CNHP 2024-2025 Annual Report

OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

OPPORTUNITY

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI 2024 -

OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY

LETTER FROM THE DEAN

As I reflect on the past year and look forward to what remains of my last year as dean of the Southern Miss College of Nursing and Health Professions, I find myself full of emotions that are difficult to fully articulate. My Southern Miss story started nearly 30 years ago as a student, but the Southern Miss GRIT was there long before.

When I started college, I was completely lost, maybe because I was a first-generation student. I changed my major six times in my freshman year. I was ready to take on the world but had no idea how. I definitely did not find it my first semester in community college. I wanted to go somewhere I did not know a single person, until I got there and was totally lost. I almost failed due to absences that semester. My grades were good, but I was totally uninterested in anything I was studying.

My second semester, I went looking for “how I was going to take on the world” at a different community college, where most of my high school friends attended. That semester, I became sick with a mysterious illness that no one could identify. I was at the Medical Center with all the infection control specialists running every test and throwing every treatment at me for a couple of weeks.

Eventually, I got better, but they really were never sure what it was. Due to this illness, I had to withdraw from school. I decided to sit out because I had no idea what I wanted to do, and no one thought I would ever go back to school.

I spent the next year working as a teacher at a daycare. After many years of saying I would never be a nurse because my mom was an LPN, I woke up one day with a revelation that I wanted to be a nurse. At that point, I went to a third community college, but I had missed the deadline to apply for the ADN program. Applications for their LPN program were due in three days, so I quickly worked to get it submitted. I was the second youngest in my LPN class. I worked as a CNA while in school.

I quickly realized that I had found what I had been searching for. I thought to myself, “THIS is what I was meant to do, and I LOVE it!”

While in school, I had some of the best LPN faculty, and I wanted to be just like them one day. So immediately after graduating, I started working on my prerequisites for the BSN at Southern Miss. During that time, I met my husband of 27 years. When we met, he was finishing up his accounting degree at Southern Miss. Also a first-generation student, it took him some time to figure himself out, too.

Southern Miss put both of us on a path that would change the trajectory of our lives and our children’s lives. Our first son was six months old when I started our BSN program, and I was pregnant with our second son when I graduated. In the BSN program, I was the second oldest in my cohort. Not only did this University know how to support this first-generation student, but it knew how to support this nontraditional student to meet my goals.

I gradually worked my way up from being a CNA to LPN to RN, then earning an MSN and PhD. My academic career looked much like my nursing career. I went back to the community college where my nursing career started for my first teaching job in the ADN program. Within a couple of years, I returned to Southern Miss in a visiting position, then to instructor, then through the tenure ranks and various administrative positions. Eventually, I held every position in the college a faculty can hold.

I thought nursing was what I was meant to do. I loved caring for patients and received so much fulfillment from it until I stepped into the classroom. Then, I was like, “No THIS is it!” I love students. I thought they were much like patients—scared, confused, needing guidance, and you could really make a difference in their lives. Then, I got my first administrative position. I was like, “No THIS is it!” I find those you are supervising are much like patients and students. They are going through their own struggles inside and outside of work and just want guidance and sometimes comfort. They

want to be supported to meet their goals and potential. People spend so much time at their jobs. I felt that I could also really make a difference in people's lives in these roles. So, I figured out I just love people and caring for them wherever they are and I am. I deeply care about the people in our college, and the remarkable work we get to do together.

We have done some amazing work together in the last five years, even despite a global pandemic and other challenges facing higher education. We will work to ensure that the college continues to thrive in this transition and sees that work through. I have no doubt that we will find the right leader for this next chapter, who will continue the work we have started and work with the college to co-create the future vision.

In the next few months, my intention is to work to get things completed, further along, develop those around me, and soak up EVERY moment. I appreciate the commitment our faculty, staff, students, University and many supporters have to the college and the work we do. Your ongoing commitment to that work will be critical as the college writes its next chapter. There is a long legacy of greatness that would not be here without each of you. I have no doubt the college will continue to build on that golden legacy.

There are so many special memories for me here. I cherish each moment and every relationship. I am eternally grateful for Southern Miss and how it changed not only my life, but my family’s life. I look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds as the college continues to deliver high-quality health professions programs to meet the needs of the state and beyond.

#ForeverGolden

Lachel Story, PhD, RN Professor and Dean College of Nursing and Health Professions The University of Southern Mississippi

1,727 FALL ADMISSIONS

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS GRADUATE STUDENTS

2,854 APPLIED

1,795

250

1,435

Speech and Hearing Sciences Student Wins Award at Southern Miss Undergraduate

Margaret Westbrook, speech and hearing sciences Honors student, won an award for her poster presentation at the Undergraduate Symposium for Research and Creative Activity. Her study was titled, “The Impact of Hazardous Noise Levels on the Hearing Mechanisms of Marching Band Students,” and her thesis advisors were Dr. Jennifer Lemacks and Dr. Sangam Veeranna.

1,557 SPRING ADMISSIONS

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

1,268

COLLEGE STATS

STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS

CNHP Students in the Homecoming Court

Four remarkable students from the College of Nursing and Health Professions earned the prestigious honor of serving on the 2024 Southern Miss Homecoming Court. Selected for their leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to making a difference, they represented the college with pride and distinction. Their achievements both inside and outside the classroom reflect the values of Southern Miss, showcasing their dedication to service, their peers, and the greater community. This recognition highlights the impact of their hard work and the bright futures they are building within the field of health care and beyond.

MR. SOUTHERN MISS Carl White Kinesiotherapy

SENIOR BEAU Zachary Metz Health Sciences

JUNIOR MAID Anna Caroline Adams Speech and Hearing Sciences

HOMECOMING QUEEN Azariyah Magee BSN Student

NSSLHA Honored with the SOAR Award

The Southern Miss National Student Speech-LanguageHearing Association (NSSLHA) chapter was honored with the Student Organization Achievement and Recognition (SOAR) Award for 2023-24 Student Organization of the Year. This recognition celebrates the chapter’s outstanding contributions to the field of speechlanguage pathology and its significant impact on both the University and the surrounding community.

Under the guidance of two exceptional speech and hearing sciences faculty members, Anita Thames and Dr. Jennifer Goshorn, the NSSLHA chapter has excelled in organizing a variety of activities, fundraisers, and community outreach initiatives. These efforts include hosting awareness campaigns, coordinating fundraising events for local causes, and providing volunteer services to support individuals with communication disorders. Through these endeavors, the chapter has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the growth of future professionals in the field while making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.

The SOAR Award serves as a testament to the NSSLHA chapter’s dedication, hard work and leadership, reflecting the strong mentorship provided by its sponsors and the determination of its members to positively impact their community.

Nursing Student to Serve as Miss University of Southern Mississippi

Annalee Toler, a junior nursing student from Liberty, Mississippi, secured the honor of Miss University of Southern Mississippi at the annual scholarship pageant held November 16, 2024, in the Mannoni Performing Arts Center. Toler, who is minoring in sociology and psychology, earned funding, which she stated she will use in pursuit of a nurse practitioner degree. She is a Luckyday Citizenship Scholar and active in the Citizen Scholar and Greek Seekers programs.

Motivated by her cousin’s battle with cancer, Annalee launched her community service initiative, “Craft 4 Kids,” which champions art therapy programs and organizes art supply donations to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Toler will compete for the title of Miss Mississippi in June 2025 in Vicksburg, Miss.

"Words cannot express how excited and honored I am to represent this University,” said Toler. “When I came to Southern Miss, competing in the scholarship pageant was something I always dreamed of. This is only the beginning of an amazing year I hope to have as Miss USM 2025. I’m looking forward to representing this University at Miss Mississippi in June, marketing this University across the state, and getting involved in student organizations.”

COLLEGE STATS

FACULTY AND STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

Tanya Funchess Receives the 2024 APHA Council of Affiliate Award for Excellence

Dr. Tanya Funchess is the recipient of the American Public Health Association (APHA) Council of Affiliates Award for Excellence. She is an associate professor of public health in the School of Health Professions. She has been a member of the Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA) for more than 15 years. She has served on several committees and most recently served as president (2023). She was instrumental in starting the MPHA Health and Racial Equity Committee and has served as its chair since 2021.

Dr. Funchess’ visionary leadership, service and engagement with the affiliate partners and members throughout the state has strengthened the affiliate’s work in health and racial equity. This award acknowledges her work in health equity and aligns with the values of APHA.

JENNIFER LARSON was awarded the bronze level Workplace Wellness Warrior for the first quarter of 2024 by Motivating Mississippi , the bronze level again for the second quarter, silver level for the third quarter, and platinum level for the fourth quarter.

