Honors Convocation to Recognize Outstanding Students, Teacher

OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi will honor undergraduate and graduate students who were nominated by faculty for their distinguished academic achievements at its 69th annual Honors Convocation.

The Honors Convocation, set for 7:30 p.m. April 12 in the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, is open to the public. A reception immediately follows the ceremony in Ford Center lobby.

“The University of Mississippi provides a range of amazing opportunities for all our students, and the ones being honored have taken full advantage of the university’s resources,” Chancellor Dan Jones said.

Students are not the only ones honored at the Honors Convocation for their dedication and hard work. Each year the university also recognizes excellence in teaching by presenting the Elsie M. Hood Outstanding Teacher Award.

Ethel Young-Minor, associate professor of English and African-American studies who won last year’s Hood Award, will speak at this year’s convocation.

One of the evening’s highlights is the announcement of Taylor Medals, the university’s highest academic awards. This year, 64 undergraduate students were selected for Taylor Medals.

A memorial fund provides the scholarship medals to students nominated for outstanding scholarship in particular fields combined with superior work in all other subjects. To be eligible, a student must have a grade-point average of 3.90 or higher, must have senior standing and must have completed at least 18 semester hours in the school or college in which the nomination originates.

William A. Taylor of Booneville founded the Marcus Elvis Taylor Memorial at the university in June 1904 “out of affection and regard for the memory of his son, the late Dr. Marcus Elvis Taylor, an honored alumnus of the university.”

“The Honors Convocation activities are highlights of our academic year,” said Ann Canty, associate provost. “We recognize extraordinary students, outstanding faculty and celebrate the academic excellence of the university.”

For more information on the Honors Convocation visit https://news.olemiss.edu/honors-convocation/.