The Daily Mississippian | October 3, 2025

MISSISSIPPIAN

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Homecoming Queen candidates enter run-off, maid glitch prompts revote

Adya Praveen and Saige Drake compete today for Homecoming Queen in a run-off election after none of the four Homecoming Queen candidates received over 50% of the student body vote during Tuesday’s election. Students will vote for the Homecoming Queen today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Also today, another round of voting will be held for Freshman Maid, Sophomore Maid, Junior Maid and Senior Maid. During the announcement of Homecoming and Personality election winners on Tuesday evening, Associated Student Body Attorney General Madison Waldrop indicated voting irregularities in those rac -

es would be investigated. In a statement posted on the ASB’s Instagram account on Wednesday, Waldrop said, “Tuesday afternoon, the ASB Department of Justice was notified of a possible glitch in the myOleMiss system allowing certain students to vote in multiple Homecoming Maid races.

The ASB Code and Constitution only permits students to vote in one Homecoming Maid race. The potential glitch put the integrity and validity of Tuesday’s Homecoming Maid races in question. After consultation with my team and our advisors, we decided there was no choice but to hold a new vote for the Homecoming Maid races this Thursday, Oct. 2, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.” Students can vote in the

Plein Air’s Hotel Leighton is set to open in fall 2026.

Homecoming Queen and Homecoming Maid races on their myOleMiss accounts. The results will be released tonight after voting closes.

The candidates and their respective teams were allotted two more days to table on the Union Plaza as a part of the run-off election.

Praveen and Drake were both invigorated going into the run-off election day.

Praveen and Drake’s success, however, would not be possible without the support of their campaign teams who assisted with tabling, created campaign materials and represented the candidates and their messages.

Ella Rossi, a sophomore majoring in public policy leadership and journalism

Three local restaurants offer trivia nights that provide intellectual entertainment to the Oxford community. SEE PAGE 11

In the wake of the university suspending Student Activity Fee (SAF) fund distribution to comply with Mississippi House Bill 1193, the Division of Student Affairs hosted a Student Advisory Council meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 1, for representatives of various registered student organizations (RSOs) to discuss how organizations will receive funding in the future.

“Over the last few weeks, university staff, in consultation with student leaders, have worked diligently to create a new model to provide student programming funded by student activity fees. The new model — which we have

seen work successfully at peer universities — provides more university-sponsored events using the student activity fees, in place of distributing student activity fees directly to registered student organizations to put on programming,” Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead said in an email to RSO leaders on Sept. 25. HB 1193 prohibits Mississippi public K-12 and postsecondary schools from maintaining “any programs, including academic programs or courses, or offices that promote or endorse divisive concepts or concepts promoting transgender ideology, gender-neutral pronouns,

Turning Point hosts conservative activist Brilyn

primary goals with this tour are to carry on Kirk’s legacy and to engage young people in conservative politics.

Nineteen-year-old activist, author and political speaker Brilyn Hollyhand took to the stage at the University of Mississippi on Tuesday, Sept. 30, as part of his contribution to the “One Conversation at a Time” tour. This event followed the murder of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk and was sponsored by the Kirk-founded organization Turning Point USA. Hollyhand gave a speech after which he answered questions from the audience.

According to The Brilyn Hollyhand Show, Hollyhand’s

“We’re here for a conversation,” Hollyhand said at the event. “‘One Conversation at a Time’ is intentional. We named this tour because we want to have a conversation. We want to champion civil discourse.” Hollyhand then mentioned Kirk, who shared the mission of encouraging young Americans to become involved in politics.

“That’s what my friend Charlie did best — he championed civil discourse,” Hollyhand

from page 1

from Shreveport, La., served on Praveen’s campaign team.

“It’s really easy to want to support (Praveen). Seeing her heart behind this election and her whole campaign has been so awesome,” Rossi said. “She’s really just wanting to connect with different people across campus and encourage everyone to fall in love with Ole Miss.”

Livi Matulich, a senior integrated marketing communications major from Atlanta, was a member of Drake’s campaign team.

“Saige is one of my best friends, and she would do anything for me, and I want to be there and support her and show her light to others around campus,” Matulich said. “(I want to) help her show her story and what it’s all about and why she’s here and why Ole Miss is so positive and uplifting.”

Winners of the Mr. Ole Miss, Miss Ole Miss and Homecoming King elections were announced on the steps of the Lyceum after a three-hour delay in results tabulation Tuesday night. Ryan Augustine was named Mr. Ole Miss, Riley Dellenger was named Miss Ole Miss and Terrell Atkins was named Homecoming King. Augustine attributed his victory to his faith and community support.

