CHANCELLOR’S 3 THINGS TO KNOW
At the flagship university of Mississippi, we have a privilege and a responsibility to enhance our state by educating students and helping to advance our economy and quality of life. This month, we have several highlights to share with you that demonstrate our commitment of support to Mississippi: the academic support we offer our students through programs designed to foster student success; the many services and programs that build wellbeing and prosperity; and, the generous support we receive from our committed donors whose generosity enables us to fulfill these duties. Here are three things to know right now:
- CELEBRATING JFC: The Jackson Free Clinic is a shining example of how the University of Mississippi applies its talents to serving our state and its people. Jackson Free Clinic is a UMMC student-run, volunteer service that provides quality health care services to individuals in Jackson who lack access to medical care. We celebrated this invaluable mission at a 20th Anniversary Gala on Feb. 18, and my wife Emily and I were thrilled to celebrate alongside the devoted individuals who lead and volunteer in the clinic. Our healthcare workers sacrificed so much over the past two years during the pandemic. We’re committed to helping Mississippians through services like the Jackson Free Clinic, which also provides significant, hands-on learning experiences to our medical students.
- BIOMEDICAL LEADERSHIP: Our university is uniquely positioned to grow our state’s biomedical capabilities through education, research, and economic impact. In the School of Pharmacy, our researchers create knowledge that supports advanced manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and innovations in personalized medicine, including the work of the recently launched National Center for Cannabis Research and Education. We bridge the capabilities of our Medical Center, including pediatric trials in cannabis-derived drugs to treat seizures and the National Center for Telehealth Excellence. Strengths also include the new Nano-Bio and Immunoengineering Consortium (NIEC) led by a team of UM researchers seeking to establish Mississippi as a nanobiotechnological powerhouse. In the Center of Diagnostics, Design, Devices and Biomechanics (D3B), we combine industry and academic experience to create innovative medical devices and technologies. And of course, every major strength at Ole Miss involves the development of the next generation of scientists, researchers, and innovators: our students. The Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation is coming out of the ground on All-American Drive and will be our future hub to prepare students for outstanding careers in STEM fields and address critical needs for our state and national economy. The recent expansion of Biomedical Engineering space in Brevard Hall is already equipping students to lead in this cutting-edge field.
- DONOR IMPACT: Supporters of our university are enabling a new generation of students and scholars to build their legacies and make their mark on the world. A $100,000 gift from an anonymous donor will provide an endowed scholarship in honor of Mississippi civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer for the African American Studies program. A gift from Luetta Ford, a 1967 graduate, established a scholarship intended to inspire students to go into special education. A few weeks ago, the host organization of the Sanderson Farms Championship made a record-breaking $1.5 million donation to benefit Children’s of Mississippi. Such tremendous generosity allows us to improve the communities, state, and world around us. I hope you’ll explore the Now & Ever campaign site to learn more about how your support can make our university stronger and change lives.
Until next month, take care!
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
TOP STORIES
TRIPLE TRUMAN FINALISTS
Three University of Mississippi juniors who have worked to improve access to education and raised awareness about mental health issues are finalists for the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship. They’re vying for up to $30,000 in scholarships each.
GIVING SMILES
A staple at the UM Medical Center since 2017, Dental Mission Week provided routine cleaning to more complex work to about 500 Mississippians this year.
NAPIERS DELIVER DESK
HGTV stars and UM alumni Ben and Erin Napier recently gave a handcrafted desk to the UM Department of English. The desk is built from cedar and oak from William Faulkner’s home grounds, Rowan Oak, and its construction was featured on the HGTV show “Home Town: Ben’s Workshop.”
FLAGSHIP FACTS
Special Section: Student Success
We’re proud of the breadth and scope of the student success programs across our university. Here are just a few of the programs helping our students to reach their best potential:
FASTrack (Foundations for Academic Success Track) is a learning community that helps first-year students become successful members of the university community. The program includes dedicated academic mentors and advisors, a Living Learning community in Burns Hall, peer leaders, and small, linked classes.
Ole Miss Opportunity (OMO) guarantees that eligible Mississippi residents receive financial support to cover the average cost of tuition, housing, and meals. OMO fills the gap in funding after accounting for all federal, state, institutional, and private scholarships and grants awarded to the student. OMO is a hidden gem that is unique among Mississippi institutions.
Two of the university’s EDHE courses help freshman and transfer students transition from high school to college successfully, develop a better understanding of the learning process, enhance academic skills, acquire essential life skills to ensure their success, and explore potential majors.
Students FIRST helps first-generation students to create an enjoyable collegiate experience. Resources focus on establishing friendships, strengthening interpersonal skills, exposing students to diverse environments, developing study skills, becoming financially responsible, and preparing for career exploration.
Center for Student Success & First Year Experiences promotes student success through initiatives designed to ensure a quality collegiate experience for our students. Success coaches are dedicated to helping students define academic, personal, and career goals and providing intellectual, emotional, social and cultural guidance.
Luckyday Scholars: In addition to scholarship funding, Luckyday Scholars engage in programming built around scholarship, community, service, and leadership. The Luckyday program helps entering freshmen and community college transfers to have strong support and exceptional opportunities needed to earn a college degree.
IMPACT Program: The university’s Improving Mississippi Persistence and Completion Together (IMPACT) Program improves outcomes for collegiate Mississippians by delivering one-on-one coaching from professional advisors and peer mentors, providing funds to participate in engaged learning opportunities, and offering completion grants to reduce financial barriers to staying in school.
UM Writing Centers offer free writing consultation services for UM students. Highly trained peer consultants offer feedback on projects in all disciplines at any stage of the composition process. The Writing Centers help students to cultivate individualized strategies for becoming independent, effective, and confident writers.
The Common Reading Experience is an Ole Miss community event focused on a common book and theme. For the past decade, our Common Reading Experience has enriched our classroom experiences, inspired discussion, and enhanced relationships and understanding across our university.
