Where to Give
The University of Mississippi’s schools and units are the foundation of our academic excellence. Your generosity fuels their growth, advances key priorities, and creates transformative opportunities for students and researchers alike.
Where Students Flourish and Ideas Transform the World
See where the brightest minds grow, explore, and flourish, and determined students receive support through graduation and into their careers. Known for top-tier teaching, ground-breaking research, and dedicated public service, Ole Miss offers nearly 200-degree programs through nine schools, the College of Liberal Arts, Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, and other university units.
Support our Schools and Colleges
Patterson School of Accountancy
The generous support of our alumni makes it possible for us to provide unparalleled opportunities to our students, attract and retain exceptional faculty, and flourish as one of the nation’s top accounting schools.
School of Applied Sciences
By investing in the School of Applied Sciences, donors play a pivotal role in expanding the opportunities for both students and faculty. Through your generosity, you can directly impact our ability to cultivate innovation, excellence, and make a brighter future for all.
School of Business Administration
The Ole Miss School of Business invites alumni to give back by serving as mentors in our Business Mentorship Program. Mentors share their experience, provide career guidance, and support students as they prepare for internships and future opportunities.
School of Education
We cultivate tomorrow’s change-makers through a blend of academics, scholarship, experiential learning, and a commitment to fostering broad communities to transform education in Mississippi and beyond. Gifts of all sizes are welcome in support of the UM School of Education.
School of Engineering
Ole Miss Engineering’s success is built on the strength of its alumni and supporters. Whether through mentorship, industry connections, or financial contributions, your involvement helps provide students with opportunities to excel, enhances research capabilities, and ensures the school continues to grow.
Graduate School
Your gift helps empower the next generation of scholars, researchers, and innovators. By supporting graduate fellowships, academic resources, and transformative research opportunities, you make it possible for students to pursue advanced study and create work that drives progress in Mississippi and beyond. Your generosity directly fuels discovery, excellence, and the future leaders of our world.
Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College
Community Action. Intellectual Rigor. Transformational Leadership. These are some of the words that come to mind when thinking about our Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College (SMBHC) scholars! As we continue to grow and equip more citizen scholars to impact society, we need your support.
School of Journalism and New Media
Invest in the future by supporting the School of Journalism and New Media, where we uphold freedom of expression and integrity in a rapidly evolving global media landscape.
School of Law
As Mississippi’s flagship law school, we have trained judges, governors, bar leaders, state legislators, mayors, business leaders, and advocates for the underserved. There is a continuing national demand for good, committed lawyers.
College of Liberal Arts
The foundation of every undergraduate degree at the University of Mississippi starts here. With 37 majors, 55 minors, and 35 graduate programs, the College equips students with essential skills—critical thinking, oral and written communication, problem-solving, and leadership—preparing them to thrive in an evolving world.
University of Mississippi Medical Center
When you support UMMC, you help expand access to advanced care, strengthen medical training, and improve health outcomes for families across Mississippi. Your investment makes a lasting difference where it’s needed most.
School of Pharmacy
The School of Pharmacy's graduates are leaders in biomedical research companies, community and retail pharmacies, hospitals, government agencies, universities, trade organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and every imaginable pharmacy practice setting.
Units
Initiatives
A New Triplett Alumni Center
The University of Mississippi Alumni Association is excited to unveil plans for the Triplett Alumni Center, a stunning, four-story facility that will become a vibrant gathering place for the Ole Miss community. Positioned with a breathtaking view of the Grove, the new center will be an iconic addition to the university’s landscape, offering a space of connection, celebration, and community for alumni, faculty, students, and visitors alike.
The Innovation Kitchen at the South Oxford Center
The School of Applied Sciences is leading an ambitious effort to create a world-class kitchen and dining complex at the South Oxford Center that will shape the future of nutrition, hospitality management, and culinary sciences.