“I’m just in disbelief. This community has just shown up for me in so many ways,” Augustine said. “This is because of God. This is not because of me. I genuinely did not do anything; it was all because of Jesus.

Dellenger said she was filled with gratitude after being named Miss Ole Miss.

“I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude, and Ole Miss is just a place that lifts every -

one of us up,” Dellenger said.

Atkins expressed honor for being selected as Homecoming King by his peers.

“I’m so happy. I’m so excited. All the support from everybody here means the world, and I can just feel the energy radiating through me right now,” Atkins said. “I’m so ecstatic and so honored.”

Suzie Brown, Aubrey Bubrig, McKenzie Cox, Caitlyn Culpepper, Braxton Dagg, Mia Powe, Celie Rayburn, Sarah Liza Stockett, Makayla Smith and Evelyn Thornton were announced as the 10 campus favorites.

The ASB Constitutional Amendment SR-8 was passed, effectively changing the qualifications for ASB Vice President for future ASB elections.

The new amendment allows eligibility for vice presidential candidates who have served a minimum of one term in either the legislative branch or the president’s cabinet of the ASB prior to the time of taking office. Previously, candidates must have served a minimum of one term as an elected member of the senate or one term as parliamentarian or legislation monitor on the executive council of a previous vice president.

heteronormativity, gender theory, sexual privilege or any related formulation of these concepts.”

UM students are charged $2 per credit hour for which they are enrolled to be added to SAF funds. Per a recent Mississippi Attorney General opinion, the HB 1993 exempts RSOs but not student activity fees, which the opinion labeled state funds.

How are RSOs being affected?

RSOs will no longer receive SAF funds directly. Instead, RSOs have been encouraged to submit ideas for programming to the Division of Student Affairs using its suggestion form.

There is an Oct. 3 priority deadline for the fall semester for RSO leaders to submit their funding proposals for review. After that, proposals can be submitted throughout the year and will be reviewed by a committee made up of an indeterminate number and proportion of students and staff that will determine which organizations they recommend receive funding. It is unknown how students and staff

HOLLYHAND

continued from page 1

said. “He went into the lion’s den, some of the darkest places in this country, set up a table and said, ‘Come challenge me. I want to have a conversation with you.’”

Kirk advocated for the “Make America Great Again” movement on his podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show, and during Turning Point USA events. He was known for visiting college campuses and debating students at his “Prove Me Wrong” table. President Donald Trump credited Kirk for swaying younger voters to his side, according to CNN.

On stage, Hollyhand encouraged other college students to get involved in politics and to start having conversations with those around them.

“Every single one of you has the same platform I had, and you’re older than me when I got started,” Hollyhand said. “You’re not in the fourth grade anymore. You’re on the college campus. You have a platform. You have a voice.”

UM is Hollyhand’s third stop on his tour spanning 10 prominent universities across the Southeast, including the University of Alabama, Mis-

will be selected for this committee.

The ultimate decision, however, on which RSOs receive funding will be made by Mead.

This shift means that RSOs will no longer be able to use SAF money to host their own events. Instead, the university will sponsor and host select events that RSOs suggest. RSOs are not prevented from seeking outside funding for their own events through private sources.

Student Affairs also will effectively take over the ASB Treasury’s role of distributing the SAF. Student Affairs is hoping to work with ASB to develop a private fund to help pay for things such as posters, tabling and decorations for meetings for student organizations.

Long-term, however, there is no clarity on what this funding model will look like. At the meeting, it was requested that RSOs focus on this semester because further funding plans will be communicated later down the road.

What will happen to the SAF money already paid?

SAF money that is already collected through tuition is considered Mississippi state funds that are in control of the uni-

sissippi State University and Florida State University.

Hollyhand emphasized the importance of having conversations with people who hold opposing viewpoints.

“The problem that we have in our country today is that we don’t know how to talk to each other,” Hollyhand said. “We know how to scream at each other, we know how to rant at each other through a phone screen, and we certainly know how to assassinate somebody, but we don’t know how to have a conversation. If we can do one thing, we have to make America talk again.”

Junior public policy leadership major Lesley Lachman, the president of the UM chapter of Turning Point USA, shared how important she views this event to be.

“This event is everything,” Lachman said. “I think it’s the beginning of seeing that people are wanting to be more involved. Our first meeting we had was just to kind of get a consensus of how many people were going to come, and the room was overflowing so much that the door was backed up. And so for this event, what we really tried to focus on was just seeing how connected we are. And you can see the passions there, and people want to be involved.”

