University of Mississippi

University of Mississippi student Joanne Canedo has been selected for the Robert L. Smith, M.D. Scholars Program as part of the Jackson Heart Study Graduate Training and Education Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, or UMMC-GTEC, in Jackson. Canedo, as well as UM students Christine Hamadani and Destinee Manning, will participate in the two-year program, which provides intensive research training and mentoring experience through various learning and networking opportunities.

Eliza Peters, a member of the Nu Beta Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi at the University of Mississippi, who graduated from the university with bachelor's degrees in rhetoric and journalism in May, was honored with a prestigious award at the 52nd International Convention of the fraternity held June 21-25 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. The Mary Louise Roller Award honors one collegiate member who has provided outstanding service and leadership to her local Panhellenic, campus and community.

Two degrees over six years prepares Orianna Shaw for her next race.

When Sandip Rai made a list of possible graduate schools, his factors included location, program courses, community and eligibility. After a Zoom meeting with staff at the University of Mississippi's Center for the Study of Southern Culture, Rai felt the support and hospitality win him over. "Additionally, the courses offered were unique compared to other programs I had applied to, which were more focused on technical aspects of filmmaking," Rai said. "The M.F.A. in Documentary Expression was a program that I had never seen offered by other universities."

Most seniors at the University of Mississippi get hugs and congratulations when they cross the graduation stage. Keunte Hill, of Oxford, got a hallway full of cheering, smiling faces. Hill, a university studies major at Ole Miss and full-time father and husband, has for the last year also been mentor, inspiration and a listening ear to students at Lafayette Upper Elementary School, where he works as a custodian. On May 10, those students lined the hallways to cheer and congratulate him on earning his bachelor's degree with an emphasis in marketing.

Tishira Atkins is the ultimate team leader. The Tupelo native learned this skill in the Mississippi National Guard and used it throughout her time as a student at the University of Mississippi. Atkins, who graduated in May with a degree in general engineering, joined the military during high school in 2017 and remains active. She became an air traffic controller and credits the experience with giving her important life lessons that helped her get through college.

California native and first-generation college student Miguel Zamora coasted his way through undergraduate studies at California State University at San Bernadino, earning a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and a concentration in allied health. He landed a job as a lifeguard at a local water park, but Zamora's love for the water led him to enroll in graduate school at the University of Mississippi, where he received a full tuition stipend and a job at the Turner Center's natatorium. "Originally, I came to campus recreation under aquatics, then I took some time to define what I wanted to do within higher education," he said.

Ask Andy Flores how his life has changed since he enrolled as a freshman at the University of Mississippi and he will answer, "a lot." From his modest beginnings in Ocean Springs, the public policy leadership and philosophy major has emerged one of the most accomplished graduating seniors in the Class of 2023. Among the achievements and honors Flores is most proud of is being named a Harry S. Truman Scholar in 2022.

Jori Isenhower earns diploma 20 years after graduating from high school.

Doctoral graduate Imdadul Khan contributes to discoveries and new knowledge.

Rabria Moore receives prestigious internships, accolades.

Emmaline Schild reflects on opportunities created by leadership endowment.

Raegan Gourley's path in special education shaped by powerful experiences and education.

Ashley Wingo goes from stopping fights to staging them.

Heidi Myers wills her way through a semester with cancer.

Abdullah Alqahtani plans to use his Ole Miss education to better society in Saudi Arabia.

While most 18-year-olds are preparing for their first semester of college, Cambria Chatman has already graduated and joined the United States Air Force.

Allyson Hopper concentrates on community and effecting change.

Doctoral graduate Cellas Hayes excels in STEM and aims to pay it forward.

Millie Eubanks to begin career at Toyota.

Campus support helped Casiah Watson face life challenges and come out on top.

Annabelle Harris' love of classics and English shape honors thesis and her future.

Taylor Medalist Rhonda Brown no longer running from school, but running toward her dreams.

Mississippi long-haul trucker Leroy Kirkendall completes college degree through C2C program.

Jilkiah Bryant focuses on leaving a lasting impact as a Truman Scholar.

Mentors shaped Stamps Scholar Jaylin Jones for success.

Matt Knerr excelled in every aspect of university life and beyond.

More than 3,100 students graduated from the University of Mississippi in May 2023. 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.

One man's journey taken with the steadfast support of his wife. Growing up in Red Banks as one of 11 children, school was not a priority for Jamie Cox. He attended the Holly Springs public schools and worked odd jobs. His focus was never his assignments or school work.

In high school, Abby Newton spent a summer working alongside people with disabilities. It cemented her career path, but her journey wasn't direct. Newton knew she wanted to advocate for people with disabilities. She thought a career in lobbying or nonprofits was on the horizon, so she spent her first two years at the University of Mississippi studying public policy.