🌱 Patch AM: Why William Carey’s new PhD could change neurodiversity support statewide

Good morning Hattiesburg! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Why William Carey’s new PhD could change neurodiversity support statewide
• How a William Carey standout is reshaping Southern Miss women’s soccer

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Cloudy, a shower or two; warm, with a high of 75 and low of 60 degrees.
• Monday: Cloudy with a shower in spots, temps: high: 73, low: 51.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny and very warm, with a high of 78 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• William Carey launches PhD program in Neurodiverse Studies (clarkecountytrib.com) — William Carey University in Hattiesburg is launching an online PhD in Neurodiverse Studies this January, billed as the first program of its kind in the nation. Aimed at educators and professionals from fields like healthcare, counseling, and law enforcement, the degree will focus on practical strategies to better support neurodivergent people across Mississippi and beyond.
   

• USM named Ryan Weir as Associate Head Soccer Coach (vicksburgnews.com) — Southern Miss has hired longtime William Carey assistant Ryan Weir as associate head coach for the women’s soccer program in Hattiesburg, strengthening ties between the city’s two major soccer powers. After 11 seasons helping lead William Carey to national prominence, Weir brings championship experience and player-development success to the Golden Eagles as they aim to elevate their on-field performance.
   

📸 Around Hattiesburg

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

📣 Hattiesburg Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Sunday December 21

• All glow snowman *KidsCamp Pajama Party*
  Painting with a Twist , 6555 US-98 Ste 4 , Hattiesburg
  1:00 pm
• Always Jolly
  Painting with a Twist , 6555 US-98 Ste 4 , Hattiesburg
  4:30 pm
• Merry on the Midway
  South Mississippi Fair , 1457 Ellisville Blvd , Laurel
  5:00 pm
• Catch the Christmas Spirit
  Lake Thoreau Environmental Center , 150 Lake Thoreau Rd , Hattiesburg
  5:00 pm

Monday December 22

• MS Lift @LAU
  Laurel-Jones County Library , 530 Commerce St , Laurel
  10:00 am
• Seminary Bulldogs vs Perry Central Bulldogs
  Seminary High School , 200 E Main St , Seminary
  5:00 pm
• Comedy show
  Jackie D Sherrill Community Center , 220 W Front St , Hattiesburg
  8:00 pm

Tuesday December 23

• The Nutcracker - Hattiesburg
  Hattiesburg Saenger Theater , 201 Forrest St , Hattiesburg
  7:00 pm

Thursday December 25

• Baby + Me @ELL
  Ellisville Public Library , 201 Poplar St , Ellisville
  9:00 am
• Storytime @ELL
  Ellisville Public Library , 201 Poplar St , Ellisville
  10:00 am

Sunday December 28

• Jenna McClelland @ Grill & Grocery
  Grill and Grocery , 121 E Pine St , Hattiesburg
  10:00 am

Tuesday December 30

• Seminary Bulldogs vs Purvis Tornadoes
  Seminary High School , 200 E Main St , Seminary
  5:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• LOST A PUPPY??
  , CROSS CREEK VILLAGE area. I was at Turtle Creek Dr and Cross Creek Prkway earlier today and a tiny black puppy with a collar on ran in front of me… (Nextdoor The Oaks)
• Anyone know who's cat this is?
  She's friendly and has a collar. She's wandering downtown on Front Street. EDIT: thanks to everyone who told me that she's the city hall's cat! (Nextdoor River Rd)

• Sam's Club posted a job opening for Meat Cutter and Wrapper in Hattiesburg. Apply here.
• The TJX Companies, Inc. posted a job opening for cleaning associate in Hattiesburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Hattiesburg here.

🗞 Nearby News

Petal

• Mississippi Lottery player hits $10 million Powerball Double Play jackpot (wjtv.com)
• Sales and Marketing Professionals Opens Nominations for 2026 Mississippi Pinnacle Awards (hubcityspokes.com)
• Petal church hosts giveaway for annual Joy Toy Drive (wdam.com)

Ellisville

• Saying ‘Merry Christmas' gets dozens of motorists a free turkey during Ellisville drive-thru giveaway (wdam.com)

Laurel

Ok Hattiesburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

• Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
• Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
• List items for sale or services offered

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook