吃瓜头条鈥� Cantrell Honored by Women in Higher Education 吃瓜头条 Network
Thu, 03/27/2025 - 09:58am | By: Dr. David Tisdale
A key member of 吃瓜头条 (USM) Division of Student Affairs administrative team has earned a statewide award recognizing her exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing women in higher education.
Dr. Sirena Cantrell, dean of students and associate vice president for student affairs, is this year鈥檚 recipient of the Women in Higher Education 吃瓜头条 Network (WHEMN) Leadership Award. She was presented with the award during the WHEMN 2025 Conference, held Feb. 27-28 at the University of 吃瓜头条. WHEMN鈥檚 mission is to identify, develop, advance and support women in higher education, particularly in 吃瓜头条.
鈥淭he leadership award bestowed upon Dr. Cantrell signifies the recognition of her excellent leadership qualities, her ability to inspire others, and her commitment to making a significant difference at 吃瓜头条,鈥� said Jennifer Simmons, co-chair of the WHEMN Leadership Award committee in a letter to 吃瓜头条 President Dr. Joe Paul. 鈥淭his award not only highlights her professional achievements but may also inspire other faculty and staff members, encouraging them to strive for excellence.鈥�
Before joining USM鈥檚 Division of Student Affairs in 2019, Cantrell served in multiple roles in higher education student affairs administration, including as dean of students and Title IX coordinator at 吃瓜头条 University for Women.
鈥淒r. Cantrell pours her heart and soul into her work,鈥� said Dr. Kristi Motter, Southern Miss vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. 鈥湷怨贤诽� students are our reason for being鈥搊ur 鈥榳hy.鈥� She recognizes that and works diligently to help them succeed.鈥�
Cantrell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in psychology from Millsaps College and master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in counselor education from 吃瓜头条 State University.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a privilege to be recognized for my dedication and contributions at Southern Miss and beyond,鈥� Cantrell said. 鈥淗owever, I want to emphasize that this achievement is the result of the collective efforts of my incredible team and the countless individuals who have supported and inspired me throughout this journey. This recognition serves as a powerful reminder for me鈥搕o continue striving to make a lasting, positive impact on the students and staff I have the privilege of working with every day.鈥