Final answer:
Southern Miss has never been the official name of the University of Southern Mississippi; it's a commonly used nickname. The university underwent several name changes but 'Southern Miss' was not among them.
Step-by-step explanation:
The history of the University of Southern Mississippi involves several official name changes over the years. The correct answer to the question is b) Southern Miss. Although commonly used as a nickname for the University of Southern Mississippi, "Southern Miss" has never been its official name.
The institution was initially established as Mississippi Normal College in 1910, subsequently becoming State Teachers College in 1924, Mississippi Southern College in 1940, and ultimately adopting its current official name, The University of Southern Mississippi, in 1962. This historical evolution underscores the significance of accurate nomenclature in reflecting the institution's mission and identity throughout its transformative journey in higher education.