As we continue to confront great challenges with the COVID-19 situation facing our university, nation and the world, we have reason to celebrate today at the University of Mississippi. Each year, we look forward to this announcement — to reveal who has won the coveted Elsie M. Hood Outstanding Teacher Award. And perhaps this year more than ever, we embrace this reason to celebrate excellence in the classroom and exceptional engagement with students.Read More
Maintaining Safe, Welcoming Environment for All
I am so pleased to welcome everyone back to an exciting new academic year. Our campuses come alive with optimism and energy each August when our full student body returns — students truly form the heart of our Ole Miss community.
Our excitement for the new year, however, is tempered by feelings of shock, disgust, and sorrow from the recent tragedy in Charlottesville, Virginia. We are all struggling with the horrific events that unfolded when white supremacist groups incited violence, hatred, and even death in a college town with a vibrant and diverse community similar to our own.
Ole Miss chancellor touts progress amid budget concerns
University of Mississippi Chancellor Jeff Vitter told Columbus Rotarians on Tuesday that nothing is more vital to the state’s future than higher education.
Vitter, who has served as chancellor for a little longer than a year, said the university is improving on several fronts, from growing enrollment to record-high ACT scores and grade-point averages for incoming students.
However, Vitter said the University of Mississippi — and all universities in the state — must grapple with the reality of tightening state budgets.
A Look Ahead: 2017 Momentum & Initiatives
It is great to be back into the swing of things with the start of our spring semester! Our campuses are always transformed and re-energized with the return of our students and faculty. It is also a new calendar year, which offers a great opportunity to take stock and reflect upon the previous year, as well as share some thoughts about all we have to look forward to in the coming months.
Vitter’s flagship vision sets Ole Miss on new course
During his first year in office, University of Mississippi Chancellor Jeffrey S. Vitter accomplished something no other leader of a university in the state has: appointing a vice chancellor for diversity and community engagement.
“For many years, we have been in the process to add (such a role). Chancellor Vitter brought it to the forefront to make it happen,” says Dr. Donald Cole, assistant provost at the university.
“Diversity is a multifaceted component — academics, race, profession, sexual orientation, etc. It is in these areas where you bring different ideas and perspectives that make us a more imaginative and innovative community,” says Vitter.