Undergraduate

Verlecia Gavin

  • Class

    Class of 2024
  • Program

    Integrated Marketing Communications ( School of Journalism and New Media )
  • Hometown

    Clinton, MS (South)
  • Involvement

    Student Publications
  • About

    I love meeting new people, being exposed to new opportunities, and finding new ways to get better at the things I love. I’m studying Integrated Marketing Communications. I chose this major because I felt that it would best teach me how to work in media, and it definitely has. IMC has taught me how to successfully communicate on multiple platforms. I want to be a news reporter/anchor once I graduate, so I think this knowledge along with other opportunities I’ve had at the university will help me get there.
Verlecia Gavin

Why did you choose to attend Ole Miss?

I chose Ole Miss because I was originally a journalism major, and Ole Miss has the best journalism program in the state.

When and how did you choose your major?

The spring semester of my freshmen year, I realized the journalism curriculum was not for me, but I knew I wanted to work in that field. I talked to my advisor about what I should, and she told me about IMC program. For a classroom setting, the curriculum seemed a little more interesting to me, but it still allowed me to pursue all of the opportunities the School of Journalism and New Media had to offer.

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

I would tell a high school student that IMC is very hands-on, and there are so many different things you can do with it. One thing that is important is to take advantage of every opportunity and never miss a chance to network. This field relies a lot on connections.

Why is your school/department a special place?

My department is special because professors make effort to connect with their students. Once you get to your skills classes, there only 20 people, so it’s easy to get to know other students in the department and your professors.

What are your 3 favorite things about your major/department?

Networking opportunities, welcoming environment, and smaller classes.

Can you tell me about a professor or a class you’ve taken that has had the most impact on you?

Professor Sparks is the first professor that comes to mind. I connected with her the most, and it’s clear that she genuinely cares about her students and their futures.

What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at Ole Miss?

I think one of my most memorable moments was Homecoming last year. I didn’t go to the game, but the tailgate was so much fun. It was so cold, but I was having so much fun I didn’t care.

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

I hope to become a news anchor and or reporter once I graduate. My goal is to eventually become a news anchor for Good Morning America.

Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford? What are your hobbies, favorite places to go, etc.?

I just like to do things with my friends. We could just hang out at someone’s apartment having a karaoke night or have a random night on the square. The unplanned nights are always the best nights.

What is your go-to meal in Oxford?

My go-to meal in Oxford is Ole Coop.

What are you binge-watching or reading right now?

Right now, I’m binge-watching Suits on Netflix, and I’m rewatching Gossip Girl.

What are some dream travel destinations?

I could go on and on. I would love to travel to Barcelona, London, Turks and Caicos, Tokyo, and Santorini.

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You have to take the initiative to meet new people.