The Daily Mississippian | August 25, 2025

Construction booms across UM campus

It was a busy summer on campus, as work continued on several construction projects and plans for new buildings were announced.

To address the shortage of on-campus housing, the university announced a partnership with the private developer Greystar to construct two student housing facilities with 2,700 new

beds. One facility will be located on the former Kincannon Hall site and will hold an estimated 1,200 beds, while the other will sit on West Row across from the School of Law and hold 1,500 beds. The facilities are estimated to be ready for occupancy by fall 2027.

Securing parking continues to be a headache for students both on and off-campus — an issue that the ongoing construction of a parking garage adjacent to the existing residential ga-

rage is expected to alleviate. The project, expected to be completed by the fall 2026, is estimated to add 1,300 spaces.

Additionally, construction is underway for a new mechanical plant behind Kinard Hall to improve energy efficiency on campus and support the power demands from new facilities. The plant is expected to be completed by spring 2026.

In July, the university announced the construction of the Early Learning and Evaluation Center, a two-story fa-

ASB reveals game day changes, semester agenda

NOAH WALTERS Assistant News Editor

As their terms begin, Associated Student Body leaders are preparing in earnest to govern and deliver for the student body this fall semester. The new school year allows the newly elected leaders to address various issues that face students from positions of increased influence.

ASB President Jack Jones, previously the vice president, finds himself at the helm of an organization that champions “prioritizing students’ interests and needs” and committing itself to “supporting each and every single student to be prepared for the next season of life,” according to the ASB website. “Overarchingly, our goal is, and always has been, to enhance the student experience in every possible way,” Jones said.

Game day experience

The game day experience is a key focus for ASB this year.

On Aug. 21, ASB announced select stadium concessions will be discounted by 50% for students, non-alcoholic beer options will be introduced, cooling stations will be added near free water stations at the stadium and portable phone chargers will be available for rent at $5 per

hour at various locations including the Square.

“We are incredibly excited to announce this partnership,” Jones said in the statement. “I think all of the improvements lead to a safer and more enjoyable game day experience for students. We can’t thank the team over at Ole Miss Athletics enough for all their hard work and their willingness to hear our concerns.”

Last season, Head Coach Lane Kiffin expressed disappointment in much of the student section’s early departure from the Sept. 9 home game against Middle Tennessee State University. For Jones, student section retention throughout the games remains key.

“We talked about some of the reasons that students leave games early and what we can do to prevent that moving forward,” Jones said.

Mental health awareness

Another key focus for Jones’ administration is promoting mental health awareness.

“There’s a lot of awareness about mental health, which is an issue not only on our campus but across the country for people our age. What we really have isolated as an issue here is students who are not aware of the resources that are available to them

cility which will be located at the South Oxford Center. The center is designed to address a state need for early intervention options for young children with developmental delays and disabilities. Demolition is underway for the center, which will host a development and auditory evaluation center for children, along with serving as the new home for the Willie Price

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The Student Activities Association kicks off the fall 2025 semester with a Welcome Week that will include free, on-campus events for all students.

Events began Sunday night with roller skating and pizza in the Union Ballroom. Festivities will continue through Friday afternoon.

Hannah Hoang, a senior journalism major from Amory, Miss., serves as the co-director for special events for SAA. She, along with co-directors Nina Poiroux and Gibson Russell, plans events, organizes vendors, reserves spaces on campus and leads all other event logistics.

The First Day of Class Bash will begin at 10 a.m. today on the Union Plaza. The event will include a photo booth, Chick-fil-A sandwiches, a sticky note board with encouraging messages and free Welcome Week t-shirts.

Hoang said the Bash is her favorite event of Welcome Week.

“You get to see people catching up with old friends or making new friends,” Hoang said.

“We always play music, and people stop by and get their picture made or get a Chick-fil-A sandwich or a t-shirt. That’s usually my favorite because I get to catch up with people that

SAA welcomes back students with week of exciting events

I didn’t get to see over the summer, (and) I think it’s the perfect way to start off the school year.”

Tonight, “Wicked” will screen on the Grove Stage for the There’s No Place like Ozford event. Food will be available starting at 7:30 p.m., and the movie will begin at 8 p.m.

For incoming students, “Hotty Toddy Hangout” is a phrase that might ring a bell and remind them of orientation over the summer. On Tuesday, SAA and the Ole Miss Orientation Leaders will team up to host another Hotty Toddy Hangout on the Union Plaza during which students can meet and chat with each other.

On Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Grove will turn into a zipline adventure with Zippin’ into the School Year.

“We found a mobile zip line company that’s going to come and set up, and so you can zip line across the Grove,” Hoang said. “It’s going to be really neat. I think the last time we had (a zipline) on campus was a couple of years ago. I don’t think any current students were here while they had it. And so that was kind of the one thing that we really wanted to have for students this year.”

Students are invited to show off their dance moves Wednesday night at Groovin’

in the Grove. This silent disco will take place on the Grove Stage from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

If you are more of an early bird than a night owl, SAA and Campus Recreation will host Sunrise Pilates at 7 a.m. on Thursday on the Grove Stage. In addition to the pilates class, Magnolia Coffee Co. will have refreshments.

“We’re also going to have the Magnolia Coffee Co. truck set up a tab,” Hoang said. “And that’s gonna be kind of early, but that way it’ll still be a little cool.”

Thursday night, the Entertainment Board of SAA will host the Fall Show, featuring headliner Hannah Berner and opening act UMProv, the university’s student-led improv organization. While it is a ticketed event, all university students are admitted for free. Students may pick up their tickets at the Gertrude C. Ford Center’s box office.

Welcome Week will close out on Friday with Trash Can Friday as the student body prepares for the first football game of the season.

“We’re going to have stickers and game day buttons and also pretzels from Sonic to pass out,” Hoang said. “And fans, because I’m sure it’ll be really hot for the first game.”

For Hoang, Welcome Week is more than just a

way to have fun at the beginning of the school year.

“For freshmen, it’s a great way to meet new people and kind of learn how to get involved on campus,” Hoang said. “For upperclassmen, I think sometimes maybe you can get stuck into the routine of just going to school, but I think it’s a great way to kind of get excited about coming

back … I can’t think of a better way to start off the school year.” All events are free for students and funded by the Student Activity Fee.

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Lab School, formerly housed in Kinard Hall. The plan features 10 preschool classrooms, along with two outdoor playgrounds and a dining facility.

For Alyce Krouse, director of the Willie Price Lab School, the change in location is a beneficial one.

“The Early Learning and Evaluation Center will give us the space to serve more children and shorten waitlists for local families,” Krouse said. “Childcare is a clear need in our community, and the new center positions us to address that need.”

The center is expected to cost over $30 million and is slated to open in 2027.

Work on the university’s

data science center continues, with the existing center being renovated to meet seismic conditions. A new brick exterior has been installed, along with curtain walls and a new roof.

Construction of a new 31,000 square foot data facility hosting the university’s supercomputer is underway. The site, located at the corner of Guyton Drive and Rebel Drive, will hold office spaces, an atrium, mechanical spaces and conference rooms.

Both projects are expected to be completed by spring 2026.

On Rebel Drive, the new Kappa Alpha Order fraternity house has been completed. The new house totals approximately 43,000 square feet, making it the largest Kappa Alpha facility in the nation.

The national chapter’s website claimed the new build may be “one of the largest fraternity houses overall, in the nation.”

Construction of the house began in fall 2023 across the street from the chapter’s old facility. The total cost for the project was estimated at $21 million. It features at least 80 bedrooms, kitchen facilities, study rooms, a game room and a patio.

With the completion of the facility, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity moved into Kappa Alpha’s previous house.

Additionally, fraternities and sororities across campus continue to make renovations to their houses. Alpha Omicron Pi’s $8 million renovation of their house, including exterior

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and interior improvements, is ongoing, with opening planned in fall 2026. Construction of the new wing of Alpha Delta Pi’s house is expected to be completed by January 2026. Construction on two fraternity houses began over the summer: Beta Theta Pi is adding 28,000 square feet of living space to its facility, which will include 24 new bedrooms. Phi Delta Theta razed much of its previous structure in order to expand its house to 27,000 square feet and 27 bedrooms at a cost estimate of $11.1 million. Both projects are expected to be completed by summer 2026.

for mental health,” Jones said. “People may know that there’s a counseling center, but they may not know where the counseling center is, or how easy it is or where to book an appointment.”

Jones spoke about a social media campaign promoting these resources but also elevating a specific educational resource: mental health first aid training.

“The university offers a mental health first aid training, and it’s a great training,” Jones said. “The issue is that it’s fairly lengthy and inaccessible to most students for that reason. So, we’ve had an issue in the past of the university maybe offering it once a month for free, but it’s six hours — and six hours is a long time.”

Jones, however, does see the merits of the lengthy training and believes that increasing its accessibility will allow students to more readily train other students, benefitting the student body.

“If you and I can get trained in mental health first aid, that’s a lot more accessible to students because we can offer it to a lot more students, right?” Jones said. “The more trainers that you have, the more opportunities there are to teach mental health first aid. So, we’ve been partnering with IFC, Panhellenic and NPHC to try to expand the number of their members who are trained in that, trying to get more leadership within those Greek organizations trained in mental health first aid.”

Jones also hopes to train

registered student organization leaders in mental health first aid, promoting the visibility of mental health resources and care.

“For our students who are leaders in organizations who may interact with a number of students on a daily basis, who may interact with students who are going through something,” Jones said. “We certainly think that people like that need to get mental health first aid training. We’re going to get more students not just trained but trained in training, so that more students can get trained.”

