School of Education at Southern Miss

School of Education at Southern Miss We prepare caring, qualified, confident educational professionals!

Located at The University of Southern Mississippi, the School of Education educates the public through exemplary teaching, excellence in research, and meaningful service that advances professional knowledge and practice so that individuals are empowered to transform the human condition. We prepare and educate capable, committed, and reflective teachers, leaders, social researchers, and other prof

essionals as we engage in outstanding teaching and supervision, innovative and impactful research, as well as meaningful service, professional development, and outreach to educational stakeholders.

It was another great year at SRESA’s Making Connections Conference in Biloxi! Our faculty loved connecting with the 1,10...
06/05/2026

It was another great year at SRESA’s Making Connections Conference in Biloxi! Our faculty loved connecting with the 1,100+ educators and administrators in attendance.

As of July 1, 2026, Dr. Kyna Shelley will officially transition into her new role as the Director of the School of Educa...
06/02/2026

As of July 1, 2026, Dr. Kyna Shelley will officially transition into her new role as the Director of the School of Education, continuing her impactful leadership at Southern Miss. 👏

Dr. Shelley is a triple alumna of the university, earning her bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in psychology before embarking on a distinguished academic career. Since returning to USM, she has held several key roles, including professor of educational research and associate director of the school. Dr. Shelley now enters this permanent leadership position with an extensive wealth of institutional experience.

During her time as interim director, she provided what Dean Trent Gould described as "thoughtful and stabilizing leadership" during a pivotal period of transition and growth. The College of Education & Human Sciences' Dean also highlighted her diligent work in strengthening the School's visibility and its vital connections to school communities throughout Mississippi.

Looking toward the future, Dr. Shelley is eager to continue her work strengthening programs, pursuing curricular innovation, and deepening engagement with community partners. She remains committed to the mission of the School and the ultimate success of its students.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Shelley on this well-deserved appointment! 🦅✨

Please join us in celebrating Andrea Krell, Executive Director of the Mississippi Center for Apprenticeships and Residen...
05/29/2026

Please join us in celebrating Andrea Krell, Executive Director of the Mississippi Center for Apprenticeships and Residency in Education (MCARE), for receiving the 2026 National Service "Make a Difference" GIVE Award! 👏🥳

This prestigious honor from Volunteer Mississippi recognizes Andrea's outstanding commitment to service learning through her leadership of the Golden Eagle Teacher Residency program.

By partnering with AmeriCorps, Andrea's work allows our teacher residents to gain year-long immersive experiences in local K-12 classrooms. As Suzanne Rutherford of Volunteer MS noted, this partnership helps future educators build the "experience, confidence, and community-centered mindset that great teaching demands."

As the state's first center for teacher apprenticeships, MCARE is at the forefront of addressing Mississippi's teacher shortage by provide accessible career pathways. Dr. Trent Gould, Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences, describes Andrea as an "exceptional leader" who models the compassion and servant leadership necessary to prepare educators who are "ready to lead classrooms on day one."

We are so proud of the meaningful impact Andrea is making in schools and communities across the state!🎉🦅

🦅SoE Student Program Awards🦅👏We are honored to celebrate Paul Barnes as the recipient of the Outstanding Educational Adm...
05/22/2026

🦅SoE Student Program Awards🦅

👏We are honored to celebrate Paul Barnes as the recipient of the Outstanding Educational Administration Student Award!

Originally from Sumter, SC, Paul has been a resident of Gulfport, MS for 35 years, and he currently serves as a 5th grade math teacher at Delisle Elementary in the Pass Christian Public School District. Over the last 25 years, he has gained experience teaching grades 3-5 along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Throughout his career, Paul has been a pillar of leadership, serving as a math department head, grade-level lead, and a member of the Superintendent’s Leadership Council. He is also a dedicated mentor to student teachers and novice educators, helping to strengthen the instructional practices of those entering the field. During his recent practicum, he demonstrated exceptional initiative by leading Mission and Vision efforts and contributing to literacy through the Mississippi One Book Kickoff.

Following his anticipated Summer 2026 graduation, Paul plans to transition into an assistant principal role, with long-term aspirations of becoming a principal. He is committed to leading with a focus on high expectation, accountability, and a positive school culture where all students receive the support they need to succeed.

