The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the Department of Athletics, and the University Athletic Council has selected Mr. Russ Willis as The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) 2023 Sun Belt Conference Faculty Member of the Year nomination.
Since 2019, each Sun Belt Conference institution has nominated one faculty member from their university who has a passion for teaching, engaging, and inspiring students while displaying enthusiasm for student-athletes and the athletics department. This is the first year that USM has participated in this annual recognition. An overall recipient of the Sunbelt Conference Faculty Member of the Year will be selected later in the year.
“We are excited to have our student-athletes nominate Russ Willis for the Sun Belt Conference Faculty Member of the Year award. Anyone who has spent time with Mr. Willis knows that he loves his job, and he loves Southern Miss,” said Jeremy McClain, USM Director of Athletics. “This nomination shows that he has taken time to get to know our student-athletes, assist them when possible, and build genuine relationships. We are incredibly thankful to him for his passion and dedication to Southern Miss and to our student-athletes.”
Added Dr. Bret Becton, Dean of the College of Business and Economic Development at USM, “I am thrilled that Professor Russ Willis, a distinguished member of the Southern Miss Business faculty, has been nominated for the prestigious Sun Belt Conference Faculty Member of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to his exceptional dedication, more than three decades of service to USM, unwavering commitment to the success of his students, and his remarkable ability to collaborate as a team player.”
Willis was nominated by countless student athletes at USM from three different sports for being the most outstanding professor during their time at the university. The students then presented their reasoning behind their choice with the University Athletic Council, sharing stories and experiences that demonstrated Willis’ teaching style, mentorship, and sincere concern for his student’s well-being.
“I am truly honored to be selected for this recognition by our student athletes,” said Willis. “Our student athletes work extremely hard — both in the classroom and in their respective competitions — and represent the university incredibly well. I am grateful to play a small part in their academic development while at the University.”
“And, for those of you who know me well, know that I am a huge Golden Eagle sports fan. I bleed Black and Gold, and I take great pride in the university’s athletic successes. It makes Southern Miss athletic events even more meaningful when I personally know the students involved.”
Willis has dedicated more than 30 years to The University of Southern Mississippi. He currently serves as an assistant teaching professor in the School of Management and is the director of the Eagle Scholars Program in the College of Business and Economic Development. He teaches a wide range of management courses, primarily focused on human resource management. He holds the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) Distinguished Teaching Scholar designation and has been awarded both the Joseph A. Green Excellence in Teaching Award in 2017 and the College Service Award in 2021 by the College of Business and Economic Development.
“Throughout his tenure at USM, Professor Willis has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled passion for education and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of his students,” said Becton. “He has dedicated himself to fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment, where students are encouraged to explore their full potential and achieve their academic goals. In short, he is a most deserving nominee, and I am proud to call him a colleague.”
Prior to his academic teaching career, Mr. Willis worked as an administrator at Southern Miss as the Director of Human Resources. He is a member of Academy of Management, the Southern Management Association, the Educational Law Association, and the Society for Human Resource Management. Additionally, he holds the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional designation.
