Southern Miss College of Nursing and Health Professions

Partnerships that create opportunities! 🖤

Through our partnership with the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE), graduates of USM’s Kinesiotherapy and Public Health programs receive automatic interviews for ACHE graduate programs in Physical Therapy (DPT), Occupational Therapy (OTD), Osteopathic Medicine (DO), and Biomedicine (MSB), creating another pathway for our students pursuing careers in healthcare.

We’re especially proud of Kinesiotherapy senior Angelique Dailey, who was recently featured by ACHE after being selected for its 2026 M.A.P. Program—an immersive summer experience offering mentorship, professional development, and graduate school preparation for students interested in occupational and physical therapy.

Congratulations, Angelique! We love seeing our students take advantage of opportunities made possible through partnerships like ACHE. 🎉

Thinking about applying to the BSN program? 🩺 Let’s get application READY!

The College of Nursing and Health Professions is hosting BSN Application Workshops to help you navigate the application process with confidence. Stop by for personalized guidance, application tips, and answers to your questions before you hit submit!

Join us August 26 from 1–3 p.m. or August 27 from 9–11 a.m. in Asbury Hall, Room 116. It’s come and go, so choose the time that works best for you!

📲 Scan the QR code on the graphic or sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A4EABAF2CAAFB6-65118121-bsnapplication #/

Questions? Contact Nakita Davis at [email protected] or Taylor Williams at [email protected].

Your BSN journey starts with a strong application. Let’s get you ready! 💛🖤

Congratulations to Dr. Jennifer Lemacks, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, and Dr. Melissa Kossman, Director of the School of Health Professions, who were recognized today as recipients of the Asbury Endowed Professorship, one of the College of Nursing and Health Professions’ highest honors!

This distinguished appointment recognizes faculty whose sustained excellence in teaching, scholarship, service, and leadership has made a lasting impact on the College and continues to advance the future of nursing and health professions education.

We are proud to celebrate Dr. Lemacks and Dr. Kossman for this well-deserved recognition and their continued commitment to excellence within CNHP.

Congratulations, Dr. Lemacks and Dr. Kossman! SMTTT! 💛🖤

There’s something special about the start of a new academic year! 💛🖤

Today, the College of Nursing and Health Professions faculty and staff gathered for Convocation, officially kicking off our preparations for Fall 2026. It was an opportunity to reconnect, refocus, and come together around the work that matters most: supporting our students and advancing the mission of the College.

The energy is building, our Golden Eagles are returning, and the College of Nursing and Health Professions is ready to make this semester one to remember.

Here’s to a strong start and a great Fall 2026. Southern Miss To The Top! 🦅

This fall, DuBard School will host the DuBard Association Method® Basic Course, offering educators, professionals, and parents the opportunity to learn the foundations of the method through a combination of instruction, hands-on practice, and real-world application to support students with written and oral language differences.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, special educator, therapist, parent, or another professional working with students with language and literacy challenges, this course is an opportunity to learn, practice, collaborate, and take new tools back to the learners you serve.

ASHA CEUs, ALTA credits, and educator credits are available. This session will take place September 23-25 AND October 14-16, 2026. For more information on this course and others, visit: https://www.usm.edu/dubard/courses-workshops.php

We Are Hiring! Join the College of Nursing & Health Professions!

The College of Nursing & Health Professions at The University of Southern Mississippi is seeking a qualified professional to join our team in a position supporting student compliance, simulation, instructional technology, and AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) training.

This role coordinates nursing student compliance requirements, manages and delivers AHA BLS instruction, provides operational and technical support for the Simulation Center, and assists faculty, staff, and students with instructional and administrative technology.

Ideal candidates will have experience in a healthcare, educational, technology, or compliance-related environment, along with strong organizational, technical, and communication skills. If you are interested in a role that combines technology, education, student support, and healthcare training, we encourage you to apply!

Click the link below to learn more about the position, qualifications, and application process.
🔗 https://usm.csod.com/ui/internal-career-site/app/job-details/5464

The School of Professional Nursing Practice in the College of Nursing and Health Professions proudly celebrated its Gulf Park nursing graduates during the Pinning Ceremony held August 4 at the Fleming Center on the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus.

Fourteen Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates received their nursing pins and Nightingale Lamps of Learning, while two RN-BSN graduates received their nursing pins, marking an important milestone in their professional journeys.

ABSN graduate Olivia Conger delivered the class address, and ABSN graduate Kendriana McCullum led the Nightingale Pledge.

Several graduates were also recognized for outstanding achievement:
• College of Nursing and Health Professions Dean’s Award: Arushi Kaur and McKenna Phillips
• College of Nursing and Health Professions Collegiate Nursing Award: Hasting Hitt
• Elizabeth C. Harkins Award: McKenna Phillips
• Jerri Laube-Morgan Award: Jennifer Collins
• Nursing Eagle Award: Madelyn Harris
• Bates-Sisemore Excellence in Maternal-Child Nursing Award: Alexandria Torres
• Spirit of Nursing Award: Arushi Kaur
• Art and Heart of Nursing Award: Olivia Conger and Denesha James

Congratulations to our graduates on this significant achievement.

The College of Nursing and Health Professions is proud to celebrate their dedication, perseverance and commitment to the nursing profession as they prepare to make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Southern Miss To The Top!

Taking a look back at our School of Health Professions Summer Camp! ☀️🦅

High school students and incoming college freshmen spent two days exploring our healthcare programs through hands-on activities led by our incredible faculty members.

We look forward to seeing many of these future Golden Eagles on campus soon! 💛

We are so proud of you, Cade! Continue to SOAR! 🦅

Twenty years ago, Cade Culpepper walked into the Southern Miss Children's Center for Communication and Development with a language delay and began a journey that would shape his future.

Through speech therapy and developmental support, the center's team helped Culpepper find his voice. After completing his time at the center, he thrived academically and later graduated from Laurel Christian School.

Inspired by his experience, Culpepper set out to become a speech-language pathologist. He began his college journey at Jones College before transferring to Southern Miss where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in speech-language pathology.

Driven by a desire to give back to the field that changed his life, Culpepper is now ready to impact the next generation as he prepares to join the team at Laurel Magnet School of the Arts.

Turn your gap year into a competitive advantage with a graduate certificate! 🎓🩺

Whether you’re preparing for medical school, physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, or other health professions graduate programs, our 12-hour certificate programs help you strengthen your knowledge, expand your skills, and demonstrate your commitment to healthcare.

Invest in your future while enhancing your graduate school application.

📚 12 credit hours
📈 Strengthen your résumé and application
🌟 Gain practical, career relevant knowledge

Your next step toward a healthcare career starts here!