His faculty nominator, Dr. Danny Guillory, notes that Paul “models professionalism, integrity, and a genuine commitment to equity and inclusiveness,” while consistently producing high-quality research that connects educational theory to real-world leadership practice.

Congratulations, Paul! 🎉🌟

🦅SoE Student Program Awards🦅👏We are proud to recognize JovVanTa Mason as the recipient of the Outstanding Higher Educati...
05/22/2026

🦅SoE Student Program Awards🦅

👏We are proud to recognize JovVanTa Mason as the recipient of the Outstanding Higher Education Administration Student Award!

Originally from Waco, TX, JovVanTa is an emerging scholar currently pursuing a Doctorate in Higher Education at Southern Miss. He brings an impressive academic background to the program, holding a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Prairie View A&M University, as well as a Master of Arts in History from Sam Houston State University. Currently, he serves as a College & Career Counselor and Adjunct History Professor at Collin College, where his work focuses on 20th century African American history and Social Studies curriculum development.

JovVanTa is already contributing significant research to the field, including a recently published article in the Land, Food, and Freedom Journal titled “Reading the Mau Mau Rebellion Through Kenyan Spiritual Relations to Place.” Beyond his research, her is deeply involved in leadership and community service, including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the Divine Mentorship Board, and the Waco ISD Harper Elizabeth Miller Memorial Scholarship Committee.

Following his anticipated Fall 2027 graduation, JovVanTa plans to continue conducting research centered on the development of African American studies programs. His ultimate goal is to serve as a full-time faculty member in an African American Studies or Higher Education Administration program. His faculty nominator, Dr. Holly Foster, describes him as an “excellent graduate student” who is deeply committed to his education and “values his experiences and peers in the learning process.”

Congratulations, JovVanTa! 🎉🌟

🦅SoE Student Program Awards🦅👏Join us in celebrating Nathaniel Gonsalves for being named the recipient of the Outstanding...
05/21/2026

🦅SoE Student Program Awards🦅

👏Join us in celebrating Nathaniel Gonsalves for being named the recipient of the Outstanding Secondary Education MAT Student Award!

A native of Gulfport, MS, and a proud University of Southern Mississippi alumnus, Nathaniel has dedicated the past five years to teaching social studies and Spanish in secondary education. He currently teaches at Hancock High School, where he leads innovated instructional practices, including serving as the co-head of the Mississippi Department of Education AI for Instruction pilot for his district.

In addition to teaching at Hancock High, Nathaniel has sponsored the Beta Club and is currently developing an international educational travel program to further enrich his students’ experiences. During his MAT internship, he has been working on a comprehensive research project titled “Impact on Student Learning,” which focuses on a Civil War and Reconstruction unit in MS Studies.

Following his anticipated Fall 2026 graduation, Nathaniel plans to continue teaching with a long-term goal of moving into secondary school administration to grow as an instructional leader. His faculty nominator, Dr. Bridgette Davis, shares that Nathaniel “consistently demonstrates leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to student learning” and is recognized for his “effective, engaging instruction and collaborative spirit within our program.”

Congratulations, Nathaniel!🎉🌟

🦅SoE Student Program Awards🦅👏We are proud to honor Brittany Beard as the recipient of the Outstanding Student Teacher Aw...
05/21/2026

🦅SoE Student Program Awards🦅

👏We are proud to honor Brittany Beard as the recipient of the Outstanding Student Teacher Award within the Teacher Assistant Program!

A native of Okolona, MS, Brittany brought her lifelong passion for education to Southern Miss after earning her associate’s degree from Itawamba Community College. Even while navigating major life milestones, she has remained exceptionally dedicated to her academic and professional growth. Despite living three hours from the Hattiesburg campus, Brittany has maintained a 4.0 GPA as an online student and frequently travels to USM to participate in professional development seminars and connect with her fellow aspiring educators.

During her student teaching, she excelled in designing and implementing lessons for diverse learners, proving herself to be a reflective and highly adaptable educator who utilizes classroom management and differentiated instruction to support student growth. Following her Spring 2026 graduation, Brittany aims to create welcoming, engaging classrooms that empower every student to reach their full potential.

Her University Supervisor, Angela McCarty, nominated Brittany, noting that she “embodies the qualities of a lifelong learner who works hard, leads with care, and continually strives for excellence.” Angela further highlights her proactive nature and her “heart” for her students and school community, specifically her dedication to mastering and applying specialized strategies like Haggerty Methods and Phonics.

