Community
Learn about what it’s like being a member of the Trent Lott Leadership Institute community.
Lott Student Advisory Board
The student organization for the Trent Lott Leadership Institute, the Lott Student Advisory Board, supports the mission of the Institute and provides supplementary programming for Lott students. The Board assists in the Institute’s recruiting efforts, offers peer mentoring services for incoming students, coordinates alumni interaction events, and puts on special events.
LSAB Members
Meet the LSAB members for the 2024–25 school year.
Kaisey is a Junior PPL major with a minor in Journalism. She serves on the Lott Student Advisory Board as Chair, was Vice Chair the previous year, and was the Pi Beta Phi Director of Service and Philanthropy. She will be interning with the Republican National Committee this summer.
Q&A with Kaisey
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
I chose to major in PPL because of the opportunities and experiences I knew the Lott Institute could provide me. Since it is a small program, you get a lot of one-on-one attention from your professors and get to closely collaborate with your classmates. Being at such a big school like Ole Miss, it is so nice to be in a tight knit academic environment.
What are your career aspirations?
After graduation next spring, I want to work in Washington DC either in party politics or for a lobbying or consulting firm. I have always had a passion for politics and helping improve our great nation, but now having knowledge in Public Policy I have a better understanding of why politicians and our government do the things they do.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you? (preferably a PPL professor)
Every PPL class and Professor I have taken has helped me grow as a student in some way. PPL 101 with Dr. Bass helped me understand why Public Policy is such an important field to study and understand while also giving me an incredible foundation in writing. PPL 212 with Dr. Vereb pushed me in my debating and argument skills and PPL 300 with Dr. Fritz made me look at so many Public Policy topics in a new light.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
I organized the Champions are Readers program with Bramlett Elementary School where Ole Miss students would read to a class of Kindergarten and First graders. Each student was also gifted a book that was donated by people throughout the Oxford and Lafayette community. Through this program, 600 students were able to receive a new book and get one on one reading attention.
Molly Bowen is a junior Public Policy Leadership major with minors in History and Political Science. She serves as the Vice Chair of the Lott Student Advisory Board for the 2024-2025 school year. Additionally, she is a member of the Luckyday Scholarship program, the Associate Director of ASB Freshman Year Experience, and a student worker in the College of Liberal Arts. During her summers she has interned in Mississippi's District 4 Congressional Office, worked on her small commissioned based art business, and shadowed in her local law offices.
Q&A with Molly
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
As a senior in high school I got the opportunity to tour the Lott institute. I sat in on a class and I still remember what the topic the students were discussing. A student in the class approached me, introduced himself, and explained to me why he loved Lott. I quickly realized from a few conversations that the Lott Institute was a tight knit community that I wanted to be a part of. Moreover, I felt Public Policy Leadership was a major that could point me in many different career directions, therefore it was an easy choice to make.
What are your career aspirations?
Presently, I am hoping to get into law school. My long term goal is to become a practicing attorney in Mississippi, where I can work on the betterment of that state. Eventually, I can see myself working on policy pertaining to education.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you? (preferably a PPL professor)
While all the Lott professors have been more than helpful, I feel that my experience in Dr. Vereb's Critical Thinking, Communication, and Public Policy class was extremely beneficial. When I finished the class I could tell that I was smarter in a logical sense. He does a great job of helping you approach policy issues, which is foundational for much of what we do in Public Policy Leadership.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
In the summer of 2023, I got the opportunity to intern in the Mississippi District 4 Congressional office. Here I was able to connect to the constituents and be a part of answering their needs. From this experience, I was able to better understand what the wants and needs of the general population of Mississippi really are.
Elsa is a double-degree seeking junior studying both PPL and Finance with a minor in French. She serves as the Treasurer of the Lott Student Advisory Board, is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, and she also serves as the Head Deputy Comptroller of the SAF in the ASB’s Treasury Department. In her three years at Ole Miss, Elsa has studied abroad twice, and she is a Global Ambassador with the Ole Miss Study Abroad Office.
Q&A with Elsa
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
The Lott program is genuinely what drew me to Ole Miss. I participated in Lott’s summer program for rising high school seniors, after which I realized the potential the Lott program and Ole Miss as a whole provides. While I am passionate about working in the realm of policy in my future, I believes that the analytical, critical thinking, and research skills taught by the Lott Institute are invaluable in any field of work.
What are your career aspirations?
