Four decades ago, a small group of African-American students at the University of Mississippi made its musical debut as the Black Student Union Choir. In November, the renamed and renowned UM Gospel Choir celebrated its growth, longevity and success with a weekend of competitions and a concert.
During a daylong “show-and-tell” presentation themed “NASA/SLS Day at Ole Miss,” Todd May, who manages the agency’s Space Launch System program, visited campus to share with UM students advancements being made toward deep-space travel. Three other NASA officials, two of whom are UM alumni, accompanied him.
UM’s reputation for strong teaching and research in the sciences will be bolstered by the addition of a new science building, thanks to a $20 million lead gift from the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation of Jackson.
The University of Mississippi dedicated its new Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement Sept. 24. Created to provide programs and services that encourage cross-cultural interactions and provide a physical space that is both nurturing and welcoming for students from diverse backgrounds, the center emphasizes inclusion and broad cultural educational opportunities for all students.
UM’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship has awarded seed money to students through the newly created Rebel Venture Capital Fund, which helps with business startup costs.
Health and physical education expert Alicia Stapp will lead the School of Education’s effort to implement a new emphasis in wellness and physical activity for elementary education majors starting in fall 2015.