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Ben Bailey

  • Class

    Class of 2029

  • Program

    Public Policy Leadership ( College of Liberal Arts )

  • Involvement

    Greek Life, Orientation, Student Government

  • Quick Intro

    Ben is majoring in Public Policy Leadership and minoring in General Business. On campus, he is a member of the Associated Student Body as a Legislative Aide. Ben is an Ole Miss Ambassador, Orientation Leader, as well as a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and Catholic Leadership Encounter.
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Why did you choose to attend the University of Mississippi?

While growing up in Baton Rouge, I fully intended to attend that “other SEC school” near my home. I had this amazing plan that me and my sister, who is a junior at the University of Mississippi, would go to that school together. One day my sister came to me and told me she was going to attend Ole Miss rather than our previous selected school. She left me. My best friend left me. The house was quiet, and she never even asked my opinion on the matter. A couple of months later she invited me up to Oxford. I came to visit out of spite. I wanted to hate this place. Obviously, that plan didn’t work as intended. I immediately fell in love with the kind-hearted Oxonians who welcomed me to the Square. Then, my sister gave me a short campus tour where I noticed a few things: people greeted each other here, they held doors for each other here, and they had manners with a soothing southern charm. You see, on most college campuses, the spirit of the region is lost upon the thousands of students there. At Ole Miss, students feel comfortable enough to adapt to the southern culture and charm found in these hollowed grounds. This place is open to anyone and everyone. There is no other place in the world like it. 

 

While growing up in Baton Rouge, I fully intended to attend that “other SEC school” near my home. I had this amazing plan that me and my sister, who is a junior at the University of Mississippi, would go to that school together. One day my sister came to me and told me she was going to attend Ole Miss rather than our previous selected school. She left me. My best friend left me. The house was quiet, and she never even asked my opinion on the matter. A couple of months later she invited me up to Oxford. I came to visit out of spite. I wanted to hate this place. Obviously, that plan didn’t work as intended. I immediately fell in love with the kind-hearted Oxonians who welcomed me to the Square. Then, my sister gave me a short campus tour where I noticed a few things: people greeted each other here, they held doors for each other here, and they had manners with a soothing southern charm. You see, on most college campuses, the spirit of the region is lost upon the thousands of students there. At Ole Miss, students feel comfortable enough to adapt to the southern culture and charm found in these hollowed grounds. This place is open to anyone and everyone. There is no other place in the world like it. 

 

What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?

: Public Policy Leadership is a competitive academic program at the University of Mississippi that specializes in policy analysis, research, and application. The Institute itself is named after former Mississippi State senator, Trent Lott. A member selected for the Trent Lott Leadership Institute automatically assumes the major Public Policy Leadership. This is an application-only major. We would love to have you in this dynamic and unique major! 
: Public Policy Leadership is a competitive academic program at the University of Mississippi that specializes in policy analysis, research, and application. The Institute itself is named after former Mississippi State senator, Trent Lott. A member selected for the Trent Lott Leadership Institute automatically assumes the major Public Policy Leadership. This is an application-only major. We would love to have you in this dynamic and unique major! 

Why is your department a special place?

My academic department is a special place that cultivates once in a lifetime relationship. With classes that contain around 25 students, discussion feels comforting instead of forced. PPL professors have a multitude of experience across the country and often the political world. I can recall walking into a PPL class where the Ambassador to the Czech Republic was in my seat having a discussion with Senator Lott himself. This is just one example of the dynamic culture found in my major.  
My academic department is a special place that cultivates once in a lifetime relationship. With classes that contain around 25 students, discussion feels comforting instead of forced. PPL professors have a multitude of experience across the country and often the political world. I can recall walking into a PPL class where the Ambassador to the Czech Republic was in my seat having a discussion with Senator Lott himself. This is just one example of the dynamic culture found in my major.  

What professor or class has had the most impact on you?

 Doctor Holland’s Foundations of Public Policy class began with a swift entrance into the room followed by a lengthy monologue about policy and government regulation. The monologue was captivating and immediately set the theme for the course. His final words were “Welcome to college” as he walked out of the room not to been seen again until next class. Holland’s class forced us as students to follow his frameworks with great detail and pride. I won’t spoil anymore… 
 Doctor Holland’s Foundations of Public Policy class began with a swift entrance into the room followed by a lengthy monologue about policy and government regulation. The monologue was captivating and immediately set the theme for the course. His final words were “Welcome to college” as he walked out of the room not to been seen again until next class. Holland’s class forced us as students to follow his frameworks with great detail and pride. I won’t spoil anymore… 

What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?

 After graduation I hope to find a job either in the regional south or in Washington D.C. I would be honored to work in the political world within the private or public sector. This would include positions in lobbying firms, law firms, or even elected official’s offices. I also am planning to acquire my real estate license this coming summer. Upon receiving this license, I plan to work in the Oxford area as my time in undergraduate courses continue.  

 

 After graduation I hope to find a job either in the regional south or in Washington D.C. I would be honored to work in the political world within the private or public sector. This would include positions in lobbying firms, law firms, or even elected official’s offices. I also am planning to acquire my real estate license this coming summer. Upon receiving this license, I plan to work in the Oxford area as my time in undergraduate courses continue.  

 

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?

 Make course counter based on your degree plan! You can use simple software like Google Sheets or Excel to count the course credits you have earned. This will make advising and eventually graduation more seamless! Take the stressful parts of school and make them less stressful. Hopefully someone like me can give you this advice instead of having to find it out for yourself. Good luck and Hotty Toddy! 

 

 Make course counter based on your degree plan! You can use simple software like Google Sheets or Excel to count the course credits you have earned. This will make advising and eventually graduation more seamless! Take the stressful parts of school and make them less stressful. Hopefully someone like me can give you this advice instead of having to find it out for yourself. Good luck and Hotty Toddy! 

 

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