Speeches

Celebrating the Arts Campaign Launch Dinner
Thursday, September 6, 2018, 6:00 p.m.
Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts

I would like to thank Mary Haskell for that introduction and for her tremendous and ongoing support for our university.  Before I begin, let me recognize Julia Aubrey and all those involved in planning tonight’s wonderful event.  I’d also like to share a heartfelt thank you to our presenters and performers.  What a phenomenal evening it has been so far!Read More

The University of Mississippi’s 165th Commencement Morning Convocation
Saturday, May 12, 2018, 9 a.m.
The Grove

Click here to watch the 165th annual University of Mississippi Commencement exercises held in the Grove on Saturday, May 12, 2018.

Welcome and Remarks at History and Context Plaques Unveiling Ceremony
Friday, March 2, 2018, 11 a.m.
Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts

Welcome!  We’re so glad all of you have joined us today to celebrate this important milestone in the life of our great university and to mark the culmination of the tremendous work from the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on History and Context.  It’s especially rewarding to be here to witness the tangible results from this deliberate, thoughtful, and academically-focused endeavor.

First, I would like to convey my profound thanks to the members of the committee for their exceptional work on this challenging, but very important task for our university.  I would also like to recognize the members of the Planning Committee for this event.  You have done an extraordinary job of coordinating and implementing today’s event!  We truly appreciate all the energy, effort, and thoughtfulness you poured into making this ceremony a wonderful celebration for our campus community.

Read More

Welcome!  I am so glad to be here today with all of you.  This semester has certainly been full of achievements and momentum, but we have also faced some great challenges — and I want to talk about both aspects today.

What strikes me most as I am completing my second year as chancellor is how the University of Mississippi community always comes together — whether in times of celebration or in the face of adversity.

Read More

State of the University Address by Chancellor Jeffrey S. Vitter
UM 2nd Annual Town Hall
October 11, 2017, 3 p.m.
The Inn at Ole Miss, Gertrude C. Ford Ballroom

Thank you, David, for the introduction.  And thank you so much for helping us facilitate our event today.  You have such strong ties to Ole Miss, and we really appreciate all you do for the university.  I especially want to thank you and your wife Kent for your passionate leadership in establishing the William Magee Center for Wellness Education.

Welcome everyone!  And thanks for coming!  I would like to extend a warm welcome to a few guests we have with us today from the Oxford community:  the Honorable Robyn Tannehill, Mayor of Oxford, Gregory Alston (former ASB president and Law School president) from Sen. Cochran’s office, and Mark Huelse, Alderman Ward II.  We are truly lucky to have such a great town-n-gown relationship.  And we are fortunate to have advocates of the caliber of Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, Rep. Trent Kelly, and other members of our federal, state, and local delegations.

Read More

Good afternoon!  I am so pleased to be ushering in another academic year. It is truly an honor to serve as your chancellor and as a faculty colleague.  Last Friday, I had the opportunity to welcome our new faculty members, but let me extend my welcome again as they join us today for their first full faculty meeting.  And I am also particularly pleased to welcome back all our veteran faculty.

Read More