Accessible transportation

Making transportation more accessible to students remains a priority, as well.

“People continue to have issues with the bus system,” Jones said. “People continue to pay fairly ridiculous prices at times for Uber or Lyft. (We’re) seeing what creative partnerships we can create on the rideshare side to try to alleviate some of those issues, what we can do with the bus system for improvements and working on ways that we can improve the app.”

How will ASB reach their goals?

ASB will achieve the president’s agenda not just through the utilization of the executive branch but through the senate, as well. Vice President Walker Jacklin explains that the inner workings of the senate largely revolve around committees, much like the United States Congress.

“With how our branch is set up, senators are able to write and bring a wide array of legislation to their committees to be

voted on to come to the senate floor,” Jacklin said. “That being said, there are several pieces that will be prepared to come to the floor this September. Many proposed changes have come forth and we are excited to hear senators’ voices when many of these ideas are brought to the floor.”

Jacklin says that though many initial changes pertain to ASB internal affairs like updating their code and constitution, there is more to come on the president’s agenda.

“In terms of the senate’s work for this upcoming fall, we are excited for real, tangible changes to be released in the coming weeks,” Jacklin said. “With the expansion of the legislative council that we implemented this past April, we now have a strong, efficient plan in place for the legislative branch, so our branch will facilitate direct impacts for students in the most effective manner possible. This way, symbolic pieces of legislation are minimized and students can rely on their elected senators to be working on projects and legislation that have effective changes.”

The ASB Senate passes three types of legislation. Bills are binding laws that pertain specifically to the internal affairs of the ASB, changing the code or constitution. Proclamations are statements made by the Senate, either clar ifying a belief or congratulating an event or person. Resolutions are requests made by the Senate to the university administration that, while non-binding, must be signed as seen by the Chancel lor, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Dean of Students.

“As a former vice president, I would say that resolutions are ful

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filled almost all the time,” Jones said. “Our goal with our senators is that hopefully conversations are encouraged with administrators, before ever passing resolutions through the student senate.”

President Pro Tempore of the Senate and former Chair of the Housing Committee Wesley Templet looks forward to the upcoming legislative session.

“Under Vice President Jacklin and my leadership together, we both hope to see projects that

“The power of the senate is to bring forth plans and projects to university administration about how to better student and campus life,” Templet said. “Often, this comes in the form of legislation, which is voted on by the entire senate body — currently 52 senators. These votes are public record and are recorded every meeting so that senators can be held accountable by their constituents. There are also many times when work done by senators does not manifest into

Taking the Bus? Visit outransit.com to find campus routes for quick trips, as well as routes throughout Oxford.

Riding a bike? Visit the Bike Shop on campus for more info about registering your bike, bike rentals, bike maintenance and fun workshops.

RebFest 2025 kicks off new school year

TAF FLANDERS

A&C Staff Writer

South Campus Recreation Center was buzzing with eager students on Thursday evening for the university’s annual RebFest.

The event, hosted by the Department of Campus Recreation, drew a large crowd of new and returning students for a lively night of games, free merch and information about the year ahead. Students attending the event had a chance to learn more about intramural sports and campus resources like Student Disability Services and the University Counseling Center.

Amanda Alpert Jessee, associate director of Campus Recreation Programs, said the event seemed just as full as last year’s event, which hosted more than 1,600 students.

The Department of Campus Recreation introduced new activities each year. Jessee said her department wants to encourage students to return, even if they have already attended in previous years.

This year, the newly added mechanical shark garnered one of the longest lines at the event.

Games also kept athletically inclined students entertained.

Inside the South Campus Recreation Center, event staff refereed games of volleyball and basketball. Breaking a sweat was not required to have a

good time at RebFest, though. The “Hammock Hangout” offered a more relaxed environment for friends to catch up.

Students sampled some of the new campus food trucks before the first day of class, including Low Tide Poke Company. Freshman allied health studies major Bea Novkovic was among those in line for a bowl.

Novkovic and her friend Mallie Burton, a freshman biology major, took the opportunity to speak to the Study Abroad Office, one of the organizations tabling at the event. As STEM majors, the two wondered whether their demanding coursework would get in the way of studying in a foreign country.

“We both were kind of nervous that we wouldn’t be able to (study abroad) just because of how complicated our majors are, but we did find out that we could do it if we just did it earlier on,” Novkovic said.

The event’s tabling area also included intramural sports clubs. Rich Mugler, a senior entrepreneurship major, tabled for the Men’s Ice Hockey Club. He appreciated the opportunity RebFest provided to the club to engage in student outreach throughout his time at the university.

“Playing hockey in the South, most people don’t expect us to be here and have a club,” Mugler said. “It’s always cool to see the turnout. It’s always

bigger than I expected it to be.”

To close out the night, students were treated to free late night snacks from popular restaurant chains in the area. Chicken Salad Chick, Smoothie King and Domino’s guaranteed no one went home with an empty stomach.

It takes a large workforce to keep such events running smoothly. RebFest was primarily staffed by student workers employed by Campus Recreation. The students’ duties

ranged from refereeing a match of “bubble soccer” to handing out free t-shirts and coupons.

“All of our programs and activities are run by students,” Jessee said. “We have over 250 student employees.”

Jessee encourages students looking for a campus job to attend one of the virtual or in-person Campus Recreation job fairs being held during the next few weeks. One of the student workers’ jobs is to plan and host RebFest each year.

“I’m just excited that there’s a lot of students who always show up because RebFest, for us, is just a way for students to kick off the year and learn about different resources on campus and things they can get involved with,” Jessee said. “That’s really our goal.”

The Board of Directors brings classic rock covers to Oxford’s music scene

P.B. JERNIGAN

A&C Staff Writer

Student rock band The Board of Directors is the latest standout group in Oxford’s music scene.

The band’s formation in 2024 occurred through random encounters and interest in similar music.

Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Lewis Glanker, a junior finance major from Memphis, Tenn., met lead guitarist Jack Echols, a junior Southern studies major from Birmingham Ala., in their dorm freshman year when Echols was carrying around his guitar.

Glanker met bassist Pete Downing, a junior business major from Jackson, after striking

up a conversation about playing bass. Sophomore business major Will Nichols from Birmingham Ala., joined as the drummer after previously playing with Echols in high school.

The band’s name was imagined by Echols, who explained the ironic nature of their name.

“It’s sort of to point at the fact that we don’t really take ourselves that seriously,” Echols said. “I guess I thought it’d be kind of funny.”

The band mainly plays covers from a variety of iconic rock bands. They pointed to a plethora of their favorite artists who have inspired them, including The Allman Brothers Band, Eric Clapton, Duran Duran and The Police.

“The songs we want to cov -

“The songs we want to cover are all so insanely different; they come from all corners of the music world.”

- Jack Echols

The

er are all so insanely different; they come from all corners of the music world,” Echols said. “But the cool thing is every time someone really passionately wants to play a song, it’s like we all fall in line around it and make it our own thing.”

Nicols also expressed a love for the band’s covers, especially the reactions they bring.

“(Audience recognition) is why doing covers is so fun; someone in the crowd is always going to know a song we play,” Nichols said.

Compared to other college towns in the South, Oxford has a distinctive musical culture, Glanker said.

“I think Oxford’s kind of unique,” Glanker said. “You have places like Athens, Ga., where everybody that picks up a guitar goes to school there. I feel like Oxford is a little dialed down, but it’s coming back.”

Downing noted the musical landscape of Oxford created a unique void for The Board of Directors to fill.

“I feel like when we were first getting started, there were a ton of country bands,” Downing said. “There wasn’t really anybody playing classic or Southern rock.”

The Board of Directors has played at various venues and events in Oxford, including fraternity and sorority events, at Harrison’s and Round Table,

block parties and Proud Larry’s.

“Most of the gigs we do are fraternity parties, whether that’s traveling or local in Oxford,” Glanker said. “But I think we all agree our favorite gig to do is a little block party.”

The band spoke highly of their performances at Proud Larry’s. Over the summer, The Board of Directors played at Proud Larry’s June 13 and had a residency July 17, 24 and 31.

“Proud Larry’s is the only real venue in town where you can come and just walk in and see somebody play,” Downing said.

Nichols elaborated on the venue’s ability to foster a diverse audience.

“When we’ve played here,

I’ve met a lot of people that I’ve never seen and local people from Oxford,” Nichols said. Glanker spoke of potential performances of original songs in the future.

“We’ve had a few original songs sneak through in practices,” Glanker said. “Me and Jack are always writing stuff. We really want that to materialize in the right way before we put that out. It’s definitely in the cards.”

The Board of Directors’ next show is Thursday, Sept. 28, at Proud Larry’s starting at 9 p.m.

Mic check: a peek at shows coming to Oxford this fall

ROSE HARMON A&C Staff Writer

This fall, three of Oxford’s most prominent venues — The Lyric, the Gertrude C. Ford Center and Proud Larry’s — will host a variety of talent. From best-selling country music stars to ESPN senior writers, this lineup offers opportunities for fun nights out with friends, family outings, date nights or study breaks.

For first-year students, live music is an introduction, and for those returning, it is a place of reconnection. Oxford stages have booked a selection of music ranging from country and funk to pop and rock.

“We’ve curated a diverse schedule featuring many different types of live shows, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy here,” The Lyric Co-Owner and General Manager Lindsay Dillon-Maginnis said. “Please note, this is just the beginning.”

All events listed are 18+ unless otherwise noted; $5 cover fee for those under 21.

