From reserving space to handling last-minute problems, Southern Miss events are powered by student staff, dedicated directors and careful coordination across multiple departments.
Campus events at the University of Southern Mississippi are an essential part of student life. They offer students a chance to connect with peers, build community and learn new skills while helping with the planning process. However, while many students see how smoothly events are hosted, few experience the behind-the-scenes work. These responsibilities often fall on Southern Miss Events members, student staff, and organizations collaborating with the university’s event department.
For Casey Taylor, assistant director for Southern Miss Events, event planning is a top priority.
“The first step depends on who is planning the event, whether it’s a student organization, a department or an external,” Taylor said. “Student organizations need to make sure they are registered before requesting a space, while departments can go straight to Mazevo, and external clients have to go through our office."
“One of the biggest challenges of the job is making sure that all details are communicated clearly and promptly,” said Jenn Devereaux, Southern Miss Events coordinator.
According to Devereaux, the real challenge comes when last-minute changes or uncommunicated needs arise as they can affect other events or make it harder to deliver a seamless experience. With so many moving parts, communication with partners like the University Police Department, physical plant and parking services is essential.
Despite these challenges, much of the hands-on work, such as setting up and managing events, is done by students. The Union department employs many student staff members who handle setup and manage events from start to finish.
“This experience gives students a chance to practice leadership and problem-solving in real time,” Taylor said.
Campus events also leave a lasting impact on students beyond entertainment. Jennifer Gallegos-Trujillo, a junior accounting major, president of the Student Center for Public Trust and recruiter for the American Marketing Association, said campus events allow her to fully experience college life.
“It is a great opportunity to meet other people and live that college experience,” she said.
Heavily involved in other campus organizations, Gallegos-Trujillo said campus events are fundamental to building connections and friendships with peers.
Overall, the effort behind these events goes far beyond logistics. As Devereaux noted, they allow students to bring their own ideas to life while learning to plan, create, and collaborate with the support and guidance of Southern Miss Events staff.
When the last chair is folded and the crowd goes home, the payoff is simple: knowing the event went exactly as planned. At Southern Miss, that is when the hard work truly feels worth it.