CHANCELLOR’S 3 THINGS TO KNOW
- CELEBRATING OUR GRADS: We will celebrate Commencement, the pinnacle of the academic year, during the first week of May. The Class of 2022 includes 5,092 students (653 December 2021 graduates; 3,386 candidates for graduation for May 2022; and 1,053 candidates for graduation for August 2022). We’re so proud of every one of these students! Read inspiring stories about some of our 2022 grads in the Journey to Commencement series. We’re also proud to welcome one of our alumni, Bradford Cobb (BA 96), a celebrated music industry executive, to deliver the Commencement address. Bradford has managed some of America’s most beloved popular music artists, including Katy Perry, the Go-Go’s, Adam Lambert, Tracy Chapman, Au/Ra, k.d. lang, Steve Perry and the B-52’s. And check out this great advice to our grads from some of our esteemed alumni!
- SUPERSTAR STUDENTS: I know all members of the Ole Miss community will beam with pride that this year we have three students who won the coveted Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (one of the oldest national scholarships in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics) and two recipients of the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship (for students who are pursuing careers in government or public service).
This is the first time since 2013 that the Truman Foundation has awarded two scholarships to the state of Mississippi and the first time ever that both Mississippi awards have gone to the same institution. And, we are among only six institutions that have multiple Truman Scholars this year, joining Columbia, Harvard and Stanford universities, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the U.S. Air Force Academy. We also have six Fulbright recipients (the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government), the highest number ever at Ole Miss; one Boren Scholar (Department of Defense/State Department-funded program to learn a critical language); and one Rangel Scholar (State Department-funded two-year program that supports graduate studies in preparation for careers in the Foreign Service). Our students are truly spectacular, and they are upholding a long legacy of Ole Miss students competing at the national level for elite scholarships!
- STRIKE UP THE BAND: At Ole Miss, we’re committed to supporting and fostering the success of our students. It is why I’m so excited to share that we will construct a new practice field for the Ole Miss Band. It is thrilling to see this moment that we have been working toward for years come to fruition. The new practice field is a great way to demonstrate our commitment and appreciation to the 300-plus dedicated and talented band members. More broadly, this is an exciting and rewarding development for the entire Ole Miss family as the Pride of the South is an essential part of our spirit, enthusiasm, and excellence. Thanks to the university and all the dedicated donors for making this a reality!
Until next month, take care!
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
TOP STORIES
TWO TRUMANS
Jilkiah Bryant and Andy Flores, both juniors in the university’s Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, won prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarships, the leading national scholarship for students interested in public service.
VITAL QUESTION
A new study seeks to determine the best way to transfuse blood to patients with major bleeding. The study will be conducted by 10 U.S. trauma centers, including the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
STANDOUT SELECTION
Ole Miss standout center Shakira Austin was selected third overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2022 WNBA draft. Austin adds to the historic WNBA tradition for Ole Miss, becoming the sixth Rebel drafted and the first since 2010.
FLAGSHIP FACTS
Special Section: Abundant Achievements
As we approach the end of the 2021-22 academic year, we’re pleased to recognize the many individuals who have made a stellar impact at Ole Miss through their extraordinary achievements.
Outstanding Teacher of the Year: John Bentley, professor of pharmacy administration, is the winner of the 2022 Elsie M. Hood Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. This award recognizes an Ole Miss professor who embodies teaching excellence and exceptional student engagement.
Excellence in Distance Teaching: Carey Bernini Dowling, instructional associate professor of psychology, is the 2022 recipient of the Paragon Award for Excellence in Distance Teaching, which recognizes unique, innovative ways to support virtual instruction.
Celebration of Service: Three individuals engaged in community-engaged research, learning, service, and scholarship were recognized at the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement’s annual Celebration of Service Awards. The 2022 recipients are Madison Alliston, a junior public policy leadership major from Hattiesburg; Premalatha Balachandran, a senior research scientist at the UM National Center for Natural Products Research; and alumnus Ryan Upshaw, assistant dean for student life, diversity and inclusion at Millsaps College.
Student Service Awards: Norris “EJ” Edney, assistant vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion, and Eden Tanner, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, have been selected as this year’s Frist Student Service Award honorees for demonstrating dedication and passion for helping students succeed. These deserving recipients embody and exemplify the caring nature of the campus community.
SEC Faculty Achievement: Rob Rockhold, deputy chief academic officer at the UM Medical Center, was selected as the 2022 SEC Faculty Achievement Award winner for the University of Mississippi. Rockhold, a professor of pharmacology and toxicology, was recognized for his commitment to building bridges to health careers through innovative education programs.
3 Goldwater Scholars: For the first time at the University of Mississippi, three students won Goldwater Scholarships in a single year. Ethan Lambert of Corinth; Reinhard “Matt” Knerr of Paducah, Kentucky; and Alexandria “Ally” Watrous of Lexington, Kentucky, are this year’s recipients. The Goldwater is one of the oldest and most prestigious national scholarships in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
2 Truman Scholars: Jilkiah Bryant and Andy Flores have been awarded prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarships. Bryant is from Macon, while Flores hails from Ocean Springs. The university now has a total of 17 Goldwater Scholars all time.
Hall of Fame: Ten University of Mississippi seniors were inducted into the university’s 2021-22 Hall of Fame, one of the highest honors given to Ole Miss students. Selections are based on outstanding contributions in all aspects of campus life.
