Letter from the Chancellor

Dear Students,  

Along with our faculty and staff, I welcome you to the 163rd year of The University of Mississippi.  

When the University opened in 1848, eighty young men came to Oxford to form the first class of students for the first public university in the state. Tuition was $37 plus the cost of stove wood. The only admission requirement was that the student be at least sixteen years old. Some of the classrooms were without desks, chairs and benches, and there was no library, nor even any textbooks. The Lyceum and the two dormitories were overflowing, and there were only four professors. Of that now legendary class of eighty, only forty-seven remained through the first full term. By July 1849, five had been expelled, eight were suspended, twelve were allowed to withdraw, and eight had walked away from the university, their whereabouts unknown. That was our first class. 

As they say, we have come a long way. This fall we welcome our largest freshman class ever, and while we hope that all our classrooms have desks and chairs, we do expect the residence halls, the classrooms, the bookstore, the financial aid office, the student union, Johnson Commons and the parking lots to be full once again. The larger number of students offers some inconvenience but a great sense of excitement as well. 

In the past few months, The University of Mississippi has been named to three of the nation’s top rankings lists by national publications. Earlier this spring, we were chosen as the safest campus in the Southeastern Conference. This summer we were included in the “best colleges to work for” rankings, and, most recently, Ole Miss was named “most appealing college” in a new book on higher education. This most recent accolade echoes what all of us – our students, faculty, staff, alumni – have known for years – that Ole Miss offers an amazing experience. 

Many people have contributed to the progress at our university, but throughout our history, our students have played leading roles in our defining moments. You bring fresh perspectives, new ideas and boundless energy to the community. Throughout our history, when progress was made, students were at the heart of it. When we celebrated our victories, it was our students we thanked.

When we fought our battles, our students pledged their fidelity, and now as we embark on a new academic year, it is you – our students – who will lead the way.  

Our faculty has worked to create a unique atmosphere of learning, and they are committed to your well-being. We encourage you to develop strong professional relationships with our distinguished and devoted faculty. If your mind is open and your heart willing, Ole Miss can be a great place for discovery, the beginning of a lifetime of learning and social transformation. 

While understanding that the University exists to provide opportunities for students to pursue individual interests and prepare for meaningful careers, we acknowledge the glorious spirit of fun and sociability that pervades our campus, especially during football season. So as we begin this academic year, we encourage you to take full advantage of the amazing Ole Miss experience.  It’s a great time to be an Ole Miss Rebel! 

Sincerely, 

Daniel W. Jones, M.D.

Chancellor