JTC 26: Ole Miss Had Her at Hello

Samantha Sepe first saw Ole Miss in a television commercial. She later appeared in one herself.  

That arc captures something essential about her four years in Oxford: she did not just attend the University of Mississippi; she became part of it. The Pittsburgh native arrived on campus knowing no one, moved into Crosby Hall and chose, again and again, to get involved.  

She graduates in May with a master's degree in curriculum and instruction, having served as Miss Ole Miss and earned recognition as a Fulbright semifinalist for an English teaching assistantship in Athens, Greece. 

Q&A with Samantha Sepe 

What brought you to Ole Miss? Why did you choose your major? 

I first saw Ole Miss in a commercial, and ironically, I later found myself featured in one for the 2024-25 school year.  

After a long journey of college applications and visits, I finally stepped foot on campus. It was my first time in Mississippi, and little did I know that the next time I returned, I would be moving in.  

During that visit, I remember looking at my mom through tears and saying, "This is the feeling everyone talks about. I am meant to be here." And from that moment on, I never looked back. 

My passion for education began long before college while coaching a tiny team at my all-star cheer gym back home. One afternoon after practice, a young girl carrying more than a child should looked up at me with tears in her eyes and asked, "Can I just go home with you, Miss Sam?"  

That moment changed everything. I realized I was called to be someone children could trust, feel safe with and be seen by. It shaped my purpose and continues to guide my teaching philosophy: authentic learning begins with relationships. 

What standout experiences have you had at Ole Miss? 

Being named Miss Ole Miss was an honor I could have never imagined. As a girl from the North who came here knowing no one, I see this experience as so much more than a title. It reflects the opportunities, growth and community that Ole Miss gave me.  

I will never forget standing outside the Lyceum on a humid October night, hand in hand with my campaign team, my heart racing with anticipation. Then I heard it: "Your next Miss Ole Miss is Sam Sepe." Time slowed. The cheers, the hugs, the overwhelming joy, it all felt surreal. In that moment, I realized just how deeply Ole Miss had shaped my life.  

Through this role, I had the opportunity to engage with the chancellor, state leaders, faculty and students in ways I never thought possible. It pushed me far outside my comfort zone and taught me to lean on my community in moments that felt overwhelming.  

Most meaningfully, I was able to support the William Magee Center, raising $6,543 during my campaign, an effort that aligns closely with my heart and values. This experience, along with my involvement in Ambassadors, Greek life and the School of Education, has shaped who I am in ways I will carry with me forever. 

Were there any challenges you overcame during your college journey? 

Coming to Ole Miss as a student from Pittsburgh, I was stepping into the unknown. I moved into Crosby Hall barely knowing my roommate, navigating a new culture and adjusting to college life in a post-COVID world. There were moments of isolation when I felt alone, whether struggling socially, navigating Greek life or simply missing home.  

But every time I felt that absence of community, Ole Miss filled it. I found lifelong friends in unexpected places through classes, organizations, faculty mentorship and even within the Oxford community.  

The way I navigated those challenges was simple but transformative: I chose to get involved. And in doing so, I was continually poured into by others. That is what makes Ole Miss so special.  

It truly is the Velvet Ditch. It catches you, holds you and reminds you that you are never alone. 

Who has been your most influential mentor, professor or supporter at Ole Miss? 

The School of Education is a building filled with bursting personalities and servant leaders, with encouragement as the bow on top. Guyton Hall is so much more than a building; it is a family.  

It feels impossible to name just one person because every individual in Guyton Hall has shaped me in meaningful ways. Blake Adams, Dr. (Erica) Avent, Dr. (Tom) Brady, Dr. (Ellen) Foster, Dr. (Lane) Gauthier, Mr. (Shawn) Gill, Dr. (Sam) Gilbert, Dr. (Rodney) Hurt, Mrs. (Amy) Jackson, Dr. (Kristi) Livingston, Mrs. (Katie) Naron, Dr. (Rosemary) Oliphant-Ingham, Dr. (Sara) Platt, Dr. (Laura) Prior, Dr. (Sarah) Quong, Dean (David) Rock, Dr. (Joe) Sumrall, Dr. (Hunter) Taylor, Dr. (Roy) Thurston and Dr. (Candies) Winfun-Cook. Every name listed has poured into me with encouragement, authenticity and unwavering belief.  

They supported me academically, professionally and personally, whether through hallway conversations, encouragement during difficult seasons or cheering me on in my ministry and leadership roles. They believed in me at times when I struggled to believe in myself.  

Even as I write this, it is emotional knowing I will not see their smiling faces in Guyton every day. But because of them, I walk into the field of education confident, prepared and deeply grounded in purpose. I will forever be indebted to our School of Education. 

What are your post-graduation plans? 

I am honored to share that I am a Fulbright semifinalist for the English teaching assistantship in Athens, Greece. As I await final decisions, I am also excited about the possibility of returning home to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to pursue my teaching career.  

No matter where I go, I am eager to step into a classroom and begin making a difference. 

How has your Ole Miss education prepared you for your next steps? 

If there is one word that defines my Ole Miss experience, it is community. The people of Oxford and the University of Mississippi consistently encouraged me to take risks, apply for opportunities, step into leadership and pursue things that felt beyond my reach.  

So many of my experiences began with doing something uncomfortable, and every time, it led to growth. Now, as I look toward teaching in Athens or Pittsburgh, I carry that same mindset with me. Both paths are outside my comfort zone, but because of Ole Miss, I have the confidence to say yes.  

This community did not just prepare me. It believed in me before I fully believed in myself. 

In one sentence, what would you tell future Ole Miss students? 

Step outside your comfort zone because your community is already cheering you on. 

Top: Samantha Sepe, an education graduate from Pittsburgh, graduates in May after serving as Miss Ole Miss, raising $6,543 for the William Magee Center and earning recognition as a Fulbright semifinalist for an English teaching assistantship in Athens, Greece. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services 

See more photos from Sam Sepe's Journey to Commencement