Scholarships
Attending the University of Mississippi can be a significant financial investment. For many students, graduating with substantial student loan debt can feel overwhelming and discouraging. Scholarships play a crucial role in alleviating this burden, providing deserving students with the financial relief they need to pursue their education and enter the job market with a brighter future.
The Future of Innovation and Discovery
The University of Mississippi is preparing the next generation of innovators and problem solvers through the Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation’s state-of-the-art, $175 million, 202,000-square-foot facility. It opened in fall 2024. This transformative center will serve as a hub for groundbreaking STEM education, equipping students with the tools and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Faculty Support
At the University of Mississippi, faculty support is at the core of our mission to attract and retain the world-class professors who shape the future of education. The creation of endowed chairs and professorships adds not only prestige to the university but also provides the critical funding that empowers these exceptional educators to excel in their teaching, research, and service.
Center for Practical Ethics
The Center for Practical Ethics at the University of Mississippi is dedicated to tackling some of the most pressing and divisive moral and political issues of our time. Through intensive research, collaboration, and ethical analysis, the Center focuses on providing pragmatic solutions that help guide decision-making in an increasingly complex world.
The Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom
The Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom at the University of Mississippi provides transformative educational opportunities that promote an in-depth understanding of the foundational principles of American freedom. Named in honor of the U.S. founding document, the Center fosters the academic exploration of the nation’s core ideals, including the establishment of political community and the promotion of liberty.
Jones Hall: A New School of Accountancy
For more than a decade, the University of Mississippi’s Patterson School of Accountancy has stood among the nation’s top 10 programs. With a legacy of excellence and an expanding program, the Patterson School is poised for its next great chapter; one that will redefine accounting education for generations to come.
The Ole Miss Opportunity Scholarship
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing access to quality education for students from all backgrounds. Through our Ole Miss Opportunity program, the University guarantees that eligible Mississippi resident students will receive financial aid support to cover the average cost of tuition, residence hall housing, and an allowance for meals. For 2025-2026, an additional $500 will be awarded for books. This program will fill the gap in funding after all federal, state, institutional, and private scholarships and grants awarded to the student have been considered.
The Ole Miss Fund
The Ole Miss Fund improves campus facilities and technology, helps attract and retain the best faculty and provides scholarships to deserving students.
Ole Miss First
Ole Miss First offers four-year scholarships to incoming freshmen who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership and service. Scholars receive $4,500 annually and benefit from a strong support system that includes dedicated mentors and organized monthly gatherings, which foster connection, encouragement and personal growth.
About our Initiatives
The University of Mississippi Alumni Association is excited to unveil plans for the Triplett Alumni Center, a stunning, four-story facility that will become a vibrant gathering place for the Ole Miss community. Positioned with a breathtaking view of the Grove, the new center will be an iconic addition to the university’s landscape, offering a space of connection, celebration, and community for alumni, faculty, students, and visitors alike.
At a projected cost of $51 million, the Triplett Alumni Center will replace the current facility, making way for a classic red brick and white-columned building that reflects the timeless elegance of the university. With spacious offices, meeting rooms, and a president’s hospitality suite, the center will provide essential spaces for fostering relationships and driving the future of the university.
A Hub for Alumni and Special Events
One of the most anticipated features of the new center is the grand balcony, which will offer guests unmatched views of the Grove, the perfect setting for wedding receptions, reunions, and other special occasions. The large roof decks on the fourth floor will also provide a beautiful venue for gatherings and events that take advantage of the stunning surroundings.
In addition to these gathering spaces, the welcome center on the first floor is where prospective students and families will come to learn about the Ole Miss experience. This further enhances the center’s role in the recruitment and welcoming of future generations of students. The building will also include a designated space for the M-Club, supporting the lifelong connection between the university and its athletes, as well as various alumni organizations.
The second floor will have a 300-seat-plus grand ballroom and the president’s hospitality suite, and more.
