Campaign Priorities
Student Success
We have tremendous need for undergraduate scholarships in certain majors for more robust recruitment efforts and to keep students on the graduation pathway while taking advantage of opportunities such as internships and study abroad. Family wealth should not lead to more disparities in student experiences and networks as they launch into their professional lives.
On behalf of the entire university, the College has created, funds, and manages a number of programs that impact the success of all students on campus such as the Health Professions Advising Office, Pre-Law Advising Office, Writing and Speaking Centers, and the FASTrack Learning Community. These programs mentor all students on campus yet they are funded entirely by the College. With your support, we can continue to build up these services for the success of all UM students.
GROW MORE EXPERTS WHO TEACH, RESEARCH, AND SERVE
The College supports the university’s Carnegie R1 status through the graduation of doctoral and master’s students. More than 550 students are enrolled in the graduate programs in the College, with an increase in the last 10 years in our 13 doctoral programs, particularly among women (25% increase) and minority students (81% increase). High quality graduate programs and students attract top faculty and promote UM’s teaching, research, and service mission.
With your support, we can increase stipends and support more graduate candidates who can be significant contributors to our community and open more advanced career fields to young people. Funds to support graduate students are needed in many areas. We regularly lose in the recruitment of outstanding graduate students to peer institutions over just a few thousand dollars a year.
TEACH, DISCOVER, LEAD AND SERVE
Dedicated professors define the university’s academic reputation. The influence they wield is indisputable – and invaluable. Our faculty not only share their knowledge with our students, they fuel a love of learning and ignite passion for public service. In short, they educate the next generation of leaders. Private support can help us recruit and retain outstanding faculty who can successfully compete for external research grants and prestigious fellowships.
As the university’s student enrollment has increased, the faculty growth has not keep pace, resulting in some advanced courses that are larger than we prefer for a top educational experience. We also need more tenure-track faculty to provide the critical mentorship for our undergraduate and graduate students. The vast majority of the Honors College students – a program that has grown tremendously – are in the College of Liberal Arts. The College prides itself on the faculty mentorship at the premier liberal arts flagship institution in the state of Mississippi. Private support can help us maintain that reputation.
PROVIDE LEARNING SPACES FOR THE FUTURE
Spaces in which faculty teach, students learn and explore, groups collaborate and innovate, and researchers reach for new and exciting discoveries in their fields are essential foundations for excellence. More than its physical structure, an education building houses and invigorates a community. The proximity of inquiring minds and talented researchers and scholars is critical to inspire the accomplishments of a top-ranked academic program.
The College occupies space in 33 different buildings, and most have not had a major renovation in decades, if ever. The more than 100 teaching spaces need re-imagined, refreshed designs and new technology to meet today’s approaches to education. More modern facilities will attract and retain superior faculty and students, enhance faculty productivity, contribute to research and propel student success.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives
As the flagship liberal arts university in the state, we have a deep responsibility to reflect the diverse public we serve in order to effectively educate and train problem-solving leaders and lifelong learners and generate innovative and transformative knowledge. In a state with a population that is 42% non-white, the College minority student population in fall 2020 was close to 30%, while the minority faculty population was 18%.
The College has developed a variety of initiatives that will help recruit and support minority students, faculty, and staff. We are always striving to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion in the heart of everything we do. With your support, we can create a stronger environment of learning and discovery where students, faculty, and staff are supported and can expect respect and a sense of belonging as they pursue their best work.