Ole Miss First
Providing valuable mentoring and leadership development in conjunction with tuition assistance for deserving students
Your Next Step Starts Here
Ole Miss First supports high-achieving incoming freshmen with a four-year scholarship and a built-in network for success. Students receive $4,500 annually, along with dedicated mentors and monthly gatherings that encourage connection, growth, and leadership development.
Scholars come from many academic paths — from engineering and medicine to the arts — and share a commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom. They often earn top university and national honors and serve in leadership roles. They represent Ole Miss at the highest levels.
Ole Miss First was established during Chancellor Emeritus Robert Khayat's tenure. It continues to support student potential through tuition funds, mentorship, and leadership opportunities that shape students’ lives forever.
Apply for admission to The University of Mississippi!
In some cases, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is also required. You may complete it here.
Apply for Your FAFSA
Frequently Asked Questions
Incoming freshmen who:
- Have a 3.0+ GPA
- Typically score ACT 25+
- Show leadership, involvement, and community service
- Demonstrate financial need (if required)
- Enroll in at least 12 credit hours
Apply for admission to The University of Mississippi.
In some cases, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is also required. You may complete it here.
Motivated students committed to academic success, leadership, and service.
Scholars are expected to:
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA
- Participate in mentoring and monthly events
- Complete 8 hours of service each semester
- Stay involved and build leadership experience
- Connect with donors throughout the program
Each scholarship is funded by a $25,000 pledge over five years, supporting eight semesters of tuition. Endowed scholarships begin at $125,000 and provide lasting support. Some awards also evaluate financial need, academic major, or geographic area.
How to Give
We are extremely grateful to the loyal alumni, friends, and corporate partners who have supported the Ole Miss First Scholarship program. Producing capable and productive citizens requires much more than classroom instruction. With your help, Ole Miss First molds future leaders through mentoring, innovative leadership training, and cultural enrichment. We appreciate your consideration and are happy to assist you with any questions you may have.
Establish an Ole Miss First Scholarship Fund
A pledge of $25,000, payable in installments of $5,000 over 5 years, will provide for tuition, mentoring, and leadership training for one undergraduate student through eight semesters of academic coursework at the University of Mississippi. These named scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen based on the student’s high school record of academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service. Additionally, some scholarships are based on financial need, academic major, or geographic location.
Establish an Ole Miss First Scholarship Endowment
An endowed scholarship educates students in perpetuity. A contribution of $125,000 from an individual, corporation, or foundation can be paid in a lump sum or fulfilled over a period of five years. Scholarships are often named in honor or memory of a person who personifies the Ole Miss First spirit of leadership, scholarship, and service.
Plan Your Estate
Consider setting up an endowment for a named Ole Miss First Scholarship Endowment through estate planning with The University of Mississippi Foundation. Those who either fund or plan a deferred gift, such as a bequest or a life income plan, may, if they wish, become members of the 1848 Society. The Ole Miss First Endowed Scholarship would be endowed when the estate is executed.
Unrestricted Support
Unrestricted gifts — no matter the amount — provide the Ole Miss First program the freedom and flexibility to respond to the program’s greatest needs.
Make Your Impact
To support Ole Miss First, please send your donation to THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI FOUNDATION, 406 University Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655.
Your employer (or your spouse’s employer) may double or triple the amount of your gift. To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, please check our matching gift companies.
For more information on establishing an Ole Miss First Scholarship fund or endowment, contact Brett Barefoot, Executive Director for Central Development, at the University of Mississippi Foundation by calling 662-915-2711 or emailing bmbarefo@olemiss.edu.
Meet Our Scholars
Allison Wray
Class: 2027
Program: Music Education
Quick Intro: Allison is majoring in Music Education. On campus, she is a member of the Ole Miss Pride of the South Band, Sigma Alpha Iota, Ole Miss First Scholarship Program, and an active member of Well Spring Church of Pontotoc. She has performed and participated as Clarinet Section Leader in the Ole Miss Pride of the South Band. She is also a member of the Ole Miss Wind Ensemble, LOU Symphony Orchestra, and more.
Madeline Cannon
Class: 2028
Program: Early Childhood Education
Quick Intro: Madeline Cannon, a junior, from Pearl, Mississippi, graduated from Pearl High School. She is majoring in early childhood education. Madeline plays clarinet in the Ole Miss Pride of the South marching band and is a part of the Ole Miss choir program. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family. She also enjoys serving her community.
Allie Alldread
Class: 2028
Program: Music Education
Quick Intro: Allie Alldread, from Hernando, Mississippi, graduated from Hernando High School. She is majoring in music education with a vocal emphasis. She is a part of the Women’s Glee and Concert Singers Ensemble. Allie is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. In her free time, she enjoys singing, writing music, listening to music, playing the piano and guitar, cooking, watching TV, spending time with family and friends, and working out.
Need More Information?
For more information about receiving an Ole Miss First scholarship, how to support the program, or general inquiries, please reach out to Anna Weems.
Anna Weems
Program Manager