University of Mississippi

After an 11-year break, Renna Upshaw Rockett felt "terrified" but decided that nothing was going to stop her from completing a degree.

Katie Kreusel has discovered there is much more to the pharmacy profession than dispensing medications.

Following in a family member's footsteps took on heightened meaning for Jasmine Meredith when she decided to pursue a master's degree in integrated marketing communication at the University of Mississippi. The oldest granddaughter of James Meredith, the civil rights activist who integrated the university in 1962, Jasmine walked across the graduation stage on May 6 to receive her diploma in the same year the university is honoring the 60th anniversary of integration.

Richard Springer is a self-proclaimed introvert. The Biloxi resident was also the 2021-22 Associated Student Body vice president. Knowing this, he and close friend Grace Dragna came up with a mantra that would shape their time at the University of Mississippi: "Say yes to (mostly) everything!"

Out of all her class projects at the University of Mississippi, Lauren Taylor can pinpoint the most memorable one. It was an assignment in a packaging design class to rethink the cover of a favorite book, said Taylor, who received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design at this year's Commencement.

For Mattie Ford, using her hands to climb rock walls, dig vegetables and write intricate papers were all a way to grow both academically and professionally during her four years at the University of Mississippi.

Jessica Herron had a decision to make. As a rising college freshman with an ACT score of 24, she realized that she might not be competitive for merit-based scholarships at the University of Mississippi. In weighing her options, the Charleston resident ultimately chose to attend Northwest Mississippi Community College, a choice that would lead her down an amazing path in her college career.

Bernardo Guerrero has a personal mission to take advantage of every opportunity, and the hospitality management program at the University of Mississippi, where he graduated in May, has helped him fulfill that mission.

Merrick McCool joked that he was only kidding himself by taking visits to other colleges - including his mother Leighton's alma mater, University of Tennessee - before confirming his decision to attend Ole Miss. Both of McCool's grandfathers and his father, Campbell, are Ole Miss alumni, and he grew up a baseball's throw from campus.

Maali Alshammari knew her time in school wasn't finished just yet. Originally from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Alshammari received her bachelor's degree in pharmaceutical sciences from King Saud University. But instead of beginning her career, she sought out new educational challenges.

Like many entering freshmen, Wallace "Doc" Herrin came to the University of Mississippi unsure about his major and full of unrealized potential. Four years later, the Picayune native has graduated summa cum laude with a degree in electrical engineering, confident and ready for the world.

Tim Elko crosses home plate with two Ole Miss degrees and so much more.

Presbyterian minister Cliff McKay served the University of Mississippi as a chaplain from 1959 to 1964, and he witnessed history when he gave the invocation at Commencement just before James Meredith received his diploma as the university's first Black graduate.

Even before Jon'na Bailey decided that she wanted to attend the University of Mississippi, the Pickens native knew that Ole Miss was where she wanted to be. As a first-generation student, Bailey has been successful in her academic career, has held several leadership roles and has grown exponentially during her tenure at Ole Miss.

Qing Ivy Li inquired about opportunities to conduct scientific research when she was a new student attending orientation at the University of Mississippi.

Growing up in the Florida panhandle, Macey Hicks didn't seriously consider the University of Mississippi until she began visiting a friend at Ole Miss during her senior year of high school. Then, she and her mother came for an official tour and "fell in love with the campus," she said.

Mimi Reid knew at a young age that she wanted to make a difference. Two degrees from the University of Mississippi later, along with numerous life experiences, she has remained true to her path. This month, Reid received her Master of Criminal Justice, just a year after receiving her undergraduate degree in the same major.

Nason Wise knew pharmacy was the career for him, as he wanted a profession that fulfilled his interest in medication use and allowed him to help others. For Shelby Strength Wise, she had worked in a pharmacy since high school and enjoyed the patient interaction it provided. Attending the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy was a no-brainer for the pair, but what they didn't realize is all the matches pharmacy would provide. Now Nason and Shelby are married, graduating with their Doctor of Pharmacy degrees and preparing for their postgraduate residencies at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina.

With her bright smile and signature dimples, Ajah Singleton enters into spaces with intentionality and curiosity. The Annexstad Scholar and member of the university's Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College is set to receive her bachelor's degree in management with a health care emphasis, and Singleton intends to use it to make health care "more equal and equitable for vulnerable, low-income populations in Mississippi."

Kelly Bator arrived at the University of Mississippi with hopes of entering the medical field like her parents. Little did she know, she would follow in the footsteps of her grandfather, a World War II veteran. Bator, who is graduating this May with a degree in multidisciplinary studies, recently was selected to be a pilot in the United States Air Force.

More than 3,300 students graduated from the University of Mississippi in May 2022. Undergraduate and graduate candidates received degrees from the College of Liberal Arts, General Studies and schools of Accountancy, Applied Sciences, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Journalism and New Media, Law and Pharmacy.

More than 600 students graduated from the University of Mississippi in December 2021. Undergraduate and graduate candidates received degrees from the College of Liberal Arts, General Studies and schools of Law, Pharmacy, Journalism and New Media, Engineering, Education, Business Administration, Applied Sciences and Patterson School of Accountancy.

The University of Mississippi will celebrate more than 5,000 candidates for graduation in the Class of 2021 during the university's 168th Commencement exercises April 29 - May 2.

The University of Mississippi will celebrate more than 5,400 candidates for graduation in the Class of 2020 during a live, virtual celebratory event on May 9, 2020.

The University of Mississippi congratulates more than 5,500 students who received their academic degrees on May 11, 2019 at the university's 166th Commencement.