University of Southern Mississippi is dedicated to cultivating intellectual development and creativity through the generation, dissemination, application, and preservation of knowledge. The main campus is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, with the other campus being located in Gulf Park. It is the second largest university in the state. Originally known as Mississippi Normal College - a college for training teachers, the University of Southern Mississippi was founded by Legislative Act in March 1910. From its beginning, the university had come through different names such as State Teachers College and Mississippi Southern College, until it adopted its present name. Over the years, it underwent tremendous changes. In February 1962, the college gained university status and became the University of Southern Mississippi. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the university offers bachelor’s degree, master's degree, post-master's certificate, and doctor's degree. The university encompasses College of Science and Technology, College of Education and Psychology, College of Business, College of Arts and Letters, and Honors College. The Arts at the university, which includes School of Music, the Department of Art, and the Department of Theater and Dance, is dedicated to preparing its students for professional and teaching careers in art, music, dance, and theater. International Education programs and Technology Transfer programs are offered. As a comprehensive research institution, it provides opportunities for research in science, technology, arts, humanities, education, health, psychology, and business. The campus provides a comprehensive range of centers and institutes. It has multiple teaching sites that include the Stennis Space Center, Jackson County, Keesler Air Force Base, J.L. Scott Aquarium, Gulf Coast Research Lab, and Pontlevoy, France. The athletic teams of the university are called the Golden Eagles and they participate in the NCAA's Division I-A, and Conference USA. M. M. Roberts Stadium, Reed Green Coliseum, Pete Taylor Park, Rogers, Thames, and Welch Baseball Center, Southern Miss Athletic Center, and Southern Miss Softball Complex are provided as athletic facilities. The campus provides opportunities for the community to experience a variety of cultural activities. Dining Services, Housing Facilities, Health Services, Disability Services, and Financial Aid are offered at the campus. Dedicated to providing a dynamic learning environment, the university libraries create, preserve, and provide access to unique materials. The library system at the campus encompasses Cook Library, USM Gulf Coast Library, Curriculum Materials Center, Music Resource Center, the McCain Library, and the Gunter Library. Historical resources ranging from 15th-century illuminated manuscripts to current Mississippiana; government documents; books and periodicals about music; primary source materials from the Civil War to Civil Rights; the de Grummond Collection; and archival collections are some of the library’s holdings.