Event: An Evening of Football and Rock-n-Roll with ESPN Senior Writers Wright Thompson and Seth Wickersham

Venue: Square Books and Proud Larry’s When: Sept. 3

Though not a strictly mu -

sical option, a special, partnered event from Square Books and Proud Larry’s is the perfect night out for avid readers, sports fans and concert-goers. Beginning at Square Books, ESPN Senior Writers Wright Thompson (also author of “The Barn”) and Seth Wickersham will be present for a Q&A and book signing. Later, Michael Farris Smith & The Smokes will perform at Proud Larry’s for an afterparty.

Artist : Cosmic Charlie

Venue: The Lyric When: Sept. 4

Genre: Rock Tribute Band

Do you feel like you were born at the wrong time? Were you meant to be a Deadhead roving the country in your peace-sign Airstream? Seeing Cosmic Charlie, a Grateful Dead tribute band, is your chance to dance like the bohemian you wish you were.

Artist: James McMurtry

Venue: Proud Larry’s

When: Sept. 4

Genre: Americana

Declared by Stephen King to be “the truest, fiercest songwriter of his generation,”

James McMurtry is a treasured lyricist. If you enjoy listening to Bob Dylan-esque narratives and hearing a story within a song, this concert is a must-see.

Artist: Runaway Gin

Venue: The Lyric

When: Sept. 5

Genre: Rock Tribute Band

The inspiration for the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tenn., Phish was named as one of the most influential bands of the 1990s. Though not the real thing, this Phish tribute band allows for an immersive experience to hear some of the most recognizable songs from the group in a live performance.

Artist: Tanner Usrey

Venue: Proud Larry’s When: Sept. 5

Genre: Country

After collaborating with Ella Langley, having songs featured on the Paramount+ series “Landman” and opening for Koe Wetzel, Cody Links and The Red Clay Strays, Tanner Usrey is an upcoming country music star. For those who know him, no incentive is needed to see him, and for those that don’t, where have you been all this time?

Artist: Lightwatch

Venue: Proud Larry’s

When : Sept. 6

Genre: Alternative Rock

A free, all-ages event, Lightwatch is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a low-cost, fun night with friends if your music appetite is for heavy, loud sounds. Listen to their song “Dream Demon” to de-

cide if they are up your alley.

Artist: The Avett Brothers

Venue: Gertrude C. Ford Center

When: Sept. 11

Genre: Folk-rock

The Avett Brothers will be bringing an exclusive event to Oxford, with early tickets available only through sponsorships to the Ford Center. The band usually fills much larger arenas; this show will provide a more intimate experience for those looking to hear the band’s unique rock sound. As repeat Grammy nominees and members of the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, The Avett Brothers are sure to display award-winning sounds.

Artist: George Porter Jr. & The Runnin’ Pardners

Venue: Proud Larry’s

When: Sept. 12

Genre: Funk

Playing a genre not always easy to find in Oxford, this funk band will allow for a slow, groovy night. Dress up in your bell-bottoms and your best tie-dye to match the signature look of George Porter and head to Proud Larry’s to enjoy a ’70s-themed night out.

Artist: Mustache the Band

Venue: The Lyric

When: Sept. 13

2025

ball game, is there a better way to celebrate than with a ’90s country party? Mustache the Band will be playing the best country hits of the 1990s. With 125 songs in their repertoire, Mustache the Band will transport audience members back in time by the end of the night.

Artist: Maddox Batson

Venue: The Lyric

When: Sept. 14

Genre: Country Fifteen-year-old rising country star Maddox Batson is the perfect show for all ages to enjoy. After receiving a medical diagnosis that kept him from pursuing sports, Batson began writing songs and playing music with his family all over the country. If you are looking to hear a younger artist’s take on Southern sounds, this is the concert for you.

Artist: Risky Strings

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Venue: Proud Larry’s When: Sept. 15

Genre: Bluegrass

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Another free, all-ages event is the Risky Strings bluegrass band. If you enjoy traditional, high-energy bluegrass sounds and are looking for something fun to do at the end of a long Monday, Risky Strings will restore your good mood.

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Genre: Country Saturday night following the Ole Miss versus Arkansas foot-

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CONTACT THE A&C DESK AT thedmfeatures@gmail.com

• Former Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

• Practiced at his privately owned law firm for 45 consecutive years- located at the same place, being the Oxford Square, Downtown, Oxford, Mississippi.

• Taught the Mississippi DUI Law and 5 different Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure courses each and every semester at the University of Mississippi for 29 consecutive years.

• Former Association;

• Former Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

• Taught the Mississippi DUI Law and 5 Procedure courses each and every semester for 29 consecutive years.

• A member of the Chancellor’s Trust at The University of Mississippi since1981.

• Former Municipal Prosecutor for the City of Oxford, Mississippi for over 6 years.

• Still practices at his privately owned law firm for 55 consecutive years - located at the same place, being the Oxford Square, Downtown, Oxford, Mississippi.

• Appointed Attorney Mandatory Vice

• A member of the Chancellor’s Trust at 1981.

• Former Municipal Court Judge for the City of Oxford, Mississippi for 8 years.

• Former Vice President and President of the Lafayette County Bar Association; member of the Mississippi Bar Association, etc.

• Taught the Mississippi DUI Law and 5 different Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure courses each and every semester at the University of Mississippi for 29 consecutive years.

• A Founding Harvard

• Former Municipal Prosecutor for the years.

Appointed by the Mississippi State Bar to the Mississippi Commission on Attorney Ethics and Attorney Violations of the Canon of Ethics and All Mandatory Rules concerning the Practice of Law. Occupied the positions of Vice Chairman and Chairman served for 18 years.

• A member of the Chancellor’s Trust at the University of Mississippi since 1981.

• Former Municipal Prosecutor for the City of Oxford, Mississippi for over 6 years.

• A Founding Member of the National College for DUI Defense conducted at Harvard Law School.

• Former Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

• Selected Advocacy

• Former Municipal Court Judge for the years.

• Selected Satisfaction

• Former Municipal Court Judge for the City of Oxford, Mississippi for 8 years.

• Practiced at his privately owned law firm for 45 consecutive years- located at the same place, being the Oxford Square, Downtown, Oxford, Mississippi.

• Former Vice President and President Association; member of the Mississippi

• Selected as one of the Top 50 DUI Attorneys in Mississippi by the National Advocacy for DUI Defense.

• Former Vice President and President of the Lafayette County Bar Association; member of the Mississippi Bar Association, etc.

• Taught the Mississippi DUI Law and 5 different Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure courses each and every semester at the University of Mississippi for 29 consecutive years.

• Former Special Agent with the Federal Bureau

• Selected as one of the Top 10 Best Attorneys of Mississippi for Client Satisfaction Award by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys.

• Selected Organization.

• Selected as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Organization.

• A member of the Chancellor’s Trust at The University of Mississippi since1981.

• Former Municipal Prosecutor for the City of Oxford, Mississippi for over 6 years.

• Recipient of the DISTINGUISHED AWARD OF MERIT for 1989 from the Mississippi State Bar given to one Attorney in the State each year for outstanding contributions to the practice of law.

• Former Municipal Court Judge for the City of Oxford, Mississippi for 8 years.

• Appointed by the Mississippi State Bar to the Mississippi Commission on Attorney Ethics and Attorney Violations of the Canon of Ethics and All Mandatory Rules concerning the Practice of Law. Occupied the positions of Vice Chairman and Chairman and served for 18 years.

• Former Vice President and President of the Lafayette County Bar Association; member of the Mississippi Bar Association, etc.

• Practiced at his privately owned law firm the same place, being the Oxford Square,

• Voted “Best Attorney in Oxford, Mississippi” in the Grove’s Choice Awards.

Member of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys.

Appointed by the Mississippi State Bar to the Mississippi Commission on Attorney Ethics and Attorney Violations of the Canon of Ethics and All Mandatory Rules concerning the Practice of Law. Occupied the positions of Vice Chairman and Chairman served for 18 years.

• Appointed by the Mississippi State Bar Attorney Ethics and Attorney Violations Mandatory Rules concerning the Practice Vice Chairman and Chairman and served

• A Founding Member of the National College for DUI Defense conducted at Harvard Law School.

• Recipient

• Taught the Mississippi DUI Law and 5 diff Procedure courses each and every semester for 29 consecutive years.

• A Founding Member of the National Harvard Law School.

Member of the National League of Renowned Attorneys- Top 1% Awarded the United States Congressional Medal of Distinction by RNCC.

• Selected as one of the Top 50 DUI Attorneys in Mississippi by the National Advocacy for DUI Defense.

• Member of the American Jurist Institute - Top 10 DUI/DWI Attorney for Mississippi

• A Founding Member of the National College for DUI Defense conducted at Harvard Law School.

• A member of the Chancellor’s Trust at the 1981.

Vice • A Founding Harvard

• Selected as one of the Top 50 DUI Attorneys Advocacy for DUI Defense.

• Member of the American Society of Legal Advocates - Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the State of Mississippi.

• Selected as one of the Top 10 Best Attorneys of Mississippi for Client Satisfaction Award by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys.

• Selected as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Organization.

• Selected as one of the Top 50 DUI Attorneys in Mississippi by the National Advocacy for DUI Defense.

• Selected as one of the Top 10 Best Attorneys of Mississippi for Client Satisfaction Award by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys.

• Former Municipal Prosecutor for the City years.

• Selected by the Attorney and Practice Magazine as one of Mississippi’s Top 10 Attorneys, et cetera.