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versity. This money will be directed by suggestion of the council and approval of Mead.

Which activities will continue to receive funding?

Under the new model, only university-sponsored events that pass the council recommendation and Mead’s approval will receive SAF funding. Due to this, SAF funds will no longer be distributed directly to RSOs. RSOs can receive funding for events but will no longer receive funds for promotional materials, such as t-shirts, buttons or catering. Mead explained to those in attendance at the Wednesday meeting that the university is looking at creating a private fund with ASB, which will be made up entirely by private donations, in order to fund those additional activities. RSOs are also encouraged to begin fundraising and charging membership fees for those promotional materials.

How can RSOs continue to receive funding?

RSOs at the meeting were encouraged to develop tentative budgets that they can share with

Senior English education major Avery Kruthers shared her perspective as a future teacher.

“I’m going to be a teacher, and I’m really excited for that. But I want to be able to kind of know how to have conversations with both sides,” Kruthers said. “I think this organization does a really good job of teaching us how to conversate regardless of what side you’re on, and that’s really what I wanted to learn more about today.”

Mary Margaret McCracken, a senior entrepreneurship major, was inspired by Kirk and Hollyhand’s Christian beliefs.

“I have been really impacted by the murder of Charlie Kirk, and I know that I needed to reach out to people so I could get some questions answered,” McCracken said. “I wanted to come here and listen to questions being answered in the Christian mindset. I learned a lot about talking to other people that believe in other things than me.”

Ethan Benefield, a UM alumnus who graduated in 2023, applauded Hollyhand for encouraging civil discourse among peers.

“Being involved in different organizations and clubs and sometimes in the political scene, I often see disagreement, and I’m a big believer in hearing somebody out,” Benefield

Student Affairs in order to demonstrate what their costs might be so that the university can accurately assess funding requests. In order to have funding approved by Mead, RSOs must make events open to all students. RSOs hosting events that are for members only will not receive funding from Student Affairs. Aly Bradshaw contributed reporting.

said. “Not everybody gets a voice all the time, and I’m a believer in allowing people to have that opportunity, no matter their political stance or their religious stance or just their stance in general, about any topic.”

Benefield also highlighted the importance of finding common ground.

“I wanted to see how our community comes together to find common ground with sometimes controversial issues, because I believe that is the way forward,” Benefield said. “I believe that finding common ground with these issues and our ability to come together and sit at a table and express our thoughts and our opinions and our beliefs and respect one another is the only way that we can see real change.”

Hollyhand looked up to Kirk for his beliefs, and that started for the young activist in fourth grade, when Kirk appeared on his podcast.

Hollyhand began writing political articles at age 11 after viewing debates and news coverage associated with the 2016 United States presidential election, and he launched his podcast soon after.

“I was watching a lot of news after school,” Hollyhand said. “I saw this debate going on on TV, but I didn’t see a lot of young

people involved. I didn’t see the TV networks giving a platform for the next generation. Nobody that looked like us was on our TV screens, so I decided to take that initiative on my own.”

Hollyhand went on to appear on Fox News, where he gained the attention of President Trump. This led to the formation of the Republican National Committee’s Youth Advisory Council.

“I said some words in that interview that changed the trajectory of my life,” Hollyhand said. “The comment that I made, and I stand by today, is that the GOP is an endangered species at risk of extinction if right here, right now, we don’t reach out to the next generation.”

In the wake of Kirk’s death, Hollyhand believes that Kirk’s mission is alive and well.

“You can kill a man, but you can’t kill a movement,” Hollyhand said. “That’s what we’ve seen in the past three weeks all across this country. Every single one of you is equipped every single day with the college students in your life to have conversations.”

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Ole Miss traffic drives Batesville growth

The city seeks to cater to a growing number of travelers on their way

JAYLA ANDREWS News Contributor

Only 24 miles west of Oxford on Mississippi Highway 6, Batesville experiences plenty of traffic due to its close proximity to the University of Mississippi. For fans traveling to Oxford for a football game and families visiting their college kids, Batesville has become an unofficial gateway to Ole Miss.

When Oxford hotels reach their capacity, particularly during football season and family weekends, many travelers look to Batesville as the next best place to stay.

Carnita Lynch, manager of a number of Batesville hotels, pointed out that rooms are frequently reserved far in advance, contributing to little vacancy — even in Batesville.

