An Institution Within an Institution

Del Hawley: the 'Man Behind the Curtain' for 35 Years

OXFORD, Miss. – When Del Hawley arrived at the University of Mississippi, Ronald Reagan was president, gasoline cost 86 cents a gallon and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was 1,793. No one could have imagined – least of all, Hawley – what the next 35 years would bring. In August 1986, he left East Lansing,Read the story …

Biologist Talks Science on CBS’s ‘Mission Unstoppable’

IF/THEN ambassadorship gives Goulet national platform to encourage young women

OXFORD, Miss. – Tamar L. Goulet loves sharing her passion for the sciences with anyone who will listen, especially young women interested in pursuing a career in the male-dominated field. This weekend, the University of Mississippi biology professor will have a national audience as she takes CBS’s “Mission Unstoppable” into the field to learn aboutRead the story …

UM Community Remembers Jere Hoar as Tough, But Caring, Professor

Journalist, author who taught from 1956 to '92 remembered for always pushing students to do their best

OXFORD, Miss. – Jere Hoar, who taught journalism at the University of Mississippi for more than 30 years, was legendary for being a tough but caring mentor who enthusiastically pushed his students toward greatness because he believed in them.  Hoar died Oct. 2 in Pontotoc, at 91. A private family graveside service was held withRead the story …

Nathan Hammer Selected for 2021 Faculty Achievement Award

Award recognizes classroom instruction, student involvement, research and service

OXFORD, Miss. – Nathan Hammer’s life changed forever with a simple question. Hammer, the Margaret McLean Coulter Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Mississippi, was in an honors freshman chemistry class at the University of Tennessee when his professor asked about his major. Hammer said he didn’t have one. The professor asked,Read the story …

Shawnboda Mead to Advance UM Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Goals

Respected leader named vice chancellor for diversity and community engagement

OXFORD, Miss. – Shawnboda Mead, a higher education professional with more than 17 years of experience, has been named vice chancellor for diversity and community engagement at the University of Mississippi. The board of trustees of the Mississippi Institutions for Higher Learning approved Mead’s appointment at its monthly meeting Thursday (Sept. 16). As vice chancellor,Read the story …

New Center for Mathematics and Science Education Director Takes Charge

Alice Steimle has helped lead center's programs to improve STEM education for 14 years

OXFORD, Miss. – Fourteen years ago, Alice Steimle joined the Center for Mathematics and Science Education at the University of Mississippi as an assistant instructional professor and project manager. Two promotions later, she recently became the center’s new director. The CMSE’s mission is to improve mathematics and science education in Mississippi by helping build relationshipsRead the story …

University Appoints David Whitcomb as General Counsel

Accomplished attorney brings more than 25 years of legal experience

OXFORD, Miss. – David Whitcomb, an attorney with more than 25 years of experience across the corporate, governmental and higher education sectors, has been appointed as chief legal officer and general counsel at the University of Mississippi. Whitcomb comes to Ole Miss from the University of Tennessee System, where he served as deputy general counsel. In hisRead the story …

Meet Daniel Sanford, UM’s Next Chief of Police

Daniel Sanford, veteran University of Alabama law enforcement officer, takes the helm at UPD Aug. 9

OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi has hired Daniel Sanford, veteran law enforcement officer from another Southeastern Conference university, as its next director of University Police and Campus Safety.  Sanford will join Ole Miss Aug. 9 from the University of Alabama, where he served as assistant chief of police since 2019. The incoming chiefRead the story …

Memories of Marie Malveaux

University's second Black faculty member fondly remembered for her kindness and support

OXFORD, Miss. – Alumni and former administrators of the University of Mississippi are fondly remembering the late Marie Alexandria Malveaux, the university’s second African American faculty member, a caring mentor to all students and a dedicated scholar who sought to build community both on and off campus. Malveaux, 93, died June 17 in her homeRead the story …

Scott Vitell Bids UM Farewell Following Distinguished Career

After nearly four decades, respected Phil B. Hardin Chair of Business Ethics entering retirement

OXFORD, Miss. – Nearing 40 years of employment at the University of Mississippi, Scott Vitell – the longest-serving faculty member in the School of Business Administration – is retiring. Vitell, who came to the university in 1984, has held the Phil B. Hardin Chair of Business Ethics for most of his tenure. The position isRead the story …