The University of Mississippi

Office of the Chancellor

Welcome

Message of Gratitude, National Employee Appreciation Day 2023

Letters from the Chancellor, Welcome

 

Dear faculty and staff,

Dedicated. Successful. Caring. Talented. Generous. Passionate. Accomplished. Supportive.

These are just a few of the words that describe the faculty and staff at the University of Mississippi, and some of the countless reasons why our faculty and staff make this a great university.

Today is National Employee Appreciation Day, and we’d like to share our deep gratitude for how you infuse these qualities into our campus community and work culture every single day. We’re so thankful for your commitment to making our university a great place to live, work and learn. Our faculty and staff are vital to fulfilling our life-changing mission that serves our students, our communities, our state, and our future.

Your unwavering service to our students is inspiring and sets our standard for excellence. And, we recognize that your meaningful contributions go beyond what a job description outlines. You are mentors, advisors, and role models whose spirit of support and care defines this community. The extraordinary thought and attention you give to our important work is noticed and appreciated, and we remain committed to supporting you in all aspects of your work, endeavors and goals.

Thank you for all that you do, and for all you contribute to achieving our shared goals and building upon our legacy of excellence. We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you! 

Sincerely,
Senior Leadership Group

Glenn F. Boyce Chancellor Signature

Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor

Noel Wilkin Signature

Noel Wilkin
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Keith Carter Signature

Keith Carter
Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics

Josh Gladden Signature

Josh Gladden
Vice Chancellor for Research and Sponsored Programs

Steven Holley Signature

Steven Holley
Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance

Shawnboda Mead Signature

Shawnboda Mead
Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Community Engagement

Charlotte Parks Signature

Charlotte Parks
Vice Chancellor for Development

Charlotte Fant Pegues Signature

Charlotte Fant Pegues
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Eduardo Prieto Signature

Eduardo Prieto
Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management

Kirk Purdom Signature

Kirk Purdom
CEO, Ole Miss Alumni Association

Perry Sansing Signature

Perry Sansing
Special Assistant to the Chancellor for Governmental Affairs

Wendell Weakley Signature

Wendell Weakley
President/CEO, UM Foundation

David Whitcomb Signature

David Whitcomb
Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel

Jim Zook Signature

Jim Zook
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

 

At the Flagship, February 2023

e-Newsletter, Welcome

Group of young individuals on stage in a dark arena cheering towards the audience

CHANCELLOR’S 3 THINGS TO KNOW

February has been fantastic at Ole Miss. Our reigning NCAA champions kicked off a new baseball season, U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón visited campus, and our students danced the night away to raise more than $211,0000 for Children’s of Mississippi at the 2023 RebelTHON. It is inspiring to see our students channel their energy into supporting fantastic causes. As we head into March, we look forward to celebrating major anniversaries of the Croft Institute for International Studies, the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, and the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, which is featured in the special section below. Here are three things to know right now:
  • THE COLLEGE CHOICE: Following our largest freshman class ever this past fall, the growth continues — we are up 1,025 students, or 5.7%, this spring compared to spring 2022, and we are optimistic about the coming year. We welcomed thousands of prospective students and their families to campus for the first three Admitted Student Days. These events allow visitors to experience Ole Miss up close and personal to learn about our academic excellence, vibrant campus experience, and life-changing opportunities – the core reasons why more students are choosing Ole Miss.
  • THANK YOU, JUDY MEREDITH: This month, we continued the celebration of James Meredith’s legacy and the 60th anniversary of integration with a Black History Month keynote featuring his wife, Judy Meredith. Dr. Meredith is a former TV and radio news reporter and anchor and a retired college mass communications professor. We’re grateful for the Merediths’ presence on campus as speakers and guests at commemorative events and for their willingness to engage with our campus community and share their deep wisdom and experiences.
  • LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES: In February, we also hosted several distinguished military leaders. Lt. Gen. Maria R. Gervais, Rear Adm. Nancy Lacore, and Brig. Gen. Stacy Jo Huser shared great insights of their experiences as women leaders in the military with our students. We are committed to our legacy of leadership, and there are countless rising leaders among our student body. This was an invaluable opportunity for them to see and hear firsthand the role models who are breaking barriers, leading our nation, and making a difference in our world. Many thanks to the Trent Lott Leadership Institute and ROTC for organizing the visit of this esteemed panel!

Until next month, take care!

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At the Flagship, January 2023

e-Newsletter, Welcome

@TheFlagship November 2022. The City of Oxford held its Annual Christmas Lighting Event on Nov. 8 in front of City Hall.

