University of Southern Mississippi President Dr. Joe Paul and his wife, Meg, have committed $300,000 to support the leadership scholarship program.
Paul announced the program as a priority early in his presidency, understanding that engaged students are a model of growth and success for the university.
The Joe and Meg Paul leadership scholarship endowment will support the recruitment of highly engaged high school seniors to attend Southern Miss.
“An ACT score doesn’t tell the whole story of a student. Character, leadership, passion, and grit can’t be quantified,” Paul said. “We want all students to come to Southern Miss with a purpose, to take the wheel and chart their path. These leadership scholars will positively impact and alter USM for the next generation. The perpetuity of an endowment is a game-changer; it will provide scholarships long after Meg and I are gone. That’s a cool legacy and larger than any two people.”
The contribution from the school’s president paired with earlier generous commitments of funds has propelled the leadership scholarship program well on its way to the total goal of $30 million.
Ultimately the acquired funds will endow approximately 200 leadership scholars in perpetuity.
