The University of Southern Mississippi has announced the naming of its new shared facility for services provided by DuBard School for Language Disorders and The Children’s Center for Communication and Development on the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach as Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Hall, in recognition of a generous $1.5 million gift from the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation.
This transformative gift supports the construction of a facility designed to expand the services and impact of two of Southern Miss’ most respected clinical programs, both housed within the College of Nursing and Health Professions.
Established in 1962, the DuBard School serves children ages three to 13 with severe speech and language disorders. Founded in 1974, The Children’s Center provides transdisciplinary services to support children from birth to age five, helping them reach key developmental and communication milestones. Both programs also provide hands-on training opportunities for pre-professionals.
Since their founding, these esteemed programs have provided specialized support to more than 5,000 children with developmental and communication challenges. Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Hall will open the doors to vital early intervention and therapeutic services to children and families along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
With dedicated therapy rooms, classrooms and collaborative learning spaces designed to serve children with complex communication needs, it will also provide a robust training environment for Southern Miss students pursuing careers in speech-language pathology, audiology, early intervention and related fields.
The naming of this facility honors the legacy of Kelly Gene Cook Sr., a philanthropist and Mississippi native who valued education, innovation and community advancement. The Foundation’s longstanding support of DuBard School has made a lasting impact on children with severe language disorders, and this latest gift extends that vision to a broader region.
Deborah Lee Rochelle, president of the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation, shared the Foundation’s enthusiasm for the partnership and the facility’s future:
“The Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation is incredibly proud of our longstanding partnership with DuBard School. From our first visit to today, we remain impressed by their innovative approach to teaching students with language disorders and training clinical students. By supporting this expansion on the Gulf Park campus, we look forward to the broader impact of both DuBard School and The Children’s Center for Communication and Development. This remarkable new facility will enhance their reach, further strengthening these hallmark clinical programs within the College of Nursing and Health Professions.”
Dr. Alison Webster, interim director of DuBard School for Language Disorders, expressed deep gratitude for the Foundation’s commitment.
“We are deeply grateful to the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation for this remarkable gift, which enables us to broaden our impact and support even more children with communication and academic difficulties,” Webster said. “It is a privilege to carry on the Cook legacy as we work toward a future where every family can access the vital, life-changing services they deserve.”
Dr. Sarah Myers, executive director of The Children’s Center for Communication and Development, highlighted the impact on children and future clinicians.
“Community advancement requires a thoughtful investment in the education of children of all abilities, and that’s what the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation provides,” Myers said. “Their substantial donation allows us to broaden our reach to more families of young children in need while providing additional training opportunities to future clinicians. We are grateful for their belief in our work and for the opportunity to honor Mr. Cook’s legacy through this new facility.”
Dr. Lachel Story, dean for the College of Nursing and Health Professions, emphasized the broader impact on students and the region.
“Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Hall will serve as a model for integrated clinical education and care,” Story said. “With this generous support, we are investing not only in the health and development of children but also in the next generation of professionals who will carry this work forward throughout Mississippi and beyond.”
Early, intensive intervention programs give children a sturdy foundation to build a future. This collaborative initiative reflects a commitment by teams of university officials, legislative and congressional delegates and donors who have prioritized a brighter future for both organizations, to improving outcomes for Mississippi’s most vulnerable children.
“This facility will open doors for children and families across the Gulf Coast and help our students build lives of purpose and impact,” Southern Miss President Dr. Joe Paul said. “We are deeply honored to carry forward Mr. Cook’s vision and grateful for the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation’s belief in what we can achieve together.”
The $1.5 million gift from the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation was made through the USM Foundation, which facilitates private support on behalf of the University.
As a key partner in advancing the mission of Southern Miss, the USM Foundation ensures that philanthropic investments are managed responsibly and align with the University’s strategic priorities.
“The USM Foundation is proud to support meaningful partnerships like this one, helping connect donors with opportunities that create lasting impact,” USM Foundation executive director Stace Mercier said. “It’s an honor to work alongside the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation and the University in bringing this vision to life for children, families and future professionals across the Gulf Coast.”
Construction of the facility will begin as early as summer 2025, with a groundbreaking ceremony to be held at the end of May.
While funding for construction of the facility is secured, additional support is needed to outfit the new space with advanced technology and equipment required for the programs’ specialized work. The Children’s Center and DuBard School invite donors and partners to help complete this transformative project. Multiple naming and giving opportunities are available to make a lasting impact on children’s lives through the USM Foundation.
