College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award Finalists Announced

Five students selected for charting new territory at UM

APRIL 9, 2024 BY STAFF REPORT

The University of Mississippi College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award finalists were presented by Kirsten Dellinger, associate dean of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the College of Liberal Arts, at the annual Honoring Inclusive Excellence Celebration on April 2 coordinated by the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement.

“In honor of Mr. James Meredith, we are thrilled to announce the finalists for the second College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award,” said Dellinger.

“Mr. Meredith, who earned a BA in political science while at the university, 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 are students who strive to walk in his footsteps, continuing the difficult and critical work of change and transformation for Mississippi and for the world.”

Jametrice Blanchard, Jonathan E. Dabel, Tina Truong, Sara Austin Welch, and Samorria Williams were selected as finalists for their innovative and impactful changemaking work.

“They are extraordinary graduating undergraduate seniors in the College of Liberal Arts who have made significant positive change in broadening access, participation, and opportunities in higher education for individuals from minoritized or underrepresented groups,” Dellinger said.

The College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award highlights the work for change that is often not recognized at the time it is being done and it 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 in the College, this award reflects 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.

“The nominees and applicants for this award were outstanding,” Dellinger said. “Each student made a positive impact on our campus and the applicants represented a wide range of approaches to changemaking and identified exciting plans for future changemaking work. While all their  accomplishments are important and worthy of praise, these five finalists stood out to the committee as individuals who are charting new territory.”

Jametrice Blanchard is a political science major with minors in gender studies and law studies from Clinton, Mississippi. She led and fostered the growth of the Ole Miss Undergraduate Legal Society from four student ambassadors to 32 and has been laser-focused on providing knowledge about the field of law and opening access to higher education for all students, with a special focus on students of color.

Jonathan E. Dabel, a major in economics and public policy leadership from Diamondhead, has served as a resident assistant and student success coordinator for the First-Gen Network. Focused on solving problems of housing and food insecurity on and off campus, he researched and wrote a paper on how food insecurity negatively impacts the upward mobility of students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and presented this work to university administrators and at a recent conference at the University of Maryland. Dabel also ensures that international students are aware of resources to assist in their professional development and success.

Tina Truong is a biology major and chemistry minor from Madison who has been a leader working for greater food security for students as well as volunteering for the Jackson Free Clinic. She has worked with the Grove Grocery—the university food pantry—for three years, leading as the director for two years to broaden access to food and resources on campus.

Sara Austin Welch, a public policy leadership major with minors in intelligence and security studies and higher education from McCarley, served as Associated Student Body president and focused her efforts on increasing accessibility on campus. She added a principal of accessibility to the president’s cabinet. Welch has encouraged better policy as well as good citizenship in an effort to assist students with visual, mobility, or learning challenges with the goal of making the campus more accessible to all.

Samorria Williams, a political science major and minor in law studies from Brandon, has worked as the vice president for Champions of Hope, Inc., a nonprofit whose mission is to empower, educate, and inspire at-risk youth in Mississippi. She has served as vice president for Blacks in Political Studies. In these roles, and as an individual mentor to 13 first-year students, Williams focuses on providing valuable resources and creating spaces where underrepresented students feel supported and empowered to pursue their academic and professional goals.

The five finalists will receive the College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award medal. The winner of the award will be revealed at the College of Liberal Arts Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 25 at 4:30 pm in the Gertrude C. Ford Student Union Ballroom and will receive an additional plaque and monetary award.

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. He continued to study political science at University of Ibadan in Nigeria before earning a law degree at Columbia University.

The College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award recognizes students who walk in his footsteps, continuing the difficult and critical work of change and transformation.

“Mr. Meredith represents good change, access to education, and increased opportunity for all individuals,” said Val Ross, program manager for diversity, equity, and inclusion and cochair of the College of Liberal Arts James Meredith Changemaker Award committee. “He is a beacon of light and hope, and this group of finalists for the College of Liberal Arts are truly representative of the amazing impactful change that all individuals can be when allowed access and given opportunity.

“Thank you, Mr. Meredith.”