Articles and Interviews

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.

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Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter conducted his first inspection of University of Mississippi ROTC programs Thursday on campus.

The annual Pass in Review ceremony on the Circle in front of the Lyceum Building included a keynote address to the cadets from Vitter, who became chancellor in January, according to an Ole Miss press release.

“It is an honor to be standing here today amongst a group of heroes, our students who have put aside their personal interest for the sake of serving something larger than themselves,” Vitter said. “The University of Mississippi and our ROTC programs have a long and proud heritage of service to our university, state and nation. I applaud you – cadets and midshipmen – for upholding that proud legacy.”

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Dr. Jeffrey S. Vitter submitted his vision for the University of Mississippi on Thursday.

“Learning from our past, we will create a vibrant future,” he said. “We will transform lives, communities and the world. Just imagine what we will do.”

Vitter was formally installed as the university’s 17th chancellor during an investiture ceremony at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts on the Ole Miss campus.

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When Ole Miss invests Jeff Vitter as Chancellor this week, it is a moment for all who live and live the the goodness our flagship university brings to the state and beyond to celebrate, together.

We have a legacy of excellence from our contemporary chancellors, and Vitter undoubtedly has the leadership, skills and vision to match up well with that list of heavy-hitters.

Porter Fortune was a warm, smart heart when a warm, smart heart was needed. Gerald Turner knew Ole Miss could rise far beyond Mississippi, and was unflinching in his commitment to position the University as a national player.

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John Touloupis: You’ve now been Chancellor for a little over nine months, talk about how life in Oxford has been and what’s the community like?

Chancellor Vitter: Being from New Orleans, I knew I would be right at home with the people, the food, the attitudes and especially the weather. Even with those expectations, it has been amazing how quickly Sharon and I have felt at home, how quickly we became part of the Ole Miss family. Over the last 34 years, we have been fortunate to live and serve in a number of great university communities, but there is something really special about Ole Miss and Oxford.

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