The University of Southern Mississippi has been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to plan and build a new campus on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  With our mission to lead in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities, we are well-positioned for this challenge.

The Cross Creek site was selected by the IHL Board in April 2007 as the preferred location for an additional campus of Southern Miss. This prime location on the I-10 corridor in Harrison County provides excellent access for the citizens of south Mississippi as well as a great opportunity for Southern Miss to engage in economic growth in the areas of tourism, technology, business development and research.

Academic programs will be addressed in the planning process.  This is a chance for Southern Miss to review both academic and research opportunities through the needs assessment studies being completed.  New patterns of teaching and learning will be explored.

Facilities at the new campus will be state-of-the-art and will be designed to use renewable resources.  According to the University’s Climate Commitment Pact, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification will be required.

The Gulf Park campus in Long Beach will remain a valuable part of our Mississippi Gulf Coast delivery system.  Many resources and programs have returned to Long Beach since Hurricane Katrina, and the campus is still in the restoration phase.

Aspects of our planning have been designed for maximum effectiveness.

• The planning and development of the new Cross Creek campus in Harrison County includes a Leadership Team and a Planning Team, comprised of faculty, staff, alumni, students and city representatives.
  
• The Leadership Team is headed by Southern Miss Associate Provost Pat Joachim who will serve as the main facilitator of information from the planning committee and the Office of the President.
  
• Sid Gonsoulin, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, and Bryan Billings, Director of Project Planning for Southern Miss Gulf Coast, co-chair the 34-member Planning Team.
  
• Collaboration with business and industry is a critical aspect of our planning.  This planning process will be cooperative and transparent.

Become engaged in this planning process.  Browse this site on a regular basis to stay current on the exciting developments.  Provide feedback to the Planning Team and be an active part of this historic venture.  Southern Miss – creative, bold, determined – has a vision for south Mississippi.

Martha D. Saunders
President