University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
HOMECOMING Fan Feature: Dr. Joe Paul
10/13/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Dr. Joe Paul and the University of Southern Mississippi Athletic program both hit growth spurts at the same time.
The Bay St. Louis native came to Southern Miss as a freshman in `71 studying Communications. Being a high school athlete, Paul's love for attending games became a life-long passion immediately once he stepped onto campus.
Paul's earliest memories were when the Golden Eagles had the dynamic quarterback Jeff Bower, Fred Cook on defense and a phenomenal running back in Doyle Orange. Paul also remembers the magic of M.K. Turk and the ability he possessed to turn the men's basketball team around when he was hired.
Paul watched as the athletics program started to grow not only with players and coaches but also with the rebuilding of M.M. Roberts Stadium in `75. "We played every game on the road so it was really challenging for me to watch the games." Paul said. "I went to the close ones but I also worked a lot as an undergrad so that was a hard year to get to games."
Paul's career also started to grow soon after the athletics program did. Once Paul graduated, he returned to work for the university with the Student Activities Program. Eight years after accepting his first position, Paul moved on to be the Dean of Students in '84. Paul's career continued to grow at Southern Miss when he became the Vice President of Student Affairs eight years later. Paul worked as the vice president for 21 years before retiring in the fall of 2016.
"It was never a feeling like I had to come to work in all of those positions," Paul said. "What really made a difference to me were the incredible opportunities I had to engage with and be helpful to students. We formed those relationships and I was able to help them along the way."
After 41 years with Southern Miss, Paul looked back at the 80s when the football team consistently beat teams like Ole Miss, Mississippi State and other SEC schools. Among those wins, one stands out in particular to Paul as is favorite memory with the Golden Eagles. "I was in the stands in Tuscaloosa when we beat Bear Bryant and the Crimson Tide when Reggie Collier ran and threw all over them," Paul said.
Along with the big game, there is one time of the year that is extra special to Paul: HOMECOMING. The tradition remains the same, the fans come from all around to support the school and the football game continues to highlight the weekend in Hattiesburg.
Paul remembers his date for HOMECOMING, buying the corsage, going to the game and then attending the dance together. Despite the game day traditions changing, one thing remains the same for Paul; the feeling he gets when he sees all of the former students he worked with returning home to celebrate the University of Southern Mississippi.
"I count on every homecoming to see all of the students and see how they have lived their lives," Paul said. "I love seeing former students with their friends and family and how they've grown since Southern Miss."
One of the greatest additions Southern Miss has acquired from his first HOMECOMING in '71 is the tailgating community. There are so many tents, people and food all over campus that makes the weekend special for Paul.
"You can wander around the campus and see so many friends and classmates and is definitely the biggest change from the 80s," Paul said.
There are always special days for Paul being a part of administration: Move-in day, Graduation and HOMECOMING. These three events are typically the first ones circled on the calendar each year by anyone associated with The University of Southern Mississippi as it is during these moments that the tradition of this great institution is shown in full force.
Paul's passion for athletics isn't just with the outcomes but with the sense of community it brings to Hattiesburg and calls it a blessing to be able to experience the Golden Eagles with family.
Paul has been a season ticket holder for football, baseball and basketball for 40 years and continues to watch the Golden Eagles and rarely misses any games. Paul passed down his love for Southern Miss to his son Daniel who graduated last spring and is considered to be an even bigger Golden Eagles fan than his dad. When HOMECOMING 2016 comes around on October 29th, you can guarantee one thing: The Paul Family will certainly be in attendance to take part in all the festivities and cheer on their beloved Golden Eagles.