Lynlee Morgan Selected for the 2024 Southern Nurses Research Society Leadership Academy

Dr. Lynlee Morgan, assistant professor in the School of Professional Nursing Practice (SPNP), was selected as one of three fellows in the Southern Nursing Research Society (SNRS) Leadership Academy. This prestigious program, designed to identify, engage and nurture future leaders in the nursing research field, offers an experiential leadership development opportunity for promising researchers. As part of the program, Dr. Morgan participated in various activities, including attending Board of Directors meetings, completing a mentorship with a board member, and collaborating on a project aligned with SNRS's strategic goals. She created a personal leadership plan, engaged in a leadership book club, and contributed to a project that will be presented at the upcoming SNRS annual conference.

AWARDS

The Leadership Academy is aimed at increasing the pool of SNRS members prepared to lead the society and fostering greater diversity in leadership. Fellows, like Dr. Morgan, are given the opportunity to refine their leadership skills and explore meaningful ways to contribute to SNRS’s strategic goals. Dr. Morgan’s gratitude for the support and encouragement of Dr. Lachel Story, a former Leadership Academy Fellow, reflects the strong mentorship provided throughout the program. Dr. Morgan is excited to apply the skills and insights gained from this experience to enhance the SPNP and further her leadership role in nursing education and research.

ACUE Distinguished Teaching Scholars

THE CHILDREN’S CENTER FOR COMMUNICATION AND DEVELOPMENT

CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

On November 21, 2024, The Children’s Center for Communication and Development welcomed friends back into their building, many of whom had not been back in years. They watched as former families teared up, memories flooding back as they walked through the doors. And they teared up right alongside them.

They stood together in the same halls children had walked for the past five decades. Little ones who used these halls to learn to walk came racing down them to be reunited with their favorite staff members. Children who found their voices at The Children’s Center years ago used it to greet friends and talk about what they are doing now.

In the halls, families and former staff could be heard recounting stories that happened decades ago—stories of how the Center helped when no one else would, how children who were helped at the Center in the ‘70s and ‘80s are thriving now, stories about those who were born at a time when there was no Children's Center and no help to be found, and folks who give to the Center now so that others can have what they could not.

And amidst the laughs and hugs and stories being told, The Children’s Center announced the official launch of a new giving society, aptly named after their first director and longtime College of Nursing and Health Professions faculty member, Mrs. Mary Schaub.

Fifty years ago, early intervention was unheard of. Parents who knew their children needed help had to wait until they were in school to access it. And by the time they reached school age, the most pivotal time in brain development had passed. Ninety percent of the brain is developed in the first five years of a child's life – 90%!

That scientific fact may not have been common knowledge five decades ago, but Mary Schaub, ahead of her time, knew we were missing the chance to make a lasting impact on children's lives by waiting. She and her Southern Miss partners, like Dr. Bob Thomas and Dr. Robert Rhodes, believed in early intervention when others scoffed at the notion. They envisioned a program where families could get help for their young children at no cost to them, and where preprofessionals could train in early intervention and help more families gain access across the state.

And in 1974, with the support of elected officials like Howard Stroud, Paul Cotton and Carroll Ingram, The Children's Center (then-Preschool Language Program) was born.

The Children’s Center created the Schaub Society, honoring their rich legacy and trailblazing history, looking forward to their exciting future. To join the Schaub Society, members commit to donating a minimum of $5 monthly to The Children’s Center.

If you would like to join the Schaub Society for The Children's Center and help continue what Mrs. Schaub envisioned all those years ago, visit usmfoundation.com/schaubsociety .

TOTAL CHILDREN SERVED

STAFF SPOTLIGHTS

Haley Rishel

Assistant Director (Gulf Park), Listening and Spoken Language Specialist

In August 2024, Rishel was promoted from coordinator of educational services to assistant director of The Children’s Center’s Gulf Park campus. In this role, Rishel oversees clinical services provided by the nine providers to families in the Gulf Coast region. Director Sarah Myers shares, “Haley pours herself into her role of walking families through the journey of understanding their child’s hearing loss, coping with the emotions that come with that realization, and then feeling empowered with advocacy skills to help their child thrive. This incredible skill she possesses, she teaches and coaches her team of providers how to do the same. We are so lucky to have her as a leader.”

Stacey Tapper Early Interventionist (Hattiesburg)

In December 2024, Tapper graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a specialist degree in educational leadership.

132 ENROLLED IN SERVICES

31 ENROLLED IN THE TRANSITION TO SCHOOL SUPPORT PROGRAM

The Children’s Center offers a Transition to School program to all families for the first year after graduating from the Center. Dedicated team members at both campuses (Raye Ann Harvison, Donna Morgan, and Claire Diaz) provide and coordinate trainings for parents on topics ranging from augmentative and assistive technology supports for the general education setting to advocacy and understanding your rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These team members also offer a visit to each child’s new classroom, providing in-person consultations with school district personnel and loaning specialized equipment to help every Children’s Center graduate be successful and participate to their fullest ability in their new school setting.

Hannah Sanders – SLP (Hattiesburg)

Sanders serves as a member of the Mississippi Autism Advisory Council, which provides support and helps amplify the needs of individuals with Autism throughout the state.

Raye Ann Harvison and Mary Kathryn Rigel, SLPs (Hattiesburg) , earned the American Speech-LanguageHearing Association (ASHA) ACE Award for excelling beyond the minimum continuing education requirements.

Recently, the Center’s social workers (Hannah Holland and Hailey Morgan) partnered with the Transition teams to host family resource fairs on both the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses. Agencies in attendance shared their resources and allowed families to ask questions and gather contact information. These agencies included Arc, local chapter Down syndrome societies, Will’s Way Pediatric Behavioral Psychology, DuBard School for Language Disorders, Institute for Disability Studies, Mississippi Early Childhood Inclusion Centers, USM Center for Behavioral Health, Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, local private-duty nursing and prescribed pediatric extended care agencies, and other community nonprofits and family service organizations.

FUNDING AWARDS

Mapp Family Foundation $5,000

The Mapp Family Foundation has supported The Children’s Center for many years. Thanks to their support this year, The Children’s Center was able to purchase a mobile interactive smartboard to increase language and literacy skills to create equitable access to classroom activities and increase engagement through a literacy-rich environment. Many children served by the Center have difficulty with accessing and engaging in language and learning activities like their typically developing peers. This difficulty could be due to potential barriers in the classroom like the size of pictures, experience with vocabulary concepts, variety of learning materials, level of visual contrast needed to understand what is displayed, or the need for reduced noise with enhanced volume of speech sounds. The Children’s Center was able to remove these barriers through specializing access with an interactive smartboard, creating opportunities for children with varying abilities to learn and engage in the curriculum within group therapy sessions alongside their friends.

Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation $40,000

Thanks to the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation’s (LPRVF) annual funding, The Children’s Center can target an underserved area in our region. The Center currently serves 20 children ages birth to five with 11 children enrolled in services, six children receiving Transition to School support, and three children on the waitlist for services who are being actively screened and provided additional resources until openings become available. LPRVF funds are being utilized to provide therapy services, social work support, parent coaching, and

Transition to School support within their natural environments like their homes, childcare settings, community settings, preschools and kindergarten classrooms. The consistent support of LPRVF allows families in the region full access to our team of pediatric experts without having to drive to Long Beach or Hattiesburg for services for their little ones.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Operation Roundup Grant: Coast Electric Community Trust Fund $8,486.21

This project is supported by the members of Coast Electric through Operation Roundup and their Community Trust in partnership with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Thanks to their support, The Children’s Center can prioritize the overall health and well-being of the children served through the purchase of an AED, with specific AED, CPR and First Aid training for all 35 employees. These trainings are crucial when caring for children with complex health needs and allow our team to be prepared, should an incident occur that requires a lifesaving, immediate response. In addition, The Children’s Center was able to purchase specific equipment for children with hearing loss that prevents potential long-term damage due to moisture. These items will ensure that no child loses access to hearing due to preventable damage. Lastly, educational materials were purchased through the grant for children with neurological vision loss. The materials and equipment secured through this project support equitable access to learning for children with sensory losses, like hearing and vision loss.

DEMOGRAPHICS

CHILDREN’S CENTER

FAMILY TESTIMONIAL

SEBASTIAN’S STORY

"When Sebastian was born (with hearing loss), we didn’t know where to go or what to do, especially being in a country that is a little different than ours. We didn’t know anything about his condition. It was a new world. We were just anxious, afraid –we didn’t know what the future was going to be like for him. Then, we found out about [The Children’s Center], and it was an eye-opening situation for us. Here, he’s treated like he’s Sebastian. That’s how we want the world to see him. Here, he flourished. He started school after he left The Children’s Center, and he was ready. He was capable of everything. We are very grateful for everybody that works here. Honestly, I don’t know what we would have done if we didn’t know about this place. It’s not just Sebastian, but the whole family – the whole family benefits from this.”

