Be a part of the Trent Lott 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.
Molly Bowen is a senior majoring in Public Policy Leadership and Political Science. She currently serves as the Executive Chair of the Lott Student Advisory Board, having previously held roles as Vice Chair and Vice Chair of Social Media. This year, she will serve as Executive Director to the Associated Student Body Vice President. She is a Luckyday Scholar, a member of Mortar Board and Phi Kappa Phi, and actively volunteers in the Oxford community with Caring Companions and Oxford Leapfrog. Molly has spent her summers interning in her local congressional office, working in a real estate law firm, and serving as a student worker for the Lott Leadership Institute.
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?
I am currently preparing to apply to law school. My long-term goal is to pursue a career in public service. I am particularly interested in working on policy issues that impact communities and drive meaningful change.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
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 had the opportunity to intern in the Mississippi District 4 Congressional Office. During this experience, I engaged directly with constituents and assisted in addressing their concerns. This role deepened my understanding of the priorities and needs of Mississippi’s general population.
Audrey is a junior Public Policy Leadership major with a minor in Public Health. She serves as Vice Chair of the Lott Student Advisory Board and is also a member of The Columns Society. This year Audrey will also serve on the Projects and Leadership Committee of The Big Event. She is a member of greek life and even serves as a worker in The Fraternity and Sorority Life Office at Ole Miss.
Q&A with Audrey
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
I chose PPL as my major because I understood that it would open me up to countless work opportunities, including opportunities during my time in college. The level of professionalism shown by its students, the care that its faculty and staff takes in understanding their student body, and the wealth of internship experience and connections it provides were all driving factors in my decision to apply and in my decision to continue to be part of this program. Public policy programs are also limited at the undergraduate level, making the Lott Institute a great asset for furthering education. Coming from out of state - the benefits the institute has provided me are incalculable. I credit my success at Ole Miss to the institute fully.
What are your career aspirations?
After graduation I hope to gain some work experience while also preparing to enter law school. Next summer I hope to intern in Washington D.C. which will only help me to understand more fully what I would like in a future career. Last summer I interned in policy related to Cyber Security at Cyber Innovation Center in Bossier City, Louisiana. There I developed a love for research and developing new ideas. I know that whatever path I choose will be one related to the critical thinking skills I have been developing at the Lott Institute.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
Both Dr. Bass and Dr. Novelli have been instrumental professors during my time at Ole Miss. Dr. Bass has been an excellent resource in class advisement and scheduling, along with teaching innovative policy courses. Dr. Novelli’s class on leadership last year was especially insightful for me. Not only did he give us his own lesson on leadership, but he also allowed us to explore what leadership personally meant to each of us. I thank them both for their helpfulness throughout the past few years.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
This past year I became a member of The Columns Society and have now had the opportunity to connect with so many members of the community, students, faculty and staff. Graduation was a particularly fun event that brought me even more pride for Ole Miss. I also got the opportunity to travel to Gulfport, Mississippi with the Lott Leadership Institute to share advice and participate in service activities with rising seniors all over the coast. Finally, I had the privilege of raising money for RebelTHON and serving as part of The Big Event Logisitics Committee where we bagged supplies for volunteers to take to projects around the Oxford-Lafayette community.
Michael is a Senior PPL and Philosophy Double Major. He serves as Secretary of the Lott Student Advisory Board. This past summer, he was an intern in U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty’s Memphis Office.
Q&A with Michael
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
The opportunity to major in Public Policy Leadership was one of the main reasons I chose Ole Miss as my place of study. The Lott program is unique because it gives students access to career opportunities that they won’t find anywhere else on campus. Students who major in PPL take courses that educate, involve, and engage them in research, discussions, and even debates through which each student gains a more comprehensive understanding of not only the policymaking process, but also the workings of the wider world around them.
What are your career aspirations?
I plan to become a practicing attorney. I also aspire to eventually be a published author. When I retire from legal work, I want to become a part-time session musician.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
Dr. Zachary Vereb’s PPL 212 class helped me to develop clearer and more concise communication skills. The course also gave me practice in honing my debating skills. Dr. Vereb is very helpful whether in class or outside of class, but if you have the chance to go to his office hours, take it! He will be able to answer questions about major projects and help shape the way you think about and process the course material, allowing you to become a more effective student and active participant in class.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
I participated in the Greek Day of Service during my Freshman Year. This is a service event that happens every year at Ole Miss, where students from Greek organizations form groups to perform acts of service around the community of Oxford. On that particular day, I joined a couple dozen fellow Ole Miss undergraduate students in doing landscaping work at Magnolia Montessori School in Oxford, MS.
Tres is a senior PPL major from Rienzi, Mississippi. He is a transfer student from North East Mississippi Community College. This year he serves on the Lott Student Advisory Board as the Treasurer for 2025-2026.
Q&A with Tres
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
Tres chose PPL because it combines politics and policy in a way that develops critical thinking and leadership skills. He was interested in the Lott Institute because of its reputation of leadership, its meaningful network, and ability to connect students with real-world opportunities as a major factor in his decision. He likes the emphasis on service, professional growth, and preparing students to make an impact in their communities as soon as they graduate.
What are your career aspirations?
Tres aspires to lead in state and local public service. His focus is on conservative policies that strengthen communities, support rural development, and promote economic growth. He also aims to continue building strong networks that push young people to run for office.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
Dr. Melissa Jones and Katelin Hayward have been major players in guiding Tres with his academic and professional growth. Their mentorship, willingness to provide feedback, and encouragement to go after opportunity have made a lasting impact on his time at Ole Miss. They have always pushed him to make the most of his time in the Lott Institute.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
One of his most meaningful community engagements was leading a fundraiser in the ASB that raised over $9,000 for the Christopher C. Holman Memorial Endowment, which supports students in crisis. This allowed him to put his experience into action to make a real difference. Additionally, he volunteers for different community service projects in Oxford and for nonprofits.
Jack is a Senior PPL major. He currently serves on the Lott Student Advisory Board as Ambassador Chair and is involved in Greek Life on campus. In 2024, Jack had the opportunity to intern at the Republican National Convention supporting the nomination of President Trump. This past summer, Jack interned in the White House for the Office of Presidential Personnel.
Q&A with Jack
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
I chose PPL because I trusted the professors, Institute leadership, and fellow students to push me to achieve my educational goals. PPL is the best major for making connections to support your professional goals.
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
Bailey is a junior Public Policy Leadership major with minors in Disaster Sciences and Sports Administration. She serves on the Lott Student Advisory Board as the Vice Ambassador Chair. In addition to being a part of the Trent Lott Leadership Institute, she is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women. She actively serves her chapter as a member of various committees. During the 2025 summer, she interned with the Mississippi Secretary of State's office in the Charities Division, where she gained hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the division's impactful work across the state.
Q&A with Bailey
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
Before both my freshman and senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to attend the Institute's summer programs. Those two summers I spent on campus with the Lott Institute made me realize that I wanted to attend the University of Mississippi and major in Public Policy Leadership. What stood out to me then, and continues to stand out now, is how personal and community-focused the Lott Institute is. It's a place that challenges you while supporting your growth, offering countless opportunities to connect with peers, alumni, and current and former leaders across all sectors.
What are your career aspirations?
During my first year as a Lott student, the program has shown me that many more opportunities are available within public policy than I originally imagined. After I finish my bachelor’s degree, I hope to attend law school. I hope to practice law in the corporate or sports sector.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
Dr. Holland has had a particular impact on my time in the Lott program. I enjoyed his class and how he presented the material. He really pushed us in our 101 class to engage with the material and with our peers; he also brought in a lot of diverse speakers to show us all the opportunities that the Lott program and Public Policy offer.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
When I am home and in Oxford, I volunteer at the local elementary schools. I love getting to read to and hang out with the kids.
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 match into a surgical-based residency program. 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 900 hundred hours of service through Mississippi's Mission Acceleration Program, which is an organization the helps underprivileged children, identified as behind in the classroom, catch up on their reading skills. From this, I started an organization called the Children's Literacy Project that has given literacy resources to over 500 families in the state, and after being awarded the STAMPS Impact Prize, I have been able to research how these literacy resources are making effective and positive change in households struggling with illiteracy. I have served all across the state of Mississippi, including the Mississippi Delta, Natchez, Macon, and Oxford communities, to help combat this issue in Mississippi.
Walker is a Senior double major studying Public Policy Leadership and Writing, Rhetoric, & Speech Communication in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College on the Pre-Law track. Walker serves on the Lott Student Advisory Board as the Board Operations Chair. Walker additionally serves as the Student Body Vice President for ASB and is a member of the Columns Society.
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 tangible impact you can have on others lives. The Lott Leadership program was known for its unparalleled insights towards navigating professional environments of leadership across the U.S. Because of this, I hope to use the tools that the Lott Leadership Institute has offered me to help people in the future.
What are your career aspirations?
I am aspiring to attend law school to 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. However, I am extremely grateful for Dr. Fritz because he has offered so many hours on helping me prepare my thesis.
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. 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 offer meals for university employees and the Lafayette-Oxford-University community. Furthermore, my fraternity and I have helped the town of Amory with tornado damage that they suffered.
Hannah Lloyd is a junior Public Policy Leadership major with a Chemistry minor on the pre-med track. She serves on the Lott Student Advisory Board as the Merchandise and Social Events Chair and has previously been an ambassador for the Trent Lott Leadership Institute. Hannah is the president of a branch of Ellie’s Army, a nonprofit that supports adults and children with chronic illnesses by helping alleviate their financial burdens. She is also a member of the American Medical Student Association and serves on the College Panhellenic Standards Board. Hannah hopes to intern in Washington, D.C., this upcoming summer to further explore her interests in health policy.
Q&A with Hannah
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
I chose to major in Public Policy Leadership because I was torn between two career paths that I deeply care about—law and medicine—and I wanted a major that would allow me to explore and eventually combine both. My passion lies in making meaningful change within the healthcare system, and I believe that understanding policy is essential to achieving that. I was first introduced to the PPL major while serving as a Senate page in Washington, D.C., where Senator Wicker personally encouraged me to look into the Trent Lott Leadership Institute. After researching the program and eventually joining, I’ve absolutely loved it. It’s an incredible major that provides insight into our country’s past, its present challenges, and the future it strives for. As someone interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, I want to understand how the system operates—from both a policy and structural standpoint—so that I can advocate for improvements that will truly make a difference. I’m especially excited to take the Health Policy course this fall as I continue working toward that goal.
What are your career aspirations?
I aspire to become a physician who also works in health policy to drive meaningful reform in the U.S. healthcare system. Through my Public Policy Leadership studies and experiences shadowing at family clinics in the Mississippi Delta, I’ve seen the urgent need to address healthcare disparities and improve access to care in underserved areas. My goal is to combine clinical work with policy advocacy, ultimately serving in a role that helps shape equitable, patient-centered healthcare legislation. The Lott program has prepared me to think critically about these issues, and I’m excited to continue this path through the Health Policy course and a future internship in Washington, D.C.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
Dr. Vereb has been one of the most impactful professors I’ve had during my time in the Public Policy Leadership program. I’ve taken several of his courses and have absolutely loved each one. His passion for teaching is unmatched—he brings so much energy and purpose to the classroom, especially when it comes to teaching us how to build moral, well-reasoned arguments in the policy world. He has truly inspired me to love learning, researching, and reading in a way I never expected.
You never quite know what his next move will be, which makes every class something to look forward to. One of my favorite moments was at the end of the semester when he wrapped up our course by defining happiness. It was a simple but powerful way to close out the class, and it left a lasting impression on me. I encourage everyone in the program to take a course with Dr. Vereb—his teaching style, perspective, and genuine care for his students make him truly unforgettable.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
One of the most meaningful ways I’ve engaged with the community is through volunteering at The Pinnacle, a local nursing home in Oxford. I spend time with the residents multiple times a week—whether we’re making crafts, sharing a meal, listening to music, or just having meaningful conversations. They’ve become such a joyful and grounding part of my routine, offering a much-needed break from the busyness of school.
One afternoon, we had a conversation about what love means, and one resident shared that love is “loving each and every one and treating them with kindness.” That moment really stuck with me. The residents are some of the most genuine and wise individuals I’ve ever met, and they’ve made a lasting impact on me. There’s never a dull moment at The Pinnacle, and I always look forward to my time there.
Jack is a junior Public Policy Leadership and Rhetoric double major involved in several organizations at the University of Mississippi. Jack serves as the Student Affairs Chair of the Lott Institute, Assistant Coordinator of New Member Recruitment, Selection & Training for Ole Miss Ambassadors, Chairman of the Committee on Athletics for the Associated Student Body, and as a first year member of the Columns Society. He is currently working for GRIT Restaurant in Taylor, Mississippi.
Q&A with Jack
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
I chose Public Policy as it allowed a flexible approach as I pursued future goals. The network provided by the Lott Institute is unparalleled and has allowed me to build relationships across the entire nation. I am grateful for the opportunities that the Lott Institute has provided me thus far and I am confident the Institute’s support and connections will carry long after I graduate.
What are your career aspirations?
I am unsure what my exact route will be, but I am currently researching opportunities to work in higher education administration as well as continuing potential nonprofit work.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
I cannot thank Dr. Holland enough for his help and support. Dr. Holland has always made time to speak with me and helped me work through several times when I have been stressed or struggling. Moreover, Dr. Holland helped me receive a position with the Sullivan Foundation to help in the areas surrounding Asheville, NC affected by Hurricane Helene, which ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The Lott Institute has some of the best professors in the nation and I am blessed to have the opportunity to learn from them.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
My experiences as an Ole Miss Ambassador have been some of the most meaningful and impactful in my life. I am a firm believer that the most impactful hour of a students life is the time they spend on a college tour. So much of one’s life is changed by their college decision and I am grateful I get to pass on my home to prospective students in the way my ambassador did to me.
Student life at Lott
Hear from our Ambassadors about what it's like being a student in the Trent Lott Leadership Institute.
Jimmil Taylor
What activities have you been involved in?
See Jimmil’s Answer
Davis Thompson
- Greek Life
- Student Government
How have you participated in community engagement?
See Davis’s Answer
Cait Mayo
Tell us about an influential professor.
See Cait’s Answer
Eli Keel
- Student Government
What extracurricular activities are in you?
See Eli’s AnswerAspiring careers and future plans
Find out what our Ambassadors plan to do after graduation.
Emma Scruggs
- Greek Life
- Student Government
What do you want to do after graduation?
See Emma’s Answer
Samuel Nemee
- Greek Life
Tell us about your interest in law school.
See Samuel’s Answer
Mason Johnson
- Student Government
How will studying PPL help you in your career?
See Mason’s Answer
Riley Mellett
How will your experience in Lott help you advocate for others?
See Riley’s AnswerWhat makes Lott special?
Learn why our Ambassadors chose Lott and Public Policy Leadership.
Alden Lee
- Service and Community Engagement
- Student Government
What opportunities did you find through Lott?
See Alden’s Answer
Wilson Energiser
- Student Government
- Student Publications
Why did you choose PPL as your major?
See Wilson’s Answer
Brady Moore
- Student Government
What is the Lott program like?
See Brady’s Answer
Ella Rossi
- Greek Life
- Student Government
How has the Lott network helped you?
See Ella’s Answer