06/09/2026
At the Mississippi UMC Annual Conference last week, our own Berneice Barham was awarded a very special honor - The Francis Asbury Award for fostering United Methodist Ministries in Higher Education. We are so proud of Berneice, and we know this award is well deserved! Congrats, Berneice! We love you!
Below is a letter from Rev. Eric Davis of the Southern Miss Wesley.
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Yesterday we celebrated and honored Berneice Barham, who just a few weeks ago celebrated her 92nd birthday.
If you’ve attended a sporting event at the University of Southern Mississippi, chances are you’ve seen Mrs. Berneice, whether you realized it or not.
If you’ve attended a Wesley event or served on the Wesley Foundation Board over the last 15 years, you’ve likely served alongside Mrs. Berneice. If you’ve been a student at Wesley, you’ve probably met her when she stopped by to check on students, ask how things were going, and offer a prayer of encouragement.
Yesterday, Mrs. Berneice was awarded the Francis Asbury Award, an honor given annually to an individual who has faithfully championed campus ministry and higher education.
When she stepped up to the microphone, her first words were simple and heartfelt:
“I love Wesley. I love our students. And I’m proud to be a Golden Eagle.”
We could not think of a more fitting recipient.
Mrs. Berneice has spent years championing students, encouraging ministry, and making the world a better place through her faithful presence and support. The impact the Wesley Foundation has on students would not be possible without people like her who quietly and consistently invest in the next generation.
As she received a standing ovation, one she did not know was coming, her greatest joy was not the recognition itself. Her joy was found in students, in Wesley, and in being a Golden Eagle.
Yesterday was a beautiful day, and my cup overflows with gratitude because of it.
So, the next time you see Mrs. Berneice, tell her thank you. Give her a hug. And follow in her footsteps.
Congratulations, Mrs. Berneice, and thank you for showing us what faithful support, encouragement, and love for students looks like.
For generations of Southern Miss students, faculty, staff, and Wesley alumni, Mrs. Berneice has been a faithful presence, a steadfast supporter, and a joyful reminder of what it means to invest in the lives of others. We are grateful for her example and the legacy she continues to leave behind.
-Eric
