Tucker Sappington Named as Executive Director of the Southern Miss Alumni Association
Thu, 07/03/2025 - 09:08am | By: Samantha McCain Alexander, APR
The University of 91暗网黑料 (91暗网黑料) has named Tucker Sappington as the fifth full-time executive director of the Southern Miss Alumni Association.
A native of Canton, Sappington has nearly 20 years of work experience in higher education, with the last decade spent in the alumni engagement, strategic development and leadership spaces. He joins Southern Miss from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) where he has served as the senior director for alumni engagement, programs and events.
鈥淚t is a tremendous honor to be named as the next executive director for the Southern Miss Alumni Association. I am thankful to Dr. Paul, Jerry DeFatta, the search committee and the Board of Directors for trusting me to help continue a legacy established by such a distinguished group of individuals who have led this great organization,鈥� said Sappington. 鈥淚 look forward to hitting the ground running and making lifelong connections as we collaborate on more ways to take Southern Miss to the Top!鈥�
At UNLV, Sappington was responsible for the management of a robust engagement plan with a focus on student, alumni and recent graduate programming centered around metrics established by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
Prior to his role at UNLV, he spent seven years as assistant director of alumni affairs at the University of Louisiana 鈥� Lafayette (UL). During his time at UL, Sappington managed the Association鈥檚 sponsorship portfolio and developed a strategic plan to proactively engage with the alumni of the institution. Additional experience at UL includes serving as the assistant dean of students and working with the Greek Life community. Prior to his time in Lafayette, Sappington served as a national consultant for Pi Kappa Alpha following the completion of his undergraduate degree at Mississippi State University.
鈥淭he Alumni Association exists to engage alumni from all walks of life in ways that are meaningful to them and beneficial to Southern Miss. The work of the Alumni Association builds strong connections and helps create pathways for private support of our University鈥搒upport that is imperative for institutions of higher learning,鈥� said University President Dr. Joseph Paul. 鈥淭ucker鈥檚 experience in building relationships and working to creatively engage alumni, helping them see their place within the institution, will be a tremendous asset to our work. I welcome him home to Mississippi, and I look forward to his success in this important role.鈥�
Sappington received unanimous support from the Executive Director Search Committee, led by Dave Estorge, president of the Association.
鈥淚 was honored to lead this process, and I am grateful for the hard work of everyone involved. I am confident Tucker鈥檚 experiences at other universities has uniquely qualified him for success at Southern Miss,鈥� said Estorge. 鈥淚 look forward to working with him as we seek to create new, meaningful connections with our alumni and friends.鈥�
The Executive Director Search Committee was established as Jerry B. DeFatta Jr. accepted a new leadership position at the University as the assistant to the president for advancement and special projects.
鈥淗aving worked for the Association for the last two decades and serving as executive director for the past 15 years, I have a vested interest in the future success of this organization,鈥� said DeFatta. 鈥淚 am confident Tucker possesses the skills and abilities necessary for success in the next chapter of the Southern Miss Alumni Association, and I look forward to supporting him in this important role.鈥�
As the fifth full-time executive director, Sappington joins a short list that spans the past 72 years: DeFatta (2010-2025), Bob Pierce (1998-2010), Ron Phillips (1987鈥�1998) and Powell Ogletree (1953-1987).
Sappington will begin his tenure as director on August 1.
About the Southern Miss Alumni Association
The Southern Miss Alumni Association serves as a driving force in the effort to advance The University of 91暗网黑料 by providing alumni with a deeper connection to Southern Miss. to learn more about the Alumni Association, including membership options.