HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) approved a new four-year contract for University of Southern Mississippi President (USM) Dr. Joe Paul.

The IHL extended Paul’s service through December 31, 2028. Paul was named 11th president of the university in October 2022 after serving as interim for nearly three months and following a more-than-40-year career at the institution.

“I am deeply honored and immensely grateful to have the opportunity to serve my alma mater and our beloved Southern Miss as president,” said Paul. “This extension allows us to build upon the progress we have made together, and I look forward to continuing the good work of this institution with energy and urgency to positively impact our region, state and beyond.”

During his first two years as president, Paul’s priorities have been to enhance student recruitment and grow enrollment; further support teaching and research; revitalize the student life experience; reach and exceed the university’s capital campaign goal; engage the Southern Miss alumni base; and provide support to Southern Miss Athletics through its transition to the Sun Belt Conference.

Paul retired from the university in 2015 after more than four decades as an administrator in student affairs. Prior to being named vice president of student affairs in 1993, he held a variety of positions including assistant vice president, dean of student development and assistant director of student activities. He also held faculty rank in the College of Education and Psychology.