African American Studies

Scholars, Advocates Convene at UM to ‘Unmake Mass Incarceration’

Against the backdrop of a nation with 2.2 million people behind bars, the Arch Dalrymple III Department of History sponsored a three-day conference examining the history of mass incarceration. Scholars, activists, writers, and former inmates focused on prison reform, reducing recidivism, restorative justice, and other initiatives. View students’ library exhibition here. Conference focuses on prison […]

Both Dr. Donald Cole and his wife Marcia earned multiple degrees, held leadership roles, and taught at the University of Mississippi. Their children Donald II, William, and Mariah all attended UM.

Successful Campaign Establishes Cole Scholarship

Over 260 Donors Help Surpass Goal NOVEMBER 1, 2019 BY ANGELA ATKINS The Donald Cole Catalyst for Change Scholarship Endowment exceeded its goal by almost $10,000 through an online University of Mississippi fundraising campaign attracting gifts of all sizes. The Ignite Ole Miss campaign, spearheaded by Ethel Young-Scurlock, director of the African American Studies program, […]

Albert Woodfox, known as one of the ‘Angola Three’ who was the nation’s longest-held prisoner in solitary confinement after being wrongly convicted and serving more than four decades at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, is set to deliver the opening keynote for the Making and Unmaking Mass Incarceration conference at the University of Mississippi.

Conference to Examine History of Mass Incarceration

Albert Woodfox, one of the ‘Angola Three,’ to deliver opening keynote for interdisciplinary symposium SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 BY CHRISTINA STEUBE More than 2.2 million people are imprisoned in the United States, a higher rate of incarceration than anywhere else in the industrialized world. On a state level, Mississippi is surpassed only by Oklahoma and Louisiana […]

UM Faculty Travel Across Southeast for Collaborations

Ten faculty members participate in SEC Faculty Travel Program DECEMBER 13, 2018 BY SHEA STEWART Ten University of Mississippi faculty members are taking part in the SEC Faculty Travel Program this academic year, joining more than 100 fellow faculty members from other Southeastern Conference institutions. Established in 2012 by the SEC provosts, the program provides financial assistance from […]

Nobel Prize-winning author and UM alumnus William Faulkner. Photo by Robert Jordan/Ole Miss Communications

Nominations Sought for 2019 Common Reading Experience

Community encouraged to recommend books for upcoming freshman class SEPTEMBER 17, 2018 BY KENDALL PATTERSON The University of Mississippi is asking community members to help select the book that will be read by the class of 2023 for the Common Reading Experience. Anyone in the Oxford-Ole Miss community – students, faculty, staff, alumni or residents – can […]

Brown Bag Lunch and Lecture Series to Focus on ‘Sports in the South’

First talk, examining protests in pro football, kicks off Sept. 5 SEPTEMBER 2, 2018 BY REBECCA LAUCK CLEARY The Brown Bag Lunch and Lecture Series sponsored by the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi continues this fall with a focus on “Sports in the South.” All lectures take place […]

The UM Graduate School has honored creative writing director Derrick Harriell with the Excellence in Promoting Inclusiveness in Graduate Education Award. Photo by Kevin Bain/ Communications

Creative Writing Director Honored For Commitment to Inclusivity

Derrick Harriell receives Excellence in Promoting Inclusiveness in Graduate Education Award MAY 14, 2018 BY CHRISTINA STEUBE The University of Mississippi Graduate School has honored Derrick Harriell, assistant professor of English and African American Studies, for his contributions to inclusivity in education. Harriell, who also directs the university’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program, […]

The 2018 University of Mississippi Hall of Fame. Photo by by Thomas Graning/Ole Miss Communications

Ten Seniors Named UM Hall of Fame Inductees

Recipients honored for service, achievement and potential for success APRIL 6, 2018 BY EDWIN B. SMITH Ten University of Mississippi seniors have been inducted into the university’s 2017-18 Hall of Fame, one of the highest honors afforded students at Ole Miss. The inductees were honored Friday afternoon (April 6) in a ceremony at the Gertrude […]

UM Departments Collaborate to Host ‘Radical South’ Series

Events include lectures, discussions, film screening and more APRIL 3, 2018 BY CHRISTINA STEUBE The Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies at the University of Mississippi is hosting “The Radical South,” a conversation series this month that explores the complexity of Southern history and identity. The Isom Center, the Center for the Study […]

Three UM Juniors Named Truman Scholar Finalists

Students interview for prestigious award March 13; winners to be announced April 18 MARCH 6, 2018 BY EDWIN B. SMITH Good news came for a trio of University of Mississippi juniors recently when they were named finalists for the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Jarvis Benson of Grenada, Jaz Brisack of Oxford and Allen Coon […]