At the University of Southern Mississippi, two programs stand out for high-achieving students looking to shape their college experience beyond the classroom: Lucky Day and the Honors College. While each program has distinct goals and requirements, both emphasize growth, leadership and preparation for life after graduation.
Established at Southern Miss in 2001, the Lucky Day Scholars Program is celebrating its 25th year on campus. Since its founding, the Luckyday Foundation has contributed approximately $55 million to the university, making it the institution’s largest donor. Today, there are about 320 students in the program and more than 2,500 graduates.
Jason Quigley, coordinator of the program, described Lucky Day as “more than money,” pointing to the leadership, service and networking opportunities available to scholars.
Lucky Day is a service-learning-based scholarship program focused on community engagement. Students must be Mississippi residents and meet minimum academic requirements of a 3.5 high school GPA and a 20 ACT score to apply. After meeting those benchmarks, applicants complete essays and an interview process. The selection is competitive, with hundreds applying each year.
To remain in the program, scholars must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and complete ten hours of service each semester. They are also required to attend meetings and, during their freshman year, live on campus in designated residence halls and enroll in a seminar class centered on service leadership. After the first year, there are no additional class requirements.
The program is structured around four core values: scholarship, community, service and leadership. Students choose where they want to serve and typically remain with that organization throughout their time in the program. Many align their service with their majors to build experience and professional connections.
Zalla McCaffrey, a Lucky Day student, described the program as “all built around community.” She said her favorite aspects are the Lucky Day mentors offered during freshman year. She said that staff members are intentional with students and provide consistent accountability.
Lucky Day also offers leadership committees, peer mentoring opportunities and study abroad programs, including trips to London and Vienna. Scholars receive $6,000 per year, distributed as $3,000 per semester. Beyond financial support, the program offers professional development workshops covering topics such as resume building, anxiety management and interview skills.
Quigley said the goal is to instill a long-term commitment to service.
“We hope that they have that service mindset as they continue on in their life,” he said.
He also noted that alumni have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, nurses and professionals in various fields.
The Honors College at the University of Southern Mississippi was formalized in 1976. It is the first honors college in the state of Mississippi and the sixth-oldest public honors college in the nation. More than 500 students are currently enrolled.
To apply, students must have at least a 3.5 GPA and a 27 ACT score, along with essay submissions. To remain in good standing, students must maintain a 3.25 GPA and complete honors coursework, including forums and electives.
Dean Joyce Inman, now in her third year leading the college, said she is “happy to come to work every day.” She described the program as a place where students can take their education to the next level. The Honors College also administers campus-wide initiatives such as University Forum, the Drapeau Center for Undergraduate Research and nationally competitive awards, making many of its opportunities available beyond honors students.
The curriculum is interdisciplinary and research-focused. Students begin with a freshman colloquium centered on asking questions and learning how to answer them. Sophomore seminars allow for deeper exploration of themed topics. By junior year, students enter thesis preparation courses, and in their senior year, they complete a research thesis.
Dean Inman acknowledged that some institutions have eliminated thesis requirements, but said Southern Miss has chosen to hold onto it because of the value it holds. She noted that completing a significant undergraduate research project better prepares students for graduate school, professional programs and the job market.
Caroline White, a freshman in the Honors College, described the workload as “more intensive” than that of a regular undergraduate student.
“It’s really beneficial, and you’re learning how to do things that will help you as you grow into being a more developed student,” she said.
She also highlighted the relationships she has built, saying her favorite aspect is being able to meet different people and build connections.
Josi Johnson, who participates in both programs, said the Honors College provides the opportunity to write a thesis and explore research, which she sees as valuable preparation for her career. She added that she appreciates the emphasis on graduating with a thesis that can potentially be published.
The Honors College also offers study abroad opportunities, including a research-intensive program in Germany. Dean Inman described honors education as instilling “the value of critical thinking, of problem solving, of being change agents in the world,” while encouraging curiosity beyond efficiency and expediency.
For students like Johnson, participating in both programs provides a balance. She said Honors allows her to explore research, while Lucky Day gets her plugged into the community and allows her more service opportunities.
Though the programs differ in structure—one centered on service leadership and the other on interdisciplinary scholarship—both aim to prepare students for meaningful futures. Whether through ten hours of service each semester or a completed honors thesis, students in Lucky Day and the Honors College graduate with experiences designed to extend beyond a diploma.
