William Fisher
OXFORD, Miss – Greenwood native and University of Mississippi alumnus William Fisher has joined the university’s School of Applied Sciences as its new development officer.
Fisher has been a member of the Ole Miss family for as long as he can remember.
“Ole Miss is a family affair,” he said. “I am a third-generation student at the university, including two of my four grandparents, both of my parents and my brother Martin, who is the associate director of admissions.”
Fisher graduated from UM in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, featuring minors in public policy, history and journalism. He began his career as a graduate assistant for the Office of Conflict Resolution and Student Conduct and later was promoted to coordinator within the office after earning his master’s degree in higher education.
He served as chapter president of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. During the 2014-15 academic year, Fisher helped raise $40,000 for the fraternity’s philanthropy, Delta Streets Academy, a Christian-based alternative school for at-risk youth in the Mississippi Delta. He remains active as a chapter adviser.
Through efforts with his fraternity and later in his graduate position, Fisher worked with different campus offices and organizations, quickly learning to work with people from all backgrounds. Since the School of Applied Sciences has the highest enrollment of historically underrepresented students of any professional school on campus, his background is important to the school’s leadership.
“We are excited to welcome William onboard,” said Teresa Carithers, interim dean of applied sciences. “He has already proven to be an asset in helping establish key funding priorities.
“Given his engaging personality and knowledge of the university, we have great expectations for the coming year.”
Fisher said he appreciates the contributions the school makes in the state and nation to create healthier, more vibrant communities.
“The School of Applied Sciences prepares individuals to go into the communities and improve the conditions and people around them,” he said. “I am excited to have a small part in assisting those students.
“I am equally thrilled that I have the opportunity to work with faculty members by helping them find the resources they need to continue their world-class research.”
With two large building renovations – Garland, Hedleston and Mayes residence halls, being renovated as the school’s new home, and the South Oxford Center wellness facility – nearing completion, ample opportunities exist for donors to get involved with the school, particularly in honoring or memorializing others with gifts in their name.
“It is an exciting time to be part of the applied sciences team,” Fisher said. “It is my hope that after three years on the job, I will have helped facilitate gifts that impact the lives of students and faculty members on our campus.”
The School of Applied Sciences offers professional preparation programs that integrate academic study, clinical training, creative research, service-learning and community outreach, leading to the development of leaders whose professional endeavors will improve health and well-being. The school’s vision is for academic excellence: that each department will be recognized by their respective scientific, professional and community organizations as a hub for scholarly thought, professional development and community impact.
For more information about giving opportunities in the School of Applied Sciences, contact Fisher at 662-915-2293 or wjfisher@olemiss.edu. To learn more about the school and its mission, visit http://sas.olemiss.edu/.