Vicksburg native named president of USM Foundation Board of Directors

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Vicksburg native and attorney Omar Nelson has been named president of the University of Southern Mississippi Foundation Board of Directors for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

The USM Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, raises private support for the university and manages funds for the benefit of Southern Miss. Nelson’s appointment took effect July 1, when the foundation installed its new executive committee.

Nelson, a 1994 Southern Miss graduate in political science, was active in campus life as a member of The Pride, the African American Student Organization and Lambda Sigma. He also served as Student Government Association president, was inducted into the Student Hall of Fame and selected for Who’s Who.

An attorney with Gibbs Travis PLLC, Nelson has been recognized by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and National Trial Lawyers. He holds a master’s degree from Mississippi State University and a law degree from Mississippi College School of Law.

Nelson and his wife, Melanie, are members of the USM Foundation’s Honor Club at the Associates for Excellence level. They have two children, Morgan and Ryan.