Carolina Orrego

corrego@olemiss.edu
(662) 915-1136

I’m Carolina Orrego, assistant director of enrollment services for orientation and parent programs. Although I am privileged to work for Ole Miss now, I received my undergraduate degree from Florida State University and graduated with a double major in political science and sociology. Most recently I completed my master’s degree from the University of South Carolina in higher education and student affairs. I was born and raised in Colombia, South America, but moved to Orlando, Florida, when I was a freshman in high school. That’s where my parents reside and what I call my home away from Oxford.

My favorite thing about Ole Miss has to be the people and the beautiful campus. Everyone is extremely nice and makes you feel right at home. I consider Ole Miss my extended family. I chose to work at Ole Miss because of the amazing experience I had here during the summer of 2008. I was offered an internship with the Office of Orientation and Parent Programs as part of my graduate course work. After being on campus for only seven short weeks, I knew I had to return to this amazing institution. I loved all the experiences I had working with the students and families that are part of Ole Miss. I knew I had to return for a more extended stay.

Fun Facts:

Pets: Max, the sweetest golden retriever ever, is my family’s pet.
Secret indulgence/guilty pleasure(s): I absolutely love coffee and anything sweet. I bake all the time.
Favorite Food(s): I love any Italian food and sushi. Two Stick (in Oxford) is probably one of my favorite places to eat.
If I had to eat dinner with one person, who would it be and why? I would eat dinner with my grandfather (mom’s dad). He passed away when I was very young, and I don’t have many memories with him. I would like to get to know him better.
If I were trapped on an island with one person, who would it be and why? Choosing just one person wouldn’t be right. There are many people I would like to bring with me to this island.
Favorite place you have traveled to: Cartagena, Colombia. It is a very historical city full of adventures for everyone. We used to go there every summer because the weather is warm all year, and it has beautiful beaches.
Favorite Book(s): My favorite book is Dios Vuelve en Una Harley. It’s a great book... although I am not sure if it has been translated into English yet.

Whitman Smith

Whitman@olemiss.edu
(662) 915-5177

I'm Whitman Smith, director of enrollment services for The University of Mississippi. I'm a 1989 and 1994 graduate of The University of Mississippi, where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master of Arts in higher education leadership. During my time at Ole Miss, I worked on campus in the department of sociology. I'm originally from Oxford, and I’ve worked for the university for 19 years.

My top three favorite things about Ole Miss are the people that I work with, the people I work for and the people we recruit. I chose Ole Miss because of family connections and because it was the best fit for me. I learned to love it for different reasons during my undergraduate tenure, and that love has strengthened during the years I've worked here. The people here are friendly, respectful and fun, and I like that they always smile at me and say hello when I see them.

Fun Facts:

Pets: My family has two cats named Lolly and Pipkin.
Secret indulgence/guilty pleasure(s): Public Radio, comedy, “Antiques Roadshow” and the Food Network.
Favorite Food(s): Mexican, sushi, and lemon ice box pie.
If I had to eat dinner with one person, who would it be and why? I really couldn’t pick just one, but I would have to say my grandmothers.
If I were trapped on an island with one person, who would it be and why? My wife, because I know I would work hard to get her off the island.
Favorite place you have traveled to: Island, South Carolina and Manhattan Beach, California.
Favorite Book(s): The Gift of Asher Lev by Chaim Potok, My Losing Season and everything else by Pat Conroy.