Thanksgiving Message to Faculty and Staff from Chancellor Boyce 2025

This season invites us to cherish our connections and reflect on the many blessings in our lives. Emily and I are continually inspired by your dedication to our mission, and we’re grateful every day to be part of such a thriving, supportive place.

I hope the upcoming breaks will provide you with rest and joy. I encourage you to unplug and spend quality time with loved ones, family and friends. And take time to recharge — you deserve it.

As a reminder, our holiday schedule includes Thanksgiving with offices closing at noon on Nov. 26, 2025 and reopening at 8 a.m. on Dec. 1, 2025. For the winter holiday, offices will close at noon on Dec. 23, 2025, and I’m pleased to share that the Institutions of Higher Learning has approved our request to remain closed for the winter break through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in alignment with the proclamation from Gov. Tate Reeves.

If you’re planning to be in Oxford over Thanksgiving, I encourage participation in the 10th Annual Turkey Trot at the South Campus Rail Trail. Canned food donations will be accepted to benefit the Grove Grocery and Oxford Food Pantry.

Please save the date for our staff holiday lunch on Dec. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom, which is always a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the year’s accomplishments.

Wishing you a peaceful, healthy and happy Thanksgiving!