“Do I think Ole Miss (is) bringing traffic through Batesville?” Lynch said. “Yes. I know it does. Hotel employees spend months in preparation for big game weekends. Every time something is going on at Ole Miss, we have to put tennis shoes on because we know they’re coming. We understand that we have to serve them and be our best selves.”

It is not just hotels that are grabbing the attention of those headed to Oxford.

Ben Liles, owner of the Kennel Club Steakhouse in Batesville, said he chose his spot for a reason — it is located on the main road to Oxford.

“I wanted my building right here, because I know fans are going to be coming through,” Liles said. “People know how terrible traffic can get in Oxford, so rather than add that full 24 miles of driving on top of it, they come here, have a good meal and then head on up.”

Liles even posted “Ole

Miss” signs outside his restaurant to make it clear that fans are welcome.

“It makes you feel related, that you can pause and take a little break,” Liles said.

Batesville city officials are talking about catering to Oxford-bound traffic as well.

Mayor of Batesville Hal Ferrell and a local developer, Joe Azar, have been trying for years to create a plan to build a new shopping center for travelers passing through the city.

The mall would benefit other businesses by adding to the general traffic that flows through Batesville. The more people who stop, the more they spend — at restaurants, gas stations and local stores.

The increased business would create jobs that would not only benefit the Batesville economy, but Ole Miss students, too.

“If students are willing to make that short drive every day, it could be a good option for them to pick up some part-time work,” Ferrell said.

Batesville is still working out a way to manage traffic in response to the influx of Oxford-bound travelers as it strives to accommodate those who pass through. What started as a quick stop for gas is now becoming a familiar break before Oxford.

RAEGAN SETTLE Managing Editor

New boutique hotel adds charm, fresh energy to Taylor

Construction on Hotel Leighton, a boutique hotel in the Plein Air neighborhood in Taylor, Miss., broke ground on Thursday, Sept. 25. Founders of the traditional neighborhood development Campbell and Leighton McCool own the hotel, independent of major hotel chains, and aim to open doors in fall 2026.

The McCools began developing Plein Air in 2006.

A 15-minute drive from Oxford, the rural residential and commercial neighborhood draws University of Mississippi students and locals who seek to temporarily escape the busyness of town.

Lost Dog Coffee and Power Movement Pilates are staple businesses in Plein Air where college students gather.

Hotel Leighton is just one of many new developments in the neighborhood. Family-owned steak house Lusco’s, originally located in Greenwood, Miss., plans to open in Plein Air in October 2025.

Construction on Vivienne Skin Spa and floral studio Studio Eight Design Co. is set to begin this month, as well, with plans to open in fall 2026.

Between four new businesses and many houses being built throughout Plein

Air, Leighton McCool expects neighborhood development to be complete in three to five years. She hopes to find a vendor willing to open a bridal gown studio there, too.

The hotel will have 26 rooms and sit adjacent to community market Offbeat In General and wedding and event venue The Mill. Leighton McCool emphasized the hotel’s features will be cohesive with Plein Air’s traditional character.

“It’ll be terribly cozy, really plush beds, great decor,” Leighton McCool said. “We’re gonna have a super cool bar, outdoor patio, fireplace — just an incredible gathering place.”

Many Plein Air residents see the addition of Hotel Leighton as a useful resource. Because many residents downsize homes when they move to Plein Air, having a hotel nearby will offer a convenient option for hosting guests. Steve Corso is a resident of Plein Air who looks forward to the hotel’s arrival.

“It’s always special when something new arrives that not only brings fresh energy but also celebrates the unique character of our community,” Corso said via phone interview. “I believe Hotel Leighton will quickly become a place where guests feel welcome and where our community can

“It’s always special when something new arrives that not only brings fresh energy but also celebrates the unique character of our community.”

- Steve Corso Plein Air resident

gather and grow together.”

The downstairs bar at the hotel is expected to quickly become a gathering place for Taylor locals. Leighton McCool plans to host themed happy hours and holiday parties for the community — activities that will add to the atmosphere of an already vibrant neighborhood.

Plein Air homes emphasize the Southern front porch. The hotel bar, Leighton McCool hopes, will be an extension of the front porch and a place where community members and guests can mingle.

The McCools envision families and corporations renting out the hotel frequently for weddings and corporate trips. Plein Air currently hosts around 45 weddings per year.

“I really foresee people renting out the whole hotel, like for weddings, girls reunions. I’m an organizer and planner. I mean, I would do that in a heartbeat,” Leighton McCool said.