- Ricardo Hernandez, Dad to Sebastian Hernandez, 2024 graduate of The Children’s Center

STAFF SPOTLIGHTS

Sarah Myers - Director, SpeechLanguage Pathologist (SLP)

In October 2024, Myers was elected to serve as vice chair of the State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC). The SICC serves as an advisory body to each state’s early intervention (EI) program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. In this role, Myers will work closely with parents and caregivers, providers and leaders across the state to support Mississippi’s EI program, First Steps, for the ultimate benefit of our youngest citizens.

In September 2024, Myers’ presentation was selected for the Division of Early Childhood national conference in New Orleans. Myers and co-presenter, Dr. Julie Parker of Mississippi State University, focused on supporting collaboration among therapists and early childhood professionals to support children with disabilities in childcare settings.

Monica Bridges - Assistant Director (Hattiesburg), SLP

In August 2024, Bridges’ work expanded to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with Forrest General Hospital. Bridges has extensive experience working and consulting in the NICU setting for infants experiencing dysfunctional feeding, and she is now expanding her services through weekly on-site consultation support under the direction of The Children’s Center’s board member, Terri Daniels. Daniels, developmental consultant with Southern Mississippi Neonatology Group, shares that “Monica is a critical part of the neonatal team. She understands the complexities of preterm infant care and has the skills to facilitate infant feeding, sleeping and development in the context of caring for hospitalized fragile infants.”

Dr. Courtney Turner, educational audiologist; Susanna McDonald, listening and spoken language specialist; Hailey Morgan, social worker (Gulf Park); Monica Bridges, assistant director; and Hannah Sanders, SLP and graduate student coordinator, all provided presentations at statewide conferences for the Mississippi Speech and Hearing Sciences (MSHA) and Mississippi Occupational Therapy Association. Topics ranged from social determinants of health and childhood hearing loss, supporting occupational therapists’ understanding of pediatric hearing loss, and early introduction and use of augmentative and alternative communication to support communication and participation.

Dr. Courtney Turner was awarded the Honors of the Association by the MSHA. This specific award honors a professional that embodies excellence and has made contributions to the professions of audiology or speech-language pathology. This nominee is known for enhancing or altering the status quo. This is considered the highest honor given to a member of the association and given to those with distinguished contributions to their perspective field.

Additionally, Dr. Turner was appointed to the Convention Planning Committee for the 2025 ASHA Centennial Convention (topic co-chair for Hearing, Balance, Tinnitus - Assessment and Intervention: Pediatrics)

DUBARD SCHOOL FOR LANGUAGE DISORDERS

The DuBard School full-time enrollment program served 81 students during the 2023-24 school year with ages ranging from 3-12.

ENROLLED FULLTIME STUDENTS

5.5 AVERAGE AGE OF NEW STUDENTS

9.3 AVERAGE AGE AT EXIT

1.4 AVERAGE YEARS ON WAITING LIST

2.9 AVERAGE YEARS ENROLLED

153 CURRENT WAITING LIST

ELIGIBILITY RULINGS INCLUDE:

• Language-speech

• Hearing-impaired

• Other health-impaired (ADHD, etc.)

• Specific learning disabilities

• Autism spectrum disorder

• Developmentally delayed

• Vision impairment

• Multiple disabilities

DuBard School serves as a practicum site for Southern Miss students majoring in speech-language pathology, audiology and dyslexia therapy. During the 2023-24 school year, DuBard School supervised 77 university undergraduate and graduate students for over 6,200 clock hours. Additionally, kinesiology students taking the Methods of Teaching Physical Education course complete practicum hours at DuBard School. Several area high schools use DuBard School as an observation site for their students interested in health sciences.

DuBard School was established in 1962 by Dr. Etoile DuBard and is part of the School of Speech and Hearing Sciences. DuBard School offers a full-time enrollment program for students with significant speech, language, hearing and academic difficulties. Students are placed through the special education process and may be placed by their local school district or their parents. Enrolled students represented 18 different school districts across Mississippi during the 2023-24 school year. The goal of the program is to help students achieve the skills they need to be successful in their local school districts. These services are provided at no cost to families served.

The DuBard School Outclient Therapy program provides fee-based individual or small-group therapy and evaluations for individuals ages 2 to adults who have difficulties with language, speech, hearing and academic skills, including students with dyslexia. The DuBard School Outclient Therapy program provided services to 110 individuals during the 2023-24 school year.

The DuBard School’s professional development program provided five courses to 15 individuals from around the country during the 2023-24 school year. DuBard School staff also serve as instructors and practicum supervisors in the Master of Education degree in dyslexia therapy in conjunction with the Southern Miss School of Education.

ENROLLED STUDENTS HAD AN AVERAGE OF 5.8 DIAGNOSES . OF FULL-TIME STUDENTS HAD DUAL OR MULTIPLE RULINGS .

55.6%

DUBARD SCHOOL STAFF SPOTLIGHTS

Since the mid-1990s, DuBard School has been committed to providing continuing education opportunities for other professionals concerning language, speech and literacy. Over 3,400 current and future professionals from all over the United States have completed professional development offerings from DuBard School staff. Sharing at professional conferences also plays a major role in the professional development program at DuBard School. In 2023-24, Alex Day and Sarah Lowery presented at the Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference on September 22. On October 21 and 24, Alison Webster shared with over 100 professionals from 11 countries over five continents and 15 states about the DuBard Association Method®. Alison Webster and Anna Curtis presented at the Georgia SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association Convention on March 2, 2024, in Athens, Georgia.

DuBard School classrooms are staffed by speechlanguage pathologists and classroom therapy assistants highly trained in the DuBard Association Method®. The speech-language pathologists are nationally certified by the American Speech-LanguageHearing Association (ASHA), and many have additional national certifications through the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA). They are licensed in multiple areas from the Mississippi Department of Education, including general education, special education, school administration, mild to moderate disabilities, and hearing impairment education. Many staff members continue to add to their credentials through advanced degrees. Alison Webster recently earned her doctoral degree in educational administration and supervision. Lauren Robinson, classroom SLP and enrollment coordinator, recently earned her specialist degree in educational administration and supervision. Four additional staff members, Anna Curtis, Alex Day, Lauren Robinson and Rachel Ryan, are working toward additional advanced degrees.

At the end of the 2023-24 school year, Dr. Alison Webster was named the interim director for the 2024-25 school year. Previously, she served as professional development coordinator, classrooms SLP and enrollment coordinator.

49%

37% LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATION (MS-HOUSE MAEP/K12)

76.8% STATE INCOME

14% LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATION (MS-SENATE-IHL)

SOURCES OF FUNDS FOR DUBARD SCHOOL

10.2%

0.3% PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FEES

FUNDING AWARDS

Chisholm

Foundation $20,000

Led by nationally certified speech-language pathologists or master’s level certified academic language therapists, outclient sessions are conducted at the DuBard School. During the summer sessions, local students are often joined by children seeking services from across the country. The Outclient Therapy Program program seeks to address a vastly underserved population of students. Specifically, it provides fee-based individual and small-group therapy for clients ages birth through adulthood who have a diagnosed language, speech or hearing disorder, or a combination of these disabilities. Included are those whose learning differences are in oral language, reading, or a combination of oral and written language deficits, including dyslexia.

The DuBard School Outclient Therapy program, which is feebased, and various other services provide approximately 25 children with therapy. In 1996, the Outclient Therapy Program expanded to serve students from other schools with speechlanguage disorders and/or dyslexia. In early 2024, the demand for outclient therapy, and more specifically, outclient therapy evaluations, has increased to unprecedented levels.

Within the Outclient Therapy Program, evaluation services include independent, comprehensive evaluations of clients who are two years of age and older. Our staff perform evaluations, uniquely designed for each student, which test specific skills, including, but not limited to, receptive

and expressive language, articulation, written language, reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension, achievement and mental ability (verbal and nonverbal). The evaluation enables staff to identify language-speech disorders, dyslexia and related academic challenges in individuals with or without hearing loss. Approximately 20 individuals receive outclient evaluations annually.

These funds were used to fund outclient evaluations for 11 children and outclient therapy for seven children over the course of the school year.

Sertoma

Inc. $4,507.98

The inability to hear makes learning to communicate quite stressful for any child, especially those who have disorders in addition to their hearing loss. When compounded, it is not only stressful and incredibly defeating, but it makes achieving adequate communication and academic skills even more challenging. This funding supported the addition of three Phonak Roger sound field speakers and associated wireless microphones that allowed 20 children in two classrooms, plus the addition of our library, to increase listening skills and auditory comprehension of language. The acquisition of five Phonak Roger sound field units allowed for increased auditory attention for all students, not just for those with hearing loss, thus facilitating optimal language and learning environments.

