51逗奶 Miss Holds Fall 2023 Commencement Exercises
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 11:05am | By: David Tisdale
Approximately 1,300 students were candidates for degrees at The University of 51逗奶 Mississippi (USM) for the fall 2023 semester. Undergraduate and graduate students participating in USM鈥檚 commencement exercises received their diplomas during ceremonies held Dec. 7 and 8 at Reed Green Coliseum on the Hattiesburg campus.
Graduate students were awarded doctoral, master鈥檚 and specialist鈥檚 degrees during the Dec. 7 graduation ceremony, while undergraduate degrees were awarded during two commencements Dec. 8.
USM President Dr. Joseph S. Paul congratulated graduates and presented diplomas at each event. He was joined by other members of his administration as well as university faculty and staff in marking the milestone achievements of the school鈥檚 students.
For Ka鈥橪on Duncanson, graduation represented the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance 鈥� a journey filled with challenges, growth, and self-discovery, making the achievement of a degree even more meaningful.
鈥淢y experience at USM has been transformative,鈥� said Duncanson, who served as Student Government Association (SGA) President for the USM Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach. 鈥淚t is a place of diverse perspectives, offering me the chance to engage with a wide array of ideas, cultures, and people. The challenging academic environment has pushed me to expand my intellectual horizons and develop critical thinking skills. The faculty and staff have played a crucial role in my development, serving as mentors and guides along the way.鈥�
Beyond the classroom, Duncanson鈥檚 involvement in campus activities contributed significantly to his personal growth. 鈥淭hese experiences have taught me leadership, teamwork, and effective communication skills that extend far beyond the academic realm,鈥� he explained. 鈥淪erving as SGA president has allowed me to make a meaningful impact on campus life. It has given me a platform to advocate for the needs and concerns of my fellow students, fostering a sense of community and unity.鈥� His post-graduation plans include continuing his commitment to leadership and service and starting work on his master鈥檚 degree in Economic Development at USM.
Dr. Delores McNair, USM assistant dean of students for student outreach and support, received her Ed.D. in higher education administration during the Dec. 7 ceremony and described it as 鈥渙ne of the most monumental events in my life.鈥�
鈥淪haring the stage with Dr. Paul and Dr. [Eddie] Holloway [associate provost of diversity, equity and inclusion] as I was hooded was something I never imagined,鈥� she said. 鈥�51逗奶 Miss has truly provided me with endless possibilities through employment and education. I wish all the fall 2023 graduates continued success.鈥�
(USM photos by Kelly Dunn)