College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award
First College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award Finalists Announced
Eight students selected for charting new territory at the university
APRIL 14, 2023 BY STAFF REPORT The University of Mississippi College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award finalists were presented by Lee M. Cohen, dean of liberal arts, at the annual Honoring Diversity Excellence Celebration on April 11 in the Student Union Ballroom.“This is a special moment—in honor of the 60th anniversary of integration of the University of Mississippi and in honor of Mr. James Meredith, we are thrilled to announce the finalists for the inaugural College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award,” Cohen said.
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The crystal award presented to Mr. James Meredith during the 60th anniversary of integration celebration in Fall 2022.
Announcing “Inaugural College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award” to be awarded at the College of Liberal Arts 2023 Spring Commencement!
The College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award will honor an extraordinary graduating undergraduate senior in the College of Liberal Arts who has made significant positive change in broadening access, participation, and opportunities in higher education for individuals from minoritized or underrepresented groups. This award is intended to highlight the work for change that is often not recognized at the time it is being done. It is an award that also recognizes the personal courage and resilience required to do such work while also pursuing a college degree. Given the varied nature of the many academic disciplines contained within the College, this award will reflect the multitude of ways that students in these disciplines– the fine and performing arts, the natural sciences and mathematics, the humanities, and the social sciences – can use the knowledge they gain to change the world for the better. Mr. Meredith has dedicated a lifetime of work to ensuring that all Mississippians – and all people – have full access to the power of education. Awardees of the College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award will be students who walk in his footsteps, continuing the difficult and critical work of change and transformation.

James Meredith at the University of Mississippi commencement ceremony.
Nominations
Nominations for potential award recipients will be open January 23rd through February 10, 2023. Faculty, Staff, and students may nominate graduating seniors who they believe embody the spirit of the award. Self nominations are welcomed. Nominees will be invited to complete applications for the award. The winner of the award will receive a monetary award from the College.
Additional Information
Please watch your email and/or the College of Liberal Arts website for additional information in the new year! Any questions about the award can be directed to Kirsten Dellinger, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, College of Liberal Arts at kdelling@olemiss.edu or Valeria Ross, Program Manager for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, College of Liberal Arts at vross@olemiss.edu.

Lee M. Cohen, dean of liberal arts (right), congratulates James Meredith during an event honoring the 60th anniversary of Meredith’s enrollment at the University of Mississippi.
History and Background
On September, 28, 2022, Lee M. Cohen, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, announced the James Meredith Changemaker Award, which will recognize graduating undergraduate students of the College who have helped broaden access, participation and opportunities in higher education for minorities or individuals from underrepresented groups.
Meredith, who in 1962 became the first African American student to enroll at the University of Mississippi, graduated in August 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in political science which is a major and an academic Department housed in the College of Liberal Arts. Following graduation, he continued to study political science at University of Ibadan in Nigeria before earning a law degree at Columbia University.
Read more of Dean Cohen’s award announcement
Pathways to Equity
We are engaged in a 5-year “Pathways to Equity” strategic plan at the University and College levels and are committed to institutional transformation in practices and policies that will support the work of scholars in these fields. As the flagship public institution in the state of Mississippi, we are committed to increasing access to education for all Mississippians. We seek to increase capacity for robust inclusive teaching and mentoring practices that will create pathways of support and success for students from historically underrepresented and marginalized groups and desire candidates with demonstrated commitment and promise in these areas.