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.

An Unparalleled Leadership Experience

The Trent Lott Leadership Institute is a distinctive program dedicated to developing the leadership potential of young people through immersive learning, tailored support systems, and transformational experiences.

The 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 undergraduate majors, and by collaborating with the Department of Public Policy Leadership (PPL) at the University of Mississippi, offering the Public Policy Leadership major.

Students accepted to the Institute as undergraduates are among the University's most accomplished scholars and community leaders. They excel academically while leading student organizations, serving their communities, and driving meaningful change both on campus and beyond.

The Institute's varied programs combine leadership education, mentorship, outreach, experiential learning, and professional preparation that helps prepare students to lead wherever life takes them.

Apply to Lott/PPL Undergraduate Programs

Preparing Leaders of Tomorrow

Students doing a mock congressional hearing

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.

Explore Our High School Programs
student holding the US constitution speaking into a microphone

Undergraduate Community

Students benefit form a small, tight-knit community that many consider their "Lott Family". Students are encouraged to become further involved with the institute by attending student-led social events and taking part in our Peer Mentorship program, becoming an Ambassador, or taking on a leadership role by serving on the Lott Student Advisory Board.

Learn about the Lott Leadership Community
two students wearing graduation caps and gowns hugging

Public Policy Leadership Major

Undergraduate students benefit from competitive admission to the Institute through a holistic process. Students can expect challenging academic programming, small classes, and committed faculty.

Public Policy Leadership Major
Students posing for a group photo in a conference center

Leadership Endorsement for All Undergraduate Majors

Get the honed leadership skills so many professions desire. The Leadership Endorsement program is open to all undergraduate 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.

Learn to Lead with our Leadership Endorsement

Hear From Our Students!

Our Lott Leadership Institute Ambassadors are excited share their experiences.

Brady Moore

Brady Moore

  • Student Government

What was the appeal of the Lott program?

See Brady’s Answer
Alden Lee

Alden Lee

  • Service and Community Engagement
  • Student Government

Why did you choose PPL?

See Alden’s Answer

The Character of Leaders Initiative: Integrating Moral, Civic, and intellectual Virtues


The Character of Leaders Initiative is a collaboration between the Trent Lott Leadership Institute and the Center for Practical Ethics at the University of Mississippi. Supported by a $1 million institutional impact grant awarded through Wake Forest University as part of the Lilly Endowment Inc.'s Educating Character Initiative, the initiative unites the expertise of the Institute and the Center to integrate moral, civic, and intellectual virtues throughout the university community. Building on the foundation of the UM Creed and decades of character education, this collaboration fosters a coordinated, interdisciplinary approach to developing ethical and effective leaders across all areas of the university.

Meet the Staff

Get to know the staff at the Trent Lott Leadership Institute!
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
Katelin Hayward Traylor

Katelin Hayward Traylor

  • Program Manager
Erin Parker

Erin Parker

  • Program Manager for Undergraduate Programs at Trent Lott Leadership Institute