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT WILICIA MCCLENDON

The McClendons’ story began with a challenging diagnosis. At the tender age of one year old, Wilicia McClendon was diagnosed with profound hearing loss, a condition that left her family searching for ways to help her thrive. When Hurricane Katrina displaced the McClendon family, they relocated to Laurel, Mississippi. It was then that Wilicia’s parents discovered DuBard School for Language Disorders.

In August 2008, at age eight, Wilicia began her journey at DuBard School. At the time, she had little to no speech, a reality her family hoped would change. The transformation that occurred over the next few months was nothing short of remarkable. By December 2008, Wilicia was speaking in full sentences. Mr. and Mrs. McClendon called it a miracle. Wilicia attended DuBard School for eight years, where she benefited from the DuBard Association Method®. During her time at the school, Wilicia’s communication skills developed,

and she gained the confidence to transition back to public school. As a freshman, she enrolled at Laurel High School, where she continued to excel, graduating and going on to earn two degrees from Jones College and a bachelor’s degree in child and family sciences from Southern Miss..

Throughout her journey, one quote served as Wilicia’s source of inspiration: “She believed she could, so she did.” She wrote it on Post-it notes and placed them all around her room as daily reminders of her potential and determination. Wilicia and her family credit DuBard School for changing her life and giving her the communication skills necessary to succeed academically and personally. She currently works as a childcare facility teacher and is working toward opening her own childcare facility for students with hearing and vision impairments. She is an extraordinary young woman.

SPEECHLANGUAGEPATHOLOGY CLINIC

Southern Miss National Student SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association chapter members

SPRING SEMESTER 2024

78

THERAPY SESSIONS PROVIDED WEEKLY FOR 12 WEEKS

SUMMER SEMESTER 2024

64

THERAPY SESSIONS PROVIDED WEEKLY FOR SEVEN WEEKS

FALL SEMESTER 2024

72

THERAPY SESSIONS PROVIDED WEEKLY FOR 12 WEEKS

THE CLINIC IS DESIGNING A COSTFREE SPECIAL SUMMER PROGRAM FOCUSED ON SOCIAL SKILLS FOR SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN.

The Speech-Language Pathology Clinic within the School of Speech and Hearing Sciences provides cost-sensitive treatment and assessment services to individuals of all ages and populations in the following areas: articulation, phonology, expressive and receptive language, stuttering, written communication, literacy, social communication, traumatic brain injury, aphasia, voice, swallowing and accent modification. Nationally certified and licensed speech-language pathology faculty supervise all services provided by graduate student clinicians. Additionally, the Clinic provides clinical experiences and opportunities for our undergraduate speech and hearing students to observe and assist in service delivery. Therapy sessions, which typically range from $100+ in other settings, are offered at the low cost of $30 per session. Furthermore, we operate on a sliding scale to ensure everyone has access to speech therapy services. Faculty, staff and students receive an additional discounted rate. Comprehensive assessments are offered twice weekly for a decreased cost of $75. These fees are the only source of revenue for our Clinic currently. Clinic clients receive treatment services two to four times weekly during each academic semester. We are partially finished creating a speech lab to house cutting-edge equipment and software to further facilitate evidencebased practice opportunities. We hope to launch its use next year. Our Clinic, students and community (near and far) benefit from all services provided. Furthermore, a grant through the Jimmy A. Payne Foundation funded a clinic room to be outfitted with the Video Audio Learning Tool (VALT) system. The VALT system is a video and audio recording system used for speech therapy training, rehabilitation, counseling and respiratory care. It's a HIPAA-compliant system that allows users to record, store and analyze sessions. Additional rooms are scheduled for VALT installation in 2025. The Speech-Language Pathology Clinic partners with local school districts to assist with hearing and language screenings, when needed. Excitingly, we are in the process of developing a sensory room! Currently, we provide services to over 14 counties in our state.

AUDIOLOGY CLINIC

The Audiology Clinic within the School of Speech and Hearing Sciences provides services to children as young as two weeks old to persons 99+ years old. Services provided within the Clinic include identification of newborn hearing loss, monitoring and identification of school-aged children, auditory processing disorder evaluations, evaluation of adults with late onset or progressive hearing loss, as well as fitting amplification devices (hearing aids and FM systems), and evaluations for fitting/programming cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing devices. Services are provided by our National Board-certified and statelicensed audiology faculty and staff.

The Audiology Clinic partners with Forrest General Hospital to provide hearing screenings for infants within their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and at their developmental clinic at the local YMCA. The Clinic is a referral site for diagnostic evaluations for infants that fail the universal newborn screening at their respective birthing hospitals throughout south Mississippi. The Clinic supports school-aged children by collaborating with school districts to help ensure all educational needs are met for children with hearing impairment. The Audiology Clinic is a community care provider for the Veteran’s Health Administration, providing hearing evaluations and hearing aid fitting for veterans across south Mississippi. The Clinic further supports the community by providing hearing screening for local schools and participating in local health fairs. On campus, audiology students provide hearing screening to faculty and staff during the Audiology Awareness Month and World Hearing Day events at a reduced rate.

AVERAGE NUMBER OF PATIENTS SERVED

2021 900 2022 1,200 2023 1,400 2024 1,550

The Audiology Clinic functions to give clinical experiences for our audiology students to observe and participate in the assessment and management of patients with a variety of hearing and communicative challenges.

IN 2024-25 THE CLINIC SERVED

450 RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS

75 NICU FOLLOW-UP CLINIC PATIENTS

FINANCIAL STATUS

$1,216,236

$999,744 IN PERSONNEL RESOURCES

$216,492 IN OPERATIONS OVERALL TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS

DUBARD SCHOOL: $166,703 THE CHILDREN’S CENTER: $1,416,022

KELLY GENE COOK SR. HALL: $4,655,040 NURSING: $6,019,863

SPEECH AND HEARING SCIENCES: $7,100 PUBLIC HEALTH AND REHABILITATION SCIENCES: $2,192

633% INCREASE FROM 2022-23

$13,067,476 + + 9% INCREASE

MISSISSIPPI HEALTH DISPARITIES CONFERENCE 2024

The Mississippi Health Disparities (MHD) 2024 Conference, held on June 13, 2024, at the Hospitality Resort Management Center in Biloxi, Miss., marked a significant milestone in addressing health disparities across the state. Organized in partnership with the Mississippi State Department of Health’s Empowering Communities for a Healthy Mississippi, the 2024 event achieved record-breaking success in terms of proposal submissions, registrants and sponsorships, reflecting its growing importance in the public health community.

MHD 2024 welcomed over 500 attendees representing both academic and community stakeholders. Within the Mississippi INBRE network, 60 faculty from 11 institutions participated, including all researchintensive universities (University of Mississippi Medical Center, The University of Southern Mississippi, University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University and Jackson State University). The conference was well-attended by

primarily undergraduate institutions, representing Alcorn State University, Belhaven University, Northwest Mississippi Community College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Meridian Community College, Holmes County Community College and Tougaloo College. MHD’s influence extends beyond Mississippi, attracting participation from out-of-state academic institutions, including the University of Alabama and Florida State University.

MHD 2024 also brought together over 40 public health institutions and healthcare organizations that address social determinants of health and health disparities across the state. The conference serves as a robust dissemination venue to communicate biomedical and behavioral research with scientists and healthcare leaders across Mississippi. The event also featured 44 speakers representing 17 organizations and universities, with organizing committees composed of 35 members from diverse health organizations, universities and colleges.

The annual event is a non-income-based program made possible by the generous contributions of multiple organizations. MHD 2024 was sponsored by 19 organizations raising over $30,000 to cover the cost of the event. MHD 2024 was jointly supported by two IDeA programs (Mississippi IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence and Mississippi Center for Clinical and Translational Research) and numerous academic and nonacademic health organizations.

As we look ahead to MHD 2025, this year’s conference serves as a testament to the power of collective action in tackling health disparities.

CADENHEAD LECTURE

The College of Nursing and Health Professions hosted its inaugural Research Symposium on February 6, 2025, at Asbury Hall. This event highlighted groundbreaking research, fostering collaboration and innovation in nursing and health professions.

The symposium featured a keynote address by Dr. Charleen McNeill, executive associate dean at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and president of the Southern Nursing Research Society. Supported by the Cadenhead Lectureship, Dr. McNeill’s presentation explored evidence-based strategies, interdisciplinary research, and policy translation to advance health care.

