Page 74 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2026

Jordan Cutchall, author
of My Southern Miss
Three Southern Miss Sisters Turn Generations of Golden Ea-
gle Pride into a Children’s Book for the Next Generation
story by Cherie Ward photos by Candice Riser
Long before author Jordan Cutchall became an alumna,
Southern Miss was already part of her story. Generations of her
family have left their mark on the university, creating a tradition
she and her sisters now continue.
Their grandmother, Freddie Taylor, was one of the original
Dixie Darlings and still performs during homecoming festivities.
Their grandfather, Jerry Taylor, played football for the Golden
Eagles before being inducted into the University of Southern
Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.
Today, Cutchall and her sisters, author Lakelyn Taylor and
illustrator Gracyn Taylor, are writing the next chapter with
“My Southern Miss,” a children’s book celebrating the campus,
traditions, and memories that have shaped generations of
Golden Eagles.
The idea came unexpectedly while Cutchall searched for
a baby shower gift for two close friends who also graduated
from Southern Miss.
“I looked high and low and couldn’t find one,” she said
of a Southern Miss-themed children’s book.
“I thought, ‘Well, even if there is one out
there, I still want to do this.’”
The sisters spent two years bringing the
project to life.
“I’m so proud to be a Golden Eagle
and to have been able to contribute
to this book. I hope it does justice
to all Golden Eagles,” Lakelyn
Taylor said. “I hope each person
can find a little of themselves represented in it. It’s a privilege to
celebrate the University of Southern Mississippi in this way, and
I can’t wait for others to experience it, too.”
Together, the sisters combined their talents to introduce young
readers to familiar campus landmarks, including The Rock,
Shoemaker Square Fountain, and Danforth Chapel.
Cutchall and Lakelyn Taylor helped shape the book’s content
by weaving their own Southern Miss memories and experiences
into its pages. At the same time, Gracyn Taylor brought all of
the sisters’ memories to life through vibrant illustrations.
“We all had different journeys at Southern,” Cutchall said. “We
all knew different things about it, so it was really great to bring it
all together.”
Cutchall said she hopes the book serves as a keepsake for
alumni, families, and Golden Eagle fans eager to share their
Southern Miss pride with the next generation.
For Gracyn Taylor, the project became something
even more personal.
“This book is my love letter to the place that
became so much more than a campus,”
she said. “The priceless friendships and
memories we’ve built at Southern Miss
echo in these pages and deserve their
time in the spotlight. So, sit down, share
stories, dream big, and, as always,
Southern Miss to the Top!”
Visit the “My Southern Miss”
Facebook page for more information.
74 | September 2026 Sisters Gracyn Taylor,
Jordan Cutchall and Lakelyn Taylor
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living