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University of Mississippi

Center for Population Studies

Vanessa Parks, a postdoctoral research associate at the UM Center for Population Studies, is part of a multiuniversity project exploring the effects of freshwater inputs into coastal Louisiana salt marsh ecosystems and the resulting impacts on the recreational fishing industry. Submitted photo

UM Researchers Part of Team Studying Louisiana Fishing Communities

Project explores how ecological and socioeconomic changes affect coastal region’s people, economy DECEMBER 8, 2020 BY SHEA STEWART A pair of University of Mississippi researchers are members of a multiuniversity project exploring the effects of freshwater inputs into coastal Louisiana salt marsh ecosystems and the resulting impacts on the recreational fishing industry. Vanessa Parks and […]


The final meeting of the 2020 Hunger Summit, a joint effort of the University of Mississippi’s Center for Population Studies, Delta Directions Consortium and the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, is set for Thursday (Dec. 3) via Zoom. The summit provides a way for food pantries and other community organizations to share information and support during the pandemic. Adobe Stock photo

Center for Population Studies and Partners Host Hunger Summit

Summit helps nonprofits respond to COVID-19 and food insecurity in Mississippi DECEMBER 1, 2020 BY ELIZABETH SWEENEY The University of Mississippi‘s Center for Population Studies has partnered with two regional community organizations to launch the 2020 Hunger Summit, which provides a venue for community organizations and their partners to share information and support during the pandemic. Partners […]


The UM 2020-21 Common Reading Experience selection, ‘What the Eyes Don’t See,’ will serve as the foundation of three virtual panel discussions set for this month.

Common Reading Committee Schedules Virtual Panel Discussions

Zoom events focus on preservation of clean water supplies OCTOBER 7, 2020 BY EDWIN B. SMITH Maintaining state, national and global clean water supplies is the focus for three virtual panel discussions being hosted by University of Mississippi‘s Common Reading Experience team this month. The discussions are part of the 2020-21 Common Reading Experience. Since […]


An interdisciplinary team of University of Mississippi researchers is studying the problem of lead contamination in water systems in Jackson and Mississippi Delta communities in an effort to help Mississippi families ensure their drinking water is safe. Adobe Stock photo

Researchers Tackle Challenges of Safe Drinking Water in Mississippi

Interdisciplinary team partners with communities to raise awareness of lead risks JULY 29, 2020 BY SHEA STEWART Recognizing that clean drinking water is a necessity of life, a group of University of Mississippi professors is using community-based research, education and outreach to work with communities in addressing water quality challenges. Most Mississippians receive their drinking water […]


Annie Cafer. Photo by Thomas Graning

Is the South More at Risk for COVID-19?

University of Mississippi sociologist examines why Southern states are at risk in global pandemic APRIL 14, 2020 BY ABIGAIL MEISEL As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend life in cities across the world, a University of Mississippi sociologist is focusing on the current and potential impact of the virus on rural communities across the South. […]


UM Director Playing Key Role in Upcoming 2020 Census

John Green serving as vice chairman of Mississippi Complete Count Committee OCTOBER 1, 2019 BY STAFF REPORT The director of the State Data Center of Mississippi, housed at the University of Mississippi, has been tapped by Gov. Phil Bryant to serve as vice chairman of the Mississippi Complete Count Committee. Bryant established the committee Aug. […]


UM student Alex Fratesi (center) conducts a water sample training with youth from the Tri-County Workforce Alliance at a Health Research and Career Fair at North Sunflower Medical Center in Ruleville.

News You Can Use: Community Collaborations Priority for UM Units

Faculty, staff and students looking for opportunities to improve conditions, create possibilities SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 BY EDWIN B. SMITH Public service has always been an integral part of the lives of University of Mississippi faculty, staff and students. For years, academic units and administrative officers have been partnering with Mississippians across the state to improve […]


The University of Mississippi’s Center for Population Studies hosted 33 rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors from the New Pathways to Health Opportunity initiative for their annual summer campus visit. The students are part of the Tri-County Workforce Alliance youth program, which operates in Bolivar, Coahoma, Quitman, Sunflower and Tallahatchie counties to build a healthy and competitive workforce through education and job training.

Delta Students Pursue New Pathways to Health During UM Visit

High schoolers discover career opportunities through visit with Center for Population Studies AUGUST 16, 2019 BY ELIZABETH SWEENEY High school students from the New Pathways to Health and Opportunity initiative recently spent the day at the University of Mississippi for their annual summer campus visit. The university’s Center for Population Studies, or CPS, hosted 33 […]


Annie Cafer. Photo by Thomas Graning

Sociology Professor Honored by Community Development Society

Anne Cafer receives national recognition for contributions to her field AUGUST 8, 2019 BY EDWIN B. SMITH A University of Mississippi professor is being recognized for her contributions to the field of community development. Anne Cafer, assistant professor of sociology and anthropology, received the Donald W. Littrell New Professional Award from the Community Development Society […]


Annie Cafer. Photo by Thomas Graning

Sociology Professor Named Andrew Carnegie Fellow

Annie Cafer claims first-ever fellowship in Mississippi for community resilience work APRIL 23, 2019 BY SHEA STEWART Annie Cafer, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Mississippi, has been awarded a prestigious Andrew Carnegie Fellowship. The 32 fellows of the 2019 Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program were unveiled today (April 23) by the Carnegie Corp. of […]