Gulf South Center

08/03/2026

🍂 Hello, August! Happy First Monday of the month!

A new month means a fresh start, and for students, faculty, and staff, it also means the fall semester is just around the corner. As campuses begin to come alive again, we’re looking forward to new opportunities, meaningful connections, and another season of learning, growth, and impact.

Here’s to making this semester one to remember.
Welcome, August! 📚✨

07/27/2026

✨ Meet Our 2026 Southern Miss GTEC Scholars! ✨

We’re proud to introduce the seven outstanding scholars selected for the Southern Miss Graduate Training and Education Center (GTEC) Scholars Program!

As they complete the final week of their intensive 10-week summer experience at The University of Southern Mississippi, these scholars have spent the summer engaged in graduate coursework, hands-on research training, and community-engaged learning in cardiovascular epidemiology. This summer intensive marks the beginning of their two-year journey in the GTEC Scholars Program, where they will continue developing the knowledge, research skills, and leadership needed to advance cardiovascular health and address health disparities.

Join us in congratulating our 2026 Southern Miss GTEC Scholars as they embark on this exciting journey. We look forward to following their growth and celebrating their achievements over the next two years!

07/23/2026

Our Director was a busy woman today at the Mississippi IDeA/EPSCoR Conference. Dr. Lemacks chaired the 11:00a session and co-chaired the 1:00p session.

The 11:00a session consisted of our ENGAGE and PROPOSAL awardees of Community-Based Organization Research and also the Health Scholars of the multi-disciplinary ASPIRE Project.

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Starkville Strong and Six Dimensions - ENGAGE
EL Pueblo - PROPOSE

Jessica Henry, India Washington and Marcasia Jones - Health Scholars of the ASPIRE Project

07/23/2026

Our GTEC scholars presented their research during the Poster Session of the Mississippi IDeA/EPSCoR Conference at Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg, MS.

06/26/2026

🚗💙 Our Scholars are on the road again!

This time, they’re in Jackson, Mississippi, partnering with Open Arms Healthcare Center in recognition of National HIV Testing Day.

Today, our Southern Miss GTEC Scholars are assisting with event registration, welcoming community members, and handing out snacks while supporting an important day dedicated to increasing awareness, encouraging HIV testing, and connecting individuals with vital health resources.

We’re proud to work alongside our community partners to promote education, prevention, and access to care, because stronger communities are built through service, collaboration, and compassion.

06/24/2026

Our Southern Miss GTEC Scholars are on the road today, participating in The Listening Tour with Dr. James Coleman, Jr., hosted by G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center in Yazoo City.

This experience provides scholars with the opportunity to engage directly with community members, listen to local perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of the strengths, challenges, and priorities that shape community health.

Meaningful research begins with meaningful conversations, and we're proud to see our scholars learning firsthand the importance of listening, partnership, and community engagement.

06/23/2026

Something is brewing... ☕🔬

Built on partnerships.
Driven by collaboration.
Focused on one goal.

We've been quietly working on a new research initiative, and while the details are still under wraps, we're excited about what's ahead.

More to come soon. Until then, consider this your official teaser. 👀

06/01/2026

🎓 The Southern Miss GTEC Program is Officially Underway!

Following Orientation on May 29, our 2026 Southern Miss GTEC Scholars began their first full day of the summer intensive program today! From May 29 through July 31, scholars will live and learn on campus while participating in college coursework, academic enrichment, professional development, and hands-on experiences designed to prepare them for future success.

The day began with engaging classes led by our dedicated GTEC staff and faculty, providing scholars with a strong foundation for the summer ahead. In the afternoon, scholars had the opportunity to hear from guest speaker Dr. Leremy Colf, Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and Donna L. Wong Professor in Pediatric Nursing.

Dr. Colf presented "Environmental Disasters Impact Cardiovascular Health and Healthcare Utilization," exploring how environmental disasters influence cardiovascular health outcomes and healthcare utilization. His presentation offered scholars valuable insight into a growing public health challenge and highlighted the importance of research in addressing complex health issues affecting communities.

We are excited to watch our scholars learn, grow, and make the most of this transformative summer experience.

Welcome to Southern Miss GTEC!

05/29/2026

We're excited to see our upcoming conference on Southern Miss News!

If you would like to attend our Mississippi Health Disparities Conference on June 17-18, please register before June 5th.

Here is the link: https://www.mhdconnect.com/

The Mississippi Health Disparities Conference will take place June 17-18 at the Hospitality Resort Management Center in Biloxi, bringing together researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, educators and community leaders focused on improving health outcomes across Mississippi and the Gulf....

05/27/2026

🎉 Please join us in congratulating Dr. Felix Twum on his appointment as the Associate Director for Research at the Gulf South Center for Community-Engaged Health Research and Innovation! 👏📚

Dr. Twum brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and research expertise that will help advance the Center’s mission of community-engaged, solutions-driven research across the Gulf South. In this new role, he will help lead strategic research initiatives, foster collaborative partnerships, and support innovative projects that create meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

We are excited for this next chapter and look forward to the continued growth and innovation his leadership will bring to the Center. 💡🤝