Representatives from the University of Southern Mississippi included University President Dr. Martha Saunders; Vice President for Research and Economic Development Dr. Cecil Burge; Interim Provost (effective in August 1) Dr. Bobby L. Middlebrooks; Assistant to the President for Accreditation, Planning and Articulation Dr. Joan Exline; Provost Dr. D. Jay Grimes; Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Joseph S. Paul; Chief Financial Officer Mr. Joe Morgan; and Interim Associate Provost Gulf Coast Campus Dr. Pat Joachim. Representatives from the IHL Executive Office included Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Thomas C. Meredith; Robert Bass, the Board's Special Projects Director of Gulf Coast Operations; Dr. Lynn House, Assistant Commissioner for Academic and Student Affairs; and Annie Mitchell, the Board's Communication Director.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Southern Miss' existing Gulf Park Campus as well as the additional Southern Miss campus that will serve south Mississippi. "The Board of Trustees is pleased the University of Southern Mississippi is a key player in this important project which will truly impact Mississippi's future," said Commissioner Meredith.

The IHL Board has made an ongoing commitment to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In response to that commitment, during the Board's regular June meeting, Board President Dr. L. Stacy Davidson, Jr., established a committee to oversee the progress being made to bring to life the additional campus of the University of Southern Mississippi. The planning process for the additional campus, which the IHL Board voted in April to locate on the Cross Creek property in Long Beach, is being led by Mr. Robert Bass. The committee, comprised of Trustees Amy Whitten of Oxford, chair; Ed Blakeslee of Gulfport; Roy Estess of Carriere; Bob Owens of Jackson; Robin Robinson of Laurel; and Virginia Shanteau-Newton of Gulfport, will give monthly progress reports to the full Board.