Faculty researchers presented a diverse array of studies, including the following:

• Health Equity and Public Health: Addressing disparities in maternal health and the effectiveness of health equity assessments

• Innovative Healthcare Technologies: Investigating ambient noise impact on auditory responses and the application of virtual reality in emotional regulation

• Data-Driven Health Solutions: Utilizing machine learning to predict COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and coronary heart disease risk in diabetes patients

• Community and Behavioral Health: Examining microplastics' impact on diet and cardiometabolic health, as well as strategies for nursing leadership and student success

A poster session further showcased faculty research contributions, providing attendees an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge projects. The event reinforced the college’s commitment to advancing health research and education, and its success was the result of faculty excellence and external support. Each year, the college hosts an esteemed leader representing various sectors of the healthcare profession for the Cadenhead Lectureship. The lectureship was set up in honor of former nursing dean, Dr. Gerry Cadenhead, by her family. This event was also supported by Mississippi INBRE and the Gulf South Center for Community-Engaged Health Research and Innovation.

RESEARCH AND GRANTS

FY 23-24 RESEARCH NUMBERS

26 TOTAL NEW PROPOSAL SUBMISSIONS

10 TOTAL AWARDED PROPOSALS

ADVANCING CARE, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES, EMPOWERING THE FUTURE

The College of Nursing and Health Professions is proud to reflect on another year of exceptional scholarly contributions that advance care, strengthen communities, and empower the future of health care. Through groundbreaking research, innovative education and dedicated service, our faculty have set a high standard of excellence, addressed critical challenges, and enhanced health outcomes regionally, nationally and globally. This section highlights some of the remarkable projects and studies conducted by our faculty, emphasizing their shared commitment to improving lives through evidence-based solutions and collaborative efforts.

Advancing Care Through Research and Innovation

$3,117,515 TOTAL AWARDED DOLLARS

$4,429,544 OPEN AND ACTIVE AWARDS

Our faculty continued to lead the way in developing innovative approaches to public health and healthcare delivery and education. Dr. Sangam Ankmnal Veeranna, from the School of Speech and Hearing Sciences, spearheaded multiple projects, including "Insight into Tinnitus: A Holistic Approach to Advancing Tinnitus Assessment," funded by the Warner/Fermaturo Foundation and the A.T. Still University Board of Trustees Research Fund Foundation. Additionally, his study on auditory system integrity in university marching band students, funded by the

American Hearing Foundation, demonstrates commitment to specialized health concerns through cutting-edge methodologies. His work also extends to using machine learning in auditory processing, disseminated through a Frontiers in Audiology and Otology publication.

Among notable funding achievements, Dr. Yang Ge’s collaboration on the National Science Foundation-funded Advancing Social and Environmental Equity Through Plastics Research: Education, Innovation and Inclusion (ASPIRE) project received a substantial $4 million grant to promote social and environmental equity through plastics research. Similarly, Dr. Tanya Funchess worked with the Mississippi Public Health Institute to conduct a health equity assessment in South Mississippi, an activity funded by the Centers for Disease Control.

In nursing, Dr. Michong Rayborn’s groundbreaking research focused on developing a novel mechanistic model for implementing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines in sickle cell patients. This transformative work, presented at the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Congress 2025 and published in the Journal of American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, aims to improve surgical outcomes and enhance patient recovery in this vulnerable population.

Technology-driven health innovations also took center stage with Dr. Jungjoo Lee’s project, “The Impact of Virtual Reality Meditation on Emotional Regulation and Mental Health Among Older Adults,” funded by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. This study highlights how digital tools can enhance care for vulnerable populations.

Strengthening Communities Through Equity and Inclusion

Nursing and health professions faculty are deeply committed to addressing health disparities and promoting equity. Dr. Hyunmin Kim’s study, “Impact of Residential Segregation on Healthcare Utilization and Perceived Quality of Care Among Informal Caregivers in the United States,” published in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities , underscored the importance of understanding systemic barriers to care. By examining how residential segregation affects caregivers’ experiences, this study provided actionable insights into fostering more equitable healthcare systems.

Further demonstrating the college’s commitment to public health, Dr. Susan Mayfield-Johnson’s work on community health worker well-being, presented at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, informed policies aimed at improving healthcare workforce sustainability.

Empowering the Future Through Education and Leadership

Besides research, our faculty continued to play a pivotal role in shaping future health care leaders. Dr. Melissa Kossman’s work, “Facilitating Athlete Transition Experiences: Influential Factors and Strategies for Successful Transition Out of Sport,” presented at the American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting, addressed the physical and mental challenges athletes face upon retirement.

Dr. Kimberly Ward, incoming American Speech-LanguageHearing Association (ASHA) vice president for audiology and conference co-chair, gave welcome remarks at ASHA’s national conference in Seattle, Wash., attended by more than 13,000 from the U.S. and other countries.

Additionally, her presentation, “Strategies for a Successful Site Visit,” delivered at the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders Annual Continuing Education Conference, underscored the significance of mentorship and leadership in academic settings. This focus on excellence in educational programs ultimately benefits students and the communities they serve.

These examples of scholarly excellence represent the significant reach of our faculty’s work to make the world a better place. Through innovative research and scholarship, nursing and health professions faculty are addressing challenges and paving the way for a healthier Mississippi. As we celebrate these accomplishments, we remain steadfast in our mission to transform health care and improve the lives of all Mississippians.

RESEARCH AND GRANTS

GULF SOUTH CENTER FOR COMMUNITY-ENGAGED HEALTH RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

In the summer of 2024, the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees approved the establishment of a new center proposed by the College of Nursing and Health Professions. The Center was originally founded as the Telenutrition Center, which was a lab created with funding from the National Institutes of Health in 2015. The Center grew through multidisciplinary and stakeholder collaborations and is now named Gulf South Center for CommunityEngaged Health Research and Innovation. The Gulf South Center is dedicated to improving health outcomes across Mississippi and the Gulf South by fostering collaborative research, community partnerships and workforce development.

With a mission to reduce health disparities and promote healthy aging, the center brings together scientists, healthcare professionals and community stakeholders to develop practical, evidence-based solutions. Its work focuses on addressing preventable chronic and infectious diseases that disproportionately impact Mississippi’s communities.

Foster community capacity and workforce development to support disease prevention research 1 3 2 4 THE CENTER’S STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Advance Health Research

Generate new knowledge in the health sciences that drive health outcomes and quality of life improvement

Secure Funding for Innovation

Pursue funding opportunities for research, outreach and training activities from diverse sources

Build Community Capacity

Bridge Research and Practice

Leverage academic resources to address real-world gaps in preventative care

To achieve its mission and goals, the Gulf South Center is built on four key pillars that drive its work in improving public health outcomes across Mississippi and the Gulf South region:

Research and Innovation

The Center is committed to generating new knowledge that reduces health disparities, prevents disease, and promotes healthy aging. By securing funding and leveraging existing resources, it supports research initiatives that address the unique health challenges of the region.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

Strong partnerships are essential for impactful health solutions. The Center fosters collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, policymakers and local communities to ensure research findings translate into meaningful change. These partnerships help identify and address gaps in preventive care.

Workforce Development

Building a skilled public health workforce is a priority. The Center provides training, mentorship and professional development for students, early-career researchers and community partners. Initiatives include education programs, hands-on research opportunities and infrastructure development to strengthen the pipeline of future healthcare leaders.

Health Data and Technology Solutions

The Center uses advanced data analytics and technology to improve health outcomes. It provides a centralized platform for managing and visualizing health data, translating research into accessible insights for stakeholders, and supporting innovative interventions through computational tools and real-world applications.

Research Program Highlights

The Center actively leads multiple research initiatives focused on public health, environmental impacts and healthcare innovations, including the following:

• Advancing Social and Environmental Equity Through Plastics Research (ASPIRE) - A $4 million National Science Foundationfunded project examining the health impacts of microplastic exposure and engaging underserved communities in environmental health research. The project integrates health science, social behaviors and community engagement with polymers, chemistry and coastal sciences to mitigate and seek solutions to environmental threats to human health.

• Mississippi-Alabama Resilient and Innovative Seafood Ecosystem (MS-AL-RISE) – A collaborative effort supporting the seafood industry and coastal communities through research on environmental and human health impacts. This project combines the renowned coastal and marine sciences and infrastructure with the college’s community engagement and health disparities expertise to address real-world Mississippi challenges.

• Mississippi CEAL Project – A national health equity initiative addressing maternal and infant health disparities through research and community engagement. This initiative is in collaboration with the Mississippi Department of Health and aims to maximize public health programs and opportunities to address cardiovascular disease and social determinants of health among future mothers.

RESEARCH AND GRANTS

Community Outreach Highlights

Community outreach is one of the foundational activities of the Center. Community outreach shows university commitment to community-led events, creates continued university presence in the community, and offers cobenefits and –learning for college students and members of the community. Numerous externally funded efforts have supported the Center’s participation in 60 events with a reach of approximately 6,990 community members.

