Tell us about your favorite memories at UM – academic and beyond.
Some of my favorite memories at the University of Mississippi are from performing in India Night with
my friends. Every year, I had the opportunity to take part in this celebration of Indian culture, learning
traditional dance routines and fully immersing myself in the experience. My friends went out of their
way to make me feel included, even having their parents custom-make Indian clothing for me to wear
during the performance. In the weeks leading up to the event, we would spend hours practicing—perfecting choreography and laughing through every misstep. It was more than just a performance; it was a bonding experience that deepened my appreciation for cultures beyond my own. It became a tradition I looked forward to, one that reinforced the beauty of learning through shared experiences.
This experience was just one of many at Ole Miss that shaped my perspective and friendships. The
university brought together people from different backgrounds, faiths, and traditions, and through
these moments—whether in student-led events, classroom discussions, or spontaneous late-night
conversations—I gained a lifelong appreciation for the connections that expanded my worldview.
my friends. Every year, I had the opportunity to take part in this celebration of Indian culture, learning
traditional dance routines and fully immersing myself in the experience. My friends went out of their
way to make me feel included, even having their parents custom-make Indian clothing for me to wear
during the performance. In the weeks leading up to the event, we would spend hours practicing—perfecting choreography and laughing through every misstep. It was more than just a performance; it was a bonding experience that deepened my appreciation for cultures beyond my own. It became a tradition I looked forward to, one that reinforced the beauty of learning through shared experiences.
This experience was just one of many at Ole Miss that shaped my perspective and friendships. The
university brought together people from different backgrounds, faiths, and traditions, and through
these moments—whether in student-led events, classroom discussions, or spontaneous late-night
conversations—I gained a lifelong appreciation for the connections that expanded my worldview.
Some of my favorite memories at the University of Mississippi are from performing in India Night with
my friends. Every year, I had the opportunity to take part in this celebration of Indian culture, learning
traditional dance routines and fully immersing myself in the experience. My friends went out of their
way to make me feel included, even having their parents custom-make Indian clothing for me to wear
during the performance. In the weeks leading up to the event, we would spend hours practicing—perfecting choreography and laughing through every misstep. It was more than just a performance; it was a bonding experience that deepened my appreciation for cultures beyond my own. It became a tradition I looked forward to, one that reinforced the beauty of learning through shared experiences.
This experience was just one of many at Ole Miss that shaped my perspective and friendships. The
university brought together people from different backgrounds, faiths, and traditions, and through
these moments—whether in student-led events, classroom discussions, or spontaneous late-night
conversations—I gained a lifelong appreciation for the connections that expanded my worldview.
my friends. Every year, I had the opportunity to take part in this celebration of Indian culture, learning
traditional dance routines and fully immersing myself in the experience. My friends went out of their
way to make me feel included, even having their parents custom-make Indian clothing for me to wear
during the performance. In the weeks leading up to the event, we would spend hours practicing—perfecting choreography and laughing through every misstep. It was more than just a performance; it was a bonding experience that deepened my appreciation for cultures beyond my own. It became a tradition I looked forward to, one that reinforced the beauty of learning through shared experiences.
This experience was just one of many at Ole Miss that shaped my perspective and friendships. The
university brought together people from different backgrounds, faiths, and traditions, and through
these moments—whether in student-led events, classroom discussions, or spontaneous late-night
conversations—I gained a lifelong appreciation for the connections that expanded my worldview.
Why study at the University of Mississippi?
ll never forget rushing to class (late) and having former Chancellor Dan Jones stop me to ask: Do
you feel happy here? As an 18-year-old freshman, I didn't understand the gravity of his question. I shrugged it off, said of course, and went on my way. As my time at Ole Miss progressed, I realized that his question wasn’t just about happiness—it was about growth, purpose, and belonging. I attended Ole Miss during a period of enormous change. The year before my arrival, former President Obama and the late Senator John McCain held a nationally televised presidential debate on campus, foreshadowing the transformation to come among students. In my first year, my peers organized to remove Colonel Rebel as our unofficial mascot. Around the same time, members of the Ku Klux Klan attempted to disrupt campus life by staging a protest. But instead of allowing them to divide us, students of all backgrounds and ideologies came together in a powerful counter-protest, standing in white t-shirts with bold black letters on our backs: Turn Your Back on Hate.
