After studying and working in New York, Minnesota, and Maryland, Dr. Mark Klinedinst moved to Mississippi (MS), where he began his longstanding affiliation with the University of Southern Mississippi (Southern Miss). He joined the Hattiesburg, MS-based institution of higher learning in 1986 as an assistant professor. Southern Miss subsequently promoted Dr. Mark Klinedinst to associate professor in 1992 and full professor in 1998. He chaired the Southern Miss Department of Economics, Finance, and International Business from 2003 to 2005.

A current professor emeritus of economics with Southern Miss, Dr. Mark Klinedinst is engaged in a number of charitable endeavors throughout the Greater Hattiesburg area. Over the years he has assisted Keep Hattiesburg Beautiful with a number of environmental projects and supported local youth by helping them sell produce at the local farmers market. Dr. Klinedinst recently edited the book Katrina Ten Years After, an exploration of the American South in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.