About The University of Southern Mississippi
& the City of Hattiesburg

Since it was established in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has gone by several names—Mississippi Normal College, Mississippi State Teachers College, and Mississippi Southern College. Known among students, alumni, and the larger community as “USM” and “Southern Miss,” the institution is a public research university classified as an “R1: Doctoral University - Very high research activity.” USM boasts on two campuses—the main location in Hattiesburg and another on the Mississippi Gulf Coast called Gulf Park—as well as several teaching and research sites in Mississippi.

The Mapping Freedom NSF-REU takes place on the Hattiesburg campus. Located in the southern region of the state of Mississippi, primarily in Forrest County and extending into Lamar County, the City of Hattiesburg was founded in 1882 by William H. Hardy and named after his wife, Hattie. Hattiesburg initially grew due to the lumber and railroad industries, lending to its nickname as the “Hub City.” Check-out VisitHBurg.org and DowntownHattiesburg.com to learn more about the City of Hattiesburg and things to do while you’re here!