The USM Foundation and the Southern Miss Honors College are proud to announce an anonymous $300,000 gift to establish the Dr. Wallace G. Kay Honors College Professorship Endowment, honoring the life and legacy of the founding dean of the Honors College. This initial investment serves as the cornerstone for a broader fundraising initiative created to advance the next era of excellence for the Honors College.
Dr. Kay played a foundational role in shaping the Honors College at Southern Miss. As the driving force behind its founding, Kay led the development of the program in its earliest stages and was instrumental in its formal establishment on July 1, 1976.
Though initially referred to as the director, Kay continued guiding the program as it transitioned into an official college, becoming its first dean in 1977. He served in that role until 1985. A dynamic and visionary educator, Kay was known not only for his academic leadership but also for his passionate commitment to enriching the lives of students. His tenure is reflective of what is now one of the oldest and most prestigious honors colleges in the country.
“Dr. Kay’s legacy is woven into the fabric of the Honors College,” said Dr. Joyce Inman, dean of the Honors College. “This professorship established in his name ensures that his commitment to academic rigor, interdisciplinary inquiry and student engagement will continue to shape the future of the Honors College.”
With a $500,000 goal to fully fund a distinguished professorship, this endowment will support a faculty member whose teaching, research and service reflect the values Dr. Kay championed—innovative, student-centered and boldly interdisciplinary. Reaching the goal will ensure the endowment provides sustainable, long-term support for faculty excellence in honors education.
The Honors College is launching this fundraising initiative in conjunction with the celebration of its 50th Anniversary, culminating with a special weekend of events April 17-18, 2026, in Hattiesburg.
“The announcement of this generous gift sets the tone for what we believe will be a landmark celebration in the life of the University,” added Inman. “Honoring Dr. Kay’s legacy through an endowed faculty position speaks to the University’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and mentoring the next generation of scholars.”
Endowed faculty positions are more than a title—they are a powerful investment in the future. They ensure students learn from leaders in their fields, foster innovation in the classroom and beyond, and create a legacy that shapes generations.
“Endowed faculty positions create long-term strength for academic programs, and they are an important piece in the University’s mission to graduate students ready for life,” said Stace Mercier, executive director of the USM Foundation. “We are immensely grateful to our anonymous lead donor for recognizing the importance of Dr. Kay’s influence on the Southern Miss community and for choosing to support the future of the Honors College in a meaningful way.”
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lance Nail added, “We are very excited to announce this endowed professorship—not only as a recognition of faculty excellence, but as a celebration of the enduring impact of the Honors College. Awarded to a faculty member, regardless of discipline, it is a testament to the decades of academic distinction and dedication within the Honors College community.”
Those who would like to contribute to the Dr. Wallace G. Kay Honors College Professorship Endowment or learn more about the 50th anniversary celebration may visit usm.edu/goldenanniversary or call the Honors College at 601.266.4533.