Leighton McCool added use

“I don’t want any kind of mass marketing, per se. I want to be able to capture people that have already captured us.”

- Leighton McCool Hotel Leighton owner

of the honeymoon and bridal suite in Hotel Leighton will be free for couples who book The Mill for wedding receptions.

Notably, Hotel Leighton bears the name of its owner. The McCools brainstormed names for years, toying with literary names nodding to author William Faulkner.

“But (Campbell) comes home and he says, ‘What if we name the hotel after you?” Leighton McCool said. “What’s funny is that it doesn’t feel like me. It just truly feels like an incredible name for a hotel. … Even talking about it now, it just already feels like I’m removed from it.”

While the McCools have a background in brand marketing, Leighton McCool wants the marketing for the hotel to be organic. The core customer base she hopes to attract are parents of UM students who visit Plein Air often.

“The whole neighborhood is just very organically grown,” Leighton McCool said. “When people come out here, and they’re out here for the first time, it’s just a very magical experience. And then they come back, and it’s like their secret. They’ll bring a couple friends to this place out in Taylor. So, I don’t want any kind of mass marketing, per se. I want to be able to capture people that have already captured us.”

Dymond Mitchell, a senior

sociology major from Prosper, Texas, has been traveling to Plein Air since her first visit to Oxford. The addition of Hotel Leighton will allow her to share her love for the area with her family and friends.

“Personally, I want my parents to stay there, because I know how much I love Taylor, so I can totally see that being the case for other students, too,” Mitchell said. “I think (the McCools) have just done a really good job of building that community. It’s just a good home away from home when you’re in Oxford — a place to retreat.”

Callie Scroggins, a senior integrated marketing communications major from Madison, Ala., discovered Plein Air on a visit to Lost Dog Coffee before the beginning of her freshman year. She drives to Taylor on Sunday afternoons, praising the neighborhood’s distance from campus as the perfect buffer from bustling student life on campus.

“Lost Dog is my weekly getaway to recharge before the week,” Scroggins said. “I would love to stay at the hotel once it opens. Plein Air would be the best place to stay (near) Oxford because it is so low key, but has great restaurants and things to do, as well.”

ADA C. RICHARDSON A&C Staff Writer

Midterms check-in: How students are navigating their exams

With midterm exams approaching, students across campus are implementing various study habits to make their time as productive as possible.

Exams affect everyone’s study time differently, and students must balance studying with their daily lives.

“Midterms affected me mainly through time management,” Georganna Benedict, a sophomore allied health studies major from Hernando, Miss., said. “I am involved in a lot of extracurriculars outside of school, as well as work.”

Many are spending more time on campus studying than usual.

“My schedule is very spread out, and whereas I would just go home, I’m (on campus) a lot more between classes, just trying to knuckle down and look over notes,” Henry Stuart, a sophomore journalism major from Charlotte, N.C., said.

For other students, there is not much difference in the amount of time spent on studying for midterms compared to other exams.

“I don’t study any harder for a midterm than I do for any other exam, to be honest,” TyAnna Hobson, a sophomore allied health studies major from Pontotoc, Miss., said.

Everyone has their own specific study method that works best for them.

“I just did a bunch of practice questions,” William Grem, a freshman biology major from Oxford, said. “I would rewrite notes, I would have study seminars with friends. I would play the same soundtrack over and over. When I would listen to that, it would help me get into the mood faster.”

Stuart found that timed study sessions boosted his productivity.

“I like the Pomodoro meth-

od,” Stuart said. “You set a timer for 20 minutes and then you (take) a five-minute break. Mess around on your computer, look at your phone, whatever. Just try to balance the the time that you are actively studying with the time you can give yourself a break.’’

Hobson compiles his lecture notes into study guides.

“I have a very specific study routine where I use Goodnotes on my iPad, and I copy the lecture slides from each class every day onto its own page in Goodnotes,” Hobson said. “I have a sheet for each week, and I combine those to make a study sheet for the final.”

Benedict says that practicing recalling information instead of skimming it helps her the most.

“Read over something, change the topic, come back to it,” Benedict said. “That’s how you retain that knowledge because you have two different cortexes in your brain; one of them can retain that knowledge and the other ones can store it — and you want it to be stored.”

Students also turn to various apps and websites to refine their study routines. Stuart and Benedict both utilize Quizlet, a site and app that features tools such as flashcards, practice tests and learning games.

“Quizlet has been huge,” Stuart said. “I feel like that’s what everybody says, but it’s nothing too crazy.”

