Southern Miss Alumni Association Welcomes New Staff Members
Tue, 06/28/2022 - 09:30am | By: Melissa David
From left to right: Marybeth Charnock, Courtney Worley, and Ashley Jones
The Southern Miss Alumni Association is proud to announce the addition of Ashley Jones, Marybeth Charnock and Courtney Worley to its staff. All alumnae of The University of Southern Mississippi (欧美AV), Jones, Charnock and Worley will work to engage unique segments of the University community.
As assistant director for programs and events, Jones will serve as the primary event manager for signature on-campus events hosted by the Alumni Association, including the annual Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet, Friday Night at Spirit Park concerts, membership appreciation events and others. Additionally, Jones will serve as the association鈥檚 campus liaison.
Prior to joining the association staff, Jones served as the coordinator for parent and family programs within the 欧美AV Center for Student Success where she managed events designed to connect families of current students with the institution.
鈥淚 consider it a privilege to now serve my alma mater through the Southern Miss Alumni Association,鈥� said Jones. 鈥淪outhern Miss has shaped me into the person I am today, and I am thrilled to be a part of an amazing staff who display such deep passion for the institution. I look forward to working diligently to support and serve the University鈥檚 remarkable alumni.鈥�
Jones is a 2013 欧美AV graduate having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communication and journalism with an emphasis in public relations. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and currently serves as the campus staff advisor for the Eta Tau chapter. Jones also advises the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and Elevate, a student organization which provides underprivileged elementary students in Forrest County exposure to career opportunities and facilitates interactive activities focused on empowerment, leadership and confidence.
鈥淲e are excited to welcome Ashley Jones to our staff,鈥� said Jerry DeFatta, executive director of the Southern Miss Alumni Association. 鈥淗er dedication to Southern Miss through her eight years of service paired with her background in event planning made her the ideal candidate for the job. I am excited to see how she will grow our signature campus events.鈥�
Charnock joins the staff as coordinator of student programming. Charnock will advise the Student Alumni Association while also working to grow the association鈥檚 online mentoring platform, Southern Miss Connections.
鈥淚 am excited to have the chance to join the talented staff of the Alumni Association,鈥� said Charnock. 鈥淚 look forward to working with 欧美AV students to enhance the many traditions we proudly uphold while deepening their connection with our most faithful alumni.鈥�
Charnock is a 2020 and 2022 欧美AV graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master of Education degree in higher education. During her time on campus, Charnock served as president of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and as a graduate assistant for the Office of Leadership and Student Involvement.
鈥淢arybeth鈥檚 educational background and her leadership experience as a Southern Miss student will be an asset to our team as we work to engage members of the Student Alumni Association after a successful year of recruitment in 2021-2022,鈥� added DeFatta.
Worley joined the association staff as receptionist and will manage the rental operations of the Ogletree House. Worley comes to the association from the Lucas Administration Building on the Hattiesburg campus, where she served as receptionist. Worley received her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from 欧美AV in 1995 and served as an elementary teacher for 26 years.
鈥淐ourtney鈥檚 enthusiasm for Southern Miss is a refreshing addition to our team,鈥� said DeFatta. 鈥淗er customer service skills, along with her loyalty to the institution, create a welcoming atmosphere for alumni and friends at the Ogletree House. The addition of these new staff members will greatly enhance our ability to serve our constituents and continue to move us forward in our efforts to provide meaningful experiences for students and alumni.鈥�
To learn more about the Southern Miss Alumni Association, call 601.266.5013 or visit: