Madison Maddox is a proud graduate of Hattiesburg High School, Class of 2022. Her journey through Hattiesburg Public Schools began in 2009 as a Grace Christian Elementary School kindergartener. Over the years, she developed a passion for helping others and a deep appreciation for the value of education—both of which continue to guide her today.
In 2020, Madison joined the Middle College program, where she and her classmates balanced high school coursework with college-level classes. Through this experience, she graduated with a high school diploma and an associate degree, gaining an early introduction to higher education that prepared her for university life.
Madison is a senior at The University of Southern Mississippi, majoring in Health Sciences with minors in Biology and Public Health. Upon graduation, she will expand her clinical knowledge through a position at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the largest science and energy research facility operated by the U.S. Department of Energy. Her long-term goal is to return to school as a travel clinical technologist.
Throughout her time at Southern Miss, Madison has cultivated meaningful professional connections and has lived by the motto of leaving every place better than she found it. She serves on the community service committee for several organizations, including the Student Government Association (SGA), Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation (LSMAMP), NAACP, EAGLEthon, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
In April 2024, Madison was nominated as president of USM’s LSMAMP chapter. Under her leadership, the organization—established in 2022—has grown significantly. One of her goals was to expand the group’s reach beyond STEM students to include minorities in various career fields, a goal she successfully achieved. At the 84th Annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences Symposium, Madison was named Student of the Year for USM’s LSMAMP chapter. The organization will also receive its first “Outstanding Student Organization” honor at the university’s Celebration of Service Awards.
In August 2023, Madison became a Certified Mental Health First Aider, equipped with the training to identify and respond to signs of mental health distress, including suicidal ideation, ensuring timely care and support for those in need.
Beyond academics, Madison is the founder of the annual Panty Drop Drive, an initiative that collects new, unused undergarments for women and girls of all sizes. Her passion for supporting women in her community is rooted in her strong belief in women’s rights and the often-unrecognized strength women carry. She collaborates with local Black-owned businesses like Hair Creations by Shelia and The Boujee Extensions to host donation drop-off locations, and she partners with student organizations such as the N.R. Burger Middle School Junior Beta Club to encourage youth involvement.
Initially focused on supporting the local women’s shelter, Madison’s initiative has expanded its reach recently. In February, she partnered with Our 3 Memorial Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit supporting domestic violence survivors, to donate 100 pairs of panties and help assemble purses filled with women’s hygiene essentials. She also extended donations to support communities across Mississippi impacted by severe storms.
Madison remains committed to making others feel seen, heard, and cared for—especially those who feel overlooked. Her unwavering compassion and leadership continue to make a difference on campus, in her community, and beyond.