Connecting the Ole Miss Family
The new center will be directly connected to the Inn at Ole Miss, making it an even more accessible and integrated part of the university’s vibrant campus life. With these remarkable features, the Triplett Alumni Center will serve as a hub for alumni activities, university celebrations, and a lasting symbol of Ole Miss pride.
Leave Your Mark on Ole Miss History
This ambitious project offers an opportunity for you to play a critical role in shaping the future of Ole Miss by supporting the creation of the Triplett Alumni Center. With your contribution, we can make this vision a reality and create a gathering place that will serve generations of alumni, students, and guests for years to come.
To learn more about how you can contribute to this transformational project, please contact Mary Kate Skelton, Development Associate, at 662-915-2377 or marykate@olemissalumni.com.
The School of Applied Sciences is leading an ambitious effort to create a world-class kitchen and dining complex at the South Oxford Center that will shape the future of nutrition, hospitality management, and culinary sciences.
By renovating the former Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi building, this initiative will provide unmatched, career-building experiences for students, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and create a dynamic space that brings together the Oxford community. However, private support is essential to realizing the full potential of this groundbreaking project.
A Vision for the Future
The School of Applied Sciences is committed to shaping the future of nutrition, hospitality, and food innovation at the state, regional, and national levels. This initiative will:
- Establish a new minor in culinary sciences, providing students with the expertise to excel in the rapidly growing food and hospitality industries.
- Expand experiential learning opportunities, ensuring that students gain real-world, hands-on training in nutrition, food preparation, and hospitality management.
- Create new interdisciplinary collaborations, bringing together health sciences, athletics, business, and food innovation to drive research and industry advancements.
- Strengthen community engagement, making the Innovation Kitchen and dining complex a vibrant gathering place for students, faculty, and the public.
Transformative Spaces & Impactful Programs
The new South Oxford Center will be home to a variety of groundbreaking initiatives that will enhance learning, research, and community interaction:
- Early Childhood Learning: When the Willie Price Lab School relocates here, students will gain hands-on experience in child nutrition services, working alongside the National Institute on Child Nutrition, headquartered on campus.
- Sports Nutrition: In collaboration with Ole Miss Athletics, this program will allow students to work directly with elite athletes, providing critical sports nutrition support while conducting cutting-edge research.
- Nutrition Clinic: Developed with health and fitness researchers, this clinic will provide nutrition assessments to both the campus and broader community, offering hands-on training for students in clinical nutrition and wellness.
Experiential Learning & Career Development
The Innovation Kitchen will give Ole Miss students real-world culinary and hospitality experience, from operating a curbside kitchen that supports local food trucks to managing a grab-and-go café serving pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. It will double as a community destination, hosting dining events, cooking classes, and exclusive experiences featuring celebrated alumni chefs, while its outdoor patio provides a welcoming venue for concerts, corporate gatherings, weddings, and private celebrations.
Be Part of This Vision
Help us transform education at the South Oxford Center. Your investment will create lasting impact for students and the community. Give today—be part of this vision. Contact Adam Brady, School of Applied Sciences associate director of development, at (662) 915-1755 or jab@olemiss.edu.
Attending the University of Mississippi can be a significant financial investment. For Mississippi residents, the cost averages around $27,000 annually, or approximately $108,000 over four years. For non-residents, the expense increases to $44,000 annually or $175,000 over four years.
For many students, graduating with substantial student loan debt can feel overwhelming and discouraging. Scholarships play a crucial role in alleviating this burden, providing deserving students with the financial relief they need to pursue their education and enter the job market with a brighter future.
Creating Lasting Impact Through Endowed Scholarships
With a minimum gift of $50,000, you can establish an endowed scholarship, an investment that will provide long-term support for Ole Miss students. Endowments are managed by the University of Mississippi Foundation and are designed to exist perpetually. The annual income generated from the endowment is used to fund scholarships for students each year.
While it takes approximately two years for an endowment to mature before the scholarship can be awarded, the long-term impact of your gift will be felt for generations. You can choose to make your commitment outright or pledge it over five years.
