Whitman Smith
Director of Orientation and Parent Programs
whitman@olemiss.edu

Whitman Smith has worked as director of Orientation since July 1997. Parent Programs was added to his title in 2007, but he has worked with the Ole Miss Parents Association since 1997. Smith is a 1989 and 1994 graduate of The University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master of Arts degree in higher education/student personnel. In August 1990, he began his career with the university as a regional admissions counselor, a position he held until accepting the position in Orientation.

Smith is originally from Oxford and is married to the former Stacey Brown (Winthrop University, 1991), who is currently enrolled in the Southern studies graduate program at Ole Miss. They have one daughter, Kesler Virginia, Ole Miss class of 2026.

Smith is a fourth-generation student and employee of the university. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and reading.

Rebecca Bertrand
Coordinator of Orientation and Parent Programs
rnbertra@olemiss.edu

Rebecca Bertrand earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and political science from The University of Mississippi and expects to complete her Master of Arts in higher education/student personnel in May 2008. As an undergraduate, Bertrand served as Associated Student Body president, worked at the Student Media Center and was inducted into the Ole Miss Hall of Fame. She served as a graduate assistant in the Office of Orientation and Parent Programs prior to being hired as coordinator.

Bertrand is a member of the National Orientation Directors Association, Women in Higher Education Mississippi Network, volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, attends St. John Catholic Church and serves as an adviser for her sorority. She is originally from Kingwood, Texas. Bertrand is thrilled to live in Oxford. She and her fiancé, Smitty, enjoy attending Ole Miss sporting events.

Josh Whelan
Parent Development Officer, Office of Development
joshw@umfoundation.com

Josh Whelan, a University of Mississippi graduate, serves as a development officer in the university's Office of Development. The Greenwood native is responsible for attracting financial support from Ole Miss parents for various campus initiatives.

Whelan earned a bachelor’s degree in English and psychology, and a master’s degree in higher education from Ole Miss. As a student, Whelan worked for the Ole Miss Alumni Association and the Career Center, and also interned with the development office. His internship there helped him realize his interest in fundraising. Before starting his professional career with Ole Miss, Whelan worked as a mental health specialist at Communicare Community Mental Health Center in Oxford.

Melanie Addington
Administrative Coordinator 
mladding@olemiss.edu

Melanie Addington has worked in the Office of Orientation and Parent Programs since May 2006. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in literature and writing studies from California State University, San Marcos, and is currently working on her Master of Arts in higher education/student personnel at The University of Mississippi.

Addington is a Graduate Student Network Region 6 representative for the National Orientation Directors Association and serves as the treasurer for the Student Personnel Association. She is also a member of the American Association of University Women. Writing is her hobby, particularly anything to do with film. She is originally from San Diego but has lived in Oxford with her son since 2002.

Carletta Brown
Graduate Assistant
clbrown4@olemiss.edu

Carletta Brown is from Roxie, Miss., and is currently a graduate student in the higher education/student personnel program. She completed her undergraduate degree in biology from Ole Miss and was a member of the Lady Rebel basketball team from 2001-05. She was an active member of her sorority and participated in many volunteer activities. Brown hopes to someday work in student affairs or athletic administration.