• Selected Advocacy

• Selected as one of the Top 10 Best Attorneys Satisfaction Award by the American Institute

• Former Municipal Court Judge for the City years.

Listing of these previously mentioned areas of practice does not indicate any certification of expertise therein.

• Selected as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Organization.

• Recipient of the DISTINGUISHED AWARD OF MERIT for 1989 from the Mississippi State Bar given to one Attorney in the State each year for outstanding contributions to the practice of law.

• Selected Satisfaction

• Recipient of the DISTINGUISHED AWARD OF MERIT for 1989 from the Mississippi State Bar given to one Attorney in the State of Mississippi each year for outstanding contributions to the practice of law.

• Selected as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers Organization.

• Voted “Best Attorney in Oxford, Mississippi” in the Grove’s Choice Awards.

• Voted “Best Attorney in Oxford, Mississippi” in the Grove’s Choice Awards.

• Member of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys.

• Former Vice President and President of the Association; member of the Mississippi Bar

• Member of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys

• Member of the National League of Renowned Attorneys - Top 1%

• Member of the National League of Renowned Attorneys- Top 1%

• Awarded the United States Congressional Medal of Distinction by RNCC.

• Member of the American Jurist Institute - Top 10 DUI/DWI Attorney for Mississippi

• Member of the American Society of Legal Advocates - Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the State of Mississippi.

• Recipient of the DISTINGUISHED AWARD the Mississippi State Bar given to one outstanding contributions to the practice

• Awarded the United States Congressional Medal of Distinction by RNCC.

• Selected by the Attorney and Practice Magazine as one of Mississippi’s Top 10 Attorneys, et cetera.

• Appointed by the Mississippi State Bar to Attorney Ethics and Attorney Violations Mandatory Rules concerning the Practice Vice Chairman and Chairman and served

• Selected Organization. • Recipient the Mississippi outstanding • Voted

• Voted “Best Attorney in Oxford, Mississippi”

• Member of the American Jurist Institute - Top 10 DUI/DWI Attorney for Mississippi

• Member of the American Association

• Member of the National League of Renowned

• Member of the American Society of Legal Advocates - Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the State of Mississippi

• A Founding Member of the National College Harvard Law School.

• Selected by the Attorney and Practice Magazine as one of Mississippi’s Top 10 Attorneys, et cetera.

• Awarded the United States Congressional

• Selected as one of the Top 50 DUI Attorneys Advocacy for DUI Defense.

• Member of the American Jurist Institute Mississippi

• Selected as one of the Top 10 Best Attorneys Satisfaction Award by the American Institute

• Selected as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers

• Member of the American Society of Legal Defense Lawyers in the State of Mississippi

Member • Member • Awarded • Member Mississippi • Member Defense

ADA C. RICHARDSON A&C Staff Writer

For most college students, a dorm room acts as a first taste of independence. With their newfound freedom, students employ their creativity to invent spaces that reflect their personalities.

Ella Jones, a freshman psychology major from St. Louis, and Johanna Kruyne, a freshman business management major from St. Louis, are roommates living in Residential College South who had a specific look in mind when designing their living space.

“We were doing blue, LoveShackFancy, and we have some touches of pink here and there because our rug has pink,” Kruyne said.

They also thrifted matching furniture from Facebook Marketplace, allowing them to find dorm necessities at a much cheaper price.

“Those middle cabinets are usually like $1,000, but we got ours for $50,” Kruyne said.

Jones specifically noted the larger items they were able to find for a bargain, stating that it was a large help in lowering the cost of their decor.

“Yeah, all the big stuff we got for like $200,” Jones said. “It was really nice.”

The roommates value features that blend comfort and functionality, pointing them out as the favorite aspects of their dorm.

“I like my vanity because it has this big light,” Jones said. “It blinds me every time I turn it on, but I like it.”

Kruyne’s favorite item is a set of chairs.

“We have these comfy chairs; they’re like the criss-cross chairs,” Kruyne said. “That’s probably my

Students put personalities on display in residence halls

favorite part. I love them.”

Harbor Ketchum, a freshman biology major from Salt Lake City, lives in Residence Hall 1, and he incorporated some of his hobbies into his decor to put his personal touch on his room. He purchased a record player stand to showcase his vinyl collection.

Other decorations included LED strips, records on the wall and a couple of rugs. He and his roommate planned how they wanted their dorm to look months before their arrival on campus.

“(My roommate) was my best friend in high school, so we just picked stuff on

Amazon,” Ketchum said.

Ketchum appreciated the space and function his dorm room provided, which was apparent when discussing his favorite aspect of it.

“I guess the size of it (is my favorite thing). I thought it was going to be small,” Ketchum said.

Unlike Kruyne and Jones, Ketchum said that he and his roommate did not thrift anything. They bought “everything new” from Amazon and Homegoods and brought some items from home.

Anna Cooper, a freshman marketing major from Oxford living in Residential College South, said that she and her roommate connected with a former building resident to get some items secondhand.

“We bought the desk hutches and the bedside shelves from a girl who had already lived here,” Cooper said. “And the girl who gave us some bedside shelves asked if we wanted the headboards for free because

she wanted to get rid of them. We picked all the big furniture together, and then everything else was just our own things that we brought ourselves.”

When in need of inspiration and planning assistance, the duo turned to a couple of different apps.

“We had a Pinterest board for like a year,” Cooper said. “Honestly, TikTok, just watching and seeing what other people do (provided inspiration).”

She purchased several pieces from The Depot Antique Mall in Oxford, which is one of her favorite places to shop.

Cooper added that because she and her roommate are Oxford natives, it was easy for them to coordinate and gather what was necessary for their dorm in person.

“We just went (shopping) together some days after school, and we would go buy little pieces,” Cooper said. “And it kind of just built up over time.”

The roommates also had a color scheme that they used

when picking their decor.

“We decided that we wanted pink, blue and gold,” Cooper said. “Our bathroom kind of has a little bit of purple in it. And that’s kind of what we stuck to for the most part.”

Even though this room will be the roommates’ first space as independent adults, they still had help from their parents putting it all together.

“I feel like we initiated what we wanted and then they helped financially,” Cooper said. “My mom went and helped me pick out all my decorations, and then with the furniture — obviously our dads moved them. But a lot of the things we picked out, we just liked.”

Putting a price tag on ‘fitting in’ at Ole Miss

JAYLYNN CONNER A&C Editor

What does it cost to attend the University of Mississippi?

Tuition, housing, food, books and travel may come to mind first, but should having the right clothing be factored in?

For Mallory Clark, a senior public health major, attending sorority events and football games has led her to spend an estimated $450$600 each semester on specific outfits for weekly events.

“Having the right clothes gets stressful,” Clark said. “It may sound silly or high maintenance, but it’s almost a standard practice here to need a new outfit each week.”

The expectation to have new clothes is a weekly stressor that has added roughly $500 to senior finance and marketing major Alyssa Haskamp’s spending throughout a school year.

“I am financially responsible for rent, tuition, gas, food and any sort of going-out activities, so adding on a weekly outfit for a single occasion really adds extra stress and anxiety,” Haskamp said. “I feel like I might not fit in if I don’t wear the newest trend or the right color for the game day theme.”

The constant cycle of purchasing new outfits is something that Haskamp believes is partially caused by pressure to adhere to the unspoken rule of avoiding

repeating outfits at functions.

“Whatever the event may be, I feel like I need to wear something no one has seen before,” Haskamp said. “I feel slightly insecure when I rewear the same thing, especially if it is an outfit I have already posted on social media in.”

Clark, who also makes an effort to avoid wearing outfits multiple times, has relied on renting and borrowing clothes from other students, as well as renting out her own clothes, to help offset what she spends.

“It’s hard to keep up with everyone around you and try to be a part of every trend,” Clark said. “I feel like that’s where making good friends and connections helps save you a ton. There’s a lot of good people at Ole Miss that are more than willing to share and swap. You just have to put yourself out there.”

Similarly, Haskamp often chooses to rent clothes, something she sees as an easier option as well as being more economical.

“Renting clothes, you don’t have to worry about the stress of ordering it ahead of time and getting it shipped, and the prices are significantly lower,” Haskamp said.

Unlike Clark and Haskamp, Jesse Mitchell, a senior journalism major, says that he does not worry about repeating outfits for everyday wear. He believes this is a common stance among men on campus.

“I personally try to repeat outfits or parts of an outfit as much as possible to cut down on spending,” Mitchell said. “I don’t want to speak for everyone, but for guys I think it’s a lot more normalized to not worry so much about being seen in the same pair of pants or the same polo.”

Despite this, Mitchell — an involved student on UM’s campus — still faces frequent pressure to find new clothes for events, costing him between $60-$150 for each outing.

“Game days, date nights, parties and any event or social setting you can think of almost always requires its own outfit … Sometimes you just need a new colored polo, but sometimes you need a whole new outfit to fit with a party’s theme,” Mitchell said.

To help with the expense of needing new clothes, Mitchell uses resources like the UM Career Closet and also rents items that he does not see himself wearing multiple times.

“A great place to look is the Career Closet on campus that helps outfit students in need,” Mitchell said. “I’ve needed a belt for an interview before and they really saved me, and renting clothes is 100% the way to go when you know you’re only going to wear something once.”

Trystan Chevalier, a junior interdisciplinary studies major, keeps his clothing cost down by looking for cheaper options and choosing

not to worry about having a new outfit for every occasion.