Hobson said she is a fan of Goodnotes and the website Notion to stay ahead.

“I use a website on my Macbook called Notion that’s really good for keeping up with due dates and exams I have coming up,” Hobson said.

Lack of motivation is a top struggle for even the most disciplined students, and everyone handles it differently.

“I pray about it,” Benedict said.

Hobson said that her boyfriend helps her manage her

mental health when school becomes overwhelming.

“My boyfriend is really good at finding things for me to do, because sometimes I’m really locked in for an extended period, and I don’t socialize,” Hobson said. “That’s not really good for mental health, so we’ll go out for a cute little dinner date or something fun like that.”

Stuart said that motivation is a mindset.

“Honestly, it’s just a mentality that I have of ‘This has to get done,’” Stuart said. “You’ve come so far with making it to college, why would you let yourself have an off day?”

Thinking of going to graduate school? Try these tips.

JAYLYNN CONNER

A&C Editor

Applying for graduate school can be a nerve-racking experience, but knowing how to make your application stand out can make the process easier and less overwhelming.

Dean of the University of Mississippi Graduate School Annette Kluck advises students to gather as much information as possible about their programs of interest before they apply.

“You want to be sure that the expertise of the faculty, the careers for which the program trains its graduates and the feel of the program are good fits for your own goals and needs,” Kluck said. “These are the factors that will shape what it is like for you as a student in the program and influence what career opportunities are available to you upon graduation.”

Kluck also recommends that graduate school applicants connect with faculty and current students in their potential programs.

“Ask them how they got to where they are and what tips

they have,” Kluck said. “Graduate students and faculty in the field you want to pursue are an excellent resource for information about the top programs and how to best position yourself to be a strong applicant.”

Millie Speed, a first-year graduate student studying curriculum and instruction, mirrored the sentiment of being well-informed about potential programs and forming relationships while studying as an undergraduate.

“I would, as an undergrad, do your research,” Speed said. “Talk to people and make connections with people because, in the end, they’re going to help you. There’s no one you’re going to go up to and ask for help that will say no.”

Keighly Stewart, a first-year graduate student studying counselor education, added that getting to know faculty members is important for obtaining the recommendations necessary for graduate school applications.

“Maintaining a good relationship with your teachers and ensuring they recognize your face and work ethic is crucial to remember if you plan on attending

graduate school,” Stewart said.

Kluck explained that making a graduate school application stand out is dependent on the type of program because each program has different requirements.

“For research degrees, gaining experience conducting research even if in a different area or field (than your degree) is valuable,” Kluck said. “Such experience shows that you understand what is involved in a research-focused degree and are genuinely interested in that educational opportunity. For more applied degrees, having relevant experience is an asset.”

Building skills through real-world work opportunities is also something that Stewart recommends to anyone interested in graduate programs.

“A tip I would give to students planning to apply to graduate school is to gain experience in the field you wish to pursue while you’re still an undergraduate,” Stewart said. “Having that knowledge under your belt and on your resume makes you stand out to the faculty reviewing your application, increasing

your chances of being accepted.”

Along with gaining relevant experience, Speed also recommends being an involved and diligent student, something she believes made her application stand out.

“Do everything until you can’t any more,” Speed said. “As an undergraduate it seems very tiring at points, especially junior and senior year, but never stop moving. Go to events, join the

clubs, help the professors, do research and make friendships.”

Those interested in learning more about the graduate programs that the University of Mississippi offers can email gschool@olemiss. edu for more information.

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

Graduate students receive paid part-time experience with assistantships

NOAH WALTERS

Assistant News Editor

Many undergraduate students consider the possibility of attending graduate school after graduation. High tuition costs and heavy course loads, however, can disallow time to garner real-world experience and deter some students from applying. Enter graduate assistantships: paid, part-time, on-campus positions for graduate students. Graduate assistantships at the University of Mississippi cover payment of either 100% or 75% of an awarded student’s tuition and offer students the opportunity to gain experience through student work.

Drew Roberts, an integrated marketing communications graduate student from Mobile, Ala., completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Ala. When deciding where he was going to graduate school, cost was a major factor. He eventually landed on continuing his education at UM, where he boasts two assistantships in the School of Journalism and New Media.

“I was looking around for programs I wanted — IMC or advertising type programs — and Ole Miss seemed like it had the best to offer,” Roberts said. “I was talking with my parents (and they were) like, ‘Okay, just make sure you’re able to pay for this in a good way.’ Assistantships are necessary for being able to pay for it, and thankfully, the IMC program’s pretty generous with how to get assistantships and I was able to get a half-time assistantship to pay full tuition.”