Examples Of Endowment Levels and Their Impact:
$50,000 Endowment: Generates an estimated $2,175 annually, which could support one student each year. As the endowment grows, the scholarship award will grow too.
$250,000 Endowment: Generates approximately $10,625 annually, potentially supporting one or more students each year.
Your Scholarship, Your Legacy
As a scholarship donor, you can name your scholarship and define the criteria for awarding the funds. You may choose from a variety of options, such as:
- Merit-based
- Need-based
- A combination of both merit and need
- Geographical preference, such as students from Mississippi and Texas or any other area you choose.
If you wish to see the scholarship awarded immediately, an additional cash gift can be made in the first few years to bridge the gap until the endowment generates sufficient interest.
Non-Endowed Scholarships: Immediate Impact
Scholarships are not only available through endowments. Gifts of any amount can be directed to non-endowed scholarships, which can be used immediately to support students. These gifts may be a great option if you’re looking to make an immediate impact, without the $50,000 minimum requirement.
Ole Miss Opportunity Program: Transforming Lives
In addition to endowed and non-endowed scholarships, the Ole Miss Opportunity Program is a critical initiative aimed at providing access to education for Mississippi students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Gifts of any amount can help ensure that eligible Mississippi residents receive the financial aid needed to cover tuition, residence hall housing, and meal allowances. Through this program, Ole Miss guarantees that no student is denied the opportunity to attend due to financial need.
Support Scholarships Today
By supporting scholarships at Ole Miss, you can help transform the lives of students and set them on a path toward a brighter future. Your generosity ensures that the university remains accessible to talented students from all walks of life. Explore how you can make a lasting difference through scholarships.
THE FUTURE OF INNOVATION AND DISCOVERY
The University of Mississippi is preparing the next generation of innovators and
problem solvers through the Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology
Innovation’s state-of-the-art, $175 million, 202,000-square-foot facility. It opened
in fall 2024. This transformative center will serve as a hub for groundbreaking STEM
education, equipping students with the tools and skills they need to thrive in a
rapidly evolving world.
Yet, to fully realize its potential, the Duff Center needs visionary partners who
understand the power of investment in education. Philanthropic support is essential
to equipping the building with cutting-edge technology that will shape the
experiences of students for decades to come.
At the Duff Center, students will gain hands-on experience in fields that drive global
progress in medicine, computer science, chemical engineering, robotics, and beyond.
They will program computers, analyze data with spectrometers, and explore the
microscopic world with state-of-the-art imaging technology. Guided by dedicated
faculty, these students will enter the workforce ready to make an impact in
industries that define the future.
THE POWER OF YOUR PHILANTHROPY
Your investment in the Duff Center is more than a donation. It is a commitment to
advancing science, innovation, and economic competitiveness. The U.S. Department
of Labor Statistics projects that STEM jobs will grow more than twice as fast as all
other occupations over the next decade. By 2029, STEM careers are expected to
expand by 8%, compared to 3.7% for all other jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of
Labor And Statistics. More than half of these opportunities will be in math and
computer-related fields, where the demand for talent far exceeds supply.
By partnering with the University of Mississippi, you can play a pivotal role in
ensuring that students receive the best possible education, preparing them to tackle
the most pressing challenges of our time.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES & ENDURING LEGACY
We invite you to leave your legacy by naming one of the following premier spaces in
the Duff Center. A permanent plaque will honor your generosity, ensuring that your
support is recognized for generations to come. Pledges may be made as an outright
gift or fulfilled over five years.
LABS:
$575,000 COMMITMENT
• Biology TEAL (Technology-Enabled Active Learning) Classroom: One of the
most utilized classrooms in the biology department, this interactive space
fosters collaboration and hands-on discovery. Your support will name the
classroom and provide essential equipment for student learning.
