School of Human Development and Family Science at USM

🎉Join us in celebrating four outstanding students from our Human Development and Family Science master’s program!🎉

Sophia Porter, Elisha Simmons, Bryonna Willis, and Lakendra Woodard have each successfully passed their comprehensive exams this spring semester. This is a major accomplishment, marking the conclusion of their hard work and determination. We look forward to seeing the continued impact they will make in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. SMTTT!🎓💛

Congrats to Angela Dill, Outstanding HDFS Master of Science Student for the School of Human Development and Family Science! 🎉👏🦅

Angela is a devoted wife, proud mother of two sons, and small business owner who believes it’s never too late to achieve your goals. She is from Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., and completed her bachelor’s degree after a 30-year journey.

She is a self-proclaimed cat lady who loves giving back to her community through volunteer work, especially opportunities to work with teens. When she’s not busy with work or volunteering, you can find her curled up with a good book.

Angela is involved with the National Council on Family Relations - NCFR and the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). She serves as membership chair of her local chapter of the Assistance League and president of the U.S. Gymnastics Suppliers Association.

After graduating this summer, she aspires to make a difference by working as an instructor or professor.

Congrats to Lexi Nelson, Outstanding Marriage and Family Therapy Student for the School of Human Development and Family Science! 🎉👏🦅

Lexi made the long trek to Southern Miss from Bozeman, Mont., with plans to move back west after graduation. She loves spending time with and learning from the people she most cares about, looking for seashells (or antlers), and finding ways to express her creativity.

She is graduating this spring with a degree in marriage and family therapy, with aspirations to help couples navigate betrayal and addiction as a licensed therapist and certified s*x addiction therapist. The thing she loves most about the work of therapy is leaning into the belief that authenticity can be the most powerful tool for healing, which allows her to show up with her full self when she sits with clients.

Lexi has served as treasurer of the USM Marriage and Family Therapy Student Organization, graduate assistant in USM’s Center for Family Therapy, and a volunteer clinical intern at Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services.

Congrats to Lily Tolar, Outstanding Family Science Student for the School of Human Development and Family Science! 🎉👏🦅

Lily is a junior from Flowood, Miss., who is active in the Southern Miss Honors College, Luckyday Scholars Program of Southern Miss, USM Pre-Professional & Exploratory Programs Ambassadors, Pre-Physical and Occupational Therapists Society and USM Center for Community Engagement Citizen Scholars. She is currently working on her honors thesis titled "Parental Perceptions of Technology Use in Young Children with Cognitive Disabilities."

When she’s not doing schoolwork, you can find her babysitting or volunteering at The Children's Center for Communication and Development on campus. She loves working on arts and crafts projects, both solo and with the children she works with.

Lily is so thankful for the opportunities USM has given her as she prepares to apply for graduate school to become a pediatric occupational therapist.

Congrats to Morgan Hartley, Outstanding Early Childhood Student for the School of Human Development and Family Science! 🎉👏🦅

After growing up in Obion, Tenn., Morgan made her way to Southern Miss five years ago to pursue her passion for working with children. She watched the impact her mom had as a teacher and was inspired to follow in her footsteps by majoring in early childhood.

She was a member of the USM History Club, serving as treasurer, and also participated in the Disney College Program. Morgan currently works as the one-year-old classroom teacher at Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA Preschool and is preparing to student teach there as well.

Morgan loves to travel, attend live music events with friends, and relax with a good show. After completing her bachelor's degree in December, she plans to return to USM for a master's degree in library science to become a children's librarian or children's program coordinator.

Congrats to Jamie Hocker, Outstanding Undergraduate Student for the School of Human Development and Family Science! 🎉👏🦅

Jamie is a dedicated early childhood professional from Gautier, Miss., and a proud mother to a three-year-old son. With over 10 years of experience in childcare, she has worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher and event coordinator, and she currently holds an assistant administrative position.

She actively volunteers in her community by participating annually in the Buddy Walk and Out of the Darkness su***de prevention walk. Jamie also provides mentoring and tutoring services for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Jamie is passionate about helping children develop a love for learning and supporting their growth academically and emotionally, both inside and outside of the classroom. She enjoys attending educational conferences/events and hosting her own. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, doing wildlife photography, writing and volunteering.

She is currently preparing to finish her student teaching experience, where she has applied her knowledge, made classroom and real-life connections with facility and students, and supported and extended student learning. Once completed, she intends to continue to work with the school/classroom to help finish out their school year. After graduation this spring, Jamie is excited to join the school full-time as a Pre-K/ K teacher for the upcoming school year.

Jamie desires to continue working in early childhood education, ideally as a classroom teacher, bringing the energy of her icons Ron Clark, Miss. Honey and Ms. Frizzle. She also aspires to pursue leadership opportunities that allow her to support students, their families and fellow educators. One day, Jamie would like to venture into opening her own daycare on the MS Gulf Coast that offers a unique overflow of resources, partnerships and more to promote inclusion, diversity and life skills while fostering a love for lifelong learning.

Congratulations to Imani Gibbs on receiving the Outstanding Student Advisor Award! Your dedication to service, leadership, and supporting others truly stands out. What an incredible accomplishment in your journey in the MFT program. We’re excited to see all the lives you’ll impact ahead! SMTTT!! 🎉👏🦅

Congrats to Imani Gibbs, recipient of the Outstanding Student Advisor Award! 🎉👏🦅

Imani is a first-year graduate assistant in the CEHS Student Advisement and Support Center (SASC) from Byram, Miss. She is also completing her first year in the School of Human Development and Family Science at USM’s master's program in marriage and family therapy.

Her Southern Miss journey started in 2021 as a freshman in the Jump Scholars Program. As an undergraduate, Imani was a TRIO-Student Support Services scholar and ambassador and member of the Child and Family Sciences Student Organization (2022-23 activities director). She founded the Reading HERstory Book Club at USM in 2023 and completed her senior practicum at RISE nonprofit in Hattiesburg before graduating with her bachelor’s degree in May 2025.

Imani's goal after completing the MFT program is to serve communities and families through intervention, counseling and education.

🎉🎉Congratulations to Dr. Melanie Uggen on being named the CEHS Outstanding Visiting Faculty Award recipient! We are pleased that Dr. Uggen will be joining us full-time in the fall as an Assistant Teaching Professor. Well-deserved recognition and an exciting next step! 💛🖤💛

Congrats to Dr. Melanie Uggen, visiting instructor for the School of Human Development and Family Science at USM and recipient of the CEHS Outstanding Visiting Faculty Award! 🎉👏🦅