Roberts works for Professor of Media and Communication Graham Bodie and Associate Professor of Journalism Instruction Vanessa Gregory.

“So last year, I helped design (Bodie’s) website. I made a bunch of scripted videos for his LinkedIn. Right now, we’re building this YouTube channel, so (there’s) a lot of stuff that I can put on a resume that isn’t just busy work, pencil-pushing stuff or something like that,” Roberts said.

For Roberts, the flexibility of his work with Bodie is a plus.

“It’s remote. I do it on my

time between my tasks during the day, and we have weekly meetings to talk about that there,” Roberts said.

Roberts’ role with Gregory is more of a teaching assistant position in which he designs exams and grades assignments.

McCallister Wadleigh, a sports management graduate student from Slidell, La., who earned her bachelor’s degree from UM, has a graduate assistantship with the Department of Campus Recreation that primarily involves helping student workers in their studies, among other things.

According to Wadleigh, being a graduate assistant allows her to develop closer relationships with those students than she otherwise would be able to do.

“The majority of my work consists of taking care of the facility’s students, so I’m in charge of their payroll and their professional development and their scheduling,” Wadleigh said. “I kind of get to form those more personal relationships with (the students) than my boss has time to. I can really help pour into them and

help them to grow and just make sure everything’s running smoothly. If they have any questions, they come to all of us (graduate assistants) first.”

These closer relationships allow Wadleigh to develop skills in player development, a career field she hopes to pursue after graduation.

“When I graduate and work in player development, college football would be my dream job,” Wadleigh said. “They basically help athletes develop outside of football, right? … Because I do a lot of professional development with our student workers right now, I think that will be very transferable onto the professional development and personal development I hope to do with players one day.”

Wadleigh believes that her graduate assistantship has developed not only her technical skills, but her soft skills, as well.

“It’s teaching me skills and the professionalism I think that I was lacking from just finishing my undergrad,” Wadleigh said.

Because of opportunities to fund her graduate degree and the rich experiences that have

accompanied her role, Wadleigh insists that a graduate assistantship is crucial for anyone considering graduate studies.

“My biggest advice would be to start looking early, as soon as possible, because the longer you wait, the fewer opportunities you’re going to have for graduate assistant positions. But also, just for graduate schools in general, I would say that a graduate assistantship is very important, and I would highly stress it to anyone,” Wadleigh said.

Roberts echoed the importance of graduate assistantships.

“I would say definitely do it. Definitely pursue it, because grad school, a lot of times, is not cheap, and you’re really setting yourself up for a much better experience post-grad if you are eliminating a lot of the costs that come with it,” Roberts said. “It just puts you in a working mindset that makes it easier to transition to the (career) world.”

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All roads lead to Oxford: International graduate students’ UM stories

AIDAN PONIATOWSKI News Editor

For the international students enrolled in graduate programs at the University of Mississippi, the graduate school experience may differ from that of students with a domestic background.

International students first encounter UM in a variety of ways.

For Philimon Lutanjuka, a doctoral student in applied linguistics and teacher of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, a combination of academic prestige and a welcoming environment influenced his decision to choose Mississippi as his next home.

“I first came to Ole Miss in 2020 as a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant,

a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State,” Lutanjuka said. “My decision … was motivated by the academic strength of its applied linguistics and second language studies programs, as well as the mentorship I received during my Fulbright year,” Lutanjuka said.

Samuel Agboola, a doctoral criminal justice policy studies student from Osun State, Nigeria, says the prestige of UM’s program stood out to him without even stepping foot on campus.

“I first learned about Ole Miss through an online search while looking for top criminology and criminal justice programs in the United States. Ole Miss ranked fairly well, so I added it to my shortlist of schools to apply to,” Agboola said. “The criminal justice program at Ole Miss is relatively new and rapidly growing. During my research, I discovered that it ranked among the top five in the United States for faculty article productivity between 2015 and 2021.”

It was ultimately a personal connection to the university that solidified Agboola’s choice to attend the university.

“My cousin was a graduate student (here) at the time,” Agboola said. “He told me about the university, its large international community and the welcoming environment. Knowing he was already there made me feel

it would be easier to settle in.”

Many international students feel that building community is a key factor in settling in.

For Sally Farah, a doctoral student of applied linguistics and TESOL from Alexandria, Egypt, participating in organizations and getting involved in the Oxford community helped with the initial novelty of her situation.

