The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning announced today the unanimous decision to name Dr. Rodney Bennett as president of the University of Southern Mississippi. Bennett has a wealth of experience in higher education and is currently serving as vice president for Student Affairs at the University of Georgia in Athens.
As vice president for Student Affairs at the University of Georgia, Bennett has been actively involved in all facets of student life, from improving facilities to creating service learning opportunities and celebrating the spirit of diversity on campus. He has helped raise funds to enhance student life on campus and improved communications with faculty, staff, students and parents on the Athens campus and three UGA extended campuses.
Bennett serves as chair of the UGA Athletic Association NCAA Recertification process, including the institutional self-study. In addition, he was a member of the on-site committee for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, reviewing compliance areas related to student life and student affairs.
Bennett holds a doctor of education degree in Educational Administration from Tennessee State University in Nashville, a specialist in education degree and a master of education degree in Educational Administration from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, and a bachelor of science degree in Mass Communication from Middle Tennessee State.