During my time at Ole Miss, I watched my friends—and the university—make history. One of my
closest friends ran to become the first Black Homecoming Queen and lost by just 13 votes, only for
another one of our friends to break that barrier the following year. By the time I graduated, one of my dearest friends was elected the first Black woman to serve as Student Body President. These
moments weren’t just symbolic—they were a reflection of how Ole Miss was evolving and how
students were leading the charge. For me, Ole Miss was more than just a university—it was a place that shaped my career, my values, and my sense of purpose. To young people considering where to study, I would say this: The University of Mississippi offers a strong academic foundation, a supportive community, and meaningful opportunities for leadership, service, and professional growth.
At Ole Miss, I learned from peers who thought, looked, loved, and prayed differently from me. The
diversity of experiences, perspectives, and challenges I encountered helped prepare me for a career
in public service, advocacy, and law. Whether in the classroom, through campus organizations, or in
broader service initiatives, I gained real-world experience that shaped my path. The community at Ole Miss kept me moving forward, even in moments of uncertainty. Professors,
staff, and even university leaders invested in my success and supported me at every phase of my
journey. Their mentorship helped propel me from a student in Mississippi to a professional working in
some of the most powerful spaces in the country. For those considering a degree in Political Science, I’d say this: it’s a degree that can take you anywhere. My path took me from teaching in a high school classroom, to walking the halls of Congress, beyond the White House gates, and now—here—at my office in a top 100 law firm in America. Whether you want to shape policy, drive meaningful change, or work in a specialized industry, a degree from Ole Miss can open doors and provide the foundation needed to make a difference. So, if I were to answer Chancellor Jones' question today, Id probably give a lawyerly answer: it depends. Sometimes I was happy; other times I was not. But what I always knew—without question—was that when I wasn’t, I had the ability, the tools, and the support to make the change I sought. If you;re looking for a place that will challenge you, support you, and help you grow, Ole Miss is where you start your journey—and, besides, its one helluva place to spend your early 20s.
you feel happy here? As an 18-year-old freshman, I didn't understand the gravity of his question. I shrugged it off, said of course, and went on my way. As my time at Ole Miss progressed, I realized that his question wasn’t just about happiness—it was about growth, purpose, and belonging. I attended Ole Miss during a period of enormous change. The year before my arrival, former President Obama and the late Senator John McCain held a nationally televised presidential debate on campus, foreshadowing the transformation to come among students. In my first year, my peers organized to remove Colonel Rebel as our unofficial mascot. Around the same time, members of the Ku Klux Klan attempted to disrupt campus life by staging a protest. But instead of allowing them to divide us, students of all backgrounds and ideologies came together in a powerful counter-protest, standing in white t-shirts with bold black letters on our backs: Turn Your Back on Hate.
During my time at Ole Miss, I watched my friends—and the university—make history. One of my
closest friends ran to become the first Black Homecoming Queen and lost by just 13 votes, only for
another one of our friends to break that barrier the following year. By the time I graduated, one of my dearest friends was elected the first Black woman to serve as Student Body President. These
moments weren’t just symbolic—they were a reflection of how Ole Miss was evolving and how
students were leading the charge. For me, Ole Miss was more than just a university—it was a place that shaped my career, my values, and my sense of purpose. To young people considering where to study, I would say this: The University of Mississippi offers a strong academic foundation, a supportive community, and meaningful opportunities for leadership, service, and professional growth.