$500,000 COMMITMENT
• Organic Chemistry Lab: Our faculty are modernizing organic chemistry
experiments to enhance the student experience. Your gift will accelerate
these advancements and ensure students have access to the latest laboratory
innovations.
$400,000 COMMITMENT
• Physics Technology-Enabled Active Learning (TEAL) Classroom: Supports the
integrated lecture/lab teaching of the Intro Physics for Science and
Engineering courses taken by STEM majors and pre-medical/dental students.
In the redesigned course, students use more upgraded lab equipment and
demonstration materials, and more students learn at the same time. Together,
the lessons, room design, and demo equipment spark curiosity and problem-
solving skills.
$315,000 COMMITMENT
• General Chemistry Lab: A foundational experience for all chemistry students,
this laboratory fosters hands-on engagement and scientific curiosity. Your
support will equip the space with modern tools and inspire students to pursue
STEM careers.
• General Biology Lab: High-impact learning requires access to advanced
instrumentation. Your generosity will provide undergraduates with
unparalleled research opportunities, transforming their educational journey.
$250,000 COMMITMENT
• General Physics Lab: General education students, future K-12 science
teachers, STEM majors, and many pre-health professional students use
general physics labs. Different courses require different lab equipment and
demonstration materials to provide updated hands-on activities that challenge
and engage our students. The computers for the two-person lab teams must
be routinely updated or replaced.
Office Space and Lecture Halls
• $100,000 Commitment
Mixed-Use Classroom: A dynamic space designed to
bring together students, faculty, and staff from multiple disciplines, fostering
innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
$150,000 COMMITMENT
• Executive Director’s Office: The Duff Center is led by a renowned faculty
member dedicated to expanding STEM education across campus. Your
investment in this space will support strategic initiatives that enhance student
success and inspire confidence in STEM fields.
$500,000 COMMITMENT
• Lecture Hall – The 120-person lecture hall has a deep horseshoe-shaped seating
arrangement with 2 rows of tables per elevation of the flooring, allowing
students to gather easily in small groups for in-class activities. The large space
for the professor in the middle of the room maintains a closer connection with
the students. The rooms have high-end audio-visual technology, powered
tables, and more, making these some of our nicest teaching spaces.
YOUR IMPACT, THEIR FUTURE
Your generosity will shape the future of science and technology education at the
University of Mississippi. With your support, students will innovate, discover, and
lead in ways that will benefit society for generations.
We invite you to make a transformational investment in the Duff Center for Science
and Technology Innovation. Your gift will not only enhance learning opportunities but
will also inspire students to reach their highest potential.
Let’s build the future of STEM together.
FACULTY SUPPORT EMPOWERS EXCELLENCE
At the University of Mississippi, faculty support is at the core of our mission to attract
and retain the world-class professors who shape the future of education. The creation
of endowed chairs and professorships adds not only prestige to the university but also
provides the critical funding that empowers these exceptional educators to excel in
their teaching, research, and service.
Ken Cyree, dean of the School of Business Administration, underscores the
significance of faculty support:
“Having an outstanding faculty is critical to providing the incredible educational opportunities we offer our students. The faculty perform the formal part of education, and the extent to which we can attract and retain world-class faculty greatly determines our future as a university.”
BUILDING TOMORROW’S LEADERS, TODAY
The faculty are the heart of the university, guiding students in the classroom and laboratory, developing innovative programs, and fostering groundbreaking research that addresses the most pressing challenges of our time. As the competition for top-tier faculty intensifies, securing these distinguished educators is essential to preserving and advancing the university’s mission.
When Ole Miss is successful in attracting these scholars, we are not only enhancing
the academic experience, but also strengthening the university’s standing as a leader in
education and research.
