Dr. Stephanie McCoy Smith Named Director of USM School of Kinesiology and Nutrition

Dr. Stephanie McCoy Smith will assume the role of director of the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) on July 1, 2026, following a year serving as interim director . Her appointment marks a continuation of leadership and a commitment to advancing health through physical activity and nutrition.

Leadership and Vision

“It is an honor to lead the Southern Miss School of Kinesiology and Nutrition and work alongside faculty who are deeply committed to student success, impactful research, and service,” said Dr. Smith . Her focus will be on expanding opportunities for students to excel in the fields of health and wellness.

Dr. Trent Gould, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences, praised Dr. Smith’s leadership during her interim appointment, noting she has “strengthened collaboration, elevated the School’s visibility, and positioned our programs to meet critical workforce and health needs across the state” . He believes she brings the vision and momentum needed to propel the School to new levels of impact.

Background and Expertise

Dr. Smith joined the Southern Miss faculty in 2016. She holds a Ph.D. In health, physical activity and chronic disease from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from George Mason University, and a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from George Washington University . Her research centers on the impact of physical activity and sedentary behavior, particularly in children and adolescents.

Prior to her role as director, Dr. Smith served as the School’s associate director since 2021 .

School of Kinesiology and Nutrition Programs

The School of Kinesiology and Nutrition at USM prepares graduates to address health challenges and improve the human condition through a variety of programs, including coursework in exercise, physical education, sport, food, and nutrition. Students engage in innovative research addressing topics such as effective nutrition programming for children, understanding variables impacting health, and investigating cardiometabolic diseases in Mississippi .

The school offers undergraduate degrees in:

• Fitness and Nutrition
• Kinesiology (with emphases in exercise science and physical education)
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Sport Coaching

Graduate programs include master’s degrees in:

• Coaching and Sport Performance
• Kinesiology (with an emphasis in exercise science)
• Nutrition and Food Systems

A Ph.D. Program in kinesiology was added in 2024 to cultivate the next generation of research scientists and scholars. Students contribute approximately 36,000 hours of service annually to the community through practicum and internship experiences.

Learn More

Further information about the College of Education and Human Sciences and the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition can be found on the USM website.