USM Leadership

University of Southern Mississippi President Rodney Bennett attends a state College Board meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2015, in Jackson, Miss. Bennett's final day as president of the Hattiesburg-based university was Friday, July 15, 2022. 

 Rogelio V. Solis I AP

HATTIESBURG • The University of Southern Mississippi is undergoing a leadership change as Rodney Bennett ends his nine years as president — a period that saw increased freshman enrollment and extended academic offerings.

Bennett announced in January that he would step down before his contract expires in 2023, and Friday was his final day on the job. Starting Saturday, retired administrator Joe Paul is interim president.

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