YOU CAN SHAPE THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION
Philanthropic investments play a pivotal role in the continued success of the university’s faculty recruitment and retention efforts. Gifts of all sizes contribute to this important work, but there are also several transformative naming opportunities available to build your legacy in support of faculty excellence:
- Chair: $2 million and up
- Professorship: $1 million and up
- Director, Lecturer, or Scholar: $500,000 and up
- Faculty Start-up Fund: $100,000 and up
- Named Lecture Series Fund: $50,000 and up
By investing in endowed chairs and professorships, you are helping to secure our academic future, ensuring that future generations of students receive the world-class education they deserve. Your gift will help fund innovative research, life-changing solutions, and expanded learning opportunities that will live on for years to come.
SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF OLE MISS
We invite you to join us in making a transformative impact on the university by supporting the recruitment and retention of world-class faculty. Your investment in their success will elevate the university’s academic profile, creating a legacy of excellence for generations of students and scholars.
For more information about how you can contribute to endowed chairs and professorships, contact Charlotte Parks, vice chancellor for development, at cpparks@olemiss.edu or 662-915-3120.
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF ACCOUNTING EXCELLENCE
For more than a decade, the University of Mississippi’s Patterson School of Accountancy has stood among the nation’s top 10 programs. With a legacy of excellence and an expanding program, the Patterson School is poised for its next great chapter-- one that will redefine accounting education for generations to come.
To realize this vision, we are creating a state-of-the-art, $125 million facility at the prestigious corner of Grove Loop and University Avenue. This new home will not only elevate the program’s national standing but also provide an unparalleled learning environment that inspires students, attracts world-class faculty, and strengthens career opportunities.
A LANDMARK FOR THE FUTURE OF ACCOUNTING
Overlooking the university’s iconic Grove, this stunning four-story, 100,000-square-foot building will feature:
- Expansive balconies and terraces with breathtaking views, offering students and faculty inspiring spaces to collaborate and reflect.
- Tiered auditoriums and cutting-edge classrooms that enhance engagement, foster discussion, and prepare students for leadership in the accounting profession.
- Dedicated conference rooms and study areas to support both group collaboration and independent learning, ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive.
- Faculty and staff office suites that will bring the entire Patterson School community under one roof, strengthening mentorship, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
INVESTING IN EXCELLENCE
This new facility is more than just a building; it is a transformative investment in the future of accounting education. It will serve as a powerful recruiting tool for attracting top-tier students and faculty, ensuring that the Patterson School continues to lead in accounting innovation and professional preparation.
Philanthropic support will make this vision a reality. Naming opportunities are available throughout the building, offering donors a chance to leave their lasting legacy in a program that has shaped some of the industry’s most accomplished professionals.
BE A PART OF THIS HISTORIC MOMENT
With your investment, you will help create a world-class institution that educates the next generation of accounting leaders, advances the profession, and strengthens our reputation.
Join us in shaping the future of the Patterson School of Accountancy.
To make a gift or learn more, visit the Patterson School of Accountancy Building Fund.
INVESTING IN STUDENT SUCCESS
At Ole Miss, we believe in the boundless potential of every student. The Division of Student Affairs, Office of Financial Aid, and many other campus groups are committed to nurturing students’ growth, dignity, and dreams. This work prepares them for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and success. With your support, we can continue changing their lives.
TRANSFORMING MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT: LESTER HALL RENOVATIONS
The need for mental health resources has never been greater. The University Counseling Center needs to be expanded from two floors to the entire Lester Hall building—creating a sanctuary where students can find the help, hope, and healing they need. Your generosity makes this possible.
ANOTHER LIFELINE FOR STUDENTS: FULL-TIME COUNSELOR AT THE MAGEE CENTER
Substance abuse can derail even the brightest futures. The William Magee Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education is committed to guiding students toward healthier choices. With your help, we can fund a full-time counselor at the center, ensuring students have a dedicated advocate in their moments of need.
SCHOLARSHIPS: CHANGING LIVES, ONE STUDENT AT A TIME
For 80% of Ole Miss students, financial aid is the bridge between a dream and a degree. Scholarships don’t just impact individuals—they uplift entire families, creating a ripple effect that transforms communities for generations. Every gift makes a difference, and a $50,000 endowment can create a legacy of opportunity that will live forever.