“I think repeating outfits is fine, but you could also switch it up a good bit,” Chevalier said. “Usually, getting cheap stuff from Walmart or Goodwill is a good idea for certain parties.”

Clark says that she has learned over time that one of the best ways to lessen the financial burden of needing new clothes is to ignore the pressure to have certain brands and take advantage of what

cheaper brands have to offer.

“The older I have gotten, the more I realize people don’t care about the brands I am wearing,” Clark said. “I love to admire other people’s outfits and the fancy brands they afford, but there’s always a good dupe for each brand.”

( N EW)

Five books worth adding to your reading list

TAYLOR HILL A&C Staff Writer

Over the past few months, a variety of popular books by both emerging and beloved best-selling authors have hit the shelves. From gripping non-fiction to swoon-worthy romance, here are five reads that deserve your attention.

“The Tenant”

by Freida McFadden (Suspense)

McFadden’s “The Tenant” is a psychological thriller that captures readers from its first chapter. Blake is living his dream life with a great job, fiancée Krista and a beautiful Brooklyn brownstone. His world begins to fracture when he is abruptly fired, prompting the couple to rent their spare room to the seemingly charming Whitney.

Whitney has secrets of her own. The new tenant sends Blake into a spiral as unsettling events and paranoia begin making him question his sanity and the actions of those around him.

McFadden’s signature sus-

pense creates a thrilling tale of psychological manipulation as Whitney’s calculated actions unravel Blake’s sanity. Blake becomes an unreliable narrator, forcing the readers to question what is real and what is fake while the tension multiplies toward the climax, revealing hidden truths.

While McFadden uses her familiar formula of deception and disorientation, her pacing and plot twists keep “The Tenant” distinct from her other works, ensuring readers remain on edge until the final page.

This novel cements McFadden’s prowess in delivering captivating suspense, making it a must-read for someone who needs a fast thriller to get back into the reading mood.

This novel sits at about an average rating for McFadden on Goodreads at 3.85/5 stars.

“Great Big Beautiful Life” by

Emily Henry (Romance)

Henry’s “Great Big Beautiful Life” directs readers’ attention to Little Crescent Island, where journalists Alice Scott

and Hayden Anderson compete to write the biography of a sequestered heiress, Margaret Ives.

The journalists’ rivalry sparks a slow-burning romance alongside family secrets and scandalous pasts. The novel uses dual timelines: Alice and Hayden’s present alongside Margaret’s past. This creates a rich web, weaving historical segments to overshadow the romance.

Alice’s optimism and Hayden’s grumpiness create a dynamic grounded by Margaret’s tragic yet vibrant story. The imagery paints a beautiful picture of the Georgia coast, immersing readers in the emotional and intricate story.

The pacing occasionally stumbles from too fast to too slow, with early chapters feeling dense before the gripping climax.

Henry explores love, sacrifice and blurred lines of truth. The characters are crafted to resonate long after you finish the story. This book is great for any Emily Henry lover as she takes a different approach to the novel while staying true to her writing formula.

The Goodreads rating sits slightly above the average of Henry’s other novels at 4.01/5 stars.

“The Ghostwriter” by

Julia Clark (Mystery)

Clark’s “The Ghostwriter” inserts readers into the shadows of Ojai, Calif., where ghostwriter Olivia Dumont confronts the dark legacy of her dementia-ridden father.

Olivia’s ruined reputation resulted in difficulty finding work before she was finally offered an opportunity she felt compelled to take. However, it was the last place she thought she would return to. Her shame-to-reckoning character development deepens the story, with her fractured bond with her father, Vincent, echoing the tragedy’s lasting scars.

Tasked with writing her father’s memoir about the 1975 murder of his siblings leads her to unravel a chilling web of family secrets. He has been suspected of the crime ever since that dreadful day, but he never came forth with the truth.

This dual-timeline thrill-

er, mixed with a blend of suspense and emotional stakes, captivates readers. The weave of past and present through Vincent’s late sister’s diaries and film footage can allow a peek into the truth but not enough to figure out the ending.

Clark’s pacing and prose transform this novel into a captivating climax, revealing truths that linger after you read. Her use of unreliable narrators keeps readers guessing while balancing the mystery with heartfelt family drama.

Clark masterfully creates a tale of betrayal, redemption and plot twists to reign over suspenseful storytelling. “The Ghostwriter” is a must-read for someone who doesn’t want to put the book down until the mystery is solved.

The novel has 4.13/5 stars on Goodreads, which is her highest solo novel rating.

“Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros (Fantasy)

Yarros’ “Onyx Storm” is the third installment in the Empyrean series. The book places readers right back into the dragon-fueled chaos of Basgaiath War College as characters change and issues arise.

Violet Sorrengail continues her journey beyond Aretian, failing wards to forge alliances and save her venin-infected (individuals who had turned to a forbidden form of magic) lover, Xaden. This book continues to unravel mysteries and captivates readers with heart-pounding chapters.

The novel’s intricate storyline and characters can seem daunting to new readers. But Yarros’ vivid world-building and electrifying chapters create jaw-dropping climaxes and plot twists that leave readers craving more. Her strategic pacing transforms initial complexity into a riveting ending that leaves fans hooked.

Yarros’ character development continues alongside the plot, allowing readers to humanize the story. She continues to use the same captivating writing techniques while leading the readers to the edges of their seats.

This novel distinguishes itself with relentless suspense and passion. Its action and heat-wrench-

ing plot twists cement Yarros’ mastery of both romance and fantasy. This series is ongoing, but it is a must-read for fans and firsttime readers alike to soar into a world of dragons and danger.

This novel has the lowest rating of the Empyrean series on Goodreads, sitting at 4.21/5 stars, while the first two sit at 4.37/5 stars or higher. Regardless, this read is worth your time.

“Everything is Tuberculosis” by John

Green (Nonfiction)

Green’s “Everything is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection” details the global fight against tuberculosis (TB). Green tells the personal story of TB patient Henry Reider in Sierra Leone, alongside the social history and science behind the deadly disease.

TB has long been romanticized and adapted through social and scientific lenses throughout history. Green explores how systematic inequities allow TB to kill over a million people annually despite available treatments.

The narrative alternates between Henry’s journey with drug-resistant TB and other historical accounts from 18th-century sanatoriums to modern pharmaceutical greed. Green delves into the evolving and changing relationships between the disease and society through the years.

Green’s signature earnestness and wit are shown through this blending of history, memoir and advocacy to humanize a highly ignored crisis. Dense historical sections are balanced with anecdotes of his own struggles, building a compelling call to action.

Green transforms a complex public health issue into a human story. This book is a must-read for, really, everyone. The novel challenges readers to look at choices that have shaped TB’s persistence.

This book holds 4.43/5 stars on Goodreads, reflecting its strong praise.

The changing landscape of college sports

RUSS EDDINS Sports Editor

EVAN HUGGINS Sports Staff Writer

The House v. NCAA settlement, which ends three federal lawsuits claiming the NCAA was illegally limiting the earning power of college athletes, has been finalized. U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken approved the settlement on June 6. Athletic departments can now directly pay athletes, and a firm is now overseeing NIL deals. Despite the approval, two major issues remain and could require further litigation: Title IX implications and employment status.

“I think we’re kind of right where we thought we would be,” Keith Carter, vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics at the University of Mississippi, said in an interview with The Daily Mississippian.

“The goal was to get the settlement approved. We knew there were going to be some Title IX things to work through, and obviously the employment status issue. So I think those are still the two main topics.”

The 119-year-old NCAA has limited power in the post-House era. It has essentially been replaced by the College Sports Commission (CSC), an organization that rules over college athlete compensation that is led by Bryan Seeley. However, an NCAA-friendly bill, the SCORE Act, has been introduced in Congress to give the NCAA more power

Title IX and women’s college sports

The House v. NCAA settlement did not address Title IX implications on NIL or revenue sharing. Universities are not legally required to divide revenue share between women’s and men’s sports.

While Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex, still applies across college sports, its impact on the post-settlement era is still unknown.

Women’s sports are on the rise. In 2022, the Women’s NCAA Basketball championship game drew 4.85 million viewers and the 2024 championship between Caitlin Clark’s Iowa and South Carolina drew 18.5 million. Even in the post-Clark era, women’s basketball viewership is up from prior years, as the 2025 championship between Connecticut and South Carolina drew over 8 million viewers.

The gap in general fan interest between women’s and men’s sports is shrinking, but women’s college sports could be in trouble financially.

“The gap had been closed dramatically, as evidenced by Caitlin Clark’s NCAA run,” ESPN personality Paul Finebaum said in an interview with The Daily Missis-

sippian. “But I think we’re right back to where we started because I was interviewing the commissioner of the SEC the other day, and he defended women’s sports. But he also talked about the reality — and the reality is that, and nobody wants to say this out loud: women’s sports don’t make money, and we now live in a world where you have to make money.”

The House settlement established the College Sports Commission, which is designed to oversee “the new system that allows schools to share revenue directly with student-athletes and ensures that NIL (name, image and likeness) deals made with student-athletes are fair and comply with the rules.”

In theory, the CSC now has the power to help women’s sports by ensuring that women get fair treatment in NIL and revenue sharing.

“In reality, I don’t think (the CSC) can do anything (to ensure that women’s sports are getting equal treatment),” Finebaum said. “They’ll issue a lot of manifestos. They’ll sound like somebody in Congress. I think we’re at a tipping point with women’s athletics. I think there’s so much popularity. I do believe that is in women’s sports’ favor. I just don’t know how they’re going to address the financial part of it because even the most successful women’s programs in the country lose money.”

The CSC got off to a tough start. It distributed a memo to Division I athletic directors to offer guidance on NIL deals in July but quickly rescinded and revised the memo before issuing a second one three weeks later.

Brennan Berg, an associate professor and director of the sport and recreation administration program at UM, weighed in on the CSC’s actions so far.

“It wasn’t a good look for them to issue one of (its) first public statements about what is a valid business purpose (and) what is a legitimate NIL activity,” Berg said. “And then they quickly had to retract that when people threatened to bring litigation against them.”

In the final days of the Biden Administration, the president issued a nine-page guide on NIL compensation regarding Title IX. However, in February, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights in the Trump Administration rescinded that guidance.

“The NIL guidance rammed through by the Biden Administration in its final days is overly burdensome, profoundly unfair,” acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor said in a memo. “Without credible legal justification, the Biden Administration claimed that NIL agreements between schools and student-athletes are akin to financial aid and

must, therefore, be proportionately distributed between male and female athletes under Title IX. … Title IX says nothing about how revenue-generating athletics programs should allocate compensation among student-athletes.”

While Title IX does not say anything about revenue sharing, student-athletes could file lawsuits regarding disproportionate distribution of funds.

“I don’t know where we go here because I think as one lawsuit ends, I think we’re about to see a myriad of Title IX lawsuits,” Finebaum said.

As part of the House v. NCAA settlement, athletic departments can now pay student-athletes up to $20.5 million. Additionally, the NCAA and Power Five conferences will give $2.8 billion in back pay damages to athletes dating back to 2016 over the next 10 years. However, just five days after the settlement was finalized, legal challenges were made to the back pay issue and it is on pause until they are sorted out.

The NCAA and major conferences were set to distribute 90% of the $2.8 billion to football and men’s basketball student-athletes at Power Five schools that competed between June 15, 2016, and Sept. 15, 2024. Five percent will go to women’s basketball student-athletes and the last 5% will go to all remaining student-athletes.

Eight female student-ath-

letes filed an appeal on June 11 that the back pay damages portion of the settlement violates Title IX. While on appeal, back pay will not be granted.

Notably, the judge of the House v. NCAA settlement determined that the case had nothing to do with Title IX, but the door was left open to future challenges.

Women’s college sports issues do not stop at Title IX implications on NIL or revenue sharing. While the gap in popularity between women’s and men’s sports has been smaller over the past few years, unequal treatment persists.

People with opposing views may say that women’s teams earn less than men’s to justify funding discrepancies, though there is no concrete evidence to confirm this.

“Critics often note that women’s teams earn less than men’s to justify funding discrepancies,” contributor Halle Young said in an article for Bold.com. “Yet, the Department of Education data shows that revenue matches expenses for both men’s and women’s teams.”

The Women’s Sports Foundation estimates that 80%-90% of all educational institutions are not in compliance with Title IX as it applies to athletics.

“We certainly do (comply with Title IX) from a balancing perspective,” Carter said. “That’s a federal mandate. If you want Title

MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE HOUSE SETTLEMENT

$20.5 MILLION

$2.8 BILLION 90% 5% 5% per year to student-athletes from athletic departments with up to $2.5 million going to scholarships in back-pay damages to former studentathletes from 2016-2024 over the next 10 years

to football & men’s basketball to women’s basketball to the remaining student-athletes

The settlement imposes roster caps but offers unlimited scholarships

College Sports Commission has authority over student-athlete compensation

IX funding for your institution, you have to do that … but certainly from a scholarship and aid balancing (perspective), we all have to adhere to Title IX regulations.”

Jennifer Saxon, executive associate athletic director at Ole Miss, oversees the human resources department within athletics and is the senior women’s administrator.

“So Title IX is reviewed in three areas,” Saxon said. “The three prong test … the first of those being your participation numbers, so your male student-athlete population to your female student-athlete population.”

Those numbers are measured against the university’s population. Since Ole Miss is predominantly female, they work with an outside counsel to ensure their numbers are in alignment.

“The second prong focuses on … additional sports interests,” Saxon said. “The last is interest in abilities and accommodations. What are students interested in? Are those sports that we need to be looking at adding?”

Even with all the challenges facing women’s sports and questions about Title IX, the Ole Miss Athletic Department has people in place to ensure women’s sports are treated fairly.

“I know Dr. Jennifer Saxon, who works very closely with (Title IX),” Carter said. “We have an outside legal consultant that helps us with our Title IX questions and (makes) sure that we’re balanced and where we need to be. … We certainly want to do it the right way here.”

Employment status

Student-athlete employment status has been a long-time conversation in college sports. By profiling players as “student-athletes,” the NCAA exempts universities from paying wages, giving benefits to players and recognizing union rights.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the third circuit ruled on July 11, 2024, that athletes could be considered employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) when they “perform services for another party; do so necessarily and primarily for the other party’s benefit; are under that party’s control or right of control; and receive express or implied compensation or in-kind benefits.”

The court rejected the NCAA’s amateurism defense and emphasized the control that universities exert over student-athletes schedules, training and financial contributions to their institutions.

The FLSA establishes a federal minimum wage and overtime pay requirements for most private and public sector employees. Under this act, an employee is defined as “any individual em-

ployed by an employer,” with “employ” defined as “to suffer or permit to work.”

“College athletic leaders have been adamantly opposed to (recognizing student-athletes as employees) for the most part,” Berg said. “But at the same time, you have college football coaches coming out and even saying, ‘Well, we should just treat them like employees.’”

The Trump Administration is against employment status of college athletes, while the Biden Administration supported it. Berg believes political instability will leave the issue unsettled in the near future.

Recent trends have signaled increasing support for employment status of collegiate athletes, but this could come at a cost to non-revenue sports and Division III programs.

With the current revenue share system, from the House v. NCAA settlement, a portion of up to $20.5 million is dispersed among athletic programs, with football receiving the most money at Ole Miss.

If athletes are deemed employees, student-athletes from all levels of college athletics — from Division I football to Division III tennis — could receive wages. That could lead to program cuts at lower levels.

According to UM law professor Ronald Rychlak, universities would not be required to pay wages. They could opt out; however, they would fall behind other schools and not be competitive.

If colleges pay wages to student-athletes, the SEC and Big 10 could further separate themselves. They would be able to pay the maximum amount of money to athletes that is allowed under the House v. NCAA settlement.

Unionization is a perk of employment status, which means athletes could bargain for better wages, benefits and

the U.S. House. The act sets rules regarding the student-first model, specifically student fees like Tennessee’s “talent fee” or Clemson’s “athletic fee” and how transferring regulations will be set for athletes. Additionally, it would give the NCAA limited antitrust immunity.

“As we think about our work with Congress, we want a future where we have national standards,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said recently at SEC Football Media Day. “We’re able to play national championships on an equitable basis and support healthy economic opportunities for student-athletes, but I think the bipartisan effort represents an indication that college athletics, just as it does in football stadiums every Saturday, can bring people together for conversation. And we hope for the restoration of national standards for college athletics on the topic of eligibility.”

Supporters of the bill believe that while athletes attend college to play a certain sport, their first priority should be to advance their education and prepare themselves for their lives after sports.

The bill requires all colleges to provide student-athletes with access to academic and career counseling. This education-first approach would mean that student-athletes would continue to be considered students rather than employees. It also ensures that student-athletes will not have the opportunity to unionize.

On July 16, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade voted to advance the SCORE Act with a party-line vote, 12-11. While the bill advanced to the full House, passing it will be a challenge.

“First, the bill entrenches the NCAA’s authority at a time when the NCAA’s governance structure is becoming increasingly dominated by wealthier conferences,” Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-Wash.) said in a letter to subcommittee Chairman Gus Bilirakis and ranking member Jan Schakowsky. “The SCORE Act hands the NCAA unfettered ability to set rules that would make the rich schools richer, like representation on NCAA championship selection committees – and the tournament revenue that comes with it.”

Currently, all colleges are allowed to use regular student fees, typically a portion of a student’s tuition, to boost their athletic programs. This gives large schools a competitive advantage over smaller ones with fewer students and less money.

The SCORE Act would prevent this by requiring universities to publicize how they are using student fees to fund their athletic programs. No schools will be allowed to use the fees to fund any sort of payment made toward an individual athlete from the school.

RESULTS & BENEFITS

MUSCLE RECOVERY STRESS REDUCTION

WEIGHT LOSS CELLULITE REDUCTION

INCREASED CALORIE BURN DETOXIFICATION

working conditions. A good example of a union in sports is the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA).

There are significantly more student-athletes and college teams than in the professional ranks, which could cause problems with unionizing.

Whether or not employment status comes to college sports, a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is likely. A CBA is a contract between an employer, like the NFL, and a labor union, like the National Football League Players Association.

“I’m not sure which would come first (employment status or a CBA),” Berg said. “I definitely think collective bargaining will happen at some point in the future, because you can either take that part of collective bargaining or you can just continue to deal with litigation after litigation for the foreseeable future.”

A CBA could prevent further lawsuits against the NCAA, but it also could further push the agenda of student-athlete employment status in the long term because a CBA is linked to employment.

CBAs are not permanent contracts; they have expiration dates. Once the CBA expires, players and the NCAA would need to collaborate to create a new agreement.

The SCORE Act

The SCORE (Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements) Act is a bill introduced in

Finally, the SCORE Act addresses the transfer portal. Currently, athletes can transfer as many times as they want without any penalty. Under the SCORE Act, a college athlete would have one opportunity to transfer to a school and be automatically eligible to play. The act also provides a way for the credits of transferring student-athletes to automatically transfer into their new school.