The Center also supports the Community Outreach Internship program, a volunteer internship offered to Southern Miss students in the fall and spring semesters to offer community service hours and real-world outreach experiences. Interns are trained and mentored by the experienced Center staff to help them become workplace-

Student Highlights

The Center employs students from across the Southern Miss campus to engage in multidisciplinary work. The job opportunities provide students with real-world experiences and allow them to apply what they have learned in the classroom toward real-world challenges and work environments. As the Center employs students from public health, psychology, nutrition and kinesiology, computer science and other areas of study, the experience also gives students the opportunity to solve problems with multiple perspectives represented.

Bipul Adhikari, a student developer majoring in computer science and mathematics, is passionate about software engineering, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Bipul assists the Center’s senior student developer with web development. Actively engaged in competitive tech events, he continuously hones his skills and explores innovative ideas. In fall 2024, Bipul won Best Use of OnChainKit at HackPrinceton in which selected students from around the world gathered to create innovative products at Princeton University. Bipul said, “Working

ready by improving their communication, networking and relationship-building, leadership, teamwork and collaboration skills. Interns earn a certificate and Pathways cord upon successful completion of program requirements. In 2024, eight students successfully completed the program, and we have trained 18 students to start off 2025.

at the Gulf South Center allowed me to utilize my web development and data analysis skills while learning from supportive mentors, fostering both my technical abilities and growth as a future professional. We do so many things that it’s hard to point out just a few.”

Sagar Shrestha, a graduate student in computer science, brings a strong background in software engineering with a specialization in website development. He has experience building robust applications and websites using NestJS, Next.js, Go and Python. Currently focused on software engineering, he is passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex problems and drive innovation. Sagar also oversees the Center and Mississippi Health Disparities websites as senior student developer. Sagar stated, “I have gained valuable experience in multiple ways. I enhanced my knowledge of web debugging and front-end development while also learning the workflow of event coordination and launch processes. Most importantly, I had the opportunity to experience it firsthand.”

Staff Highlights

The Gulf South Center, directed by Dr. Jennifer L. Lemacks, is successful in large part due to the diverse staff that bring a range of expertise to support its research and community health initiatives. Sermin Aras, MS, RD, LD, a registered dietitian, serves as the assistant director for research operations. Mrs. Aras is often referred to as the “glue” that holds the Center together, as she serves to provide oversight of the Center’s day-to-day activities. Ms. Lanena John, who serves as community-engaged research coordinator, uses her experience in public information and event planning to foster community outreach. Mr. Willie McKennis serves as the research budget and personnel coordinator and plays a vital role in developing and managing budgets to support the Center's grant initiatives.

Alumni Highlight

Ashley Fowler worked for the Center as a graduate assistant from spring 2023 to summer 2024. She graduated in summer 2024 with a Master of Public Health in epidemiology and biostatistics from the college’s Dr. Lynn Cook Hartwig Public Health Program in the School of Health Professions. Ms. Fowler recently started a job in health IT as an Epic analyst. Ashley noted her excitement to combine her passion and training as she begins her career, “Stepping into health IT has been such a rewarding challenge - it’s the perfect way to combine my love for public health with innovative technology to make a real difference in population health. I’m passionate about using data and technology to create smarter, more effective solutions that improve health care and help communities thrive!” Ashley now recognizes how her experiences working with the Center translated to her profession: “Working at the Center gave me a lot of transferrable skills that prepared me for public health roles. I gained experience in outreach, research and data analysis, which helped me build a strong foundation for the job I am in now.”

A Commitment to Community and Innovation

By transforming research into real-world applications, the Center is positioned to make a lasting impact on public health, ensuring healthier and longer lives for all Mississippians. The Center’s mission extends beyond research, emphasizing community outreach, professional training and technology-driven solutions. Through multi-stakeholder engagement and workforce development, it aims to leverage academic resources to close gaps in preventive care and health analytics. By bridging scientific research with real-world applications, the Gulf South Center is shaping the future of public health and healthcare innovation in the region. To learn more about its initiatives, visit gulfsouthcommunityhealth.com.

KELLY GENE COOK SR. HALL

A New Home for Hope: Expanding Life-Changing Services for Mississippi’s Children

For decades, DuBard School for Language Disorders and The Children’s Center for Communication and Development have been lifelines for children with speech, language and developmental disorders in Mississippi. Now, thanks to a transformative $7.9 million federal grant and a generous $4.5 million anonymous donation, these two programs will soon have a new home on The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park campus—expanding their reach, reducing barriers, and ensuring that more children receive the early interventions they need to thrive.

The new 25,000-square-foot facility in Long Beach, Miss., is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s a beacon of opportunity for families who have long faced challenges

in accessing critical services. Designed to meet the unique needs of both programs, the space will feature specialized classrooms, therapy rooms, observation areas and a multi-purpose center. Most importantly, it will double the programs’ capacity to serve children with developmental disabilities and communication challenges.

A Legacy of Impact

Since its establishment in 1962, DuBard School has provided intensive support for children ages 3 to 13 with severe speech-language disorders, and The Children’s Center, founded in 1974, has helped children from birth

to age five achieve developmental milestones through an interdisciplinary approach. Together, these programs have served more than 5,000 children and trained countless professionals in speech-language pathology, audiology, dyslexia therapy and related fields.

Their impact is undeniable. On average, The Children’s Center serves families across 31 school districts and 21 counties, and DuBard School students travel from 20-25 different school districts spanning 15-20 counties. However, both programs have outgrown their current facilities, with long waiting lists that can delay crucial early interventions.

“Based on state data, we know that approximately 600 children in the lower six counties are eligible for early intervention services, and an additional 2,600 children qualify for special education support,” said dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, Dr. Lachel Story. “This expansion will not only allow us to serve more children, but will also help us train more early intervention providers—addressing a critical shortage throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”

services at our new Gulf Park facility. By increasing our capacity, we can reduce wait times and ensure that no child experiences unnecessary delays in accessing life-changing support.”

The expansion will not only provide direct services to children, but will also enhance the University’s role as a training ground for future professionals. “With a larger blueprint for services on the Gulf Coast, we will be able to prepare more providers who specialize in early intervention,” added Story. “This project is an investment in both the children we serve today and the workforce that will support them in the years to come.”

A Call to Action

Breaking Barriers, Changing Lives

For families of children with disabilities, timing is everything. "Ninety percent of a child's brain develops before age five. For children with disabilities, the timeliness of intervention is crucial for child and family success,” said Sarah Myers, director and speech-language pathologist for The Children's Center.

Unfortunately, many families currently face logistical challenges that prevent them from accessing services.

“Over a year ago, we were unable to serve a student from our Gulf Coast community because the family simply couldn’t make the daily drive,” said Dr. Alison Webster, interim director of DuBard School. “We are thrilled to share that this same student will be one of the first to receive

Though funding for construction has been secured, additional support is needed to outfit the facility with the cutting-edge technology and equipment required for these highly specialized programs. The Children’s Center and DuBard School invite donors and partners to help complete this transformative project, with multiple naming and giving opportunities available through the USM Foundation.

“This shared space will not only transform the lives of the children we serve, but also serve as a model for evidence-based practices across the state,” said Myers. “Most importantly, this expansion will meet the needs of families for generations to come.”

As the walls of this new facility rise, so does the promise of a brighter future for Mississippi’s most vulnerable children. To learn more or to make a gift, contact Briana Dubaz Pfarrer with the USM Foundation at 228.243.8333 or briana.dubaz@usm.edu.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES 100%

71.4%

NURSE ANESTHESIA CERTIFICATION PASS RATE For the 2022 cohort

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY PRAXIS II PASS RATE For 2024 100%

KINESIOTHERAPY CERTIFICATION PASS RATE For 2024 100%

UNDERGRADUATE NURSING NCLEX PASS RATE For 2024

100%

ACCELERATED UNDERGRADUATE NURSING FIRST-TIME PASS RATE For the first two cohorts (December 2023 and July 2024 graduates)

87.5% AUDIOLOGY PRAXIS II PASS RATE For 2024 75%

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION CERTIFICATION FIRST-TIME PASS RATE For 2024, a 27% increase!

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM (NAP) MISSION TRIP

A group of NAP students and faculty, alongside Dr. Lisa Morgan and Dr. Nina McLain, participated in a week-long mission trip to Honduras with Baptist Medical and Dental Missions International. The mission operates a hospital in Honduras, along with an adjacent mission home. Students and faculty stayed on site, with meals and lodging provided.

The NAP students assisted with more than 80 surgeries over four days, providing critical care to patients at minimal or no cost. The team included four surgeons, one anesthesiologist, three nurse anesthetists, six or seven nurse anesthesia students, scrub techs, college students and additional support staff.

