Faculty and staff at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) have rallied together to demand fair and competitive pay, bringing attention to ongoing wage disparities within the institution. The demonstration, which took place on campus, saw employees from various departments voicing concerns over stagnant salaries and the challenges of maintaining financial stability in the face of rising living costs.
One of the primary issues highlighted during the rally was the significant pay gap between USM employees and those at comparable institutions. A recent Faculty Senate survey revealed that faculty members at USM earn, on average, $21,000 less than their counterparts at other Mississippi universities, such as Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi. This discrepancy has raised concerns about the university’s ability to attract and retain top talent.
Dr. Jeremy Scott, a representative of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) at USM, stressed the long-term consequences of the university’s current pay structure. He pointed out that without regular salary adjustments, faculty members face salary compression and inversion, where long-serving employees earn nearly the same as new hires. This situation, he warned, could lead to dissatisfaction, decreased morale, and increased turnover among experienced educators.
The concerns extend beyond faculty members to support staff, who also struggle with low wages. Janice Jones, a custodian at USM, shared her personal experience of earning close to the university’s lowest wage, approximately $10 an hour. Along with her colleagues, she has been advocating for an increase in the minimum wage to $15 an hour, arguing that the current wages make it difficult to cover basic living expenses.
University administrators have acknowledged the concerns raised by faculty and staff but have cited budget constraints as a key challenge in implementing immediate changes. USM President Dr. Joe Paul assured the community that the administration is committed to improving compensation but emphasized that wage adjustments depend on factors such as enrollment growth, increased state funding, and efficient budget management.
The rally also highlighted the broader impact of wage stagnation on the quality of education and student services. Participants expressed concerns that continued financial strain on faculty and staff could lead to high turnover rates, ultimately affecting the university’s academic reputation and student experience. They urged the administration to prioritize fair wages as part of the university’s long-term strategy for growth and sustainability.
This demonstration is not the first time USM employees have spoken out about wage concerns. Previous rallies and advocacy efforts have called for pay raises to keep up with inflation and the increasing cost of living. Faculty and staff remain committed to pushing for change, believing that fair compensation is essential for maintaining a high-quality educational environment.
As negotiations and discussions continue, USM faculty and staff hope their voices will lead to meaningful action. Many see this rally as a critical step toward ensuring that employees receive the recognition and financial support they deserve, reinforcing the university’s ability to attract and retain dedicated professionals in the years to come.