Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
Letters from the Chancellor
Celebrating and Honoring Don Cole and Larry Martindale
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
What a glorious day at the University of Mississippi! In an inspiring and rousing ceremony held earlier today, we marked the introduction of the newly renamed Martindale-Cole Student Services Center by honoring two extraordinary members of our university family — Don Cole and Larry Martindale.
In the ever-changing life of a flagship university, historical milestones present moments that illustrate who we are as an institution and what we stand for. Sometimes, the significance is revealed only after the moment has passed. At other times, we are blessed to recognize the magnitude of the moment as it is happening. Today’s renaming is one of those moments for our beloved university.
Our arrival at this moment was forged through two divergent paths. One is the 50-year dedication of Dr. Donald Cole, who served this university as a student, professor, and administrator and was a tireless and fearless advocate for diversity, equity, and students from all backgrounds.
The other is the commitment of the original namesake of the building, Mr. Larry Martindale, a distinguished alumnus from Atlanta, a former Ole Miss basketball player and longtime university supporter. During a campus visit, Larry was inspired to ask how he could help the university to project the powerful diversity he witnessed on campus.
The convergence of their stories, resulting in the renaming of the Martindale-Cole Student Services Center, serves a uniting and noble purpose in the life of our university. At its core, this renaming is a testament to two esteemed and courageous individuals, how they have helped to shape this place as a welcoming university, and how their investments of time, talents, and treasure will ensure that we continue to be a university where everyone succeeds. I encourage you to learn more about the remarkable and inspiring stories of these two men.
We’re so pleased that generations of current and future students will continue to have Dr. Cole’s example shaping their education. This tribute ensures his journey will always be remembered, will always be on display, and will always be celebrated by our university.
Sincerely,
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
Message from Chancellor Boyce about Hurricane Ida
Dear alumni and friends,
As the Gulf Coast region bears the brunt of Hurricane Ida and its aftermath, we know many members of our Ole Miss family and their loved ones live in areas of our state and beyond that have felt the wrath of this powerful storm. We are deeply concerned and want to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the impacted areas. You are a highly valued member of our university community, and your safety and well-being are of utmost importance to us.
As always, the university stands ready in your time of need — please do not hesitate to reach out by responding to this email if we can assist you or your family in any way during this time. It is in our most trying times that our strength lies in our ability to take care of each other. I know Ole Miss Rebels everywhere will display an overwhelming outpouring of love and support because it is a hallmark of the Ole Miss family to rally when people need support the most.
My sincere hope is that you and your loved ones are safe and did not experience any impact. Today, and in the days to come, please know that our thoughts will continue to be with you and all those affected.
Sincerely,
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
Hurricane Ida Message from Chancellor Boyce to Faculty and Staff
Dear faculty and staff,
As our state braces for the impact of Hurricane Ida, I know many in our campus community have family, friends, and loved ones in the path of this terrible storm. Please know that we are thinking of everyone in the impacted areas and are hoping that the storm will move through with as little damage as possible. Here is a link to a letter that I sent to our students this morning. In your classrooms, programs and services you may have students who are from impacted areas. If you have any students reach out to you for assistance, please feel free to refer them to vcstudentaffairs@olemiss.edu. Over the days to come, please stay safe and weather aware. And, please let us know if there is anything we can do to support you or your family during this time.
Sincerely,
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
Hurricane Ida Message from Chancellor Boyce
Dear students,
As the Gulf Coast region faces the impending landfall of Hurricane Ida, we recognize that many in our university community and their loved ones will be impacted. We are deeply concerned and want to let our students, faculty, staff and alumni know that our thoughts and prayers are with all those who will be affected. The safety and well-being of the members of the Ole Miss family are of utmost importance and concern to us.
Please know we are here in this time of need and you can email vcstudentaffairs@olemiss.edu if we can assist you in any way. I know Ole Miss Rebels everywhere will display an overwhelming outpouring of love and support because it is a hallmark of the Ole Miss family to rally when people need support the most.
While Oxford is far removed from the coastal areas expected to feel the greatest impact of the storm, we may experience severe weather early this week as the remnants of the hurricane move inland. University and local authorities will keep close tabs on any local impact, so please stay alert for any severe weather updates.
As always, the university stands by ready to help in any way we can. Our thoughts will continue to be with all those impacted in the days to come.
Sincerely,
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
Fall 2021 Message from Chancellor Boyce
Dear students,
We’re so glad that you’re back! The start of a new academic year is here, and all the anticipation and energy that comes with it. Even though our campus is a spectacular sight, this place is transformed when all of you step onto campus. And this semester, we can be thankful that we are all back together. I know that these trying times can prompt a range of emotions from excitement to apprehension. At the same time, we’re ready for a great year of in-person classes, a slate of exciting athletic seasons, and a wide range of life-changing experiences and opportunities. And, of course, we are eager for our highly celebrated and beloved Ole Miss traditions like the second-to-none tailgating in The Grove, the “Holy Grail” for college football fans.
Whether you are a first-year student exploring campus for the first time, a sophomore or junior settling into a groove, or a senior with a few classes left to tackle, I know the year ahead will be defined by discovery, friendship and fun as well as the caring and kindness that permeates our campus culture. As always, I urge all of you to make personal wellness a priority by maintaining a balanced lifestyle. If you find yourself overextended or overwhelmed and feel the need to talk to someone about your physical or mental health, visit the Wellness Center or reach out to a faculty member, academic advisor, or the staff in the University Counseling Center. And be sure to tap into the countless academic support resources that are here to help you stay on track in your degree program and excel in all of your academic endeavors.
While we’re eager to put the challenges of the past year behind us, we’re still navigating the impact of COVID-19, including the Delta variant. It is why we are starting the semester with a temporary mask mandate. I wish we didn’t have to do this, but we have a responsibility to respond to the pressing situation at hand. I encourage you to review the Campus Plan for this fall.
The good news is that each of us can do our part to promote a healthy community. I’ve said it before (many times!), and I will say it again: Get vaccinated! Vaccination is our most direct path out of this. You can get vaccinated on campus quickly and easily. Thank you to all those who have already done this for yourself, your loved ones and your community. Those who are not vaccinated should expect to remain subject to increased public health protocols even after we get past this current spike in cases.
College is an amazing time in which you will work hard and play hard. There is no time like the present to be yourself, focus on your studies, and get involved. I’m really looking forward to all the ways each of our students will succeed this year and contribute to the vibrancy of our campus atmosphere. As we press forward together, I want to thank you for doing what it takes to be caring, kind, and compassionate to one another. Together, let’s make this year the most tremendous year yet for our campus.
All my best,
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor