Major Gift Makes an Immediate Impact

"After he passed away, I realized the university might not benefit for 15 or 20 years," she said. "I just decided I would make the gift now, so it could help people sooner rather than later."

That decision led to a transformative contribution to the university's School of Business Administration and to Ole Miss athletics, two programs that shaped her husband's life and reflected his passions. The gift, made possible through the sale of family timberland, pays tribute not only to John Collier's memory, but also to the values that guided his life: hard work, humility and gratitude.

"On behalf of the University of Mississippi, we are deeply grateful to Barbara Collier for this meaningful and lasting gift," Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. "By choosing to invest in students and programs today, she is honoring John's legacy by strengthening the very community that shaped his life.

"This generosity will inspire future business leaders and support student-athletes for years to come, and we are proud to carry the Collier name forward at Ole Miss."

John Collier's story began in Brandon, where he was born, raised and built his life. An only child, he grew up in a small town that, as his wife recalled, once had "one traffic light, and they turned it off at night."

Brandon has grown and changed dramatically, but Collier's deep connection to the place never wavered.

A standout athlete at Brandon High School, he excelled across multiple sports – football, baseball, basketball and track – earning a reputation for both his talent and his toughness. That earned him a four-year athletics scholarship to play tackle for the Ole Miss Rebels.

"He really appreciated the opportunity he had," Barbara Collier said. "That scholarship made a difference in his life, and he always wanted to give back to the school for making that possible."

He graduated with a business degree in 1970 and returned home to work in real estate. Later, he followed another calling, one shaped by his love of the outdoors and family tradition, by founding Collier Farms. Over the years, he worked cattle, managed timber and grew crops.

"John was happiest outside," his wife said. "He loved the land, and he loved working it."

Though their families had known each other for years, the couple connected later in life. Introduced through a mutual friend, they began dating in their early 40s. What followed was something akin to speed dating.

"After the first date, he was coming over every night, or we were going out somewhere every night," Barbara Collier recalled. "That went on for about a month, and then he proposed."

They married in 1993, blending their lives and, in many ways, expanding John's world. As an only child, he gained not just a wife, but an entire extended family that included her four siblings.

"He finally had brothers and sisters," Barbara Collier said. "And he really cherished that."

Together, they hosted family gatherings, celebrated holidays and cheered on their beloved teams. For John Collier, that meant Ole Miss. For his wife's family, loyalties were more divided.

"The Egg Bowl was always lively," she said. "Some of us were cheering for Ole Miss, and some for Mississippi State, but we all came together afterward for a good meal."

In the early years of their marriage, the couple returned to campus often for football games, relishing the sense of connection and pride that came with being part of the Ole Miss community. That connection shaped the Colliers' hopes for the future of the university and for its students.

"John would want the gift to help someone get an education they might not have otherwise," Barbara Collier said. "That would mean everything to him."

The John B. and Barbara B. Collier School of Business Administration Scholarship reflects that belief, opening doors for students and honoring the opportunity that once changed John Collier's life.

The portion directed to athletics reflects another of his passions: the power of sports to build character, community and excellence.

"John loved football; he loved all sports," his wife said. "I think he would want to help Ole Miss continue to grow and bring in strong student-athletes who represent the spirit of the university."

In his later years, Collier faced significant health challenges. Complications from diabetes and other conditions gradually limited his mobility and independence.

After months in the hospital and rehabilitation, John Collier died on Dec. 21, 2024, with his wife by his side.

"It was a hard time," she said. "But he was a trooper through all of it."

Even in grief, she found clarity about how best to honor her husband's life and legacy. By accelerating their planned gift, she ensured that his story would continue in meaningful, tangible ways.

The impact of Barbara Collier's decision is already unfolding through students who receive scholarships, athletes who pursue excellence and programs strengthened by generosity.

"I just felt like it was the right thing to do," she said. "John believed in giving back, and this was a way to carry that forward."

For more information on making a gift to the School of Business Administration, contact Angela Brown, executive director for development, at browna@olemiss.edu or 662-915-3181. To make a gift to Ole Miss athletics, contact OMAF CEO Denson Hollis at denson@givetoathletics.com or 662-915-7159. Get more information about supporting Ole Miss athletics here.

Get information about including the University of Mississippi in estate planning here or contact Marc Littlecott at marcplan@olemiss.edu or 662-915-6625.

Top: Barbara Collier is honoring her late husband with gifts to the School of Business Administration and Ole Miss athletics. The couple had discussed making an estate gift to the university, but she decided to accelerate the gift to immediately benefit students and programs. Photo by Bill Dabney/UM Foundation