The mission also included a day dedicated to a "water mission," where the team followed a water tanker truck to distribute clean water in a local neighborhood. The experience combined clinical service with community outreach, leaving a lasting impact on both the participants and the local community.

GULF PARK HEALTH CENTER

The Gulf Park Health Center (GPHC) began the year with the “Back to School, Back to Wellness” initiative, highlighting each of the eight Pillars of Wellness by reaching over 700 people each month via newsletter and continuing to provide services for students, faculty and staff at both the Gulf Park campus and Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. Nurse Practitioner Connie Richardson reports that the GPHC has increased its volume to over 280 patients to date. Along with Pamela Rainey, RN, they continue to provide wellness, illness and injury visits; influenza immunizations; TB skin testing; and other in-house evaluations.

Hosting American Red Cross Blood Drives quarterly, the GPHC was recognized as a Premier Donor Site, having collected over 160 units of blood during the 2024 calendar year. Other highlights of the year included:

• Light the Darkness – Suicide Prevention Walk

• The American Heart Association Art for Heart Fundraiser

• The Children’s Center Trick or Treat Event

• Pokémon Steps Challenge (in partnership with the Gulf Park Library)

• The third annual Toys for Tots Stuff the Truck event (in partnership with University Police Department)

Recognized each quarter as a Wellness Warrior Award recipient, Office Manager Jennifer Larson was instrumental in partnering with Active Health through Blue Cross/Blue Shield to bring monthly wellness workshops to the campus communities.

WELLNESS WORKSHOPS INCLUDED:

• 30-Day Resilience Challenge

• Make Your Own Oatmeal Activity

• Aromatherapy Workshop

• Make and Take No-Bake Cookie Event

• Heart-Healthy Snack Class

Providing Southern Miss outreach, the GPHC, along with CNHP faculty, participated in the PATHWAYS TO POSSIBILITIES event at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, which reached over 7,000 eighth graders from 49 public and private schools across the lower Mississippi counties, as well as 150 Job Corp Program youths.

• March Madness Wellness Challenge

DONOR SPOTLIGHTS

A TRANSFORMATIONAL GIFT: THE CHIN FAMILY FOUNDATION’S COMMITMENT TO NURSING EDUCATION

The College of Nursing and Health Professions at The University of Southern Mississippi has been profoundly strengthened by a remarkable $500,000 gift from the Chin Family Foundation through the USM Foundation. This generous contribution, made possible by Dr. Bill Chin and Dr. Patricia A. Chin, reflects their enduring commitment to healthcare education and their dedication to supporting the next generation of nursing professionals.

Dr. Bill Chin’s journey is one of perseverance, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the power of education. Raised in Greenwood, Mississippi, as one of six siblings, he saw firsthand the values of resilience and determination in his father, an immigrant and small business owner. Bill’s academic path led him to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a medical degree from the University of Buffalo before serving in the United States Air Force Medical Corps and embarking on a distinguished career as a physician and partner in a Los Angeles-based healthcare organization.

Dr. Patricia (Pat) Chin’s career in nursing has been equally distinguished. A dedicated nurse, educator and leader, she earned her master’s degree and Doctor of Nursing Science, eventually becoming the director of the

Cal State L.A. School of Nursing—now named the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing in her honor. Today, she continues to champion nursing leadership, with a focus on advancing simulation-based learning.

Together, the Chins have established a legacy of philanthropy through their family foundation, supporting initiatives that advance healthcare education and improve patient care. Their decision to support Southern Miss was deeply inspired by the story of Oseola McCarty, a washerwoman who, in 1995, left an indelible mark on the university by donating most of her life savings to establish a scholarship fund. Moved by McCarty’s selflessness, the Chins made an unsolicited gift to Southern Miss to empower nursing students in pursuit of their dreams.

The Chin Family Nursing Scholarship Endowment Honoring Oseola McCarty will provide scholarships in perpetuity to students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, ensuring that talented and driven individuals have the financial support they need to succeed. This gift embodies the Chins’ vision of a healthcare workforce that is not only highly skilled but also deeply compassionate.

“As doctors and nurses, we run from room to room trying to get through the day,” said Dr. Bill Chin. “We often forget that we are allaying anxiety, helping and healing our patients. From time to time, we need a reminder that the nursing role in health care is a healing one – one that acts for the betterment of humankind, one patient at a time.”

Dr. Lachel Story, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, expressed her gratitude for the Chins’ generosity. “Their investment will have a lasting impact, not only on the students who benefit directly, but on the communities those students will serve as compassionate and skilled nurses.”

The Chin Family Foundation’s gift serves as a powerful example of philanthropy’s ability to transform lives and strengthen communities. Nearly three decades after Oseola McCarty’s historic gift, her legacy continues to inspire others to give back in meaningful ways.

“I can’t do everything. But I can do something to help somebody. And what I can do, I will do.”

– Oseola McCarty

Through their investment in nursing education at Southern Miss, Bill and Pat Chin are paving the way for a brighter future in health care, ensuring that students have the resources they need to excel in their profession and make a lasting impact in the field of nursing.

To learn more about how you can support nursing students at Southern Miss, visit usmfoundation.com or contact Daniel Barton at daniel.barton@usm.edu.

ADVANCING PUBLIC HEALTH:

HARTWIG ENDOWMENT SUPPORTS FACULTY IMPROVING HEALTH IN THE STATE AND BEYOND

Dr. Geoff Hartwig and his wife, Dr. Marcia Hartwig, of Raleigh, N.C., pledged $818,708.44 to support public health at Southern Miss, bringing their total commitment to $1 million.

This generous gift established the Dr. Lynn Cook Hartwig Public Health Program in honor of Geoff’s first wife and the program’s founding director, Dr. Lynn Cook Hartwig. Lynn founded the Center for Community Health at Southern Miss in 1988, led it through accreditation, and directed it until metastatic breast cancer forced her to retire in 1995. Despite her diagnosis on the first day of classes, she spent seven years building an interdisciplinary program with seven faculty members and 100 students across multiple degree programs. She passed away in April 1996 at age 48, leaving a lasting impact on public health education.

During the 2023-24 school year, the Hartwig Funds played a vital role in advancing Lynn’s legacy. The funds supported the April 2024 Symposium by covering the keynote speaker’s honorarium and travel expenses, event space rental, food and technical support for virtual student attendance. They also made it possible for students to attend the MPHA conference in November 2023 by assisting with hotel, registration and faculty supervision costs. Additionally, the funds enabled three faculty members to present at APHA in November 2023, helping cover flights, hotel and registration. Beyond these events, the funds provided crucial pilot research funding for junior faculty, ensuring continued academic growth, research opportunities and professional development within the program.

DONOR SPOTLIGHTS

ADVANCING NURSING RESEARCH: THE ASBURY FOUNDATION’S IMPACT ON FACULTY EXCELLENCE

To the end, the Asbury Foundation played a transformative role in advancing nursing research and education at The University of Southern Mississippi. Through its generous support, the College of Nursing and Health Professions has successfully recruited two distinguished faculty members, Dr. Lila de Tantillo and Dr. Oscar Danny Lee, who began their tenure at Southern Miss in August 2024. Their expertise and research are set to enhance the academic and professional landscape of nursing.

Dr. de Tantillo, an associate professor in the School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice, brings an extensive background in health disparities, health equity, and access to care for individuals with chronic diseases. Her research has received external funding to improve outcomes for diverse patient populations, particularly in cardiovascular care. Dr. de Tantillo has made significant contributions to nursing education, mentoring doctoral students and integrating innovative research methodologies to expand knowledge in underrepresented groups. With a strong foundation in data science and biostatistics, her work has already shaped the future of evidence-based nursing practice.

Dr. Lee, also an associate professor in the School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice, specializes in experiential learning, men’s health and health policy. With over 25 years of experience in clinical practice and academia, Dr. Lee has dedicated his career to improving men’s health outcomes, advancing hands-on learning in nursing education, and advocating for the role of nurses in health policy. His research on early screening and intervention for conditions, such as testosterone

deficiency and abdominal aortic aneurysm, has influenced healthcare practices and provider education. Additionally, Dr. Lee’s work on experiential learning models has been instrumental in preparing nursing students for real-world clinical challenges.

The Asbury Foundation’s support has not only enabled the recruitment of these accomplished scholars, but has also reinforced the college’s commitment to excellence in research, education and patient care. By investing in faculty development, the Foundation ensures that nursing students receive mentorship from leaders in the field, fostering the next generation of nurses and healthcare innovators.

As the College of Nursing and Health Professions continues to expand its research footprint, the contributions of Dr. de Tantillo and Dr. Lee—made possible by the Asbury Foundation—will have a lasting impact on healthcare outcomes, nursing education and policy development. The University extends its deepest gratitude to the Asbury Foundation for its unwavering commitment to advancing nursing science and improving health care for all Mississippians.