At Ole Miss, I learned from peers who thought, looked, loved, and prayed differently from me. The
diversity of experiences, perspectives, and challenges I encountered helped prepare me for a career
in public service, advocacy, and law. Whether in the classroom, through campus organizations, or in
broader service initiatives, I gained real-world experience that shaped my path. The community at Ole Miss kept me moving forward, even in moments of uncertainty. Professors,
staff, and even university leaders invested in my success and supported me at every phase of my
journey. Their mentorship helped propel me from a student in Mississippi to a professional working in
some of the most powerful spaces in the country. For those considering a degree in Political Science, I’d say this: it’s a degree that can take you anywhere. My path took me from teaching in a high school classroom, to walking the halls of Congress, beyond the White House gates, and now—here—at my office in a top 100 law firm in America. Whether you want to shape policy, drive meaningful change, or work in a specialized industry, a degree from Ole Miss can open doors and provide the foundation needed to make a difference. So, if I were to answer Chancellor Jones' question today, Id probably give a lawyerly answer: it depends. Sometimes I was happy; other times I was not. But what I always knew—without question—was that when I wasn’t, I had the ability, the tools, and the support to make the change I sought. If you;re looking for a place that will challenge you, support you, and help you grow, Ole Miss is where you start your journey—and, besides, its one helluva place to spend your early 20s.
ll never forget rushing to class (late) and having former Chancellor Dan Jones stop me to ask: Do
you feel happy here? As an 18-year-old freshman, I didn't understand the gravity of his question. I shrugged it off, said of course, and went on my way. As my time at Ole Miss progressed, I realized that his question wasn’t just about happiness—it was about growth, purpose, and belonging. I attended Ole Miss during a period of enormous change. The year before my arrival, former President Obama and the late Senator John McCain held a nationally televised presidential debate on campus, foreshadowing the transformation to come among students. In my first year, my peers organized to remove Colonel Rebel as our unofficial mascot. Around the same time, members of the Ku Klux Klan attempted to disrupt campus life by staging a protest. But instead of allowing them to divide us, students of all backgrounds and ideologies came together in a powerful counter-protest, standing in white t-shirts with bold black letters on our backs: Turn Your Back on Hate.
During my time at Ole Miss, I watched my friends—and the university—make history. One of my
closest friends ran to become the first Black Homecoming Queen and lost by just 13 votes, only for
another one of our friends to break that barrier the following year. By the time I graduated, one of my dearest friends was elected the first Black woman to serve as Student Body President. These
moments weren’t just symbolic—they were a reflection of how Ole Miss was evolving and how
students were leading the charge. For me, Ole Miss was more than just a university—it was a place that shaped my career, my values, and my sense of purpose. To young people considering where to study, I would say this: The University of Mississippi offers a strong academic foundation, a supportive community, and meaningful opportunities for leadership, service, and professional growth.
At Ole Miss, I learned from peers who thought, looked, loved, and prayed differently from me. The
diversity of experiences, perspectives, and challenges I encountered helped prepare me for a career
in public service, advocacy, and law. Whether in the classroom, through campus organizations, or in
broader service initiatives, I gained real-world experience that shaped my path. The community at Ole Miss kept me moving forward, even in moments of uncertainty. Professors,
staff, and even university leaders invested in my success and supported me at every phase of my
journey. Their mentorship helped propel me from a student in Mississippi to a professional working in
some of the most powerful spaces in the country. For those considering a degree in Political Science, I’d say this: it’s a degree that can take you anywhere. My path took me from teaching in a high school classroom, to walking the halls of Congress, beyond the White House gates, and now—here—at my office in a top 100 law firm in America. Whether you want to shape policy, drive meaningful change, or work in a specialized industry, a degree from Ole Miss can open doors and provide the foundation needed to make a difference. So, if I were to answer Chancellor Jones' question today, Id probably give a lawyerly answer: it depends. Sometimes I was happy; other times I was not. But what I always knew—without question—was that when I wasn’t, I had the ability, the tools, and the support to make the change I sought. If you;re looking for a place that will challenge you, support you, and help you grow, Ole Miss is where you start your journey—and, besides, its one helluva place to spend your early 20s.
you feel happy here? As an 18-year-old freshman, I didn't understand the gravity of his question. I shrugged it off, said of course, and went on my way. As my time at Ole Miss progressed, I realized that his question wasn’t just about happiness—it was about growth, purpose, and belonging. I attended Ole Miss during a period of enormous change. The year before my arrival, former President Obama and the late Senator John McCain held a nationally televised presidential debate on campus, foreshadowing the transformation to come among students. In my first year, my peers organized to remove Colonel Rebel as our unofficial mascot. Around the same time, members of the Ku Klux Klan attempted to disrupt campus life by staging a protest. But instead of allowing them to divide us, students of all backgrounds and ideologies came together in a powerful counter-protest, standing in white t-shirts with bold black letters on our backs: Turn Your Back on Hate.
