UM Libraries Hires Archivist to Focus on University History

Speck-Thompson to document university's history, serve as liaison to departments

OXFORD, Miss. – Jeannie Speck-Thompson, a native of Ecru, has been named university archivist, the first faculty member devoted to this position in two decades at the University of Mississippi. An assistant professor, Speck-Thompson will process multiple formats of archival materials that document the history and operations of the university, including correspondence, departmental newsletters, memoranda,Read the story …

Original Library Collection Provides Insights Into UM’s Early Days

Archivist working on project ahead of University Libraries' anniversary next year

OXFORD, Miss. – A celebration of the University of Mississippi‘s 175th anniversary this month would be incomplete without a nod to its academic underpinnings: the library and its original books. The original collection of the library, dating from 1849 to 1858, reflects the classical curriculum of the era with a large number of Latin, GreekRead the story …

Local, National Talent to Sing the Blues at Annual Festival

Panel at UM Blues Archive to highlight history, importance of music to the South

OXFORD, Miss. – The 12th annual Oxford Blues Festival will kick off three days of blues music with a free-to-the-public event at the University of Mississippi Blues Archive. The festival returns to the main stage on Oct. 12-14 with performances from Little Willie Farmer, Mizz Lowe and Cadillac Funk among the 14 scheduled artists andRead the story …

Gift Supports University’s Medical Center, Libraries

Bequest from Coles promises long-lasting impact on health care and education

OXFORD, Miss. – A longtime Jackson physician and his wife left an estate gift of $640,000 to the University of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi Medical Center to provide library resources, support the training of pediatricians and strengthen allergy-immunology education, patient care and research. The late Dr. Wilfred Q. Cole Jr. found studying medicineRead the story …

University Librarian is a Digital Commons IR All-Star

Michelle Emanuel recognized for eGrove digital repository

OXFORD, Miss. – Bepress, a leading academic software firm, has selected the University of Mississippi‘s Michelle Emanuel as a 2023 Digital Commons IR All-Star. Emanuel, head of metadata and digital initiatives for University Libraries, is one of four 2023 All-Stars and recently presented “Powering Your Institutional Showcase with Niche Collections” at the 2023 Digital CommonsRead the story …

UM Community Chooses ‘Callings’ as 2023 Common Reading Experience 

Dave Isay’s book focuses on finding joy, fulfillment in careers  

OXFORD, Miss. – As University of Mississippi freshmen enter campus next fall, they will hold a book that discusses the work they will do for the rest of their lives. The 2023 Common Reading Experience book, “Callings,” by author and well-known radio broadcaster Dave Isay, details the role occupations and passions play in leading aRead the story …

Queer Mississippi on Display at J.D. Williams Library

Graduate students gather, curate LGBTQ+ materials for exhibition

OXFORD, Miss. – Eleven University of Mississippi graduate students have curated an exhibition of LGBTQ+ Mississippi materials as a part of a multidisciplinary study on the history of the queer South.  Amy McDowell, associate professor of sociology, and Eva Payne, assistant professor of history, are leading the cross-listed course Queer Mississippi, in which students studyRead the story …

Library Events Commemorate 60th Anniversary of Integration

Alumna Dottie Chapman Reed, research librarians offer historical account, new perspectives

OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi Libraries‘ Department of Archives and Special Collections is commemorating the university’s 1962 integration with two lectures and an ongoing exhibit. The lectures offer a one-of-a-kind historical perspective and new digital scholarship exploring the response to the integration. From the Depths of the Archives The materials lining the DepartmentRead the story …

Alumnus Finds ‘Win-Win’ to Support University Libraries

Wayne Drinkwater follows examples of former professors and mentors

OXFORD, Miss. – University of Mississippi alumnus Wayne Drinkwater is eager to see his alma mater attract the nation’s top educators to its faculty, a goal he believes begins with enhancing the university’s libraries. “To attract faculty members and graduate students who are ambitious in their fields, we need to show them we have strongRead the story …

Transforming an Institution

Longtime faculty member Dr. Ralph Vance supports hiring an archivist for UM Library

OXFORD, Miss. – Having taught future doctors at the University of Mississippi Medical Center for 45 years, Dr. Ralph Vance understands the importance of supporting an education through research. “When I was coming up, we didn’t have internet,” said Vance, a 1968 and 1972 graduate of UM and UMMC, respectively. “You couldn’t just run homeRead the story …