Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program
JOE PAUL LEADERSHIP SCHOLARShip PROGRAM
Office of Admissions | admissions@usm.edu | 601.266.5000
The mission of the Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program is to attract and support student leaders that embody the true Southern Miss spirit. We want students who possess character, leadership, passion, and grit and make a positive impact for the next generation.
Dr. Joe Paul, President of T¶¶Ňőapp
APPLICATIONS OPEN OCTOBER 1, 2025
Deadlines
January 15: Submit the Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Application
Mid-March: Students will be notified regarding the status of the Leadership Scholarship.
May 1: Students must accept the Leadership Scholarship
The Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program targets high school students who, in true Southern Miss spirit, NEVER GIVE UP AND NEVER GIVE IN.
An ACT score doesn’t tell the whole story of a student. Character, leadership, passion, and grit cannot be quantified. We want all students to come to Southern Miss with a purpose, to take the wheel and chart their path. These leadership scholars will positively impact and alter USM for the next generation.
Dr. Joe Paul, President of T¶¶Ňőapp
Students will receive a $6,000 annual scholarship for 4 years. Non-Residents (if eligible) will receive an additional $2,000 annually to offset non-resident fees. Leadership Scholars will participate in the Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program during their first year at Southern Miss and must maintain a 2.5 GPA and full-time enrollment.
Eligibility
- Students must be admitted to T¶¶Ňőapp before applying to the scholarship and seek enrollment at Southern Miss the fall semester immediately after high school graduation.
- Minimum 3.0 core high school grade point average
- Have a proven record of leadership in high school and community activities
- Please know a university representative may contact your high school to confirm your disciplinary and academic standing prior to scholarships being awarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1 | Apply for admission to T¶¶Ňőapp. As a current high school student, choose this application to Apply for Fall 2026 freshman admission.
Step 2 | Once admitted, click here to apply for the Leadership Scholarship. Scroll to the bottom and click on the gold button, “Apply to the Leadership Scholarship.”
Step 3 | You will use your Southern Miss admissions login information (personal email and password you used when applying for admission to Southern Miss – DO NOT USE YOUR USM SOAR LOGIN INFORMATION).
- Reset Password: Click “Forgot Your Password” and follow the steps.
- If you receive an error message, please clear your cache and browser history and try again in Google Chrome. Google Chrome is the prefered web browser.
Step 4 | Once in the application, confirm your Student Information that is currently on
file with the Office of Admissions. Email admissions@usm.edu or contact your admissions
recruiter if this information is inaccurate.
Step 5 | Complete the following sections:
- Additional Information
- Student Leadership Information (maximum of 6 activities)
- Student Honors and Accomplishments (maximum of 6 honors/accomplishments)
Step 6 | If you are ready to submit your application, click “Submit”. You will receive a confirmation email regarding your application submission. If you are not ready to submit, you can “Save for Later.”
- If you “Save for Later”, please remember to log back in and press submit prior to the priority application deadline of January 15
You will use your Southern Miss admissions login information (email and password you used when applying for admission to Southern Miss). You can also click, “Forgot Your Password”, and follow the steps.
No. If you are not ready to submit, you can “Save for Later.” Please remember to log back in and press submit prior to the priority application deadline of January 15.
Each year approximately 50 scholars are selected to join the program.
Students can choose to accept or decline their scholarship offer by following the instructions located in their original scholarship email.
In order to receive the scholarship, students must accept their scholarship in the by May 1 to agree to their scholarship stipulations and solidify their spot in the program. Students can follow the instructions located in the official offer email.
Scholars must be enrolled in a minimum of 15 hours and maintain a 3.0 Southern Miss GPA. The scholarship is awarded for four consecutive years, split evenly between fall and spring semesters only.
Yes, all Leadership Scholars will be required to enroll and complete a series of 1-hour Leadership Seminar courses during their freshman year. Students will receive updates regarding the program prior to classes in August. Please continue to check your USM email for updates.
- Orientation: We encourage students to attend the Scholarship Orientation. If they are unable to attend, we would like for them to sign up for the earliest orientation available.
- Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program: Students will receive updates regarding the program prior to classes in August. Please continue to check your USM email for updates.
- Stacking: Leadership Scholarship may not be combined with the Luckyday Scholarships, Honors College Presidential Scholarship, Honors College Discovery Scholarship, National Merit Semi-Finalist Scholarship, or National Merit Finalist Scholarship.
- Cost of Attendance: Students receiving external scholarships, financial aid funds, and/or other financial assistance are subject to having the totality of their scholarships and financial aid funding adjusted so as not to exceed the federally calculated cost of attendance. According to federal law, students cannot be refunded an amount of money that would cause them to exceed the cost of attendance.