Christopher Thomas and Sam Cousley pictured with Dean Ken Cyree after receiving the Most Outstanding Faculty award.
OXFORD, Miss – A crowd of nearly 100 University of Mississippi students, faculty, staff and alumni gathered June 19 at the M-Club room of the Starnes Athletic Training Center to honor members of the university’s MBA program.
Dean Ken Cyree welcomed guests, including Jeffrey Conley, recipient of the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus Award. Conley, who earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1975 and his MBA in 1977, was also a member of the 1972 Rebels baseball team that competed in the College World Series. Accompanied by his wife, Susan, Conley received his award just hours before this year’s Rebels beat TCU to advance to the final four of the CWS.
“I am humbled by this, as I think there are so many deserving people,” said Conley, who is president of Conley Buick Subaru in Bradenton, Florida. “You certainly make friends for life here at Ole Miss and in this program.”
Lisa Heros Ellis, who received a BBA in marketing in 2001 and an MBA in 2003, received the Outstanding Young Alumnae award. Ellis, who was joined by her husband and parents, serves as senior regional event specialist for ALSAC, the fundraising arm of St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis. She says she was surprised by the award and hopes “to do more to support the program” that has done so much for her.
Students voted for the Most Outstanding Faculty awards, which were given to Sam Cousley, clinical assistant professor of marketing, and Christopher Thomas, assistant professor of management.
While the event drew in alumni and faculty for recognition, a theme throughout the night was about supporting students, whom Cyree challenged to stay focused on the future.
“Don’t underestimate your power and abilities to influence and to create great opportunities,” Cyree said. “You will be the ones we talk about in the future.”
Two awards based on academic performance were presented to students. Andrew Ritter, of Jackson, received the Outstanding Campus MBA award, and Elizabeth Albers, of Knoxville, Tennessee, received the Outstanding Professional MBA award.
Ashley Mesecke, of Oxford, who served as MBA class president, and William Allen, of Houston, Texas, who served as class vice president of recruitment, were each recognized with an MBA Student Leadership Award.
The Rebel with a Cause award, which is voted on by students, was presented posthumously to Zach McLendon.
In closing remarks, Christopher Daniel, incoming MBA advisory board president, reinforced the purpose and mission of the program to the students. “We are here for you,” he said. “We want to grow with you.”
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