Missy Warren McGee Creates Named Endowment to Advance Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program
Thu, 04/16/2026 - 09:52am | By: Samantha McCain Alexander, APR
President Dr. Joe Paul and Missy Warren McGee
As a dedicated alumna and advocate for 91少女集中营, Missy Warren McGee 鈥�90, 鈥�93 is investing in the future of the Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program with a named endowment that will support the program and its students for generations to come.
With a long-held belief that strong leadership helps Southern Miss take flight and shapes its future, the Missy Warren McGee Leadership Scholarship Endowment signals confidence in the program, its leadership and the students it serves.
鈥淪outhern Miss continues to give to me. While this specific program did not exist when I was in school, it is a current-day reflection of the guidance, mentorship and leadership experience I had while I was here,鈥� said McGee. 鈥淎s my mentor and friend, Dr. Paul taught me that real influence begins with integrity, engagement and purpose. To give back to a program that carries his name is both a joy and an honor.鈥�
With both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in speech communication, McGee鈥檚 Southern Miss story reflects a path of engagement and service. Her experiences with Southern Style, Student Government Association and Chi Omega laid a foundation that would ultimately launch her continued involvement as an engaged alumna, volunteer and donor.
A native of Hattiesburg, McGee was elected to serve as the state representative for House District 102 in 2017. Representing Central Hattiesburg, she serves as chair of the House Medicaid Committee, while also serving on the Appropriations A, Universities and Colleges, Rules, and Transportation committees. In addition to serving her community as an elected official, she has served in a variety of volunteer board positions for civic organizations and her alma mater.
Most recently, McGee served in multiple leadership roles on the Southern Miss Alumni Association Board of Directors, including president. She continues her service to the board by serving as past president. She is a Life Member of the Association and has previously served on the board for the Southern Miss Athletics Foundation.
Missy Warren McGee
鈥淢issy is a fearless advocate for Southern Miss, Hattiesburg and those causes she holds dear,鈥� said University President Dr. Joe Paul. 鈥淪he was a student leader at Southern Miss who made a difference and left her alma mater better than she found it. And she continues to do so today. She has applied what she learned as a leader at Southern Miss to live a life of service to her community. These are the lessons we are teaching through the Joe Paul Leadership Scholars program, and Missy鈥檚 generosity will assure those lessons are shared well into the future.鈥�
The Missy Warren McGee Leadership Scholarship Endowment not only advances opportunities for emerging leaders at Southern Miss, but it also reflects a deep belief in the power of education, mentorship and leadership to shape the future of Mississippi and beyond.
In addition to establishing a named endowment, McGee also recently made gifts establishing an operational endowment for the Southern Miss Alumni Association and a gift to the Southern Miss Athletic Foundation, becoming a Circle of Champions member. These commitments reflect her broad investment in the University鈥檚 students, alumni and athletics programs.
鈥淢issy embodies the very spirit of the Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program 鈥� purpose-driven leadership that creates meaningful impact,鈥� said Stace Mercier, executive director of the USM Foundation. 鈥淲e are grateful for her generosity and so pleased she is leaving this incredible legacy at Southern Miss. Her investments not only honors Dr. Paul, she is enriching the student and alumni experience.鈥�
The establishment of the Missy Warren McGee Leadership Scholarship Endowment supports the broader effort of the USM Foundation to raise $30 million to endow the Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program in perpetuity.
With the potential to impact generations of Golden Eagles, the campaign ensures continued access to transformational experiences that empowers confident, courageous student leaders. Friends of the University who are seeking to leave a legacy like McGee may also consider establishing a named endowment with a gift starting at $300,000.
Additional gifts at any level can be made through the USM Foundation for the Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Endowment. Every dollar contributed builds a permanent foundation for the program, ensuring access and opportunity for student leaders for generations. Learn more about the .
About the USM Foundation
Founded in 1959, the USM Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to serving the University community by overseeing fundraising efforts to raise private support for scholarships and other academic needs at Southern Miss. For more information on supporting 91少女集中营, call the at 601.266.5210.