By that time , McCain helped ensure they had a peaceful entry .
In 1965 Raylawni Branch and Gwendolyn Elaine Armstrong became the first African - American students to attend the University of Southern Mississippi .
By that time , McCain helped ensure African - American had a peaceful entry .
In 1965 Raylawni Branch and Gwendolyn Elaine Armstrong became the first African - American students to attend the University of Southern Mississippi .