JTC 25: A Creative Voice

From her first campus visit, Izzy Arthurs felt immediately at home at the University of Mississippi. The Jackson, Tennessee, native was captivated by the Ole Miss campus “at first sight” — a feeling that has guided her entire college experience.

A senior pursuing a bachelor’s in English with an emphasis in creative writing and a minor in French, Arthurs has become an integral part of campus life. She has studied abroad in France, performed her own music, worked in the Department of Campus Recreation all four years of college and earned her certification in group fitness instruction and taught yoga, Pilates, barre and sculpt classes, all experiences she describes as highlights of her university years.

Q&A with Izzy Arthurs

What drew you to your major?

I came into college undecided and eventually landed in the English department because of the compelling faculty. I wanted to take every class Beth Spencer (senior lecturer in English) taught! My favorite class of hers was a fantasy fiction class where we went to London and Edinburgh over spring break my sophomore year. We stayed in one of the castles where Harry Potter was filmed!

Were there any challenges you overcame during your college journey?

College is an era of personal and intellectual growth alike. I think the painful and challenging dimension of youth is the unknown. There is so much you stumble through and learn about yourself as you go.

In these four years, you get to follow your own internal compass and carve the path forward to who you want to be. What kept me grounded through it all was friendship, movement and music. You are always where you are supposed to be.

Who has been your most influential mentor?

I've been so lucky to have fantastic mentors in and outside of my department. Professor Beth Spencer has been my guidelight through each year and served as the first adviser on my Honors College thesis.

I must also acknowledge the chair of the music department, Nancy Maria Balach, who has provided me with opportunity after opportunity to grow in performance and professionalism. World-renowned pianist and artist-in-residence Bruce Levingston served as my adviser for the Stamps Impact Prize, which funded the recordings of my album project.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I am a singer-songwriter and performer, and I am releasing my debut live EP this summer! I plan to go on tour with my band and pursue a career in the music industry. You can follow my music here.

In one sentence, what would you tell future Ole Miss students about your experience here?

Ole Miss is the friends you make along the way.

Top: Izzy Arthurs, who will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in English, has received a Taylor Medal, the highest academic honor the university bestows on students. Submitted photo

See more photos from Izzy Arthurs' Journey to Commencement