University of Mississippi

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.

University of Mississippi rising freshmen have been awarded Ole Miss Women's Council for Philanthropy scholarships, among the largest and most innovative awards on the University of Mississippi campus. The scholarships have a far greater impact on students' lives than just providing them with financial assistance, said Liz Randall, chair of the OMWC. "We give our scholarship recipients access to caring guidance from mentors, significant training in leadership skills, exceptional life and career development, and meaningful personal development through travel and cultural opportunities," Randall said. "OMWC's goal is to prepare our scholars for extraordinary lives and careers, while encouraging them to develop a lifelong commitment to creating a caring, more ethical world."

The University of Mississippi announced students named to the Spring 2022 Honor Roll lists, including Chancellor's Honor Roll.

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.

The University of Mississippi announced students named to the Spring 2022 Honor Roll lists, including Dean's Honor Roll.

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."

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.

The University of Mississippi named 16 students to be Class Marshal, Standard Bearer or Banner Bearer for their respective colleges or schools during the 2022 Commencement ceremonies.

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.

University of Mississippi student Amy Ly-Ha received the Outstanding Student Award from the School of Pharmacy.

University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy students Shelby Wise and Alexcia Carr received the Ainsworth Award for Exemplary Leadership, which is presented to two students who provided exemplary leadership while enrolled in the School of Pharmacy's professional program.

Margaret Street and Zoe Thaw received the School of Pharmacy Service Awards.

Five students at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy were awarded the Rho Chi Award for Scholarship.

University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy student Pat Benton received the Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information Award of Excellence in Clinical Communication.

University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy student Veronica Guastella received the Bruce Parks Memorial MSHP Student Award. The award is presented in memory of Dr. Bruce Parks, former professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, to a student who exemplifies outstanding integrity, leadership and a strong desire to enhance the mission of health-system pharmacy in Mississippi.

University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy student Aaron White received the Debbie Mellinger Memorial Award, which is given to a recipient who exhibits courage and a positive attitude in carrying out normal student activities even though confronted by personal hardship.

University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy student Lindsey Miller received the Viatris Excellence in Pharmacy Award.

University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy student Nason Wise received the United States Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Practice Award, which is presented to a student in recognition of contribution to public health pharmacy practice.

University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy student Jacey Gossett received the Outstanding Interprofessionalism Award, which is presented to a student who exhibited a strong commitment to interprofessionalism.

University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy student Matthew Foster received the Outstanding Professionalism Award, presented to a student who personally exhibited professionalism and demonstrated a strong commitment to professionalism.

More than 140 University of Mississippi students were welcomed into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society, one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious honor societies for all academic disciplines. The university held an induction ceremony on April 7 at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts on campus. Membership in Phi Kappa Phi is based on a student's character and academic standing. Juniors must have completed 72 credit hours and rank in the top 7.5% of their class, while seniors and graduate students must rank in the top 10% of their class.

More than 80 University of Mississippi students were inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and most prestigious undergraduate honors organization in the liberal arts. The university held an induction ceremony on April 8, 2022, at the Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union Ballroom on campus. Phi Beta Kappa membership is an honor conferred upon fewer than 10% of each graduating class. Students do not apply for membership but are elected by the chapter after a review of the academic records of each eligible candidate.

Ten University of Mississippi seniors have been inducted into the university's 2021-22 Hall of Fame, one of the highest honors afforded to students at UM.

A total of 32 rising seniors were selected to join the Tassels Chapter of the Mortar Board honor society at the University of Mississippi.

Third-year professional students at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy received their white coat patches, which signifies the completion of coursework and beginning of serving patients and communities through clinical rotations.

The University of Mississippi selected 170 students to be honored in the 2021-22 class of Who's Who Among Students.