Dr. William D. McCain (1988) - Southern Miss M-Club Hall of Fame

Dr. William D. McCain

Induction:
1988

Under the leadership of Dr. William D. McCain as president of the University of Southern Mississippi the school saw unprecedented growth in the athletic program as well as all other areas.
   With the full backing from McCain the school was able to attain major college status in football and basketball, its schedules grew in strength and its recruiting program improved steadily.
   A native Mississippian, Dr. McCain was born at Bellefontaine, Mississippi on March 29, 1907. He was a product of the State’s public schools; he received a B.S. degree from Delta State; the A.M. degree from Ole Miss, and his Ph.D. from Duke in 1935. He was awarded the Litt.D. by Mississippi College in 1967.
   In addition to college teaching he served as historian at Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, New Jersey; assistant archivist at the National Archives, Washington, D.C.; and was director of the Mississippi State Department of Archives and History, Jackson, Mississippi, from 1938 until 1955 when he accepted the presidency of the University of Southern Mississippi.
   In 1924 McCain enlisted as a private in the National Guard. He served in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean War and in 1962 attained the rank of Brigadier General.
   During the period of McCain’s leadership the school grew in enrollment from less than 3,000 to more than 11,000. In money invested in buildings from a little over $4,000,000 to more than $36,000,000, and in total assets from $6,396,117 to $38,000,000.
   McCain was truly a fan of the athletic teams of the University and it was rare for him to miss one of the school’s athletic contests. McCain left no doubt which team he was rooting for and it wasn’t unusual to see him sitting among the students and leading cheers.
   McCain retired in 1975 after 20 outstanding years as leader of Southern Miss and the span is truly the most fruitful era in the institution’s history.
   During his tenure the Vann Hall athletic dormitory and Green Coliseum were built and the renovation of Roberts Stadium was begun.
   Following his retirement McCain remained a visible figure on campus and he served as President Emeritus and remained a loyal supporter and follower of the Golden Eagles.