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Barbara Ross Named
Mississippi Educational Administrator
of the Year
From the University of Southern Mississippi News Service
March 17, 2005
SOUTHERN MISS ADMINISTRATOR SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS
Ross named Mississippi Educational Administrator of the Year
By Chinika Hood
HATTIESBURG - Her colleagues call her "superwoman," but now The University of Southern Mississippi's Barbara Ross ['67] has earned a new title-Mississippi's Educational Administrator of the Year.
The Southern Miss director of Union and Students Activities was delighted last May when USM's Association of Office Professionals named her its 2004 Educational Administrator of the year. But Ross admitted she was downright stunned when she learned two weeks ago she'd beaten out the competition on the state level.
Three judges took part in the Mississippi Association of Educational Office Professional's search to find the state's best administrator. The judges, from north, central and south Mississippi, declared Ross the victor after reviewing her many accomplishments and letters from those she's inspired over the years.
"I was floored," said Ross-who has dedicated 34 years to Southern Miss. "Winning was truly an honor because I never looked at myself as being on the same level as some of the administrators who have won the award over the years." The president of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College was MAEOP's 2003 recipient.
Melissa Carpenter, Student Activities secretary for the University, said Ross' win was no surprise to her. Carpenter nominated Ross for the AOP honor, making her eligible for MAEOP's contest. Carpenter said the nomination was a way of saying "thanks" for everything Ross had done for her during the past eight years.
"She paved the way for my position," said Carpenter. "Because of her vision, we have accomplished so much."
Ross is definitely making an indelible mark on the University, where she earned her master's and bachelor's of science degrees in recreation with a minor in sociology.
A trailblazer since day one, Ross began her career as Southern Miss' assistant dean of women, next served as Greek Life Director, before becoming director of the Union and Student Activities in 1989.
Eager to do more, Ross created the Office of Community Service Learning-a command center for student volunteers and faculty needing assistance with service- learning initiatives. Continuing to fill in wherever she sees the need, Ross is chairing or serving 38 Southern Miss committees and somehow manages to find time to mentor freshmen. However, Ross' biggest feat is Southern Miss' $47 million Student Life Center-a project she's spearheaded since the first day of construction in 2002.
Ross is extremely competent, caring and professional, said computer science instructor Mary Gregg. "Her (Ross) chief concern has always been to serve this University, its students and faculty and staff to the best of her ability," she said
Ross' influence is felt beyond Southern Miss. In her spare time, she gives area high school students lessons in Leadership 101 and serves as chair on the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Board of Directors. She's also a member of the Sunshine Rotary Club.
Ross' co-workers say she is equivalent to a guardian angel. "She constantly encourages her staff to earn a degree and attend professional development workshops, and she even provides assistance for members who otherwise could not afford to attend the seminars," Carpenter said.
With the local and state wins under her belt, Ross has an opportunity to bring home the national title. In July, she will head to Tucson, Ariz. with the hope of being crowned the 2005 National Association Educational Office Professional of the Year.
While Ross' colleagues are doing everything they can to ensure she comes home a winner, Ross continues to do what she does best-help others reach their full potential.
"I just encourage people to really get involved and go over and beyond their responsibilities," said Ross, "because you never know where it can take you."
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