USM opens Paul H. “Bud” Holmes Criminal Justice Building
HATTIESBURG — The University of Southern Mississippi celebrated the opening of the Paul H. “Bud” Holmes Criminal Justice Building with a ribbon-cutting on Friday, March 13, university officials said.
The building is a newly renovated home for the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security after a $16.6 million upgrade funded by alumnus Paul H. “Bud” Holmes along with investments by the State of Mississippi and the university. The facility, adjacent to M.M. Roberts Stadium, includes specialized laboratories and an academic courtroom intended for hands-on learning and real-life experiences.
“Today is a day of pride, gratitude and promise for our University and for the future of the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security,” said Dr. Joseph Paul, president of The University of Southern Mississippi. “This facility ensures they will graduate ready to enter courtrooms, laboratories and agencies with confidence — prepared to shoulder responsibility, to seek truth and to serve with honor.”
Holmes, a lifelong Pine Belt resident influenced by his father, D.W. Holmes, a prosecutor, municipal judge and former mayor of Hattiesburg, provided funding that supports the completion and furnishing of the building and establishes an endowment for the school. “No matter how much I give, I will never be able to repay all that Southern Miss has given me,” Holmes said.
The renovated facility features new classrooms, collaborative study areas, advanced forensic science labs and a mock courtroom. “The experiential learning opportunities housed within these walls will strengthen recruitment, enhance research and partnerships and ensure our graduates leave Southern Miss exceptionally prepared to lead and serve in their fields,” said Dr. Chris Winstead, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Stace Mercier, executive director of the USM Foundation, said Holmes’ gift will affect future generations of students. More information is available from the USM Foundation and the university about the building and the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security.
