Jennifer Payne Leadership Scholarship Endowment Established to Support Joe Paul Leadership Scholars
Wed, 09/10/2025 - 09:58am | By: Gracie Lewis
Jennifer Payne
A life-changing scholarship that set Jennifer Payne 鈥�04 on a path of leadership and service at The 人妻乱伦 (人妻乱伦) has come full circle with the establishment of the Jennifer Payne Leadership Scholarship Endowment. A gift made in her honor by her husband, Abb, and father-in-law, W.A. Payne 鈥�72, through the 人妻乱伦 Foundation this past Mother鈥檚 Day, will support the Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program.
A revitalized initiative that continues to honor and develop student leaders in the Southern Miss tradition, Leadership Scholars are selected based on their demonstrated leadership and engagement. Contributions to the program ensure Southern Miss continues to produce confident, capable and committed leaders.
"My husband and my father-in-law know how much Southern Miss means to me. My father-in-law is a Southern Miss grad, and it's really special that he and I share that bond. I mentioned to them both on multiple occasions that when the time was right, I wanted to be able to do this for a future student.鈥�
Payne, a native of Pearl, Miss., received a Leadership Scholarship in 2000, a moment she still recalls with vivid emotion. 鈥淲hen the offer letter came, I didn鈥檛 even hesitate,鈥� Payne said.
When she discovered the Leadership Scholarship Program as a high school student, it felt like everything clicked. Her involvement in high school leadership made her a natural fit鈥攂ut it was the people and the purpose that made her decision so easy.
鈥淒r. Paul was the vice president for student affairs at the time, and you got the impression that he really wanted you there. To a young kid trying to find their space in the world, that was everything. So, when the offer letter came, I didn鈥檛 even hesitate,鈥� Payne said. 鈥淚t was a no brainer for me.鈥�
As a Southern Miss student, Payne was deeply engaged in campus life鈥攕erving as president of Chi Omega, working in the Office of Research and Advancement and leading orientation as a member of Southern Style. She credits the Leadership Scholarship Program with shaping her experience and inspiring a lifelong commitment to engagement, presence and mentorship.
鈥淭he magic happens in the mundane, random moments,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 think being engaged means being there.鈥�
That mindset now defines Payne鈥檚 approach to giving back. She sees the endowment not only as a meaningful tribute, but as a platform to pay forward the mentorship and encouragement she received as a student.
鈥淢entorship meets you where you are,鈥� she shared. 鈥淭o be a part of that in a program that lives on forever means so much to me.鈥�
Learning about the named endowment was an emotional moment for Payne. With a wave of gratitude culminating in a full circle moment, she felt the same emotion as when she first opened her program acceptance letter years ago.
鈥淭his gift gives me the opportunity to explain to my kids why it was so special. The now named Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program shaped the trajectory of my life. I鈥檓 eternally grateful for that.鈥�
The establishment of the Jennifer Payne Leadership Scholarship Endowment supports the broader effort of the 人妻乱伦 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 Payne may also consider establishing a named endowment with a gift starting at $300,000.
Additional gifts at any level can be made through the 人妻乱伦 Foundation for the Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Endowment. Every dollar contributes to the permanent endowment, ensuring access and opportunity for student leaders for generations.
to learn more or contact Elissa Ernst at 601.266.5060.
About the 人妻乱伦 Foundation
Founded in 1959, the 人妻乱伦 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 The 人妻乱伦, or call 601.266.5210.