Inspired by my previous internship with an advocacy group focused on small businesses and startups, I aspire to work within government institutions focusing on international and small business development. I would like to utilize my knowledge of financial principles to help others, and working in government institutions would allow me to do so while utilizing the knowledge provided to me by the PPL department.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
Dr. Christian Sellar has been one of the most influential professors in my time at Ole Miss. I first met Dr. Sellar when I took his Public Policies of the European Union course, and throughout this course I recognized Dr. Sellar as a great resource for my upcoming honors thesis. Dr. Sellar and I have overlapping interests in foreign relations and business, and through this shared interest, Dr. Sellar has been able to connect me to resources outside of Ole Miss for my future career, and he has provided a vast amount of help in constructing my thesis.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
During the summer before my junior year, I interned at an advocacy firm and foundation focused on promoting the interests of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups in our nation’s government. I was able to connect with small business accelerators, incubators, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs themselves in order to connect them with areas of support that are most meaningful and helpful to their work. Being a liaison between these entities was such a unique experience and taught me how valuable this work is.
Jack Barth is a Public Policy Leadership and Philosophy double major. He serves on the Lott Student Advisory Board as the Ambassador Chair, is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and is involved in Greek Life. This past summer, Jack had the honor of interning with the Committee on Arrangements at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Q&A with Jack
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
I chose a degree in Public Policy Leadership with the Lott Institute because I was not only learning valuable writing, speaking, reasoning, and leadership skills, but it also provided incredibly valuable connections with both students and professors. No other major on campus can guarantee that you will be in small classes with less than 25 students in every class you take within the major. At the Lott Leadership Institute you will know both your fellow students and your professors well and trust me they will know you.
What are your career aspirations?
My career aspirations after college are to attend law school and specialize in election law. My goal is to ensure that elections are secure and that the results are trustworthy for all citizens. I believe that the Public Policy Leadership curriculum, with its emphasis on reasoning, public speaking, and writing, uniquely prepares students for both the LSAT and the first year of law school.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
Dr. Kyle Fritz has been incredibly helpful in my educational journey so far. As my professor for both PPL 212 and 300, he taught me logical reasoning skills that have proven invaluable, not only in my other classes but in my day-to-day life. Dr. Fritz excelled at explaining the importance of logical rigor in arguments, particularly in political and philosophical issues. Thanks to his teaching, my views have been strengthened, and I now feel much more confident in articulating my beliefs effectively.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
As the Ambassador Chair for the Student Advisory Board, I have engaged with both current students interested in joining the major and prospective students visiting campus next year. This role has given me a unique perspective on how the Institute is perceived by both current students and those considering enrollment
Walker is a Sophomore Public Policy Leadership and Rhetoric double major in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Walker is currently a member of the Associated Student Body, Columns Society, and the Lott Student Advisory Board. Walker currently serves in the role of President’s Chief of Staff for the Associated Student Body and he will serve as the Secretary for the Lott Student Advisory Board this next year.
Q&A with Walker
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
I chose Public Policy Leadership because of the impact you can make on others. The Lott Leadership program was known for its unparalleled insights towards navigating professional environments of leadership in in various policy areas across the United States. I was more than confident that the Lott Leadership Institute was the perfect fit for me.
What are your career aspirations?
I hope to attend law school so one day I can become an attorney. Because of the specified focus that Lott gives you in areas such as critical thinking, research, communication, rhetoric, policy knowledgeable, and more, I feel more than prepared for the future ahead. I am extremely thankful for the connections that the Lott Institute offers for opportunities such as internships to further develop my career aspirations.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
All of my PPL professors have made an outstanding effort towards helping me and my classmates. The intentionality that you are served in the classroom with your professor inside of PPL is unparalleled. This allows for you to build a relationship with your professors and colleagues past a surface level perspective.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
The most effective way I have been able to engage with my community has been through various service projects. My fraternity and I have helped the town of Amory with tornado damage that they suffered. I have helped pick up trash at Sardis Lake as part of a service project done by the University of Mississippi’s Columns Society. Another unique service project I helped in was through the Associated Student Body’s Adopt a Basket Initiative which gathered food for Thanksgiving to help those in need.
Cate is a Class of 2026 Honors Public Policy Leadership and Public Health and Health Science (Pre-Med) major from Natchez, Mississippi. She is heavily involved on campus serving in leadership positions within the Trent Lott Leadership Institute, Leadership and Engagement Ambassadors, American Cancer Society, Ole Miss Orientation Leaders and more. Previously, she has studied abroad in Europe, participated in Mississippi's Department of Public Policy Leadership Academy, and has extensively volunteered with the Mississippi Mission Acceleration Program.
