complete their research and dissertations.
University Libraries will also receive substantial support, including funding for the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection Curatorship Endowment, ensuring the preservation and expansion of this renowned collection. Additionally, the grant will fund access to The New York Times Newspaper Database, providing students and faculty with valuable research resources.
Jim Payne, a dedicated Southern Miss alumnus from the class of 1964, left a lasting mark on the university through his generous support, which continues to shape the educational experiences of students today. Some of the major infrastructures that Payne shaped are the Payne Center and Moffit Health Center.
Since Payne’s passing in 2015, his children, Jonathan Payne and April Payne Nall, have continued his legacy. His enduring philanthropic contributions have benefitted students across multiple disciplines and helped the university expand its offerings and infrastructure.
“The impact of Jim’s legacy and unwavering commitment to Southern Miss resonates with every student, faculty member and staff who his philanthropy has positively influenced,” said Stace Mercier, executive director of the USM Foundation. “We appreciate the continued support from the Jimmy A. Payne Foundation and the Payne Family.”
