Resources & Scholarships
Helping students access what they need to achieve their goals.
The Tools for Success
Find out about the scholarship and award opportunities for Southern Studies and Documentary Studies students at the undergraduate and graduate levels—learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply. See what student success resources are available at the Center, College of Liberal Arts, and university levels.
Financial Resources
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What is the Academic Common Market (ACM)?
Southern Studies is an approved ACM program at the University of Mississippi. This means we offer resident tuition rates for non-resident students. In other words, if you major in Southern Studies (never a bad idea), you can save big bucks on the cost of college.
Learn more about the ACM
Southern Studies Scholarships and Awards
Eligibility:
- Full-time student
- Major in African American Studies, English, History, or Southern Studies
- Any classification
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Itawamba County, MS residency
Strong applicants will have:
- Demonstrated interest in US Southern history or literature
Application process:
- No application required.
- Contact College of Liberal Arts Dean’s office for more information. Ventress@olemiss.edu
About Elmo Howell
Elmo Howell (1918-2013) earned his BA in English from the University of Mississippi, then went on to earn his MA and PhD in English from the University of Florida. He taught English with an expertise in Southern culture, Mississippi travel guides, and poetry for 26 years at Memphis State University (now University of Memphis). Read more about Elmo Howell’s contributions to Southern culture.
Eligibility:
- Full-time student
- Southern Studies major
- Rising Junior
- First preference for scholarship in the study of Jewish culture in the MS Delta. (From MOA)
- 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.5 in Southern Studies classes
- Financial Need (FAFSA required)
Application process:
- submit a 250-500 word essay
- Deadline is April 1 for scholarships awarded in the following academic year. The two undergraduate advisers and the director of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture will review submissions. Submit materials to cssc@olemiss.edu.
About Rose Califf:
Rose Califf (1927-2001) received her B.B.A. in 1964 from UM, taught school for 40 years, many in the Clarksdale, MS public schools.
Eligibility:
- Graduate student in either the SST MA or MFA program
Strong applicants will have:
- Completed documentary project of outstanding quality. Project may make use of photography, film, oral history, or audio production.
Application process:
- There is no application process. Faculty nominate student projects.
About Ann Abadie:
About Ann Abadie, a native of Greenville, South Carolina, earned her doctorate in English from UM where she later served on the committee that planned the Center for the Study of Southern Culture (CSSC). Since the CSSC’s debut in 1977, she has served crucial roles, including associate director, as well as associate editor of the Encyclopedia of Southern Culture and the Mississippi Encyclopedia.
Eligibility:
- UM undergraduate or graduate student
Strong applicants will have:
- Completed project of outstanding quality that emphasizes music of any genre
Application process:
- There is no application process. Faculty nominate student projects.
About Peter Aschoff:
Peter Aschoff (1950-2002) taught anthropology and African American studies at the University of Mississippi. He wrote and lectured extensively on issues in African American music and culture, especially the blues and was a contributing writer for Living Blues magazine for 18 years. He also worked with the National Endowment for the Humanities, Center for the Study of Southern Culture, National Endowment for the Arts and National Public Radio.
Eligibility:
- First-year UM graduate student in the SST MA program
Strong applicants will have:
- A completed paper or project of outstanding quality
Application process:
- There is no application process. Faculty nominate student papers or projects.
About Motee and Lucille Daniels:
A Lafayette County native, Motee Daniels (1913 -1997) owned several businesses, including a general store and a road house juke joint. Also, a farmer & storyteller he is best known for being William Faulkner’s bootlegger and town character. Lucille (Starnes) Daniels (1915-2007) was born in the Toccapola community of Lafayette County. They were devoted supporters of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture from the time of its founding in 1977. The Lucille and Motee Daniels Endowment Fund, established in 1998 in honor of their friendship with the Center’s founding director, Bill Ferris, provides an annual award for an outstanding Southern Studies graduate student paper.
Eligibility:
- UM undergraduate or graduate student
Strong applicants will have:
- An outstanding paper or project in which the study of “the South” and the study of gender intersect
Application process:
- There is no application process. Faculty nominate student papers or projects.
About Sue Hart:
Sue Hart (2012) a Canton, MS native, earned a master’s degree in library science from Louisiana State University (1963) and went to work as a research assistant at Yale University. It was there that she met Dr. William Ferris, newly hired as the founding director for the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at UM. Sue returned to her home state to become research assistant at the Center in 1979. Along with Ann Abadie, Sue worked tirelessly as associate editor on the Encyclopedia of Southern Culture which was published in 1989. She contributed significantly to the work of the Center, retiring in 1995.
Eligibility:
- UM undergraduate or graduate student
Strong applicants will have:
- An outstanding paper or project about any aspect of music and “the South”
Application process:
- There is no application process. Faculty nominate student papers or projects.
About Sarah Dixon Pegues:
Sarah Dixon Pegues, an Oxford native and long-time administrative assistant at the Center, received her BS from Mississippi State University. Referred to by one of the Center staff as the ’heart of the Center’ Sarah worked there for 35 years, retiring in 2016.
