THE
Daily
MISSISSIPPIAN
Thursday, February 22, 2024
theDMonline.com
Volume 112, No. 19
PULLING GRADS TO MISSISSIPPI OR INVESTMENTS DOWN THE DRAIN? For his second term, Tate Reeves has made it a priority to develop Mississippi’s economy. However, some students looking toward graduation and their careers are pessimistic about the future job outlook within the state. NOAH WALTERS
thedmnews@gmail.com GRAPHIC: MILO GILDEA
On Jan. 9, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves was sworn in for his second and final term after the state’s closest gubernatorial election since 1999. In his inaugural address, Reeves spoke of the various challenges Mississippi has faced over the course of his first term and touted his ac-
complishments over the past four years. Among other priorities, Reeves talked at length about the economic accomplishments of his administration. Most notably, he emphasized a deal with Steel Dynamics, Inc. that was signed last fall, culminating in a $2.5 billion investment in Mississippi — the largest in state history. He also laid out his priorities for Mississippi’s economic future, stating his desire to create an environment where students can stay in the state for their careers, promising economic projects that would, “fundamentally change lives and transform our state for the better.” Students are divided on whether these plans encourage them to stay in Mississippi. At the University of Mississippi, 53.1% of students attending the university’s Oxford and regional campuses are not residents of the state, according to institutional enrollment data. For many, Mississippi is a place to get their degree, not a final destination. Amelia Grimsted, a junior English major on the pre-law track at UM, is originally from Washington. Grimsted plans on leaving Mississippi after obtaining her undergraduate degree to enroll in law school, citing in part the scarcity of law careers in the state. “I’m not super hopeful about his policies. I’m not sure he’s headed in the best direction for Mississippi as a whole,” Grimsted said when asked about Reeves’ economic priorities. Madison Silva, also a junior English major on the pre-law track, agreed. “There’s more opportunity elsewhere,” the Arizona native said. She explained that she has no plans to stay in Mississippi after she obtains her undergraduate degree. Neither Silva nor Grimsted felt equipped to offer a solution to Mississippi’s economic woes. This uncertainty about the economy and job market in Mississippi has contributed to severe brain drain, a phenomenon in which
SEE REEVES PAGE 3
SOURCE: 2020-23 FISCAL YEAR MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ANNUAL REPORTS. OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITOR, MONEY DOWN THE BRAIN DRAIN: ARE TAXPAYERS GETTING THEIR MONEY’S WORTH? (2022)
BASEBALL LOSES HOME OPENER
AYERS AND ADMISSIONS
Ole Miss Baseball, coming off a disappointing stint in Hawai’i, continued their struggles against the Arkansas State Red Wolves in
As the university takes big steps to accommodate more students, many have questioned why the university does not simply pump the brakes on enrollment.
the home opener, losing 4-2.
The answer, it turns out, is complicated.
SEE PAGE 10
SEE PAGE 4