TOP STORY

ALL 23 CRNA STUDENTS PASSED THEIR NATIONAL EXAM, ACHIEVING A 100% PASS RATE

16,522 POST REACH

1.6K REACTIONS

30 COMMENTS

INSTAGRAM

1,360 TOTAL FOLLOWERS TO DATE

12,354 REACH (97.4% INCREASE)

3,807 VISITS (70.0% INCREASE)

3.7K TOTAL FOLLOWERS TO DATE

60.3K REACH (89.1% INCREASE)

5.4K VISITS (69.5% INCREASE)

9.1K POST REACH (93.5% INCREASE)

157 NEW FOLLOWERS (8.1% INCREASE)

1.3K ENGAGEMENT (108.6% DECREASE)

TOTALS FROM LAST 90 DAYS VS. 90 DAYS PRIOR

48K POST REACH (68.9% INCREASE)

190 NEW PAGE LIKES (137.5% INCREASE)

4.5K ENGAGEMENT (103.3% INCREASE)

TOTALS FROM LAST 90 DAYS VS. 90 DAYS PRIOR

HIGHEST REACH ON A POST SOUTHERN MISS NURSING STUDENTS GO 100% PASS RATE ON NCLEX

5,340 POST REACH

HIGHEST LIKES ON A POST MEET CARL WHITE, SENIOR KINESIOTHERAPY STUDENT 321 LIKES

HIGHEST COMMENTS ON A POST STANLEY CUP GIVEAWAY 18 COMMENTS

FACULTY/STAFF AWARDS

2023-24

ALUMNA OF THE YEAR AWARD

LaWanda Baskin Nursing Leadership

OUTSTANDING FACULTY SERVICE

Emily Bes Public Health

DISTINGUISHED MENTOR AND ACUE ADVANCED CERTIFICATION IN EFFECTIVE COLLEGE INSTRUCTION

Mary Jane Collins

Nurse Anesthesia

EMERGING SCHOLAR

Leslie Oglesby Athletic Training

DISTINGUISHED TEACHING AWARD

Melissa Ziegler Kinesiotherapy

DISTINGUISHED RESEARCHER

Jeffrey Parr Athletic Training

DISTINGUISHED OFFICE PROFESSIONAL

Laurie Barnard SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL NURSING PRACTICE

GRANT CHALLENGE AWARD

Yang Ge Public Health Sangam Veeranna Audiology

RETIREMENTS

Michelle Toepher Nursing 6 YEARS OF SERVICE

THE 2024-25 AUBREY

KEITH LUCAS AND ELLA

GINN LUCAS ENDOWMENT FOR FACULTY EXCELLENCE

Hyunmin Kim Public Health

CNHP COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Harold T. Coulter Undergraduate Public Health

UNIVERSITY HALL OF FAME STUDENTS

UNDERGRADUATE

Jordyn Cook BSN, Anna Mayberry BSN

GRADUATE

Benjamin James Goudy, a native of Meridian, Miss., earned his Master of Public Health in health administration policy in spring 2024. His research examined the influence of cultural values on health behaviors in the Deep South, with a particular focus on diet and physical activity. Goudy was mentored by his faculty advisor, Dr. Jennifer Lemacks.

INNOVATIVE TEACHING MINI-GRANT

Amy Lebert Speech-Language Pathology

CNHP CAMPUS LEADERSHIP AWARD

Benjamin Goudy Master of Public Health STUDENT HIGHLIGHT

Michelle Gomez Dickerson, a native of Meridian, Miss., earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in clinical nursing in spring 2024. Her research explored patient concerns surrounding the efficacy, adverse effects, and costs of psychotropic medications, which often contribute to medication nonadherence. Dickerson was mentored by her faculty advisor, Dr. Lisa Morgan.

Audiology

Doctoral Students Recognized at the American Academy of Audiology

Jennifer Chapman and Tyler Weaver are audiology doctoral students at the School of Speech and Hearing Sciences, and they won a Jerger Poster Student Award at the American Academy of Audiology Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS

Amber Craven , BSN Alumna, in The Amazing Race

Amber Craven Cagungun, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and BSN graduate, participated in Season 36 of The Amazing Race on CBS alongside her partner, Vinny. The couple, who met in nurse anesthesia school, entered the competition to challenge their ability to handle high-pressure situations together. Overcoming early setbacks, they improved their performance and secured a fourth-place finish. During the race, Vinny proposed to Amber, and the two married in November 2024.

Amber completed her BSN in May 2015, graduating with honors and a 3.7 GPA. After gaining experience in the CCU for six months, she began her journey toward becoming a CRNA. Through dedication and perseverance, she earned her DNP, APRN and CRNA qualifications. Amber now works as a travel anesthetist, showcasing her passion and commitment to her field.

Susie Jonassen , PhD Nursing Leadership Alumna, Presents

and Publishes in Prestigious Professional Venues

Dr. Susie Jonassen, PhD, has demonstrated exceptional scholarly achievement through her research and contributions to the field. As a result of her dissertation work and doctoral studies at Southern Miss, she presented a poster at the Southern Nursing Research Society (SNRS) conference and delivered a podium presentation at the Association for Leadership Science in Nursing (ALSN) in September 2024 titled, “The Leadership Experience of Academic Chief Nurse Administrators in the State of Georgia During the COVID-19 Pandemic Upon Return to Campus After Full Virtual Instruction: A Qualitative Study.” Additionally, her dissertation manuscript has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Nursing Education and Practice (JNEP). She has also secured acceptance of a manuscript on innovative teaching in Nurse Educator Perspectives (NEP), with a concept analysis currently under peer review. Dr. Jonassen’s work exemplifies a commitment to advancing nursing education, research and evidence-based practice, further enriching the academic and professional discourse in the field of nursing.

Carrington Brown

Carrington Brown, a graduate of the Kinesiotherapy program in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, is now pursuing a degree in occupational therapy (OT) at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Her passion for OT began in high school, where she combined her love for athletics, physical fitness and health care. Studying kinesiotherapy at Southern Miss deepened her interest in therapy and provided a strong foundation for her graduate studies. The program’s coursework, along with two semesters of clinical internships, gave her essential skills and experience that continue to support her success in OT school.

At Southern Miss, she was actively involved in academics and leadership, participating in the Health Fair, studying abroad through the Luckyday Leadership Scholarship program in London, and serving as a student representative on the Kinesiotherapy Leadership Advisory Board. She was also a College of Nursing and Health Professions Ambassador, a Luckyday Scholar and an Honors College Keystone Scholar. In addition to her academic achievements, she was a Southern Miss cheerleader, a member of the Student Government Association, and involved in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society –Mu Nu Chapter, GEWW Crew, the Student Alumni Association, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Her dedication to academics, leadership and service earned her numerous accolades, including induction into the Southern Miss Hall of Fame, Who’s Who, and recognition as a Southern Miss Citizen Scholar. She also received the Leadership Experience Certificate, was named an MS-INBRE Scholar, and was honored with the CNHP Community Service Award in 2022. Carrington’s experiences at Southern Miss shaped her into a well-rounded and driven individual, and she looks forward to making a lasting impact in the field of occupational therapy.

JOURNAL OF HEALTH ETHICS

For two decades, the Journal of Health Ethics (JHE) has highlighted scholarship dedicated to the healthcare needs of marginalized populations and sought to create a clearinghouse for cutting-edge scholarship on ethical issues at the intersection of public health, public policy and healthcare delivery. To that end, JHE has dedicated its 21st volume to one of the most underarticulated issues facing global health ethics today: the influences, vulnerabilities and threats of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity in healthcare delivery.

Topics of interest for the next volume include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Legal and ethical considerations regarding AI and/or cybersecurity use in healthcare delivery and/or education

• The role of AI and/or cybersecurity in healthcare delivery and/or education

• Best practices for applying AI and/or cybersecurity in healthcare delivery and/or education

• Current or emerging threats of AI and/or cybersecurity to healthcare environments

• Current or emerging threats of AI and/or cybersecurity to healthcare devices

• Current or emerging threats of AI and/or cybersecurity to healthcare education

• AI and/or cybersecurity threat detection, incident response, mitigation and remediation in healthcare environments

JHE simultaneously welcomes general submissions on ethical issues at the intersection of public health, public policy and healthcare delivery.

IMPORTANT DATES

ANTICIPATED SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Open until further notice

ANTICIPATED PUBLICATION

DATE: Fall 2025

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

For author information and guidelines, visit the JHE’s Manuscript Submission Guideline page. All papers must be submitted through Aquila. Manuscripts should not be published or currently submitted for publication review elsewhere. There are no fees for publication, and authors are the immediate and permanent copyright holders of their work. Questions may be directed to the JHE Editorial Office at JHE@usm.edu.

OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY