Office of the Provost
Offices of the Provost
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The Provost is the chief academic officer and the senior university officer next to the President. The Provost is the President’s principal adviser in all matters pertaining to the development and execution of a well-conceived and organized curriculum, administered and taught by a faculty of the highest qualifications. The Provost oversees academic planning and budgeting and works with the Vice Presidents to accomplish the University’s educational objectives.
The mission of the Provost and Senior VPAA’s office is to support and enhance a creative, inclusive, academic environment in which students participating in the university’s diverse teaching, research, and service programs may flourish by acquiring, advancing, and applying knowledge. Along with the Provost, the Vice President for Research, the Deans of the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Economic Development, Education and Human Sciences, Nursing and Health Professions, University Libraries, Graduate School, and Honors College, as well as the faculty governance bodies provide leadership and support in achieving the mission of the University to drive academic excellence and promote scholarly and creative activity.
Faculty governance bodies include the Councils of Academic Excellence, comprised of the Undergraduate Council, Graduate Council, Council of Directors, and the Faculty Senate provide a critical and essential advisory function at the institution, improve communication channels, both to the administration and to the faculty body, and provide leadership in achieving the academic mission. In addition, the Office of Online Learning and the Center for Community Engagement also provide support for faculty efforts to drive academic excellence and promote scholarly and creative activity.
Provost's Office Staff
Dr. Douglas Masterson
Senior Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness
douglas.mastersonFREEMississippi601.266.4714
International Center, Suite 517
Dr. Eddie A. Holloway
Senior Associate Provost for Community and Belonging Success
eddie.hollowayFREEMississippi
601.266.4360
Dr. Kelly Lester
Associate Provost for Faculty Success
kelly.lesterFREEMississippi
601.266.4476
Administration Bldg, Room 201
Mr. Russ Willis
Associate Provost for Student Success
russ.willis@usm.edu
601.266.4673
Dr. Jeff Hinton
Associate Provost for Gulf Coast and Lifelong Learning Success
jeff.hintonFREEMississippi
601.266.4568
Lashonda Thompson
Budget Director for Academic Affairs
lashonda.c.thompsonFREEMississippi
601.266.5844
Administration Bldg, Room 201
Anna Jo Berry-Barrett
Executive Assistant to the Provost
anna.j.berryFREEMississippi
601.266.5002
Administration Bldg, Room 204
Danielle Sypher-Haley
Web Designer for Academic Affairs
danielle.sypherhaleyFREEMississippi
601.266.6891
Cook Library, Room 203BB