Mike Harris, new director of Parking and Transportation.
OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi has welcomed Mike Harris as its new director of parking and transportation.
The Starkville native joined the university Feb. 24. His duties include working with UM administrators and other stakeholders to define a strategic, long-term plan.
“The University of Mississippi is a progressive and fast-growing environment,” Harris said. “I wanted to be a part of such a dynamic environment.”
Among the new director’s goals are working to maximize the parking and transportation assets available.
“This plan will need to be detailed both in scope and vision and also works within the confines of the University Master Plan,” Harris said.
Harris is a welcome addition to the UM family, said Clayton Jones, assistance vice chancellor and director of human resources and contractual services.
“Mike Harris is the person who we targeted early on in our search to fill this position,” Jones said. “He is considered an expert in the field of parking and transportation. He has a proven record of being student-oriented and great at conflict resolution, which along with his expertise, are extremely important as the university evolves into a more pedestrian-friendly campus.”
Harris previously worked at Mississippi State University for 14 years. Having earned undergraduate degrees from the University of Kentucky and MSU, Harris also has an MBA from the latter.
“I also hold the CPP (Certified Parking Professional) from the National Parking Association and the CAPP (Certified Administrator of Public Parking) from the International Parking Institute,” Harris said. “I am currently serving on the board of Mid-South Parking and Transportation.”
Harris has two daughters, Victoria Faith and Sarah Jobeth. Though he doesn’t have much leisure time, Harris said he enjoys reading parking and transit periodicals.
“Parking and transit is such a fast-paced and ever-changing environment that one must continually keep up with new technology and trends,” he said.
For more information about UM Parking and Transportation, call 662-915-5450 or email Harris at gmharris@olemiss.edu.