Congratulations, Brittany! 🎉🌟

🦅SoE Student Program Awards🦅👏We are delighted to recognize Rachael Smith as the recipient of the Outstanding Student Tea...
05/21/2026

🦅SoE Student Program Awards🦅

👏We are delighted to recognize Rachael Smith as the recipient of the Outstanding Student Teacher Award!

Originally from Mobile, AL, Rachael is a senior in the elementary education program who has dreamed of being a teacher for as long as she can remember. For Rachael, student teaching this semester has been a “lifelong dream coming to fruition,” allowing her to live out her mission: to teach and love students well today, so they can teach and love others tomorrow.

A dedicated campus leader, Rachael coordinates discipleship for the USM Wesley Foundation and champions literacy through Pi Beta Phi service projects. Her broad impact also includes previous leadership roles within the Student Government Association and the Education Major Student Association.

Following her Spring 2026 graduation, Rachael plans to begin her career as an elementary school teacher at a public school in MS. She eventually hopes to return to the classroom as a student herself to earn a master’s degree in either educational leadership or administration.

Her University Supervisor, Dr. Kerri Johnson-Jones, shared that Rachael “has a way to capture her students with great lessons with fun and engaging activities.” Dr. Johnson-Jones further notes that she is always prepared and “constantly smiles and shows great professionalism and pride in everything that she does.”

Congratulations, Rachael!🎉🌟

🦅SoE Student Program Awards🦅👏Please join us in celebrating Madisyn Killough as the recipient of the Outstnading Special ...
05/20/2026

🦅SoE Student Program Awards🦅

👏Please join us in celebrating Madisyn Killough as the recipient of the Outstnading Special Education Graduate Student Award!

A native of Clinton, MS, and a 2024 Southern Miss alumna, Madisyn is currently pursuing her Master of Education in Special Education while working as a special education teacher at Petal Primary School. She brings a specialized focus to her classroom through her minor in child advocacy and ongoing training in child welfare advocacy and trauma-informed educational approaches.

Madisyn’s leadership on campus is extensive and diverse; as a former McNair Scholar, she has served as the Director of Campus Elections, a First Year Navigator, and a tutor for DREAM of Hattiesburg. As a first-generation college student, she is passionate about using her classroom experience as a foundation for future research. Following her anticipated Fall 2026 graduation, she plans to teach in a K-2 self-contained classroom before pursuing a PhD in Educational Policy, where she hopes to advocate for equitable curriculum and investigate culturally responsive practices to address overrepresentation in special education.

Her faculty nominator, Dr. Kimberly Odom, highlights that Madisyn has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while balancing the demands of being a full-time teacher. Dr. Odom describes her as a “dedicated educator” who is “kind, respectful, and a hard worker” who “represents USM well in all she does.”

Congratulations, Madisyn!🎉🌟

🦅SoE Student Program Awards🦅👏Help us congratulate Chloè Knight, who has been named the recipient of the Outstanding Spec...
05/20/2026

🦅SoE Student Program Awards🦅

👏Help us congratulate Chloè Knight, who has been named the recipient of the Outstanding Special Education Undergraduate Student Award!

A native of Beaumont, MS, Chloè is a senior at Southern Miss completing her Bachelor of Science in Special Education with a minor in English. She is deeply passionate about inclusion services and English education, striving to create environments where all students have equal opportunities to learn and thrive.

Chloè’s presence on campus is defined by her extensive leadership and service. She is a Luckyday Scholar, a member of the Honors College, and has served in prominent roles as a Southern Style member, orientation leader, and campus tour guide. Her leadership also shines through her work as the Vice President of Events and Programming for the Black-Eyed Susans Women’s Leadership Honorary and her multiple roles within Phi Mu Fraternity.

Her academic commitment is further evidence by her Honors College thesis, which examines the role of self-determination in autonomy for post-secondary students with disabilities. Chloè is already prepared to take these skills into the field, having accepted a position as a K-2 inclusion teacher at Leaksville Elementary following her Spring 2026 graduation.

Faculty nominator, Dr. Kimberly Odom, notes that Chloè is one of only two students in the final graduating class of the undergraduate program. Dr. Odom shares that she “exemplifies the values of the School of Education through her commitment to excellence, personal development, and continual service to not only the university but the community.”

Congratulations, Chloè! 🎉🌟

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