University Seeks Innovators for Next Faculty Laureates Cohort
Program invites Oxford campus faculty to pursue ambitious projects with strong institutional support
OXFORD, Miss. – The Mississippi Lab at the University of Mississippi invites faculty members to apply for the 2026-28 cohort of faculty laureates, a competitive program designed to support those whose work advances public scholarship and the civic mission of higher education.
Amanda Winburn is developing play-based therapeutic training to boost school-based mental health support. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
Applications are open and must be submitted by 5 p.m. Feb. 2.
The Faculty Laureates program empowers faculty members from all disciplines on the Oxford campus to pursue ambitious projects that support communities and extend their research, teaching and creative work beyond traditional academic boundaries.
"Faculty laureates serve as ambassadors for their fields of study and ambassadors for our university," said John T. Edge, lab director and developer of the new Greenfield Farm Writers Residency. "Their projects showcase the impact of UM faculty contributions to our state."
Faculty laureates receive significant institutional support, including a 50% course release, an annual stipend, development funds, travel and substantial project funds to undertake bold new work. The program is underwritten by the Dr. Daniel W. Jones Endowment for Faculty Support.
"These generous awards give innovative and bold faculty members the time and financial support they need to undertake transformative projects beyond the bounds of their current responsibilities," Edge said.
Stephen Fafulas, associate professor of Spanish and linguistics, and Amanda Winburn, associate professor of leadership and counselor education, were the inaugural faculty laureates chosen in 2024.
Stephen Fafulas is using his grant to strengthen bilingual opportunities and community engagement across the South. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
Fafulas is working to strengthen bilingual opportunities and community engagement across the South. Winburn has used her award to develop play-based therapeutic training and partnerships to enhance school-based mental health support in north Mississippi public schools.
To apply, faculty members must:
- Have a minimum of five years of service at Ole Miss
- Hold the rank of lecturer, instructional associate professor, associate professor or higher.
To learn more about the program, click here. To receive an application or ask questions about the process, email mslab@olemiss.edu.