Q&A with Cate
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
I chose PPL as a major to pair with Public Health because my academic interest lies within Health Policy. In high school, I participated in both the rising ninth and twelfth grade programs through the lott Leadership institute, so being a PPL student was a no brainer . As I am working towards being a competitive applicant for medical schools, I believe that it is important to know policy works that impact the health of Americans every day. The Trent Lott Leadership Institute was appealing because I knew that I would receive the best education, experiences, and opportunities that outmatched any other policy program in the nation.
What are your career aspirations?
I aspire to become a physician. Once I graduate from the University of Mississippi, I plan on attending medical school to eventually become an interventional radiologist. In addition to this I hope to start a non profit organization that builds upon more volunteer work that I am doing in undergrad, designed to help improve children's literacy in Mississippi.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
Dr. Joseph "Jody" Holland has been an excellent professor! I first had him as a professor in my Introduction to Public Policy course, where he helped me confirm that Public Policy was for me. Additionally, I have enjoyed him as a professor abroad where I learned more about the importance of the philosophy of leadership. He is a great professor, and I see him as a mentor for all PPL students here at Ole Miss.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
I am an advocate for children's literacy in Mississippi. I have dedicated over five hundred hours of service through Mississippi's Mission Acceleration Program, which is an organization the helps underprivileged children that have been identified as behind in the classroom, catch up on their reading skills. I have served in the Mississippi Delta as well as within the Oxford community to help combat the illiteracy problem in Mississippi.
Alex is a rising senior from Oxford majoring in PPL and minoring in Law Studies, Journalism, and Freedom Studies. She served on the Lott Student Advisory Board as the Secretary last year and is returning as a Co-Chair of Student Affairs. Aside from involvement within Lott, she is also a member of the Honors College, Attorney General of the Associated Student Body, and a Head Recruitment Counselor for Panhellenic. Additionally, she is employed as a Student Researcher at the Mississippi Law Research Institute and will be interning in D.C. this summer.
Q&A with Alex
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
As someone who transferred into the PPL major, I chose it because of the growth it offers beyond academics alone. The educational curriculum of Lott is amazing, but what truly makes us a standout program is the supplemental resources and opportunities we offer to challenge our students. These experiences combined are what truly help a person grow as an individual, a student, and a leader in their communities.
What are your career aspirations?
Having a great interest in policy, one of my short-term career goals that I am excited about achieving is interning in D.C for a Congressman. I believe this opportunity will be highly beneficial to me as I navigate my last year of undergraduate and prepare to apply to law school. As for the long-term, my career goals are to become a practicing attorney and use my education to help other people.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
When I transferred into Lott, Dr. Holland was the first professor I ever had who subsequently became my advisor. From the time I was in his section of PPL 101, he has always taken me under his wing and assisted me in growing as both a person and a professional. Dr. Holland's guidance has been one of the most helpful aspects of my Lott experience and I am so grateful!
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
Growing up in Georgia before I moved to Oxford, one of the most meaningful ways I have gotten to engage with a community was by serving a hospital in my hometown. During COVID-19, I was able to collaborate with local sponsors in my area to raise over $4,000 and a subsequent 390 meals for employees of Northside Forsyth Hospital. Having multiple family members that work in healthcare, it was really gratifying to be able to show appreciation for the people working at the frontline of the pandemic to keep others safe.
David Ramsey is a Junior Public Policy Leadership major. He serves as outreach chair for the Lott Student Advisory board, and works for the Trent Lott Institute office. David also has served in numerous positions for Delta Psi including Rush Chair, Merchandise Chair, and Professional Development chair. David is an opinion writer for the Daily Mississippian, in the Talbert Fellowship, and interned in Washington D.C. with Crossroads Strategies this past summer.
Q&A with David
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
I chose PPL as my major because of the opportunity to broaden my knowledge in the public policy field. I've always been interested in political issues, and wanted to sharpen my skills in research, speaking, and writing. Also, I believe that being surrounded by my personable, successful peers at the Lott Institute has helped me grow as a leader and as a person.
What are your career aspirations?
