The University of Southern Mississippi’s campus is buzzing with ambition, belonging, and growth — and for students in the RISE to the Top program, that sense of inclusion is opening doors once thought to be closed.
RISE to the Top is a post-secondary education program for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities, offering them an authentic college experience. Students in the program take part in inclusive classes, independent living and pre-employment training, and one-on-one mentorship — all designed to prepare them for life beyond graduation.
“The main goal of this program is not only to give them a college experience, but also to get them ready for employment,” Danielle Mullins, RISE’s Executive Coordinator for Transition explained. “A common misconception in society is that people with disabilities can’t work — yes, they can. They have just as many skills to bring into a job setting.”
RISE stands for Realizing Innovation through Success and Empowerment and is one of only two programs of its kind in Mississippi. The four-year, non-degree certificate program allows students with disabilities to live, learn, and participate alongside their peers at USM. From taking academic courses to joining student organizations, participants are fully immersed in campus life.
For junior Veronica Myers, that immersion has been transformative. She has found purpose not only in her studies but also in her campus involvement — especially through one particular milestone.
“She came to me and said, ‘I want to join a sorority,’ and I said, ‘Okay, that’s a pretty big goal,’” Mullins recalled. “Very luckily, the sorority office was open to the idea from the very beginning, and Veronica became the first RISE student to go through sorority recruitment. She received a bid from Tri Delta — and now she’ll forever get to say she’s the first to do that.”
Myers’ accomplishment represents the essence of what RISE strives for — true inclusion. The program’s staff and mentors emphasize that success isn’t limited to academics. It’s about social growth, independence, and the confidence that comes from being fully seen and supported.
“My favorite thing about the RISE program is seeing students not only succeed academically but far beyond the classroom — socially, and just purely integrating with other students on campus,” said Aysha Robertson, a RISE Transition Specialist.
In addition to coursework and social involvement, RISE students receive career preparation through internships, job shadowing, and workplace readiness training. The program partners with local employers and USM departments to provide hands-on experience that translates to future employment. Students also live in university housing, learning valuable skills in budgeting, time management, and personal care.
According to the Think College National Coordinating Center, programs like RISE have proven to increase employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Graduates from inclusive higher education programs are more likely to find competitive, integrated employment and live independently.
At Southern Miss, that vision is becoming reality. Through RISE, students are breaking barriers and reshaping perceptions of what inclusion in higher education can look like.
The program continues to grow, with each student’s journey inspiring others to believe in their potential. Whether it’s pursuing campus leadership, joining a sorority, or preparing for a career, the students of RISE are redefining success on their own terms.
The RISE to the Top program reminds the campus community — and the world — that college is not just about academics. It’s about belonging, growth, and independence. And at the University of Southern Mississippi, every student has the chance to rise.