During my time at Ole Miss, I watched my friends—and the university—make history. One of my
closest friends ran to become the first Black Homecoming Queen and lost by just 13 votes, only for
another one of our friends to break that barrier the following year. By the time I graduated, one of my dearest friends was elected the first Black woman to serve as Student Body President. These
moments weren’t just symbolic—they were a reflection of how Ole Miss was evolving and how
students were leading the charge. For me, Ole Miss was more than just a university—it was a place that shaped my career, my values, and my sense of purpose. To young people considering where to study, I would say this: The University of Mississippi offers a strong academic foundation, a supportive community, and meaningful opportunities for leadership, service, and professional growth.
At Ole Miss, I learned from peers who thought, looked, loved, and prayed differently from me. The
diversity of experiences, perspectives, and challenges I encountered helped prepare me for a career
in public service, advocacy, and law. Whether in the classroom, through campus organizations, or in
broader service initiatives, I gained real-world experience that shaped my path. The community at Ole Miss kept me moving forward, even in moments of uncertainty. Professors,
staff, and even university leaders invested in my success and supported me at every phase of my
journey. Their mentorship helped propel me from a student in Mississippi to a professional working in
some of the most powerful spaces in the country. For those considering a degree in Political Science, I’d say this: it’s a degree that can take you anywhere. My path took me from teaching in a high school classroom, to walking the halls of Congress, beyond the White House gates, and now—here—at my office in a top 100 law firm in America. Whether you want to shape policy, drive meaningful change, or work in a specialized industry, a degree from Ole Miss can open doors and provide the foundation needed to make a difference. So, if I were to answer Chancellor Jones' question today, Id probably give a lawyerly answer: it depends. Sometimes I was happy; other times I was not. But what I always knew—without question—was that when I wasn’t, I had the ability, the tools, and the support to make the change I sought. If you;re looking for a place that will challenge you, support you, and help you grow, Ole Miss is where you start your journey—and, besides, its one helluva place to spend your early 20s.
What has been your career/educational path since you graduated?
Since earning my undergraduate degree, my career and educational path have been shaped by a
deep commitment to public service, advocacy, and the law. My journey has taken me through diverse
sectors—education, government, politics, and law—each step reinforcing my passion for policy and
advocacy. Early in my career, I worked in both Washington, D.C., and Mississippi, gaining experience in
teaching, nonprofit leadership, and local government. In government, I have served in various
capacities for the City of Clarksdale, both chambers of Congress, and the White House. After working on a couple of national campaigns, I pursued law school, with a focus on environmental
law. During my studies, I deepened my expertise through work at the EPA’s Office of General Counsel
and contributed to emergency recovery efforts in my hometown, Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Today, as
an environmental associate at Baker Botts, I advise clients on regulatory compliance, enforcement
actions, and general environmental counseling. What is the value of your liberal arts degree for your career and
deep commitment to public service, advocacy, and the law. My journey has taken me through diverse
sectors—education, government, politics, and law—each step reinforcing my passion for policy and
advocacy. Early in my career, I worked in both Washington, D.C., and Mississippi, gaining experience in
teaching, nonprofit leadership, and local government. In government, I have served in various
capacities for the City of Clarksdale, both chambers of Congress, and the White House. After working on a couple of national campaigns, I pursued law school, with a focus on environmental
law. During my studies, I deepened my expertise through work at the EPA’s Office of General Counsel
and contributed to emergency recovery efforts in my hometown, Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Today, as
an environmental associate at Baker Botts, I advise clients on regulatory compliance, enforcement
actions, and general environmental counseling. What is the value of your liberal arts degree for your career and
Since earning my undergraduate degree, my career and educational path have been shaped by a
deep commitment to public service, advocacy, and the law. My journey has taken me through diverse
sectors—education, government, politics, and law—each step reinforcing my passion for policy and
advocacy. Early in my career, I worked in both Washington, D.C., and Mississippi, gaining experience in
teaching, nonprofit leadership, and local government. In government, I have served in various