CHANCELLOR’S 3 THINGS TO KNOW

As we kick off a new semester, I’m excited about all that spring brings us: the energy of student activities like RebelTHON and the Big Event, beautiful weather, Double Decker, and — last, but not least! — the return of all of our spring sports including our national championship baseball team to Swayze Field for another exciting season. All of it culminates in the most important event on our calendar, Commencement. Check out the special section for dates you won’t want to miss.
READ ABOUT OUR SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT: To start 2023, I contributed an op-ed about the University of Mississippi’s substantial impact on our state. What a great way to share with readers far and wide how we develop future leaders, drive job and business creation, pioneer new solutions and serve our neighbors and communities. See the three things below from the op-ed, and be sure to go read it in its entirety!
  • WE EDUCATE TOMORROW’S LEADERS: The University of Mississippi has long been committed to shaping future leaders, and these efforts extend beyond the boundaries of our campus with programs that engage K-12 students. The “Pathways to Leadership” program, run by the Trent Lott Leadership Institute, provides valuable training for high school students on the Mississippi Gulf Coast so that they can drive positive change in their hometowns. Also, the McLean Entrepreneurial Leadership Program provides a weeklong summer program for high school students to develop action-oriented solutions to issues in their communities.
  • WE CARE FOR MISSISSIPPI: As the state’s only academic medical center, the University of Mississippi Medical Center provides indispensable services to all Mississippians. UMMC is home to Mississippi’s only children’s hospital, only Level I trauma center, and only organ transplant program. This month, the IHL board of trustees added to that list by approving a new Mississippi Burn Center on the UMMC campus in Jackson. After the closure of the state’s only burn center in October, UMMC leaders stepped up to preserve a critical service for our state and keep burn care for Mississippians in Mississippi.
  • WE PIONEER NEW DISCOVERIES: Our researchers tackle pressing national and regional concerns every day. Our physicists are “listening” to tornadoes to develop technology that could revolutionize how we detect and track them, thereby saving lives by improving early warning systems. In biomedical engineering, our researchers are examining cytoskeletal diseases such as cancer and heart disease as well as new treatments for metastatic breast cancer. These are just a couple of the many ways in which we’re addressing challenges that touch all of us: protecting our environment, finding remedies for diseases, and building a more prosperous and stronger future through technology and innovation.
Until next month, take care!

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At the Flagship, December 2022

e-Newsletter, Welcome

Text reads: ''Ole Miss on the Rise.'' Illustration of column. UM crest and ''@ The Flagship, December 2022''

This past year graced our university with exceptional achievements, and one thing is clear: Ole Miss is on the rise! Our successes — and our future growth — spring from the deep dedication, contributions, and belief of our entire university family. Read on for some of the many ways that talent and excellence define the University of Mississippi.

Hotty Toddy and best wishes for a joyful holiday season and a happy new year!

Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor

Largest Freshman Class; Fall 2022; 4,480

Enrollment Flourishing

We are serving a larger student body, including more students from Mississippi. Overall enrollment grew 5.1% this year, and the university welcomed its largest-ever freshman class of 4,480 students. These numbers buck national trends, and we expect to grow again next year.

Freshman Retention Rate Highest in Ole Miss History

Students Staying on Track

This year, our retention rate for first-year students reached a record high 89.3%, well above state and national averages. This record reflects our ability to attract new students as well as support those who already call Ole Miss home.

Best Job Placement in Mississippi; 91% Employment Rate after 10 years; *Zippia

Building Professional Legacies

The university’s six-year graduation rate is 68.4%, 10 points higher than Mississippi’s overall rate and higher than national averages. Once they enter the workplace, our grads are the best in the state at finding employment and keeping it with a 91.4% rate of employment 10 years after graduation.

Seizing Student Accolades

Our students received exceptional awards that reflect their talents and offer opportunities to make valuable contributions to society. We celebrated three Goldwater Scholars, six Fulbright recipients (the highest number ever at Ole Miss), one Boren Scholar, one Rangel Fellow, and two Truman Scholars (only six universities nationwide had multiple Truman Scholars this year).

STEM Taking Center Stage

Our brand new Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation is more than halfway complete and on track to open in fall 2024. The building will be one of the nation’s transformational facilities for STEM education.

Now & Ever; The Campaign for Ole Miss

Growing Resources

We are well beyond the $1.2 billion mark toward our $1.5 billion goal for the Now & Ever campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in the history of Mississippi universities. Helping reach this milestone, supporters gave more than $150.6 million in gifts during the university’s 2022 fiscal year. One of these commitments close to our hearts is the $3.5 million dedicated to build a new marching band practice field for The Pride of the South to support the spirit and enthusiasm that the band’s 300-plus members inspire!

