The University of Southern Mississippi Admitted Student Profiles & Alumni

The University of Southern Mississippi has 100,000+ alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Some of the notable alumni are:

• Ray Guy ('78): Pro Football Hall of Fame punter who played for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders.
• Natalie Allen ('84): Emmy Award-winning journalist and news anchor.
• Sammy Winder ('83): Former All-Pro running back who played for the Denver Broncos.
• Oseola McCarty is the namesake of the Oseola McCarty Community Service Award, given annually to a USM student who demonstrates outstanding community service.
• Charles Atwood ('70): Former NASA astronaut who flew on four space shuttle missions.
• Raylawni Branch ('94): Mississippi Supreme Court Justice.
• Jim Henson ('55): Puppeteer, animator, and creator of The Muppets.
• John Grisham ('77): Best-selling author of legal thrillers.