capacities for the City of Clarksdale, both chambers of Congress, and the White House. After working on a couple of national campaigns, I pursued law school, with a focus on environmental
law. During my studies, I deepened my expertise through work at the EPA’s Office of General Counsel
and contributed to emergency recovery efforts in my hometown, Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Today, as
an environmental associate at Baker Botts, I advise clients on regulatory compliance, enforcement
actions, and general environmental counseling. What is the value of your liberal arts degree for your career and
deep commitment to public service, advocacy, and the law. My journey has taken me through diverse
sectors—education, government, politics, and law—each step reinforcing my passion for policy and
advocacy. Early in my career, I worked in both Washington, D.C., and Mississippi, gaining experience in
teaching, nonprofit leadership, and local government. In government, I have served in various
capacities for the City of Clarksdale, both chambers of Congress, and the White House. After working on a couple of national campaigns, I pursued law school, with a focus on environmental
law. During my studies, I deepened my expertise through work at the EPA’s Office of General Counsel
and contributed to emergency recovery efforts in my hometown, Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Today, as
an environmental associate at Baker Botts, I advise clients on regulatory compliance, enforcement
actions, and general environmental counseling. What is the value of your liberal arts degree for your career and
What is the value of your liberal arts degree for your career and life?
My liberal arts degree has been the foundation of my career, shaping both how I think and how I
engage with the world. Studying Political Science at the University of Mississippi taught me how to
analyze complex issues, communicate effectively, and understand the broader societal and historical
contexts that influence law and policy.
The value of a liberal arts education is its versatility. It allowed me to pivot between different
sectors—education, government, politics, and law—without ever feeling unprepared. It gave me the
ability to synthesize information quickly, argue persuasively, and adapt to new challenges—all skills
that have been critical in my work as an attorney. Beyond my career, my degree has shaped my
commitment to advocacy, leadership, and civic engagement. It gave me the tools to not only
understand the world’s challenges but also the confidence and skills to work toward solutions.
engage with the world. Studying Political Science at the University of Mississippi taught me how to
analyze complex issues, communicate effectively, and understand the broader societal and historical
contexts that influence law and policy.
The value of a liberal arts education is its versatility. It allowed me to pivot between different
sectors—education, government, politics, and law—without ever feeling unprepared. It gave me the
ability to synthesize information quickly, argue persuasively, and adapt to new challenges—all skills
that have been critical in my work as an attorney. Beyond my career, my degree has shaped my
commitment to advocacy, leadership, and civic engagement. It gave me the tools to not only
understand the world’s challenges but also the confidence and skills to work toward solutions.
My liberal arts degree has been the foundation of my career, shaping both how I think and how I
engage with the world. Studying Political Science at the University of Mississippi taught me how to
analyze complex issues, communicate effectively, and understand the broader societal and historical
contexts that influence law and policy.
The value of a liberal arts education is its versatility. It allowed me to pivot between different
sectors—education, government, politics, and law—without ever feeling unprepared. It gave me the
ability to synthesize information quickly, argue persuasively, and adapt to new challenges—all skills
that have been critical in my work as an attorney. Beyond my career, my degree has shaped my
commitment to advocacy, leadership, and civic engagement. It gave me the tools to not only
understand the world’s challenges but also the confidence and skills to work toward solutions.
engage with the world. Studying Political Science at the University of Mississippi taught me how to
analyze complex issues, communicate effectively, and understand the broader societal and historical
contexts that influence law and policy.
The value of a liberal arts education is its versatility. It allowed me to pivot between different
sectors—education, government, politics, and law—without ever feeling unprepared. It gave me the
ability to synthesize information quickly, argue persuasively, and adapt to new challenges—all skills
that have been critical in my work as an attorney. Beyond my career, my degree has shaped my
commitment to advocacy, leadership, and civic engagement. It gave me the tools to not only
understand the world’s challenges but also the confidence and skills to work toward solutions.