The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning named University of Mississippi Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Larry D. Sparks as Interim Chancellor, effective January 4, 2019. He will remain in the position until a permanent chancellor is named.
A Letter of Appreciation
It is bittersweet to write this note after announcing on Friday my decision to step down as chancellor and return to the faculty. Serving as your chancellor has been the greatest professional privilege of my life. We have dealt with taxing challenges and big opportunities, and we have built a solid foundation and momentum for the future. At the same time, I have concluded that the time is right for someone new to take the helm.Read More
Inaugural Veterans’ Gala
Inaugural Veterans’ Gala
Friday, November 2, 2018, 6pm
Inn at Ole Miss
Good evening! I’m Jeff Vitter, and I have the honor of serving as the University of Mississippi’s chancellor. I’d also like to introduce my wife, Sharon, who’s here with me tonight.
It’s a pleasure to welcome you to our inaugural Veterans’ Gala. First, let me thank Andrew Newby for his passionate leadership and commitment to Veteran and Military Services at Ole Miss. Andrew, you’ve done a fantastic job tonight and in all of your efforts.
I’d also like to thank the Student Veterans Association for hosting tonight’s event. The Student Veterans Association is an invaluable part of our community and provides our veterans support, resources, and a venue to find and build camaraderie.
Let’s give them a big thank you!
Our commitment to veterans and military personnel is closely linked to our university’s values of integrity and respect. And I’m proud that we continue to strengthen that commitment. We serve more than 1,400 military-connected students. In February, we opened a Veterans Resource Center. And, we are recognized for our commitment to our Veterans by Military Times among the top colleges in its “Best for Vets” rankings for 2019. We’re truly proud of the ways Ole Miss is defining itself as a military-friend university.
Finally, let me take quick a moment to recognize the leaders and elected officials who are with us this evening:
- United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie;
- United States Senator Roger Wicker;
- United States Representative Trent Kelly — Congressman Kelly also serves as a Brigadier General in the Mississippi Army National Guard;
- Governor of Mississippi Phil Bryant;
- The Adjutant General for Mississippi, Major General Janson Boyles;
- Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees President, Shane Hooper;
- The Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs, Randy Reeves;
- Mississippi Representative Jay Hughes; and
- Guest of Honor and keynote speaker, Will Jimeno.
Before I turn it back to Andrew, I want to say how much we appreciate all of you for joining us and sharing your time this evening. Thank you!
NCAA Appeals Committee Overturns Recruiting Sanction, Closes University’s Case
The NCAA Appeals Committee released its decision today, bringing the nearly six-year process to an end. The university prevailed in its appeal of the most onerous sanction, the penalty restricting unofficial visits.
Visit www.umncaacase.com for a more detailed letter from university leadership and other related public documents.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey S. Vitter
Chancellor and Distinguished Professor
Universities Studying Slavery Fall Symposium — Presidential Plenary
Universities Studying Slavery Fall Symposium — Presidential Plenary
Thursday October 25, 2018, 9:00am
Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS
I’m honored to serve on this panel today, especially with such distinguished fellow panelists. I’d like to thank the organizers for hosting this meeting, especially the University of Mississippi Slavery Research Group, whose important work on our campus embodies the principled inquiry that sits at the core of academic freedom. I’d also like to thank Dr. Hogan for inviting me to participate. It’s a tremendous opportunity to advance the conversation about an historical matter of great import to our institutions, our state, and the nation.Read More
Military Academy Day
Military Academy Day
Saturday, October 13, 2018, 10:00 a.m.
Jackson Avenue Center
Good morning, and welcome. It’s a pleasure to be here. We’re honored the university is serving as your host site today. I’d like to thank Congressman Trent Kelly’s office for organizing today’s events.
To all of the students here, I commend your interest in learning more about the U.S. Military Academies, and I thank you for your willingness to serve. I wish each of you the best of luck in your pursuit of a spot at one of the academies, which rank among the most distinguished institutions of higher education in our country.Read More