Honors College to Mark 25th with Silver Gala

Event to celebrate quarter-century of growth, Barksdale family's contributions to success

OXFORD, Miss. – The Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College at the University of Mississippi is celebrating its 25th anniversary this academic year, with a silver gala planned for March 4 on campus. Tickets to the event are $125 apiece or $1,250 per table of 10, with a portion of the proceeds directed to the HonorsRead the story …

UM Physicist Named Alfred P. Sloan Fellow

Leo Stein is first university faculty member to receive prestigious award

OXFORD, Miss. – Leo Stein, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Mississippi, joins a list of emerging leaders in research and STEM innovation as a member of the 2023 class of Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellows. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation announced this year’s fellowships on Wednesday (Feb. 15). TheRead the story …

Derrick Harriell Named Director of African American Studies Program

New leader plans to hire faculty and create innovative programming to boost profile

OXFORD, Miss. – Derrick Harriell, an associate professor of African American studies and English at the University of Mississippi, is the new director of the university’s African American studies program, and he has plans to increase the program’s size and stature. “African American studies is a vital program at any institution, but even more soRead the story …

Can Trees Communicate Underground? Maybe Not

UM biology professor debunks popular theory about soil fungal networks

OXFORD, Miss. – Imagine this: a tree in a forest is threatened by a predator or an invasive plant species. Underground, it sounds an alarm to neighboring trees through the “Wood-Wide Web,” a network of mycorrhizal fungi that connects them through the soil. It is a fascinating theory, but a University of Mississippi scientist hasRead the story …

‘Polaroid Stories’ Tells Greek Myth Through Street Youth

Latest Theatre and Film production features first visiting artist hosted using equity funding

OXFORD, Miss. – The first production of the University of Mississippi Department of Theatre and Film‘s spring 2023 season also marks the first time the department has hosted a visiting artist on an Achieving Equity grant from the university’s Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. “Polaroid Stories,” written by Naomi Iizuka and directed by guestRead the story …

Math Professor Awarded National Science Foundation EPSCoR Fellowship

Ayla Gafni and doctoral student to learn from 'Mozart of Math' at UCLA

OXFORD, Miss. – Ayla Gafni, assistant professor of mathematics at the University of Mississippi, has been named a research fellow by the National Science Foundation‘s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, known as EPSCoR. Her fellowship supports extended visits to the University of California at Los Angeles, totaling six months over two years, beginning inRead the story …

Applied Behavior Analysis Celebrates First Graduating Class

New master's degree to address state, nationwide need in education

OXFORD, Miss. – Graduates of a new University of Mississippi program for education majors are primed to assist schools in teaching the rising number of students diagnosed with autism and behavioral disorders across the state. Between 2000 and 2016, the number of students in Mississippi diagnosed with autism rose from 1 in 150 to 1Read the story …

Using Oral Histories as an ‘Avenue to Difficult Truth-telling’

Sarah Rodriguez blends love for food and meaningful conversation at Southern Foodways Alliance

OXFORD, Miss. – Sarah Rodriguez engages with people through her work as an oral historian, honing skills such as honesty and empathy building. She also enjoys connecting with them over a meal, which is not surprising, given her job with the Southern Foodways Alliance. “I like to meet people for drinks and a meal andRead the story …

Young Alumna Gives Back to School of Accountancy

Stephanie Teague makes commitment to school's new home

OXFORD, Miss. – Stephanie Jennings Teague, of Chicago, sees her commitment of $100,000 to the Patterson School of Accountancy‘s new building at the University of Mississippi as a means of saying “thank you.” “It is a way to show a small token of my appreciation to Ole Miss, the faculty and staff, and the accountingRead the story …

University Supports Community Partnership Projects

Projects range from youth nutrition programs to sustainable farmers market activities

OXFORD, Miss. –The University of Mississippi has awarded funding to six projects aimed at increasing collaboration between the institution and the Lafayette County and Oxford communities. The Community Engaged Partnership Development Fund grants are awarded by the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement and support the UM Empower Now strategic plan. “Providing these grants allowsRead the story …