Hundreds of criminal justice, forensic science and security students at The University of Southern Mississippi are beginning a new chapter this fall as classes officially move into the newly renovated Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building. After years of being spread across multiple locations on campus, the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security now has a modern space designed to support hands-on learning and collaboration.
The original building was built in 1949. The HPER Building has undergone nearly two years of extensive renovations as part of the university’s long-term plan to enhance academic facilities and expand enrollment capacity. The project is being funded primarily by the State of Mississippi, which contributed nearly $16.6 million, while Southern Miss added an additional $570,000. The renovation also includes the construction of a new annex that will house an academic courtroom, set to open this spring.
University leaders say the upgraded facility will significantly improve the student experience. Allyson Easterwood, vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer at Southern Miss, emphasized the importance of modern academic spaces.
“Facilities do matter to students,” Easterwood said. “They want to be in buildings that are updated and offer the greatest experience they can have, so I think it will attract more and more students.”
Before renovations began, the HPER Building housed the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition, which has since relocated to Joseph Green Hall. Meanwhile, the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security had been based in Arthell Kelley Hall, with many classes scattered across campus. For students, the lack of centralization often made it difficult to feel connected as a program.
“Having to go from class to class, and it’s on different sides of campus, is very stressful,” said criminal justice major Kayla Houston. “It really builds a sense of community.”
The renovated building was designed with student collaboration and experiential learning in mind. It includes four classrooms, eight specialized lab spaces and two conference areas, along with a student lounge to encourage interaction outside of class. Among the new learning spaces are a computer lab, a forensic chemistry lab and a fingerprint lab, all equipped with updated technology to better prepare students for careers in the criminal justice field.
Dr. Brenda Rowe, director of the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security, called the new facility a turning point for the program.
“Having this building is a game changer for the school,” Rowe said. “It includes a student lounge and an academic courtroom.”
The mock courtroom, located in the new annex, is expected to become one of the most valuable instructional tools for students. Rowe explained that the space will allow students to participate in a courtroom testimony course, where they can learn how to present evidence and testify as expert witnesses in a realistic setting.
University President Joe Paul also highlighted the broader impact of the renovation, noting that the new facility allows the school to expand enrollment while integrating state-of-the-art technology into teaching.
“There are currently about 490 students enrolled in the school,” Paul said. “What this project will enable us to do is not only use advanced technology for instruction, but also increase capacity in criminal justice and forensic science.”
For students like Houston, the investment shows Southern Miss’s commitment to their future.
“Being that I see that USM is investing, it makes me happy,” she said.
University leaders say the new building marks just the beginning of continued investment in the criminal justice program. More information about the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security can be found on the university’s website.
