CHANCELLOR’S 3 THINGS TO KNOW
The fall semester is off to a great start in Oxford. Our Center for Manufacturing Excellence recently hosted the Mississippi Forge Forward Summit focused on workforce development and education for Mississippi’s defense industry. We honored the longtime generous support of the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation with the dedication of The Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union. Fall athletics are in full swing as well, including a 4-0 start for Ole Miss Football, the first time since 2015. With so much happening on campus, here are three things to know right now:
- 60th Anniversary: In 1962, James Meredith became the first African American to enroll at the University of Mississippi, and this year we celebrate his leadership and the 60th anniversary of the university’s integration. Thanks to Dr. Shawnboda Mead, vice chancellor for diversity and community engagement, and with tremendous support from a special planning committee, the campus community has organized programs, events and projects throughout the 2022-23 academic year. We’re grateful to Mr. Meredith and his family for their presence at the commemoration’s signature event on Sept. 28, and we look forward to hearing from Mr. Meredith at that event. It is a humbling honor to thank him and reflect on the path of the university over the past 60 years. Please see the special section below for more information regarding the commemoration events.
- Top University: The University of Mississippi remains the highest-ranking university in Mississippi and among the top 10% of public universities in the nation, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report in its “Best Colleges” 2022-23 report. UM ranks No. 72 among public universities and has been in the top 100 for 12 consecutive years. The university also ranked highest in the state for best value and veteran support programs, ranking No. 40 among public institutions in the “Best Value Schools” report and No. 68 among public universities for schools that make pursuing a college education more affordable for veterans and active-duty service members. These distinctions reflect our academic excellence and our commitment to student success.
- Great People. Great University.: At Ole Miss, one of our top priorities is caring for our people. That’s why we’re thrilled to be recognized for the 13th time as a “Great College to Work For” by The Chronicle of Higher Education. The university was recognized in several categories, including faculty and staff well-being; diversity, inclusion and belonging; faculty experience; and shared governance. A thread connecting these categories is a commitment to treating one another with respect, fairness, civility, and kindness. I’m grateful to all members of the university community for contributing to the outstanding work environment that led to this achievement. You are what makes Ole Miss a great place to work!
And here’s a bonus item: Check out our university’s new television commercial that debuted earlier this month on the telecast of our football team’s win over Georgia Tech. It features many of our outstanding students and their hopes and dreams for the future.
Hope to see you on campus soon, and take care!
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
FLAGSHIP FACTS
TOP STORIES
MUSICAL ICON
The University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts named UM music professor George Worlasi Kwasi Dor an Iconic Composer of Ghanaian Art Music. Additionally, the school declared him a Distinguished Contributor to the Development of Contemporary Ghanaian Music and African Musicology.
PULMONARY INNOVATION
Thanks to Dr. Makram Ebeid, Children’s of Mississippi received early access to innovative surgical equipment to help patients with pulmonary regurgitation, a condition where blood flows backward into the heart instead of forward.
HONORING CHUCKY
Ole Miss senior defensive tackle KD Hill has been named the winner of the 2022 Chucky Mullins Courage Award. A native of Eufaula, Alabama, Hill becomes the 32nd recipient of the award. Hill is wearing Mullins’ No. 38 jersey throughout the 2022 season.
S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
60th Anniversary of Integration
The university will commemorate 60 years of integration and James Meredith’s legacy through numerous programs, screenings, exhibits, and projects. We hope students, faculty, staff, alumni, supporters, and all members of the community will join us in honoring this historic milestone. For more information on these events, please visit the university’s 60th anniversary website.
Sept. 26-30
Week of service: A childhood literacy project will center on the four pillars of the James Meredith statue on campus of courage, opportunity, knowledge, and perseverance.
Week of service: A childhood literacy project will center on the four pillars of the James Meredith statue on campus of courage, opportunity, knowledge, and perseverance.
Sept. 27
Library lecture: “Dear Mr. Meredith.” Librarians Abbie Norris and Adam Clemons will present their digital humanities project featuring GIS technology and digitized correspondence in the James H. Meredith Archival Collection.
Library lecture: “Dear Mr. Meredith.” Librarians Abbie Norris and Adam Clemons will present their digital humanities project featuring GIS technology and digitized correspondence in the James H. Meredith Archival Collection.
Sept. 27
Panel discussion: “Meredith and the Media: The Legacy of a Riot.” A panel of journalists, moderated by Jesse J. Holland, will discuss how media coverage of Meredith’s enrollment and the ensuing riot continues to shape perceptions of the university.
Panel discussion: “Meredith and the Media: The Legacy of a Riot.” A panel of journalists, moderated by Jesse J. Holland, will discuss how media coverage of Meredith’s enrollment and the ensuing riot continues to shape perceptions of the university.
Sept. 28
Signature event: “The Mission Continues: Building Upon the Legacy” will honor Meredith and his contributions to the university.
Signature event: “The Mission Continues: Building Upon the Legacy” will honor Meredith and his contributions to the university.
Sept. 29
Library lecture: “Coming Full Circle: My Journey through the University of Mississippi, to Many Points Beyond and Back.” Dottie Quaye Chapman Reed, a 1974 alumnus and former UM admissions counselor, will speak about her life as a student and her career.
Library lecture: “Coming Full Circle: My Journey through the University of Mississippi, to Many Points Beyond and Back.” Dottie Quaye Chapman Reed, a 1974 alumnus and former UM admissions counselor, will speak about her life as a student and her career.
Sept. 29
Walking tour: History Ph.D. candidate Don Guillory will host a walking tour created by the Slavery Research Group that incorporates the university’s integration history contextualized outside buildings on campus.
Walking tour: History Ph.D. candidate Don Guillory will host a walking tour created by the Slavery Research Group that incorporates the university’s integration history contextualized outside buildings on campus.
Sept. 30
Alumni event: A “Legacy Celebration” will honor African American firsts at UM.
Alumni event: A “Legacy Celebration” will honor African American firsts at UM.
Oct. 1
Football game: Meredith will be recognized on-field after the first quarter at the Ole Miss vs. Kentucky game.
Football game: Meredith will be recognized on-field after the first quarter at the Ole Miss vs. Kentucky game.
Oct. 2
The Longest Table: A meal will be shared at a table that spans the Circle as an opportunity for conversation and connection.
The Longest Table: A meal will be shared at a table that spans the Circle as an opportunity for conversation and connection.
Jan. 31, 2023
Open Doors: The university will host a dinner and conversation with university administrators.
Open Doors: The university will host a dinner and conversation with university administrators.
Feb. 7, 2023
Address: Dr. Judy Meredith will deliver the Black History Month keynote address.
Address: Dr. Judy Meredith will deliver the Black History Month keynote address.
Feb. 17, 2023
Gala: The Black Student Union will host its 10th annual Black History Month Gala.
Gala: The Black Student Union will host its 10th annual Black History Month Gala.
April 11, 2023
End-of-year celebration: Celebrating Diversity Excellence.
End-of-year celebration: Celebrating Diversity Excellence.
Ongoing through March 2023
UM Libraries exhibit. The “Paving the Path: James Meredith and the Integration of the University of Mississippi” exhibit displays documents, photographs, and artifacts from the UM Libraries collections.
UM Libraries exhibit. The “Paving the Path: James Meredith and the Integration of the University of Mississippi” exhibit displays documents, photographs, and artifacts from the UM Libraries collections.
Ongoing through July 2023
UM Museum exhibit: “The Fall of 1962” exhibit displays collected artifacts and stories of the Ole Miss riots.
UM Museum exhibit: “The Fall of 1962” exhibit displays collected artifacts and stories of the Ole Miss riots.