Top Ranked University in Mississippi; Top 10% public university in the U.S. *U.S. News & World Report

Staying on Top

The University of Mississippi is the top-ranked university in Mississippi and among the top 10% of public universities in the nation, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. The ranking also places us in the top 6% nationally for best value and tops in the state for veteran support programs.

Contributing to the Greater Good

Our faculty and researchers make amazing contributions to Mississippi, the scientific community, and society at large. One research project funded by the National Institutes of Health is examining cytoskeletal diseases such as cancer and heart disease. A grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse supports research seeking to reduce HIV-related pain through cannabis. And, the American Cancer Society is funding a study for new treatments for metastatic breast cancer.

60 Years of Integration; Building Upon The Legacy ;The University of Mississippi

Making History

In commemorating the 60th anniversary of the university’s integration, we honored distinguished alumnus James Meredith and his family during an inspiring week of programs and events. We also celebrated big anniversaries marking the founding of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College (25 years) and the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts (20 years).

Caring for Mississippi

Our University of Mississippi Medical Center leads the way in creating a healthier Mississippi. A $3 million gift to Children’s of Mississippi will help UMMC make the most advanced cleft and craniofacial treatment available to Mississippi’s children. More Mississippi students will have access to telehealth providers from UMMC, thanks to a $17.6 million grant from the state Department of Education. And, the UMMC School of Nursing plays a vital role in supplying our state with nurses and is ranked No. 67 out of more than 650 programs by U.S. News and World Report.

Rebelthon $1M; Over 10 Years

Serving Communities

Ole Miss students are driven to support their community and serve others. A record number of participating students raised more than $225,000 at the 10th annual RebelTHON, a 12-hour danceathon benefiting Children’s of Mississippi. A month later, more than 1,000 students participated in the Big Event, our universitywide day of service, offering hands-on help throughout the Lafayette-Oxford-University community.

Ole Miss National Champions 2022; NCAA Baseball

Rebs Are Hot

What a roller-coaster season for our Ole Miss baseball team that was defined by resilience and culminated with a defining moment in Omaha: the university’s first-ever men’s NCAA team title. And, for the second straight season, Ole Miss Athletics earned a program-record finish in the LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup standings at 20th place. Our student-athletes are performing tremendously on and off the field as Ole Miss Athletics achieved a record-high Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 88 percent in 2022.

Well Done! End of Semester Message from Chancellor Glenn Boyce

Letters from the Chancellor, Welcome

Dear faculty and staff,
 
As we put a wrap on a great fall semester, I want to thank you for your dedicated work and passion for serving our students and the mission of higher education. Your tireless efforts are a major reason why the university has experienced such great success and continues to be a vibrant, thriving community.
 
What We’ve Accomplished
This fall, we welcomed our largest freshman class ever and experienced a 5.1% overall enrollment increase. More importantly, we worked together to meet the needs of our growing community. Your commitment to supporting our students contributed to our record-high retention rate, which far surpasses state and national averages. 
Additionally, our supportive, collegial work environment was key to our university earning the “Great Colleges to Work For” designation for the 13th time. In addition to celebrating research and academic achievements, this fall has been a time to commemorate significant milestones including the 60th anniversary of James Meredith’s enrollment and the integration of the university, the 25th anniversary of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, and the 20th anniversary of the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts.
 
What’s Ahead
As a university on the rise, we’ll continue to embrace our role in building leaders, empowering student success, creating opportunities, and driving progress. We have an incredibly important responsibility in serving this generation and the next. We also have the great honor of serving the state of Mississippi, and I know that we share a sense of awe in understanding the importance of our role and the potential for our hard work to make a deep impact.
 
Enjoy the Holidays
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, enjoying time with loved ones and engaging in activities that bring you joy. I’m inspired by all that you do as a valued member of this extraordinary campus community. 
 
Sincerely,

Glenn F. Boyce signature

Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor

Fall 2022 Message from Chancellor Boyce

Letters from the Chancellor, Uncategorized, Welcome

Dear students,

You did it! We’ve reached the last day of classes of the Fall 2022 semester. I don’t know about you, but it seems as though this semester has flown by. Thank you for all you’ve done to make this an incredibly successful and fun semester. The experiences we all shared made this one of the most exciting semesters in recent memory. And through it all, you never lost focus on what is important and why you are here. I applaud you!

As you prepare for final exams (especially if these are your first finals in college), I want to share a few thoughts to help you finish strong before taking a well-deserved holiday break.
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