University of Mississippi

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jackson Sevin, from New Orleans, a junior psychology 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.

Jaleah Boyd, of Meridian, was designated class marshal for the School of Applied Sciences at the University of Mississippi. Boyd, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Law Studies, 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.

Selena Houston, of Coldwater, was designated class marshal for the School of Law at the University of Mississippi. Houston, who earned a Juris Doctor, 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.

Meredith Whited, of Marion, Arkansas, was designated class marshal for the School of Education at the University of Mississippi. Whited, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education in English 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.

Saydee Taylor, of Booneville, was designated class marshal for the Patterson School of Accountancy at the University of Mississippi. Taylor, who earned a Bachelor of Accountancy, 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.

Purnima Narayan, of Pune, India, was designated class marshal for the Graduate School at the University of Mississippi. Narayan, who earned a Doctor of Philosophy in physics, 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.

Jane Thomas, of Corinth, was designated banner bearer for the School of Journalism and New Media at the University of Mississippi. Thomas, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, 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.

Stephanie Handford, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, was designated class marshal for the School of Engineering at the University of Mississippi. Handford, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, 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.

Emma Gregory, of Oxford, was designated class marshal for General Studies at the University of Mississippi. Gregory, who earned a Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies, 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.

Kharley Redmon, of Lewisport, Kentucky, was designated class marshal for the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi. Redmon, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and Arabic, 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.

Lily Martin, of Providence, Kentucky, was designated class marshal for the School of Business Administration at the University of Mississippi. Martin, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in banking and finance, 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.

Gauree Wathodkar, of Amravati, India, was designated class marshal for the Graduate School at the University of Mississippi. Wathodkar, who earned a Doctor of Philosophy in mathematics, 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.

Claire Kenney, of Tupelo, was designated class marshal for the School of Journalism and New Media at the University of Mississippi. Kenney, who earned a Bachelor of Science in integrated marketing communications, 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.

Fifty rising seniors joined the Tassels Chapter of Mortar Board at the University of Mississippi. Mortar Board is a national honor society that traditionally recognizes college seniors for their achievements in scholarship, leadership and service, provides opportunities for continued leadership development, promotes service to colleges and universities, and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community.