CHANCELLOR’S 3 THINGS TO KNOW
- 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!
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
FLAGSHIP FACTS
TOP STORIES
THAT’S GENEROSI-TEE!
Sanderson Farms Championship donated $1 million from proceeds of the state’s only PGA TOUR event to Friends of Children’s Hospital. This is the ninth consecutive year that the Sanderson Farms Championship host organization, Century Club Charities, made a seven-figure donation to benefit Mississippi’s only children’s hospital.
MAKING THE GRADE
Seventy-three Ole Miss student-athletes earned a place on the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll, including student-athletes from cross country, football, soccer, and volleyball.
SILVER JUBILEE
The Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College celebrates 25 years of excellence and achievement in inspiring and challenging our most prepared students in a very personalized environment.
SPECIAL SECTION
Ford Center 20th Anniversary
The Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts is marking 20 years as the region’s premier performance venue. Read on to learn about the history and impact of the Ford Center.
Mission of Enrichment: In 1998, the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation in Jackson awarded the University of Mississippi $25 million to design and build the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. Upon completion in 2003, the center embarked on a mission to enrich the intellectual and cultural environment of the university and region. Julia Aubrey became director of the Ford Center in 2016.
Premier Venue: At 88,000 square feet and six stories tall, the Ford Center features two performance spaces, state-of-the-art theatrical production facilities, excellent acoustic qualities, elegant lobbies, and seating for more than 1,100 in its main hall. Recent upgrades improved lighting and other technical aspects.
Dazzling Programming: The Ford Center hosts about 150 events annually, including national touring Broadway shows. Many authors and intellectuals have spoken in the Ford Center, including Cornel West, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Thomas Friedman. Artists who graced the stage include Morgan Freeman, Hal Holbrook, Renée Fleming, B.B. King, Marty Stuart, Hilary Hahn, Mavis Staples, Vince Gill, Michael Bolton, and, most recently, Lyle Lovett.
National Spotlight: In September 2008, the Ford Center hosted the first of three presidential debates between U.S. Sen. John McCain and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama. Thousands of journalists from around the world traveled to Oxford to cover the historic national moment.
Serving Our Students: The Ford Center provides invaluable experiences and educational opportunities for students in performance, stagecraft, and summer assistantships. Throughout the year, visiting performers offer master classes to engage and inspire our students.
Community Engagement: Since 1996, the Youth Music Theatre Workshop has provided performance opportunities for children in Oxford and surrounding areas in musical theatre, operetta, and original works. Additionally, the Ford Center’s Daytime School Series offers programming for public school children.
Star-studded Celebration: The Ford Center for the Performing Arts will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a March 25 gala hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman. The event will feature eight-time Grammy winners Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., and the Ford Center’s Concerto Award will be presented to Sam and Mary Haskell in recognition of their exceptional patronage
