College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award

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.

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 in cap and gown at UM graduation.

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.

James Meredith shaking hands with College of Liberal Arts Dean, Lee Cohen on stage at the Ford Center. Dean Cohen is presenting an award to Mr. Meredith.

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

An excerpt from Dean Cohen’s announcement at the event organized to honor Meredith who moved history forward 60 years ago and his continuing efforts to bring about racial equality on the national stage—

I am delighted to announce the establishment of the College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award. It is the intent for this award to reflect the spirit of the tremendous impact Mr. Meredith made on the University of Mississippi, our state, and beyond. We also aim for this award to recognize individuals who share Mr. Meredith’s vision for equal access to education.

Beginning this spring, the College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award will bestow this singular honor (annually) on an extraordinary graduating undergraduate student 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 the College serves, this award will reflect the multitude of ways that students from disciplines represented in the College of Liberal Arts—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.

We are all aware of the fact that as a student, and in the face of violent resistance to his very presence on campus, Mr. Meredith persisted for himself and countless others who have followed. His brave efforts to desegregate the University of Mississippi were at the foundation of the struggle for full citizenship rights for Black Americans promised under the U.S. Constitution—which includes equal access to higher education. His courage and deep understanding of what was required to integrate the University of Mississippi—and higher education in the United States—opened the door for so many to continue their education and follow their dreams. Mr. Meredith has dedicated a lifetime of work to ensuring that all Mississippians—and all people—have full access to the power of education and he has continued to support and encourage African American student “change makers” on this campus. Future 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.

Student listening intently

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.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the award?
The University of Mississippi College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award honors James Meredith’s tremendous contributions to opening access to higher education and to the sacrifices he made to do so. This award celebrates the work of a current graduating senior in the College of Liberal Arts who is helping to transform higher education, especially as related to the experiences of students from underrepresented or minority groups.
Who can be nominated for an award?
Any graduating senior who has a major under the College of Liberal Arts can be nominated for the award.
Who can submit a nomination letter for a student?
Any faculty member who teaches in the College of Liberal Arts, any staff member who works in the College of Liberal Arts, and any student who has a major under the College of Liberal Arts can submit a nomination letter. Students may also self-nominate for the award.
When are nominations for the award due?
The deadline to submit a nomination letter is February 10, 2023.
Is there a GPA requirement for the award?
Eligible students must be graduating seniors for the upcoming May graduation. These include the following: (1) December, 2022; (2) May, 2023; (3) August, 2023.
How do I get nominated?
See FAQ #3 above.
What is the difference between the nomination and application?
All nominated students who are eligible for consideration for the award will be forwarded an application from the Office of the Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts for completion by a specified date this Spring 2023. The applications will be used to select the award recipient.
How do I get an application?
All nominated students who are eligible for consideration for the award will be forwarded an application to their email address from the Office of the Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts.
When will the award be presented?
Award presentations will be made by the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the end of the Spring Semester of the award recipient’s graduating year.
I still have questions. Who should I contact?
Valeria Beasley Ross, Program Manager for Diversity and Inclusion in the College of Liberal Arts, is available to answer questions. You may contact her at vross@olemiss.edu or 662.915.7178. You may additionally contact the College of Liberal Arts at 662.915.7178.