Thursday, 2023-11-02 – 08:43 | Author: Dena Temple

Four professors from the University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Leadership recently hosted sessions at the OCEANS 2023 Gulf Coast Conference and Exhibition in Biloxi.

The OCEANS 2023 Gulf Coast Conference provided an opportunity for global maritime professionals to learn, innovate and lead in the protection and use of the world’s greatest natural resource – our oceans.

The technical programs brought together some of the world’s marine research innovators to highlight their latest discoveries. In addition, educators provided in-depth training on project management, cybersecurity, leadership essentials, advanced technology, and interpersonal skills. The topics were chosen after surveying trade organizations to find out what programs they would find valuable.

Participation in Oceans 2023 from the School of Leadership:

• Dr. Heather Annulis presented “Creating a Culture of High Trust”, emphasizing how to create beneficial working relationships through mutual respect and cooperation. Dr. Annulis holds the position of Director of the School of Leadership and Professor of Human Capital Development.
• Dr. Bradley Winton presented “Creating Emotional Intelligence”, which helped participants define this concept and understand its importance in the workplace. Exercises and self-assessment helped the participants to recognize their emotional capacities and find opportunities for improvement. Dr. Winton is an Associate Professor of Management in the School of Management.
• Dr Casey Maugh Funderburk presented Effective Coaching in the Workplace, exploring essential coaching skills using training materials and role play to become a successful workplace coach. Dr. Maugh Funderburk is Associate Professor of Human Capital Development in the School of Leadership.
• Dr. Gregory Bradley presented “Using Analytics to Reduce Uncertainty in Organizational Decision Making”. Dr. Bradley explained how managers should view the business environment through two lenses: First, identify high-risk but rewarding opportunities, such as entering new markets or changing business models; second, implement analytics into your core business decision-making process. He is a lecturer at the School of Leadership.

The School of Leadership is located in the University of Southern Mississippi’s College of Business and Economic Development and operates on USM’s coastal campus in Long Beach, Mississippi. His undergraduate degree programs include Accounting, Applied Technology, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering Technology (Logistics), Management and Marketing. Master’s degree programs include Human Capital Development, Human Capital Development (Instructional Technology and Design), Instructional Technology and Design, and Logistics, Trade and Transportation.

Learn more about these degree programs or e-mail