HONORING OUR HEROES: SUPPORTING MILITARY-CONNECTED STUDENTS
The sacrifices of our military-affiliated students deserve more than gratitude—they deserve action. Veteran & Military Services is dedicated to guiding these heroes “to, through, and beyond” Ole Miss, ensuring they have the resources to succeed. With your help, we can honor their service by securing their future.
WELCOMING THE NEXT GENERATION: CAMPUS VISITS & ORIENTATION
Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions in a student’s life. We make choosing Ole Miss unforgettable. Campus visits and orientation programs allow students to experience the magic of the Grove, the spirit of the Rebel family, and the legacy they can build here. Your support opens the door for more students to find their home.
EMPOWERING PASSION & PURPOSE: MULTIDISCIPLINARY LEARNING
Some students dream bigger than a single major—they see possibilities across multiple fields, shaping their education to fit their passions. Multidisciplinary studies attract top talent, future innovators, and creative thinkers. Investing in these programs fuels the next generation of leaders who refuse to be boxed in.
Your generosity fuels these dreams, lifts students in need, and shapes the future of our university. For more information about supporting students, contact Brett Barefoot, Executive Director for Central Development, at (662) 915-2711 or bmbarefo@olemiss.edu.
ADVANCING CIVIL DISCOURSE AND ETHICAL SOLUTIONS
The Center for Practical Ethics at the University of Mississippi is dedicated to tackling some of the most pressing and divisive moral and political issues of our time. Through intensive research, collaboration, and ethical analysis, the Center focuses on providing pragmatic solutions that help guide decision-making in an increasingly complex world.
This commitment to addressing real-world ethical challenges is central to our mission as we prepare students to become thoughtful, conscientious global citizens. The University of Mississippi recognizes that understanding and engaging with ethics is an essential skill for leadership in any field, and we are proud to support this important work.
FOSTERING CIVIL DIALOGUE AND COLLABORATION
The Center’s core objectives are: Civil discourse, productive conversations, and critical thinking. Through a variety of events and programming, the Center engages both the campus community and the public, ensuring that its reach extends far beyond the university.
In addition to its educational mission, the Center serves as an invaluable resource for citizens, private industry, and government, offering substantively researched insights on a broad range of ethical topics. These include, but are not limited to: business, education, media, economics, engineering, healthcare, law, military affairs, technology, and environmental issues. By addressing these complex issues, the Center brings together students, industry experts, faculty, and alumni to lead regional, national, and international conversations on practical ethics.
LEADING THE WAY IN ETHICAL POLICY AND ANALYSIS
Through its public-facing pillar, the Center champions interdisciplinary collaboration, focused on providing actionable ethical policy recommendations across diverse sectors. By engaging a wide array of stakeholders, the Center positions itself as a thought leader on issues of ethical governance and policy.
With its commitment to thoughtful and productive discourse, the Center for Practical Ethics helps equip students, community members, and professionals with the tools they need to engage with ethical dilemmas in meaningful and solution-oriented ways.
SUPPORT THE CENTER FOR PRACTICAL ETHICS
As we continue to shape the future of ethical thought and action, we invite your support in sustaining and expanding the Center’s work. Your investment allows the Center to grow its programming, research initiatives, and outreach efforts. We are also advancing the field of practical ethics while fostering an environment of civil discourse.
For more information or to discuss how you can support the Center for Practical Ethics, please contact:
Deborah S. Mower
Director, The Center for Practical Ethics
Department of Philosophy and Religion
University of Mississippi
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF AMERICAN FREEDOM
The Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom at the University of Mississippi creates transformative educational opportunities that promote an in-depth understanding of the foundational principles of American freedom. Named in honor of the U.S. founding document, the Center fosters the academic exploration of the nation’s core ideals, including the establishment of political community and the promotion of liberty.