Critics argue that a major issue with the SCORE Act is an increase in government involvement in college sports.

“I’m torn because I think that (Congress) seems to be where the answer has to come from,” Rychlak said. “And yet, I don’t know, A, that I want Congress messing with my sports, and, B, I don’t know that Congress should be spending time messing with sports when there are enough other huge issues going on in the world.”

TheSCOREActwouldprovidetheNCAA more authority to create rules regarding transfers, including eligibility and recruitment, powers they currently do not have.

The SCORE Act is just one example of legislative and judiciary issues that are likely to arise despite the House settlement over the next few years, leaving the future landscape of collegiate athletics uncertain.

DYLAN LIGGET Sports Staff Writer

Rebel football expects improvement after major roster turnover

Ole Miss finished the 2024 season at 10-3, No. 11 in the final AP Poll. The offseason took its toll; eight Rebels were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, the fifth-most of any school in the country, and only four starters return in 2025-26.

The most notable changes this season will come on offense, where the Rebels are talented but young.

Austin Simmons, a 6-foot4-inch, 215-pound sophomore who played in nine games last season as Jaxson Dart’s backup, is expected to be the starting quarterback. Both Simmons and the coaching staff believe he is ready to lead the team.

Running back was one of the weakest positions for the Rebels last season. Atop the depth chart this season is returning running back Logan Diggs, who played two seasons at Notre Dame before transferring to LSU, racking up 1,703 yards and 14 touchdowns over those three seasons.

The Rebels added running back Kewan Lacy, a Missouri transfer who recorded 23 carries for 104 yards in six games with the Tigers. He will complement Diggs and incoming freshman Shekai Mills-Knight, a 6-foot-3-inch, 220-pound four-star recruit.

The wide receiver group was hit hardest by the offseason. Cayden Lee’s return is a bright spot in a group that lost Tre Harris, Jordan Watkins and Antwane Wells. Lee is an elite slot receiver who notched 57 receptions and 874 yards last season, with 39 catches in the final seven games after Harris’ injury.

Oklahoma State transfer De’Zhaun Stribling looks to be

the team’s second wide receiver. Head Coach Lane Kiffin also brought in Penn State transfer Harrison Wallace III, the Nittany Lions’ second-leading receiver. Another big addition is Alabama transfer Caleb Odom. The former four-star recruit is the tallest receiver on the roster at 6-foot-5.

Other receivers picked up in the portal include Traylon Ray and Deuce Alexander.

The Rebels will rely on returning tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who proved to be a crucial piece against Arkansas last season when he caught nine passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns.

The Rebels will start the 2025 season with only one returning starter on the offensive line: tackle Diego Pounds.

The Rebels inked former Razorback Patrick Kutas, the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports.

Along with Kutas, Ole Miss picked up PJ Wilkins from Charlotte, a 6-foot-7inch, 340-pound sophomore.

Brycen Sanders is expected to start at center after spending two seasons in Oxford as a backup. Simmons took snaps from Sanders on the second team last season.

Overall, the Rebels have a strong receiving corps, which should ease Simmons’ transition into the starting role. Though the offensive line has been replenished, it remains untested.

The Rebels’ running back room is a question mark this year. An inability to run the ball cost Ole Miss in big games against LSU and Florida last season.

Coach Pete Golding’s defense last season was perhaps more talented even than the

star-studded offense. Though nearly all of the starters departed for the NFL, transferred or graduated, Golding’s new defense might be even better than last year’s.

Middle linebacker TJ Dottery, whose 76 tackles last season was second best on the team, and outstanding weak side linebacker/edge rusher Suntarine Perkins return for another season in Oxford.

The linebacker corps should be a strength of the defense. Missouri State transfer Tahj Chambers looked sharp in fall camp and should heavily benefit the unit.

Ole Miss had arguably the best defensive line in the country last year. They combined for 52 sacks and 120 tackles for loss, which both led the nation. Fortunate -

ly, Perkins, who had 10.5 sacks last year, is returning.

The Rebels’ new defensive line will feature its share of veterans. Interior lineman Zxavian Harris sat behind Pegues and Jared Ivey last season and is ready to slot into a starting role. The 6-foot-7-inch tackle has played in 37 games with Ole Miss. In that time, he has compiled 65 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Defensive end Kam Franklin also sat behind older players last season. Franklin played in just seven games last year and had 2.5 sacks.

Tackle Will Echoles was a reserve defensive lineman last year and played in just eight games. The highly coveted 2024 recruit will have a larger role this year on the interior.

LSU transfer Da’Shawn Womack, a former five-star recruit, adds size and experience.

Last year’s secondary was perhaps the weakest part of the team’s defense. This season, Golding expects to have a starter in Arkansas transfer cornerback Jaylon Braxton. The redshirt sophomore started in eight games for the Razorbacks, netting 20 total tackles and one interception. He missed several games last season with an injury.

Junior cornerback Chris Graves appeared in all 13 games for the Rebels in 202425. He is expected to start opposite Braxton come August.

Safety Sage Ryan joins the secondary from LSU. He was an integral part of the Tiger defense over the last four years, gathering 103 career tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one interception.

Kapena Gushiken, a Washington State transfer, should also see time at safety. Gushiken started 11 games for the Cougars and racked up

the third most tackles (52) on the team last season.

In short, the Ole Miss defense has a strong core of returning linebackers supplemented by a fresh batch of talent, size and experience in the front seven. The Rebel pass rush has the potential to, once again, be one of the best in the conference. Though the secondary may struggle again this season, it is improving as a whole.

The Rebels will kick off the 2025 football season at home against Georgia State on Saturday, Aug. 30.

“We’re very excited about this schedule coming up,” Kiffin said at SEC Media Day. “We play nine games in Mississippi, so that’s awesome for our fans. … It’s a very competitive schedule and we have a lot of work to do.”

The Rebels begin SEC play in week two against Kentucky and face only one FCS team all year. With a difficult schedule and a new team, those harder opponents will score the Rebels lots of points with the playoff committee, should they make it that far in post-season consideration.

The Rebel faithful should remain patient and let the team develop while allowing Kiffin and his coaching staff to work their magic. It is possible that Ole Miss could see a National Championship team in the near future.

Meet the team behind the Ole Miss Golf Course upkeep

TAYLOR HILL Sports Staff Writer

Just a short drive from the heart of the University of Mississippi campus sits the Ole Miss Golf Course. More than just a scenic escape for golfers, it stands as a striking example of the precision and care required in golf course agronomy, a branch of agriculture that deals with crop production and field management.

The beauty of the 7,035-yard, par-72 Ole Miss Golf Course is not incidental. Agronomists employ soil science, environmental handling and cutting-edge technology to maintain the course across all seasons, events and tournaments.

Steven Murphy is the Ole Miss Golf Course superintendent. His turf management team keeps the course in pristine shape.

“Everything outside of this building (the Pro Shop) is what I’m responsible for,” Murphy said. “So (this includes) day-today playing conditions, kind of long-range improvement projects for the facility (and) doing things in a responsible way.”

Although all the course employees pitch in wherever help is needed, Murphy’s team is composed of specialists trained to regulate particular aspects of the course.

“We have a dedicated irrigation tech, a dedicated mechanic and a semi-dedicated spray tech,” Murphy said.

The course’s relatively low yardage can be restrictive for

long-hitting collegiate athletes. Though the Ole Miss golf teams use this course to practice, they do not host tournaments here. The last time Ole Miss hosted a college golf tournament in Oxford was 2016.

“For collegiate golfers that can drive 300-plus yards, this facility just isn’t long enough for them,” Murphy said.

The agronomy team starts each morning between 5:30 and 5:45 a.m. and must complete routine green and fairway work before the course opens at 8 a.m.

“So during this time of year, we’re just trying to keep up and maintain, and in the offseason, that’s when we can actually do course improvement projects,” Murphy said.

In the offseason, Murphy’s team focuses on infrastructure projects that enhance the course’s long-term health and playability. These tasks are carefully scheduled to avoid disrupting active play.

Murphy and his team must work within tight financial constraints to maintain the course’s quality and pursue necessary improvements.

Donors, called “Friends,” give a minimum of $250 to the Ole Miss Golf Course and are honored with a small exhibit in the Pro Shop and on the Ole Miss Golf Course website.

Still, outside of this partnership, the Ole Miss Golf Course does not receive much university funding to run their operation. This requires Murphy’s team to prioritize cost-effective solutions, such as a robotic range picker. Other special-

ized equipment is used to achieve precise cuts and uniform surfaces.

“During the growing season, we’re mowing tees and fairways three times a week, and then greens need to get motor rolled every day,” Murphy said.

The course is designed to cater to golfers in a wide range of skill levels. Murphy’s team strives for balance, ensuring the course layout is engaging both for beginners and long-time players.

“We have the entire range of playability,” Murphy said. “So, how the conditions are for one person versus a low handicap scratch golfer … we (have to) set this up to where we’re kind of batting down the middle.”

Taking this into account, Murphy’s team pays special attention to the greens, the cornerstone of the course’s appeal and challenge. They are mowed daily to the exact thickness of a dime. The precision produces smooth, fast and firm greens.

Overall, Murphy’s team keeps a close eye on turf quality, soil conditions and water usage — all fairly basic principles of managing the environment.

“The practical overarching fundamentals you learn in terms of school are critically important to plant health, soil maintenance, responsibility and managing our water system,” Murphy said.

