University of Mississippi

From her first campus visit, Izzy Arthurs felt immediately at home at the University of Mississippi. The Jackson, Tennessee, native was captivated by the Ole Miss campus "at first sight" - a feeling that has guided her entire college experience. A recent UM graduate, who earned a bachelor's in English with an emphasis in creative writing and a minor in French, Arthurs became an integral part of campus life. She studied abroad in France and performed her own music. She worked in the Department of Campus Recreation all four years of college, earned her certification in group fitness instruction, and taught yoga, Pilates, barre and sculpt classes, all experiences she describes as highlights of her university years.

From his first campus tour to leading record-breaking fundraising efforts, Byron Swetman's journey at the University of Mississippi has been defined by a profound dedication to serving others. Swetman, of Vancleave, began his Ole Miss journey as an electrical engineering major before transitioning to computer science. While balancing a full course load as a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, Swetman immersed himself in the university community from freshman year onward.

Sean McClellan, from Vancleave, is headed abroad to hone his language skills after being accepted for the Chinese capstone year program. McClellan earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and Chinese in May and is in the UM Chinese Language Flagship Program.

Sophia Toner, from Pass Christian, is headed abroad to hone her language skills after being accepted for the Chinese capstone year program. Toner earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and Chinese from the University of Mississippi in May and is in the UM Chinese Language Flagship Program.

Emily Barron, from Blacksburg, Virginia, is headed abroad to hone her language skills after being accepted for the Chinese capstone year program. Barron earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese from the University of Mississippi in May and is in the UM Chinese Language Flagship Program.

Emma Jones, from Oxford, majoring in Chinese, psychology and elementary education, and studying in the Chinese Language Flagship Program at the University of Mississippi, is headed abroad to hone her language skills after being accepted for the Chinese capstone year program.

Gavin Carr, of Nicholasville, Kentucky, is one of seven University of Mississippi students who have been accepted into the competitive Arabic capstone year program. Carr earned a Bachelor of Arts in Arabic and political science from UM in May and is in the university's Arabic Language Flagship Program.

Nelson Cleveland, of Gulfport, is one of seven University of Mississippi students who have been accepted into the competitive Arabic capstone year program. Cleveland earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and Arabic from UM in May and is in the university's Arabic Language Flagship Program.

Kharley Redmon, of Lewisport, Kentucky, is one of seven University of Mississippi students who have been accepted into the competitive Arabic capstone year program. Redmon earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and Arabic from UM in May and is in the university's Arabic Language Flagship Program.

Mabrie Woods, of Louisville, is one of seven University of Mississippi students who have been accepted into the competitive Arabic capstone year program. Woods earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and Arabic from UM in May and is in the university's Arabic Language Flagship Program.

Elizabeth Vise, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is one of seven University of Mississippi students who have been accepted into the competitive Arabic capstone year program. Vise earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and Arabic from UM in May and is in the university's Arabic Language Flagship Program.

Ahmed Orabi's journey to becoming a pharmacist began in Kuwait and ended with a walk across a stage in Oxford. He graduated in May from the University of Mississippi with his Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration degrees.

Catherine Simpson, of Madison, is one of seven University of Mississippi students who have been accepted into the competitive Arabic capstone year program. Simpson is majoring in Arabic and biological science and studying in the university's Arabic Language Flagship Program.

Caroline Stanford, of Flora, is one of seven University of Mississippi students who have been accepted into the competitive Arabic capstone year program. Stanford is majoring in Arabic and interdisciplinary studies and studying in the university's Arabic Language Flagship Program.

Caroline Brock, a Greenwood native, graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in public health with the mission of addressing health disparities.

As Gwen Pfrenger prepared to graduate in May with her degree in art history, she reflected on a life surrounded by art and literature. Growing up in Oxford, she found her academic home at the University of Mississippi, where she could fully immerse herself in the humanities she has loved since childhood.

