Moore Family Makes $2M Gift to Elevate Ole Miss Golf
New facility to bear donors' name as longtime supporters
OXFORD, Miss. – A $2 million gift from Karen and Bruce Moore, of Nashville, Tennessee, promises to help propel the future of the University of Mississippi's golf programs, funding a modern new facility that will support generations of Rebel student-athletes.
The university will name its new golf building for the Moores. The facility will feature administrative and coaches' offices, and player lounges designed to enhance the experience and development of both men's and women's golf student-athletes. Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2027.
For Bruce Moore, the gift is both an investment in the future and a tribute to the success and leadership that have elevated Ole Miss golf to national prominence.
"Karen and I gave this gift as recognition of what long-term coaches (Kory) Henkes and (Chris) Malloy have been able to accomplish during their extensive tenure at Ole Miss," Moore said. "Golf tends to fly under the radar somewhat, but a national championship by our women's team and last year's SEC championship by the men's team are huge accomplishments.
The Moores' gift to Ole Miss athletics in 2024 was honored with the naming of Gate 31 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Gathered for the unveiling of the gate are (front, from left) are Michael Byerly; Margaret Anne Moore Byerly, holding Millie Moore; Katheryn Moore; Karen Moore, holding William Byerly; and Summer Moore, and (back, from left) Clarke Moore, being held by Tyler Moore; Jack Byerly, being held by Bruce Moore; and Mitchell Moore. Submitted photo
"Both teams have been consistent in qualifying and playing at the NCAA championship. I have had numerous non-Ole Miss individuals talk about how impressive our student-athletes are both on the course and off. They represent Ole Miss well, so we wanted to help continue the momentum and support the hard work of our coaches and athletes."
The couple's commitment reflects a shared belief in the transformative power of athletics and education, said Denson Hollis, CEO of the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation.
"I have worked alongside Bruce and Karen for the majority of my career at Ole Miss, and they are far more than two of the university's greatest supporters; they are dear friends," Hollis said. "Whether it's their time, their resources or simply their unwavering belief in this institution, Karen and Bruce always answer the call for Ole Miss."
The golf facility gift is the latest chapter in the couple's longstanding legacy of philanthropy at Ole Miss.
The Moores gave $1 million in 2011 to create the Bruce Moore Scholar in Finance Endowment, designed to support the recruitment and retention of faculty in the School of Business Administration. In 2015, they elevated the endowment to establish a chair with an additional gift of $500,000.
They made their first major contribution to Ole Miss athletics in 2022, giving $1.2 million to the Vaught Society, OMAF's premier giving level that fuels investments in student-athlete scholarships, capital projects, revenue sharing initiatives and deferred maintenance and facility improvements.
Two years later, the couple added another $250,000 to the Vaught Society. In recognition of that gift, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics named Gate 31 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in their honor.
"Giving to Ole Miss athletics is exciting as we watch our sports programs flourish under AD Keith Carter," Moore said.
Their generosity extends across campus. In 2024, the Moores contributed $500,000 to the Triplett Alumni Center building fund, $500,000 to the Ole Miss Women's Council building fund and $250,000 to support the Women's Council Global Leadership Circle and the Robert C. Khayat Lecture Series.
Karen Moore, who earned a bachelor's degree in applied sciences from Ole Miss in 1982, has served the university in numerous leadership roles. Her volunteer service includes the Ole Miss Alumni Association board, where she recently served as president; the UM Foundation board; the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts board; and leadership positions with the Ole Miss Women's Council for Philanthropy.
She is founder and president of Project Redesign, a Nashville nonprofit that furnishes homes and facilities for families and individuals in need.
Bruce Moore, who earned a bachelor's degree in managerial finance from Ole Miss in 1982, built a distinguished career at HCA Healthcare. Beginning as an internal auditor after graduation, he retired in 2025 as group president overseeing service lines and operations.
Like his wife, he has remained deeply engaged with the university through service on the UM Foundation board, the Parents Council and multiple university campaign committees.
The couple met in their first class at Ole Miss and have been married for more than four decades. Their three children, Tyler, Margaret Anne and Mitchell, all attended the university, as did five of Karen Moore's siblings and Bruce Moore's sister.
Those lifelong connections, combined with the education the family received at Ole Miss, inspire their commitment to give back, Karen Moore said.
"It's kind of our way of life," she said. "We live and breathe Ole Miss; we always have, and we love it."
Give to Ole Miss athletics here, or contact Denson Hollis, CEO of the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation, at denson@givetoathletics.com or 662-915-7159.
Top: A member of the university's men's golf team practices at Ole Miss Golf Course in Oxford. A $2 million gift from alumni Karen and Bruce Moore will help construct a new building at the course with offices and player lounges for the men's and women's teams. Photo by Hayden Carroll/Department of Athletics