I would like to live in Washington D.C. and do federal lobbying for various issues including environmental issues, economic equality, or healthcare affordability. I've been interested in lobbying since high school, and believe that I can make an impact for the common good through helping solve these issues with effective lobbying.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
Dr. Holland has particularly been helpful to me. Dr. Holland was the first professor I had when I joined the Lott Institute, and his class has formed my educational experience. By taking his class, I've learned to step outside of my comfort zone, and believe that there is no task too large if I put my mind to it.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
Through Greek Day of Service, every year as a college student I have volunteered and helped clean up the Oxford community. Last year, I helped clean a local church and did landscaping around its exterior. Oxford is a beautiful place, and being a helping hand in keeping its beauty was very meaningful for me.
Raegan is majoring in Public Policy Leadership and Journalism with a minor in General Business. She serves on the Lott Student Advisory Board as Events and Merch Chair. Raegan is a news editor at The Daily Mississippian and is a member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women. Outside of the university, Raegan works for the Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program.
Q&A with Raegan
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
I chose PPL as a major to build a thorough understanding of how public policy affects constituents in order to inform better journalism work. The Lott program's Washington Experience drew me in as an opportunity to secure meaningful internships in political press and correspondence offices while earning UM credit. PPL allows me to be a more well-rounded scholar and writer.
What are your career aspirations?
After graduation, I aspire to work in corporate communications or as a political press secretary. Passionate about broadcast journalism and public relations, PPL is preparing me with the skills necessary to be an effective analyst---an essential skill for political journalism. To pursue my passion for storytelling, I plan to publish memoir essay collections --- sharing stories from study abroad programs and from traveling the world through a Southern lens.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
Dr. Melissa Bass has played a meaningful role in my education at the University of Mississippi. An outstanding lecturer, Bass' PPL 101 course built a strong academic foundation for the remainder of the courses in the major. Bass has invested in my writing abilities and analytical skills, challenging me to expand my intellectual horizons.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
I volunteer as a coaching assistant for the Oxford High School Speech Team. Speech and debate molded me into the woman I am today; giving back to a program that gave me lifelong speaking skills, confidence, friendships, and mentorships is an opportunity I do not take for granted. On weekday mornings, I help coach practices at OHS and assist students with writing and editing speeches.
Ella is a freshman Public Policy Leadership major with a minor in general business. She is an out of state student from Madisonville Louisiana, who is enjoying her first year as an Ole Miss Rebel! She serves on the Lott Student Advisory Board as the social media chair, managing the creation and production of the Lott Institute’s digital media. Along with this Ella is involved with sorority life on campus, the Ole Miss Big Event, ASB FYE, and Cru on campus ministries.
Q&A with Ella
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
I chose Public Policy Leadership as my major because of the amazing opportunities that I saw ahead of me through my decision to pursue this major. The course schedule for the Lott program is one of the most amazing on campus, drawing all new members of the program in with interactive classes which provide hands on experiences and amazing room to grow in your knowledge. I have met some of my best friends and the most amazing classmates through the Lott program, who encourage me to take opportunities and grow in my knowledge of Public Policy.
What are your career aspirations?
My career aspirations are continuing to be shaped to this day, especially with the new knowledge that I obtain each time I attend class at the Lott Institute. While I have found my passions in the world of Education Policy, I continue to see myself finding different areas of interest as I learn new and enticing things during class each week. While I am not clear on the exact route in which I intend to go after I graduate, I am extremely fond of Washington D.C. and could see myself making a future there someday in the world of Public Policy.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
Dr. Holland has been one of the most impactful people and professors that I have encountered during my short time as a student of the Trent Lott Leadership Institute. Taking his PPL 101 class at the start of my Freshman year brought with it the most amazing memories and knowledge within such a small timeframe than I have ever experienced throughout the years of education during high school. I learned so much more about the world of Public Policy than I ever knew existed and was able to partake in hands on congressional activity through our annual Mock Congressional Hearing. Dr. Holland truly has been particularity helpful to my educational experiences I have had here at the Lott Institute and I would recommend him to any incoming Lotty!
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
During the spring semester here on the Ole Miss Campus, I served on the Volunteer Recruitment and Retention subcommittee for the Big Event, as well as being a project leader on the Big day! Alongside some of my closest PPL classmates, and friends from all around campus, I assisted in providing community’s service to a project site in the Lafayette/Oxford Community. Through this experience, I, alongside those in my group, were able to experience what it truly means to serve and give back to the community which does so much for us and our college experience! I would truly recommend this to any incoming Freshman, as it is such an amazing way to get involved on campus and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Jensen is a junior majoring in Public Policy Leadership and minoring in Spanish. She serves on the Lott Student Advisory Board as the Print Media Chair. Additionally, she is a part of Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, a residential assistant on campus, and has worked as a photographer for the Daily Mississippian. Jensen is also an intern for the on-campus ministry, Cru, which works to evangelize, disciple, and serve students and staff. In the summer of 2024, she interned on Capitol Hill for Senator Marsha Blackburn.
