University of Southern Mindanao

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) is a premier land grant university in Southern Philippines. Formerly known as the Mindanao Institute of Technology (MIT), USM was founded by the late Bai Hadja Fatima Matabay Plang, a dedicated Muslim educator and philanthropist. Formally starting its operations on October 1, 1954, the USM achieved its university status through P.D. 1312 on March 13, 1978.

USM is one of the four leading state universities in the country that achieved excellence in agricultural education. Today, it is one of the twenty among 120 state-owned universities and colleges (SUCs) that earned Level IV status. In the first half of 2005, it was rated very satisfactory by the Department of Budget and Management Regional Office XII using the same instrument as that used in the level accreditation process.

USM has a total land area of 5,129.97 hectares: Kabacan main campus covers 1, 024 hectares; Arakan Valley campus, 4,091 hectares; and USM-Kidapawan City Campus, 14.97 hectares. Most of its land is used for agricultural projects.

For six decades now, USM has produced marketable graduates who have distinguished themselves with these marks: leadership, industry, and dedication to work. Until today, the university continues to instill the value of academic excellence and hard work among its students.

The University maintains an enviable track record of producing topnotchers and passers of various board examinations. It has gained international reputation in educating the youths that excel in skills competitions and in motivating its faculty and staff to lead in various fields of research. Ever pioneering and adventurous, USM will continue to provide educational leadership not only in the region but also nationwide. 

As University, its four fold functions include  instruction, research, extension, and resource generation.