Former USM President Dr. Shelby F. Thames Dies

Former USM President Dr. Shelby F. Thames dies

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) - Dr. Shelby F. Thames, the eighth president of the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), died on April 17, 2026. Thames served as president of Southern Miss from May 1, 2002, to May 20, 2007, following nearly four decades of service to the university as a faculty member and administrator. Over the [...]

University of Southern Miss mourning the loss of former president - WXXV News 25

The University of Southern Miss is mourning the loss of a leader this week. Dr. Shelby Thames was the university’s eighth president. Dr. Thames was an accomplished research scientists and academic leader, making an impact on higher education and scientific research. He joined the Southern Miss faculty in 1964 and established what would become the nation’s most respected polymer science programs. Under his leadership, the program earned national …

USM Remembers Former President Dr. Shelby F. Thames

Dr. Shelby Freland Thames, the eighth president of The University of Southern Mississippi and an accomplished research scientist and respected academic leader, passed away Friday, April 17, 2026. His life’s work left a lasting imprint on higher education, scientific research and institutional resilience during one of the most challenging periods in the University’s history. Thames served as president of Southern Miss from May 1, 2002, to May 20,…

The University of Southern Mississippi Remembers Former President, Dr. Shelby F. Thames

Dr. Shelby Freland Thames, the eighth president of The University of Southern Mississippi and an accomplished research scientist and respected academic leader, passed away Friday, April 17, 2026.