When Lauren Munnell toured the University of Mississippi for the first time, she didn't just see a campus - she saw possibility. The Franklin, Tennessee, native had never imagined herself at a big Southeastern Conference school, but Oxford offered something special: a close-knit community where she could grow, be challenged and thrive.

Christopher Buchan, from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, an international studies and Chinese major at the University of Mississippi, is one of five UM students who have been awarded David L. Boren scholarships from the National Security Education Program.

From his first visit to campus as a high school junior for a Trent Lott Leadership Institute conference, Jakota White felt the "magnetic atmosphere" of Oxford calling to him. The Gulfport native couldn't shake "how Ole Miss had made me feel, and who they believed I could be" - a feeling that has continued throughout his college career. Majoring in integrated marketing communications with a minor in general business, White became deeply woven into the fabric of campus life.

When Ja'Ree Myers walked across the Grove stage in May, he did so with a degree in computer engineering, no student debt and a future he built from the ground up. A Jackson native, Myers first visited the University of Mississippi during his sophomore year of high school to attend a football game, and it made a lasting impression.

Sean McClellan, from Vancleave, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and Chinese from the University of Mississippi in May, is one of four UM students who have been awarded David L. Boren scholarships from the National Security Education Program. Boren Scholars commit to studying critical languages and preparing for careers in national security, public service or international affairs. Recipients immerse themselves in the cultures of regions such as Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Danielle Dey, from Waveland, is one of four University of Mississippi students who have been awarded David L. Boren scholarships from the National Security Education Program. Dey earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies from UM in May. She minored in intelligence and security studies and Korean. Boren Scholars commit to studying critical languages and preparing for careers in national security, public service or international affairs. Recipients immerse themselves in the cultures of regions such as Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East.

For Ransford Kwabena Addae, music has been a lifelong passion, one that has taken him from Ghana to the University of Mississippi, where he has refined his skills and worked toward his dreams.

A member of the Ole Miss women's rifle team, Katelyn Foust graduated in May from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Her focus on homeland security was complemented by a triple minor in law, intelligence and security studies, and global security studies.

When Stephanie Handford's family added the University of Mississippi to their college tour on a whim after a quick Google search, the Waukesha, Wisconsin, native never could have imagined that decision would lead to rocket launches, international research and a perfect 4.0 GPA. A mechanical engineering major, Handford was involved in undergraduate research with the National Center for Physical Acoustics, a cooperative education experience with Apple, study abroad in Sweden and research in Germany through the German Academic Exchange Service's RISE program.

Gavin Carr, from Nicholasville, Kentucky, is one of four University of Mississippi students who have been awarded David L. Boren scholarships from the National Security Education Program. Carr earned a Bachelor of Arts in Arabic and political science from UM in May. Boren Scholars commit to studying critical languages and preparing for careers in national security, public service or international affairs. Recipients immerse themselves in the cultures of regions such as Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Sarah Fath, of Kenner, Louisiana, was designated class marshal for the School of Pharmacy at the University of Mississippi. Fath, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, was among the 15 UM students who were named class marshal or banner bearer for their respective college or school during the 2025 Commencement ceremonies.

Caroline Claas, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was designated class marshal for the School of Pharmacy at the University of Mississippi. Claas, who earned a Doctor of Pharmacy, was among the 15 UM students who were named class marshal or banner bearer for their respective college or school during the 2025 Commencement ceremonies.

Caroline Gardner, of Booneville, was designated banner bearer for the School of Education at the University of Mississippi. Gardner, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education in elementary education, was among the 15 UM students who were named class marshal or banner bearer for their respective college or school during the 2025 Commencement ceremonies.

Compton Ross, from Madison, a junior computer science and mathematics double major at the University of Mississippi, was named one of 15 Stamps Impact Prize winners for spring 2025. Matching a $100,000 renewable gift from the Stamps family, the university created the competitive award in fall 2023 to enhance undergraduate students' academic experience by supporting innovative, faculty-mentored endeavors beyond the classroom. Students receive up to $5,000 to support their work.