Mission
The mission of Campus Recreation at the University of Southern Mississippi (Southern Miss) is to provide quality programs, services and facilities that enhance recreation and wellness for the university community — all while supporting the educational mission of Southern Miss through student learning and development.
Facility Descriptions
The Payne Center offers a variety of recreation and fitness options for Southern Miss students, faculty, staff and the Hattiesburg community.
The facility features a 27,000-square-foot gymnasium with four multipurpose activity courts, allowing the department to offer basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton and dodgeball. A four-lane exercise track is located above the activity courts, providing an inviting environment for walking, running or jogging year-round.
Other amenities include a 7,900-square-foot workout zone equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment; the M.C. Johnson Natatorium, which features a 25-yard, six-lane heated indoor pool with diving boards; men’s and women’s locker rooms complete with a sauna, showers and restrooms; a personal training office; an equipment issue station and the Outdoor Adventures Center.
The Payne Center is also home to four racquetball courts, a squash court, two group fitness studios, a spin studio, an indoor rock-climbing wall, the Pride Field artificial turf complex, four intramural sports fields and an F45 Training studio. Located just five miles from campus is The Challenge Course at Lake Sehoy, which features a 13-element outdoor ropes course facility and offers instructional kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
Programming Highlights
Southern Miss Campus Recreation offers unique programs including paddleboard yoga, intramural mobile game activities and group TRX classes. A variety of fun special events are offered throughout the year — including an annual Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo, the glow and color runs, the House of Payne haunted house, Golden Eagle Welcome Week, Late Night at the Rec and a championship golf tournament. These special events raise money for student employee scholarships and professional development opportunities while offering event management experience and leadership opportunities.
The department also hosts two unique student incentive programs: Freshman 15 — offered during the fall for first-year students — and No Payne No Gain — offered in the spring for all students. The free initiatives reward students for logging consistent participation in Payne Center programs with prizes — from t-shirts and flash drives to drinkware, meal vouchers and college swag — while increasing healthy habits and making recreation a priority.
Fun Facts
Southern Miss Campus Recreation is one of the largest student employers on campus, with over 100 employees working throughout the facility.
Each year, the department gives out approximately 30 professional development and award stipends to Campus Recreation student employees. Students are encouraged to join NIRSA and attend conferences with professional staff members.
Social Media Handles
Instagram: @southernmisscampusrec
Facebook: @usmcampusrec
Website: www.usm.edu/campus-recreation