Eligibility:
- UM student who graduated from the SST MA program in the previous August or December or who is graduating in May
Strong applicants will have:
- A completed MA thesis of outstanding quality
Application process:
- There is no application process. Faculty nominate student papers or projects.
About Motee and Lucille Daniels:
A Lafayette County native, Motee Daniels (1913 -1997) owned several businesses, including a general store and a road house juke joint. Also, a farmer & storyteller he is best known for being William Faulkner’s bootlegger and town character. Lucille (Starnes) Daniels (1915-2007) was born in the Toccapola community of Lafayette County. They were devoted supporters of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture from the time of its founding in 1977. The Lucille and Motee Daniels Endowment Fund, established in 1998 in honor of their friendship with the Center’s founding director, Bill Ferris, provides an annual award for the best MA thesis completed in Southern Studies.
Eligibility:
- UM student who graduated from the SST MFA program in the previous August or December or who is graduating in May
Strong applicants will have:
- A completed MFA thesis of outstanding quality
Application process:
- There is no application process. Faculty nominate student papers or projects.
Eligibility:
- UM undergraduate student in a class with content relevant to the U.S. South
Strong applicants will have:
- An outstanding paper or project about any aspect of southern studies
Application process:
- There is no application process. Faculty nominate student papers or projects.
About Colonel Homer Gray and Katsy Gray:
Begun in 1981, this award is named in honor of Colonel Homer Gray and Mrs. Katsy Gray, friends of the Center. It honors one of the two best papers or projects in Southern Studies undergraduate classes each year.
Col. Gray (1923-1992), a native of Oxford, served 28 years in active military duty, serving in WWII, Korean, and Vietnam wars. After retirement he went to work as a material control supervisor in the chemistry department at UM, retiring in 1988. His wife, Katsy, (1939-2024) the former Katherine Dawson of Summit, MS, graduated from UM as did two of their three children. In 1981 Col. Gray established an endowment fund for permanent support of the award.
Eligibility:
- UM undergraduate student in a class with content relevant to the U.S. South
Strong applicants will have:
- An outstanding paper or project about any aspect of southern studies
Application process:
- There is no application process. Faculty nominate student papers or projects.
About the Coterie Club:
The Coterie Club is an Oxford-based, philanthropic organization.
Student Success Resources
Center for the Study of Southern Culture
- Internship fairs
- Lectures
- "Southern Cinema" film screenings
- Concerts
- "Center Circle" student social organization
- Dedicated space for graduate students
College of Liberal Arts
The Center for the Study of Southern Culture and Southern Studies majors are housed within the College of Liberal Arts. Therefore, students receive support from the CLA Office of Student Services, located nearby in George Hall.
University-Wide Resources
Our university supports students and encourages them to be involved on campus and beyond.
Arts and culture experiences
Get involved on campus and grow your leadership
Opportunities to learn beyond the classroom
Health and wellness resources
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Technology and learning resources
Helpful Campus Departments and Units
Career Center
We provide services, resources, and professional networking opportunities. We educate students in the exploration of occupational pathways and in the development of career readiness skills that prepare students to compete in the global market.
Office of Confidential Advocacy, Support and Education
CASE supports the UM community impacted by interpersonal violence, including physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse, as well as stalking and technology-facilitated abuse. We serve as a liaison between the University and local resource groups. Our certified campus advocates provide confidential, non-judgmental support and options to empower students to create an individualized plan for healing. Staff and peer educators also promote awareness through programming and provide education for students, faculty and staff concerning these topics.
Libraries
The J.D. Williams Library is the general library for the University community, and houses the main collection of books, periodicals, microforms, manuscripts, government publications, audio visual materials, and maps.
Office for Research and Economic Development
The Office for Research and Economic Development (ORED) at the University of Mississippi empowers research that advances knowledge, addresses social challenges, and propels economic growth locally and nationally. Our role is to support researchers, foster collaboration, and facilitate the translation of innovation into progress.
University Counseling Center
At the University Counseling Center (UCC), you will find a team of dedicated professionals who strive to offer the best care possible in an atmosphere of acceptance and respect.
Online Campus Resources
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UM Academic Calendar
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Addressing Bias-Related Incidents at the University of Mississippi
While freedom of expression and the open exchange of ideas are important to the University of Mississippi, actions and behaviors that are bias-motivated, prejudiced, or otherwise disrespectful can negatively impact individuals or groups.
Bias Reporting Form
Graduate Student Resources
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Help with graduate-level academic writing
Find resources for writing CVs and resumes, abstracts, and teaching statements. The GWC also organizes writing groups that are student-led and meet weekly.
Graduate Writing Center (GWC) -
Graduate School Services and Forms
Overview Forms Health Insurance Thesis submission -
Center for the Study of Southern Culture Graduate Program Handbook
CSSC Graduate Handbook -
CFPs, Conferences, Grants, and Travel
H-Net UM Graduate School Travel Grants and Awards Travel Instructions