Murphy’s team is deeply committed to environmental responsibility at the course. To protect the local ecosystem, the team regularly tests soil and manages nu-

trients. The team also attends the annual Deep South Turf Expo to maintain their education as well as renew their necessary licenses.

Education in golf course management is extremely valuable. Professionals learn how to use pesticides correctly, minimizing ecological harm while maintaining turf health. This instruction spreads awareness for wildlife and protects local ecosystems through habitat preservation.

“We’re just consciously being environmentally responsible because this is the largest, intensely main turf green space on campus,” Murphy said. “We have to kind of set the example for the right way to do things.”

Murphy also holds a position in the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s Grassroots Ambassadors program. He engages with lawmakers to advo-

cate for environmentally responsible protocols in the golf industry.

“Anytime (there is) legislation (that will be) going to Congress at the state or federal level, we will talk with our representatives about it to ensure they know how it affects the golf industry,” Murphy said.

The Ole Miss Golf Course offers junior golfers, senior golfers, faculty and staff, alumni and students discounted yearly memberships, which begin at $1,680 for the general public and can be paid in monthly installments.

The Ole Miss Golf Course is a fixture of Oxford and caters to locals and students alike. The course is open to the public, with greens fees for 18 holes starting around $40.

How do student-athletes train during the summer?

SARAH FENTON Sports Staff Writer

In contrast to the rest summer brings for many students, Ole Miss student athletes have been training hard for the 2025-26 academic year. While football players take part in intensive preparation during their annual fall camp, athletes in other sports train in ways less widely publicized.

These long, laborious days are rarely seen by fans, yet they are instrumental in planting the seeds of athletic success.

Men’s basketball

Once coach Chris Beard’s team hits the floor on June 10, they are allowed only eight weeks of practice, per NCAA rules.

“To me, the first day of summer workouts is always kind of the first step of the journey,” Beard said in a June press conference. “Those practices are sa-

— win each rep, win each drill.”

These eight weeks are also a great time for coaches to see players with their own eyes and reevaluate expectations.

Volleyball

The NCAA allows coaches only three weeks of volleyball-related contact with their players in the summer. This requires the Lady Rebels to coordinate most of their practicing and training themselves, especially since matches begin at the end of August.

“They’re doing it all on their own,” head coach Bre Henry said. “They’re here all the time. Sometimes I have to kick them out of the office just to get my own work done.”

A typical summer day consists of captain’s practices, lifting, mobility and recovery exercises and summer classes.

Athletes take pride in their player-led training and conditioning. Most players stay in Oxford for the summer.

PHOTO COURTESY: OLE MISS ATHLETICS

Evie Ewing dribbles the ball down the line in practice at mTrade Park.

cred … probably more important than anything is building our culture and building our team.”

Practices are accompanied by intersquad scrimmages, weightlifting and recovery in the training room. Summer is a crucial time for newcomers to make their mark.

“Time is our biggest factor,” transfer Travis Perry said in a June press conference. “Working on not focusing on the day but maybe focusing on each rep

“It really comes from the top down,”

Henry said.

“We’re constantly emphasizing recovery, mental health and volleyball IQ — even off the court.”

The Rebels are expected to be ready to compete come those three weeks of coachled camp at the end of summer.

By the second day of camp, they are already playing full six-on-six matches.

Soccer

For head coach Molly Rouse, this summer is about more than just conditioning. After finishing winless in SEC games in 2024, Rouse knew changes were in order, and she believes that the difficulties of last season may yield resilience this season.

“The honeymoon phase wears

off, and you start to really see who has bought into the direction you’re moving,” Rouse said. “But the group that remains? They’re completely bought in.”

The women each competed on a summer team and returned to Oxford when their seasons finished.

For soccer, coaches cannot begin practices with the team until July 28, so most of July was team-led practices.

“Without coaches, we really would get a few balls out there and do a few drills …to warm up,” Rebel forward Katie Smith said. “A lot of it is fitness-based. So we’ll play on a bigger field with fewer numbers, just to get our fitness up.”

This summer is unusual for the soccer team because their home field is under construction. Rouse credited the university, athletic department and community of Oxford for ensuring that the team is still getting the training resources they need.

“We have a fantastic facilities department here at Ole Miss,” Rouse said. “And they have done a great job of ensuring that while our field is under construction, there is still space and resources for our student athletes to prepare for the upcoming season.”

With the field off-limits for most of the summer, the team has been training at mTrade.

Players and coaches are excited about the support they have received and look forward to this year’s kickoff.

“We have an awesome support group around us to be able to help us still maximize our preparation for the kickoff of the season,” Rouse said.

Women’s tennis

The women’s tennis team takes on summer practices differently than other teams around campus. Every player goes home for the summer, each having a plan to sharpen their skills while away from coaches.

These plans include international tournaments they could play in, where and how they will train and the amount of matches they should play over the course of the summer.

“I think match play is incredibly important for the summer,” head coach Grant Roberts said. “That’s

one of the things that’s tough. If you go home and maybe you train a lot, and you feel like you’re physically in good shape, but you aren’t in match shape anymore … you can get a little rusty with that.”

The coaching staff helps identify tournaments that are close to where athletes live or train.

“Obviously, in Europe, it’s a little bit easier to go from country to country to play these tournaments,” Roberts said. “So they can hop a quick train ride or even drive sometimes to other countries to play within these tournaments.”

Coaches cannot force players to play in tournaments during the summer, but those players who

choose not to compete often struggle when the season resumes. Since players are dispersed throughout different continents, technology keeps the staff and players connected.

“There’s so many ranking systems now like (Universal Tennis Ratings), country rankings, (Women’s Tennis Association) points,” Roberts said. “Plus, a lot of tournaments stream matches. I can literally pull up Amazon Prime and watch from my phone.”

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 with no repeats.

Freshman embraces her magnolia roots at Ole Miss

“I am riddled with fear and a healthy dose of anxiety, but what eases my heart is the only piece of advice I have taken seriously thus far — control what you can control.”

PEGAH VASIGHI-ANSARIFAR Opinion Staff Writer

I have so much pride in my home state — Mississippi. Being from the Magnolia State is often the first fun fact I offer about myself, and it is my favorite place I’ve ever been.

I like to think I am special in this regard. Instead of moving away from my home state — attempting to roughen the sounds of my syllables and adopt winter coats instead of flip flops — I have embraced every leaf, flower and crooked branch of my state, going so far as to enroll in our flagship university.

Despite this, the University of Mississippi wasn’t my first, nor my second choice for furthering my education. For all the reasons students leave the state, I, too, had every excuse in the book. It felt like “selling out” by going to my state school, like I was finally admitting to a failure of sorts or ignoring the possibili-

Opinion Policies:

ties of life outside my home state.

However, the second I set foot onto campus, I began to doubt these beliefs. I could see myself here. Things I never knew I wanted were in Oxford: academic opportunities through the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, a range of extracurricular activities, a diverse and social student body and a southern studies department that dives into Oxford history that seemingly never ends.

It took me a second, and it might take other students even longer, to understand the value the university can bring. There are doubts about going to a public university, especially one like UM. There is the question of academic strength or the “party school” reputation.

My turning point was the realization that all my failures at UM would be mine and mine alone. The same can be said about my success.

For me, going to any other university meant that I

would be looking for excuses in all my shortcomings.

I have always felt that at a wealthy, private university, opportunities on campus may factor in income level. At UM, however, the socioeconomic diversity of the student body is much greater.

I feel that I am set on equal ground as I begin the next four years.

I am excited to be two hours away from my parents, to potentially take a class on beekeeping, to meet a student from Wyoming and to complain about BISC 160 exams with my lab partner.

I will admit I am equally excited and fearful at the idea of my future lab partner being my buddy from 10th grade. If you are from Mississippi, classmates and college counselors warn you that it will feel like the 13th grade.

Out of the 66 people in my graduating class, one in six are going to UM. The majority are in the honors college, the same scholarship pro-

grams or similar major tracks.

I am afraid I am going to detach from my high school friends and lose the relationships I’ve built. I am deathly afraid I will make no friends my freshman year and resort to following my far-more-socially-competent roommate around like a puppy on a leash, then subsequently lose her as a friend.

They will be out partying within the first week of school, and I may not be with them, instead tied to a post like some annoying dog — officially marking my first heartbreaking case of college FOMO.

Aside from my mind-numbing fear, I am excited to go through the sorority recruitment process, join the Associated Student Body (shoutout to the community service and philanthropy board) and watch the LSU Tigers get sacked in Vaught-Hemmingway this September.

Pegah Vasighi-Ansarifar is a freshman public health and Southern studies major from Madison, Miss.

CONTACT THE OPINION DESK AT thedmopinion@gmail.com

I am riddled with fear and a healthy dose of anxiety, but what eases my heart is the only piece of advice I have taken seriously thus far — control what you can control. Whether you decide you made the right college choice or think about transferring your sophomore year, do not let yourself believe you are incapable of success. You are meant to build your legacy.

Columns do not represent the views of The University of Mississippi or The Daily Mississippian. The Daily Mississippian welcomes letters to the editor, which should be emailed to thedmopinion@gmail.com. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. They may be edited for clarity, brevity and libel. Third-party letters and those with pseudonyms or no name will not be published. Letters are limited to one per individual per month. Letters should include contact information, including relationship to the university, if applicable.

RESULTS & BENEFITS

Increased Calorie Burn

Detoxification

Lower Blood Pressure

Anti-Aging & Skin Rejuvenation

Improved Circulation

Weight Loss