Trent Lott Leadership Institute

WHAT WE DO

The Trent Lott Leadership Institute identifies young people and prepares them for leadership positions in the state or nation. By merging comprehensive leadership techniques with global consciousness, we produce informed leaders for the future.

Our Leadership Program

The Trent Lott Leadership Institute offers a wide range of leadership and outreach programs for high school students and continues leadership education by partnering with the Department of Public Policy Leadership at The University of Mississippi. 

Apply to UM  Apply to Lott/PPL Public Policy Leadership

Preparing tomorrow's leaders

Students doing a mock congressional hearing

Public Policy Leadership degree

Students benefit from selective admission through a holistic process, challenging academic programming, small classes, and committed faculty.

Public Policy Leadership Degree
Students doing a mock congressional hearing

High School Students

The Lott Leadership Institute is proud of our standing commitment to the development of the leadership potential for young Mississippians, Southerners, and non-Southerners alike. A fundamental (and foundational) part of this commitment is formed through our high school programs, offered in partnership with The University of Mississippi’s Division of Outreach and Pre-College Programs.

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student applying for internship

Learn by doing

As a commitment to that belief, Institute students, staff, and alumni have developed robust internships opportunities for Lott students in Mississippi, across the United States, and internationally.

Explore internships

The New Leadership Endorsement for All Majors

Get the honed leadership skills that so many professions desire. The new Leadership Endorsement program is open to all students at the University of Mississippi. Students who fulfill the requirements receive a letter of endorsement that they can share with prospective employers or graduate programs.

Leadership Endorsement

Hear From Our Students!

Get the perspective from a current freshman, sophomore, or junior-year student.

Samuel Nemee

Samuel Nemee

  • Greek Life

Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?

See Samuel’s Answer
Emerson Morris

Emerson Morris

  • Greek Life
  • Student Government

What was the appeal of the Lott program?

See Emerson’s Answer
Tyren Boyd

Tyren Boyd

  • Service and Community Engagement
  • Student Government

Why did you choose PPL?

See Tyren’s Answer
Hannah Lloyd

Hannah Lloyd

  • Greek Life

Why did you choose PPL?

See Hannah’s Answer
  • Give to the Trent Lott Leadership Institute

    For over twenty five years, the Lott Leadership Institute has prepared high-performing students for positions of leadership in a complex world. In that time, the Institute has made a positive impact on hundreds of young people, who have gone on to affect thousands more. We would like to invite you to join us in continuing to develop the leadership skills of young people and cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance and excellence by contributing to the Lott Institute. Your generous donation goes straight to our students and student programming.

    Give to the Lott Leadership Institute today

Areas of study

The Lott Leadership Institute offers a B.A. in Public Policy and Leadership. in partnership with our College of Liberal Arts. With the B.A., students have an opportunity to earn certain minors. Here are some of our most commonly chosen minors.

In the News

Students and faculty are making a difference across the state and the nation.
A young woman and man stand together on an outdoor deck.
Community / Philanthropy / Student Life

OXFORD, Miss. – What began as a University of Mississippi class project has evolved into a campuswide initiative to keep discarded clothing out of landfills and into the hands of people who need it.

Meet the Staff

William Gottshall

William Gottshall

  • Executive Director of the Lott Leadership Institute
Melissa Jones

Melissa Jones

  • Associate Director Trent Lott Leadership Institute and Director of Leadership Endorsement Programming
James Hirsch

James Hirsch

  • Program Manager
Katelin Hayward

Katelin Hayward

  • Program Manager