The Southern Miss mascot is known as the "Golden Eagle." It was first introduced in 1972 as a symbol of pride and strength for the University of Southern Mississippi. The Golden Eagle represents the striking and powerful nature of the university's athletics program, as well as its academic excellence. The mascot is a large, majestic bird that is native to the Southern region of the United States. It has a wingspan of over six feet, making it an impressive sight to behold. The Golden Eagle's feathers are a stunning golden color, which symbolizes the university's commitment to excellence and success.

Southern Miss Proud

We're proud of our students for who they are, what they've done and what they stand for.

Student Success

USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists.

Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Student Research

The USM Drapeau Center for Undergraduate Research was established in October 2011. The overall mission of the center is to enhance the undergraduate experience by promoting and supporting student-faculty collaborations in research, creative projects and scholarship.

The benefits of active participation in faculty-mentored research are myriad both to the student experience and the university community at large.

Southern Miss to the Top!

The University’s motto “Southern Miss to the Top!” represents a common sentiment among the Southern Miss faithful. The phrase represents our desire for the best for the University constituency, whether in the classroom, on the playing field or in the community.

“To the Top!” Is our call to action, an expectation and a challenge: to be determined and persistent; to always give maximum effort, regardless of what the odds or others say; to commit to worthwhile pursuits; to expect results; and to never, ever quit.

The Golden Eagle's feathers are a stunning golden color, which symbolizes the university's commitment to excellence and success. The role of the Golden Eagle mascot is to inspire and motivate both the athletes and the fans of Southern Miss. It is often seen at sporting events, cheering on the teams and leading the crowd in cheers and chants.

Pride in Our History and Traditions

We have plenty of black and gold spirit and a rich history spanning more than 100 years.

About USM

Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 146 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” designation.

As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $663 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of approximately 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi.

Our Traditions

The traditions of The University of Southern Mississippi are deeply treasured. The Alumni Association, in conjunction with the Student Alumni Association, take a lead role in promoting and advancing these customs, ceremonies and celebrations of Southern Miss. Alumni, friends, students, faculty, staff and fans of the Golden Eagles are invited to regularly take part in the traditions of the University.

School Spirit

Inspired from the beauty of nature’s field of Black-Eyed Susans, black and gold have been Southern Miss’ colors since the beginning.

Over the years, Southern Miss has experienced an evolution of mascots. Golden Eagles was chosen officially as the athletic teams’ name in 1972. Our mascot is Seymour d’Campus, an individual in a Golden Eagle costume.

The mascot's enthusiastic and energetic presence helps to create a sense of unity and spirit among fans and players alike. In addition to its athletic presence, the Golden Eagle also serves as an ambassador for the university. It can be found at community events, alumni functions, and campus gatherings, representing the university's values and traditions. The mascot is a beloved symbol that brings together students, faculty, alumni, and fans, fostering a sense of pride and belonging within the Southern Miss community. Overall, the Southern Miss Golden Eagle mascot is an iconic symbol of strength, pride, and unity. Its presence at sporting events and community gatherings brings people together, creating a positive and spirited atmosphere. The mascot embodies the university's commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics, making it a symbol that is cherished by the Southern Miss community..

Reviews for "The Southern Miss Mascot: Telling the University's Story through Symbolism"

1. Sofia - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the Southern Miss mascot. The costume looked outdated and poorly made. It was not at all visually appealing or memorable. Additionally, the mascot's actions during the game were lackluster and there was no enthusiasm or energy. Overall, it was an underwhelming experience and I expected much more from a university with such a spirited fan base.

2. Mark - 1/5 - The Southern Miss mascot was a complete letdown. It lacked creativity and originality. It felt like a generic bird costume with no distinct features or personality. The mascot's interactions with the crowd were underwhelming, and it failed to create any excitement or engage the fans. It was a forgettable experience, and I would have preferred a more energetic and charismatic mascot to represent the university.

3. Emily - 2/5 - I didn't find the Southern Miss mascot appealing at all. The costume looked cheap and the design wasn't visually appealing. The mascot's performance during the game lacked enthusiasm and it failed to create a connection with the crowd. It felt like a missed opportunity to have a fun and engaging mascot that could rally the fans and create a memorable experience. Overall, I was not impressed with the Southern Miss mascot.

4. Mike - 1/5 - The Southern Miss mascot was underwhelming and forgettable. The costume lacked creativity and looked generic. The mascot's performance during the game was lackluster and it did not create any excitement or energy. It was just another common bird mascot that blended in with the crowd. Overall, I was disappointed and expected a more engaging and charismatic mascot from Southern Miss.

5. Amanda - 2/5 - The Southern Miss mascot was unimpressive and forgettable. The costume lacked uniqueness and the design was bland. The mascot's actions during the game were lackluster and there was no memorable or exciting moment. It did not seem to have any personality or charm. Overall, it was a disappointing experience and I expected a more vibrant and entertaining mascot from Southern Miss.

The Southern Miss Mascot: A Source of Entertainment and Excitement at Games