Southern Miss School of Kinesiology & Nutrition

09/23/2026

Please join us in welcoming five new faculty members to the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition this school year! 👏

— Sarah Ard, Visiting Instructor
— Dr. Jacob Chamberlin, Assistant Professor
— Zac Edwards, Instructor (former Visiting Instructor)
— Dr. Joice Lacruz, Assistant Professor
— Dr. Craig Witt, Assistant Teaching Professor

09/10/2026

09/05/2026

We’re so happy to have JGH filled with our awesome students again! It’s gonna be a great year. 🦅

07/15/2026

This week, our own Dr. Alana Turner is co-leading an adapted swim camp for children with disabilities in the Pine Belt. See how she and some of our undergraduate and graduate students are making a difference and exploring new research opportunities for our school and community!

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and Mississippi State University (MSU) hosted an adapted swim camp at the Family YMCA this week. Children and young pe…

05/11/2026

From PhD graduate to PhD mentor; proof that excellence multiplies.

Congratulations to our School of Kinesiology and Nutrition alumnus Dr. Ray Jones on graduating his first PhD student, Dr. Michael Hankes.

The legacy continues through the next generation of scholars!

04/30/2026

Congrats to Jason Simpson, Outstanding Doctoral Student in Kinesiology for the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition! 🎉👏🦅

Jason lives with his wife and two children in Meridian, Miss., where he serves as an assistant professor in the Physician Assistant Studies Program at Mississippi State University’s Meridian campus. In addition to his academic role, he practices as a home health physical therapist.

He graduated from Southern Miss in 2012 with his bachelor’s degree in sport and high performance materials before earning a master’s degree in sport science from Florida State University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from William Carey University in 2020.

He is currently a second-year Ph.D. student in Dr. Tanner Thorsen’s biomechanics laboratory, where his research focuses on the neuromuscular influence of high-cadence rhythmic movement on locomotion. Jason’s work aims to better understand the neural mechanisms underlying gait performance and rehabilitation.

Jason was recently selected as a finalist for the doctoral student award competition at the Southeast American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) conference. He anticipates completing his doctoral degree in 2027 and looks forward to continuing to invest in the lives of his students and patients.

04/30/2026

Congrats to Shayna Turner, Outstanding Graduate Student in Coaching and Sport Performance for the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition! 🎉👏🦅

Shayna is a Long Beach, Miss., native who earned her bachelor’s degree from William Carey University. As an undergraduate, she played soccer and softball, and later returned to pursue a degree in education.

Shayna has 11 years of experience teaching and coaching, including eight years at Lamar Christian School and the past three years at Petal High School. She currently teaches math and coaches cross country, soccer and softball for PHS. Shayna is passionate about helping students grow in discipline, confidence and leadership both in the classroom and through athletics.

Shayna will graduate with her master’s degree in coaching and sport performance this summer and aspires to use the knowledge and skills she has gained from Southern Miss to help her continue growing as a teacher and coach. One day she’d love to be a head soccer coach.

04/30/2026

Congrats to Jackson Parker, Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Sport Coaching for the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition! 🎉👏🦅

Jackson is a senior from Hebron, Miss., and a dedicated member of the Southern Miss Baseball team. He is actively involved on campus as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, where he helps represent and support fellow student-athletes.

He has earned recognition for his academic excellence, being named to the President’s List and inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society. Jackson balances his athletic and academic commitments with discipline and leadership, striving for success both on and off the field.

He has gained experience by serving as assistant student coach to Dan Brady, athletic director and head football coach at Stringer High School. After graduation this spring, Jackson aspires to become a strong and effective leader who positively impacts athletes athletically, academically and personally. He strives to be a dependable resource for his athletes and serve as someone they can turn to for guidance, support and growth. Jackson is driven by the desire to help individuals reach their full potential while building a culture of accountability, respect and success.

04/30/2026

Congrats to Reece King, Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Physical Education for the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition! 🎉👏🦅

Reece graduated from Stringer High School in 2022 before attending Meridian Community College to further his education and play basketball for the Eagles.

While playing for MCC and learning under the leadership of former Southern Miss men's basketball Head Coach James Green, Reece became inspired to become a coach and teacher himself. After meeting and falling in love with Olivia Palmer, Reece followed her to Southern Miss to earn his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in physical education.

During his time at USM, Reece has been involved in the Southern Miss Baptist Student Union, serving as president last year. In May 2025, Reece and Olivia celebrated her graduation from USM in elementary education and their marriage. This spring they will celebrate Reece’s graduation as he seeks to become a high school teacher and basketball coach.

04/30/2026

Congrats to Molly Johnson, Outstanding Graduate Student in Nutrition and Dietetics for the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition! 🎉👏🦅

Molly is wrapping up her second year in the nutrition and food systems graduate program, which includes a dietetic internship. She is passionate about helping patients make sustainable lifestyle changes to better manage health conditions, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of comorbidities. Molly served as treasurer for the Student Nutrition Society and is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

She has gained incredible experience through her dietetic internship and graduate research. Her internship provided hands on training in clinical, child and community nutrition, foodservice management, and private practice, allowing her to develop patient-centered counseling and menu-evaluation skills. Additionally, as a graduate assistant in the School’s DXA Lab, she has contributed to three published research articles. Here she gained expertise and skills in patient communication, data collection and analysis, and evidence-based research.

Molly is a soon-to-be two-time graduate of USM having earned her bachelor’s degree in the nutrition and dietetics program before beginning the related master’s degree. After graduation this spring, Molly aspires to work in a setting where she can build meaningful relationships with patients and make a lasting impact on their health. She has strong interests in clinical nutrition and working in private practice.