By Lanell Downs Smith

A Luverne native recently earned his college degree at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Arian Xavier “Zay” Gregory of Luverne completed his studies and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Southern Miss. 

The Luverne High School (LHS) alumnus was among approximately 1,300 students awarded undergraduate, graduate and specialist degrees during the university’s fall 2024 commencement ceremonies held Dec. 12-13 on the Hattiesburg campus. 

Gregory played football at LHS, and was a two-time AHSAA lineman of the year for Luverne in both his junior and senior years, helping the Tigers reach the state runners-up title in 2018. The Class 2A honorable mention All-Star was a first-team selection whose father also played football at Luverne and went on to become an all-time leading Rusher at Troy University.

“Zay was an outstanding player and an awesome young man,” said former Luverne football coach Scott Rials. “He was very much a pleasure to coach.”

Committing to play at the collegiate level for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles after high school, Gregory played three games for Southern Miss in 2021, registering one solo tackle on the year. He finished his college career in the 2023 season as a redshirt sophomore, playing five games and registering four tackles, including a half tackle for loss against Florida State.

Since its founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success, delivering programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. 

Southern Miss is a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation’s leading research institutions. Known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders, the university is also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology and economic development, among others. 

Southern Miss graduates are ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. Faculty and staff are developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. 

With a tradition of excellence in the arts, the university is one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports.