Women in Higher Education Gather for Inspiration, Connection
Attendees encouraged to 'Embrace Your Crown' and lead with purpose
OXFORD, Miss. – More than 500 women representing 28 Mississippi institutions of higher learning gathered Feb. 27-28 at the University of Mississippi to be inspired and empowered.
The annual Women in Higher Education Mississippi Network Conference featured two days of inspirational speakers, panel discussions and networking and mentoring opportunities. The mission of WHEMN (pronounced "women") is to identify, develop, advance and support women in higher education.
"Our goal was for attendees to leave feeling empowered, connected and equipped with tools to navigate their careers while prioritizing their well-being," said Shawnboda Mead, co-chair of the event and UM vice chancellor for access, opportunity and community engagement.
Erin (left) and Ben Napier, Ole Miss alumni and stars of HGTV’s 'Hometown,' share their lessons on leadership with WHEMN Conference participants. Photo by Bill Dabney
"We aimed to equip participants with practical strategies to enhance their work in higher education through engaging keynotes, insightful breakout sessions and meaningful networking opportunities that fostered both personal and professional growth."
Attendees were encouraged to "Embrace Your Crown – Lead with a Purpose," by selecting programming from two tracks – "Empowered Leadership in Higher Education" and "Innovative Change-Makers" – and gaining valuable insight from a variety of speakers.
The speakers included Patrice Buckner Jackson, better known as Dr. PBJ, who spoke on disrupting burnout; Ole Miss alumni and HGTV stars Erin and Ben Napier, who spoke about lessons in leadership; LeMia Jenkins, president of Brownkey Consulting Group, who spoke on personal branding; and UM integrated marketing communications professor Amanda Sams, who spoke about communicating with impact.
Erica Avent, Ole Miss assistant professor of teacher education and emcee for the event, said she hoped attendees gained some time to themselves, a clarity that they are not alone and an appreciation for all that they do.
"My favorite part of the conference is the networking with higher education professional women from around the state of Mississippi," Avent said.
"To check in with women from all walks of life around the state is always the highlight for me because many times we get caught up in the bubble that is our university that sometimes we don't venture out and we don't check in with others who are experiencing the same things that we all are."
Throughout the conference, attendees were inspired to be their best. Speakers shared words of wisdom ranging from "lead by example" and "be intentional" to "strive for work-life blend over work-life balance" and "innovation starts with you."
Many attendees also turned out to cheer for Ole Miss women's basketball as they faced the University of South Carolina.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was witnessing the genuine connections and mentorship moments that took place, Mead said.
"Seeing attendees find inspiration in the stories of others and leave with tangible takeaways and a renewed sense of purpose was incredibly fulfilling," she said.
WHEMN began in 2003 when Chancellor Robert C. Khayat was appointed to the American Council on Education to represent Mississippi and tasked with establishing a network for women in higher education.
The inaugural WHEMN conference drew 57 participants to Millsaps College in March 2004. Mead reflected on the event's growth and impact.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to help cultivate a space where women in higher education can support, uplift and empower one another," she said.
"I look forward to seeing how this community continues to grow and make an impact."
Top: Patrice Buckner Jackson, better known as Dr. PBJ, delivers a message on disrupting burnout at the university's 2025 Women in Higher Education Mississippi Network Conference. Jackson offered words of wisdom to 'establish your care community.' Photo by Bill Dabney