Q&A with Jensen
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
When I first heard of the Lott Leadership program, I knew that it was the place for me. I saw that PPL was comprised of intellectual individuals who do not just seek to challenge themselves, but to challenge each other. I gravitated towards the place where I would be pushed the most, and where my growth as a student and leader would be fostered. The connections I would make were evident, and the experiences (such an internship in DC) I longed for were not just accessible, but encouraged.
What are your career aspirations?
I hope to either work in a non-profit, work in the political process, or pursue law school to become a family lawyer.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
What is so special about the Lott program is that every single professor I have had has been kind, influential, and has gone above and beyond to assist me in my pursuits. I have learned so much about policy, logic, and life in general because of each of their investments.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
I am a volunteer at the Pregnancy Center of Oxford, and it is one of the most meaningful ways that I spend my time. Through PCO, lower income families and women who are unexpectedly pregnant are assisted through free services including ultrasounds, counseling, and more. Additionally, PCO has a baby boutique filled with free or discounted baby clothing and supplies including diapers, wipes, pacifiers, bottles, and formula. I have had the honor to help support families who are experiencing a difficult season, and to be a part of such a beautiful mission to protect life.
Aminata is a rising sophomore from Southaven, Mississippi double majoring in Public Policy Leadership and Economics. She serves on the Lott Student Advisory Board as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Chair. Along with serving on the Lott Student Advisory Board, Aminata is a Voting Engagement Ambassador for the university, an ambassador for the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, a member of the Honors College Minority Engagement Council, Associated Student Body, Black Student Union, NAACP, Grove Grocery, and the First-Generation Network. This summer, Aminata has an internship in Washington, D.C. with an impact investing firm where she will be working as a Policy & Government Affairs intern.
Q&A with Aminata
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
I chose Public Policy Leadership as my major because I wanted to expand my breadth of knowledge on the various sectors of our government such as healthcare, education, economics, etc. and understanding how they work in shaping public policy. Having gone through the Lott Leadership Summer Program for 12th Graders the summer before my senior year, I instantly fell in love with Ole Miss and the Lott Institute. From this, I knew that the Public Policy Leadership major would be the medium in which I would harness critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will allow me to create tangible remedies to nuanced socioeconomic issues.
What are your career aspirations?
My career aspirations revolve around creating equitable opportunities and fostering accessibility. My mission is to address disparities in civic engagement, education, and immigration rights in the South through legislative action. Pursuing a path towards law school, I aim to leverage a degree in Public Policy Leadership to equip myself with the necessary advocacy skills, practical experience, and analytical tools required for impactful work in public interest law.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
Dr. Melissa Bass and Dr. David Rutherford were more than just professors—they were mentors who went above and beyond to equip me with the skills needed to critically analyze public policy and data. The lessons learned from Dr. Bass's PPL 101 course and Dr. Rutherford's PPL 210 course will be invaluable as I apply them to real-world policy analysis during my upcoming internship in Washington, D.C., where I'll utilize the critical thinking skills and methodological tools they taught me to formulate evidence-based, solution-driven policy recommendations.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
As someone who is passionate about voting access, one of the most meaningful ways I have given back to the Lafayette-Oxford-University community is through the work that I do as a Voting Engagement Ambassador at the university. As a Voting Engagement Ambassador, I work for the university’s division of Diversity and Community Engagement in order to increase voter registration and civic education in the Lafayette-Oxford-University community. I serve as a non-partisan, informed liaison for students by boosting voter registration through civic education. I am responsible for hosting voter registration and education drives and coming up with campus-wide registration initiatives. I have always admired the saying, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” and I am proud of the work that I do because it shows me firsthand that change is possible, it is tangible, and it starts with each of us by engaging in equitable work.
Student life at Lott
Hear from our Ambassadors about what it's like being a student in the Trent Lott Leadership Institute.
Aspiring careers and future plans
Find out what our Ambassadors plan to do after graduation.
What makes Lott special?
Learn why our Ambassadors chose Lott and Public Policy Leadership.