Trent Lott Leadership Institute
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 both high school and undergraduate students. It extends leadership education through the university-wide Leadership Endorsement, available to all majors, and by partnering with the Department of Public Policy Leadership at the University of Mississippi, offering the Public Policy Leadership major.
Preparing tomorrow's leaders
Public Policy Leadership degree
Students benefit from selective admission through a holistic process, challenging academic programming, small classes, and committed faculty.
High School Students
The Trent 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.
Learn by doing
As a commitment to that belief, the Institute's students, staff, and alumni have developed robust internships opportunities for Lott students in Mississippi, across the United States, and internationally.
The New Leadership Endorsement for All Majors
Get the honed leadership skills 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 they can share with prospective employers or graduate programs.
The Character of Leaders Initiative: Integrating Moral, Civic, and intellectual Virtues
The Character of Leaders Initiative integrates moral, civic, and intellectual virtues into the culture at the University of Mississippi through a $1 million grant award through Wake Forest University and the Lilly Endowment Inc.'s Educating Character Initiative Grant. This initiative builds on the UM Creed and decades of character education to create a unified, interdisciplinary approach to developing ethical and effective leaders across all areas of the university.
Hear From Our Students!
Get the perspective from a current freshman, sophomore, or junior-year student.
Samuel Nemee
- Greek Life
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
See Samuel’s Answer
Emerson Morris
- Greek Life
- Student Government
What was the appeal of the Lott program?
See Emerson’s Answer
Tyren Boyd
- Service and Community Engagement
- Student Government
Why did you choose PPL?
See Tyren’s Answer
Hannah Lloyd
- Greek Life
Why did you choose PPL?
See Hannah’s AnswerIn the News
OXFORD, Miss. – Going to college is a time to study, prepare for a career and, according to two University of Mississippi researchers, develop character-driven leadership skills that can last a lifetime.
Meet the Staff
William Gottshall
- Executive Director of the Lott Leadership Institute
Melissa Jones
- Associate Director Trent Lott Leadership Institute and Director of Leadership Endorsement Programming
Katelin Hayward
- Program Manager