Our Mission is to encourage intellectual engagement with the multifaceted concept of freedom. Through a diverse range of initiatives, including speakers, internships, reading groups, and faculty-led research, the Center serves as a hub for both students and faculty to investigate the principles that have shaped American society.
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Freedom Fellow Internships: Immersive learning experiences that engage students in meaningful work related to the study of American freedom.
Annual Student Conference: A platform for students to present research and discuss critical issues concerning liberty and democracy.
Reading Group with Faculty and Community: A collaborative space for students and faculty to engage in thoughtful discussions on the philosophical, historical, and contemporary implications of freedom.
American Civics Classes: General education courses that empower students with a deeper understanding of American government and society.
To learn more about how you can engage with the Center, please visit our website.
Creating New Ole Miss Opportunities
The University of Mississippi gives its students from all backgrounds access to quality education. Through our Ole Miss Opportunity program, the University guarantees that eligible Mississippi resident students will receive financial aid support to cover the average cost of tuition, residence hall housing, and a meal allowance. In 2025 and 2026, an additional $500 will be awarded for books. This program will fill the gap after all federal, state, institutional, and private scholarships and grants awarded to the student have been used.
Program Eligibility
To be eligible for Ole Miss Opportunity (OMO), you must be a Mississippi resident, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, an entering freshman at the start of the Fall semester in which you first enroll, seeking a degree, and enrolled full-time at Ole Miss. In addition, you must meet the following criteria:- The family income listed on your FAFSA (from the federal tax return) must be at or below $40,000.
- Qualification for a Federal Pell Grant, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Student Aid Index (SAI) no higher than 6,655.
- 3.0 high-school GPA by the time of awarding
To make a gift of any size to support Ole Miss Opportunity, mail a check to the University of Mississippi Foundation with the fund noted in the memo line, to 406 University Ave., Oxford, MS 38655, or visit https://give.olemiss.edu.
For more information, contact Charlotte Parks, Vice Chancellor for Development, at cpparks@olemiss.edu or 662-915-3120.
Are you considering a gift to Ole Miss, but unsure where to start? The Ole Miss Fund is the perfect place!
The Ole Miss Fund addresses the University of Mississippi’s most pressing needs and provides unrestricted support to ensure we can attract and retain the best students, faculty, and staff.
Here’s what else the Ole Miss Fund does:
ELEVATES THE EXPERIENCE. The Ole Miss Fund serves as the heartbeat of our university by touching every corner of campus life. Your donation amplifies the excellence that defines the Ole Miss experience.
IGNITES INNOVATION. It’s at the core of what we do at Ole Miss. Your support enables us to pioneer groundbreaking innovations that address real-world challenges.
FUELS EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE. Your gift to the Ole Miss Fund directly impacts scholarships that empower deserving students to chase their academic dreams and expand their horizons.
ENRICHES CAMPUS LIFE. Community engagement initiatives are what enhance the overall student experience. The Ole Miss Fund ensures that our campus remains a dynamic and inclusive hub where creativity and diversity thrive.
To support the Ole Miss Fund, visit this link.
Ole Miss First offers four-year scholarships to incoming freshmen who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and service. Scholars receive $4,500 annually and benefit from a strong support system that includes dedicated mentors and organized monthly gatherings, which foster connection, encouragement, and personal growth.
This unique program supports a multifaceted community of students — future engineers, physicians, artists, writers, and more — united by a shared commitment to excellence. Many Ole Miss First scholars have earned top honors, including ASB officers, Hall of Fame, Ole Miss Ambassadors, Orientation Leaders, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Rhodes Scholar, Truman Scholar, Taylor Medalists, Class Favorites, Homecoming Maids, Freshman Council members, ODK, and Columns Society inductees.
Founded during Chancellor Emeritus Robert Khayat’s tenure, Ole Miss First continues to provide tuition support alongside leadership development and mentorship.
For more about supporting Ole Miss First, visit this page.