“What helped me adjust were the student organizations and community engagement opportunities. I attended events with groups like the International Guest House and Better Together, other campus events and got involved in activities organized by the Office of Engagement and ISSS (International Student and Scholar Services),” Farah said. “Meeting friendly people, participating in events and exploring Oxford and the surrounding areas made me feel more at home, even if I’m still in the process of fully settling in.”

Having appreciated the existing networks of community on campus, Farah has taken the initiative to create more programs for outreach and community.

“I’m coordinating Arabic cultural events by surveying students about their interests and planning activities that reflect what they want to take part in,” Farah said. “I also created a WhatsApp group for first-year PhD students in my program.

Since we don’t all take the same classes, communication was fragmented, and some students felt isolated. The group now serves as a space to share announcements, ask questions and support each other. It’s a small step, but I believe it’s already making a difference in building community.”

With this firm foundation, international students at the university have made some big strides in their fields.

“In terms of academic contributions, I have presented at conferences such as the Mississippi Foreign Languages Association (MFLA) Conference in 2024, the African Languages Teachers Association (ALTA),” Lutanjuka said. “I am currently working on a publication … which compares Kenyan, Tanzanian and Congolese Swahili communities in the United States.”

Agboola was thrilled his accomplishments were acknowledged by his academic department.

“During my time at Ole Miss, I have had two articles published in reputable criminology and public health journals, with a couple more manuscripts currently under review,” Agboola said. “Earlier this year, I received the School of Applied Sciences Outstanding Master’s Student in Criminal Justice Award.”

For Agboola, even the minute details and everyday man-

nerisms of the Oxford community make him feel welcome.

“I was … struck by the kindness of people on campus,” Agboola said. “Small gestures, like someone holding the door open or offering a quick smile, reminded me of the sense of community I was used to back home. Within my department, I felt right at home as well. The professors were welcoming and supportive, and having an international professor from Africa, who shared some similar experiences, made my transition even easier.”

Oxford’s local trivias put students’ knowledge to the test

round, sports and audio.

P.B. JERNIGAN

A&C Staff Writer

Oxford’s lively cultural scene melds with its academic reputation at weekly trivia nights hosted by local restaurants. These game nights are hosted by The Blind Pig, Moe’s BBQ and Circle and Square Brewing.

Students, professors and Oxonians congregate at the trivia sessions for brain teasers, good food, opportunities for cash prizes and community engagement.

The Blind Pig’s trivia kicks off each week Monday at 7:30 p.m. The restaurant boasts the longest-running trivia in town at 15 years, with a $5 buy-in and cash prizes determined by the number of participants.

Jamie Geoghegan, host of The Blind Pig’s trivia, spoke about their competition’s longevity and his question inspirations.

“My cousin started this trivia 15 years ago and kept everything, so I’ll go back and look at old trivias,” Geoghegan said. “I also have a whole notes app of ideas influenced by ‘Jeopardy,’ and there’s a lot of stuff on TikTok and social media that sparks ideas.”

Categories include wild card, fun with words, chain reactions, fact or cap, stump Jamie, lightning

Maggie Jones, a firstyear Southern studies graduate student from Atlanta, enjoys spending time with her friends at the Blind Pig’s trivia after her classes.

“I have classes all day on Monday, so it’s nice to forget about school for a bit and come to trivia and spend time with my friends,” Jones said.

Moe’s BBQ has had free trivia night on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. since 2018. There are a variety of topics including movies, television, music, comics, math, science and history.

Cash prizes for the top three teams are $25, $40 and $75.

Charlie Bongard, a senior finance major from Milwaukee, spoke of the consistency and efficiency that Moe’s trivia offers.

“It’s pretty well-run, and this is the first trivia I knew about,” Bongard said. “My friends and I have always been coming here and kept it consistent.”

Moe’s trivia host Cali Geoffrion emphasized the community aspect that has grown from their long-running trivia nights.

“I think it has just built up a community of a lot of professors, older graduate students and locals,” Geoffrion said. “I think it is less of a transient population, so you

really get to know each other.”

For just over a year and a half, Circle and Square has hosted free trivia every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Categories range from presidents or geography to television, movies or literature.

Circle and Square offers cash prizes for the top three teams including $25, $50 and $100.

Host Cody Donahue de -

scribed the social and team opportunities their trivia offers.

“Whenever I’m playing and not hosting, I enjoy a free game and being able to hang out with my friends, and doing team-oriented things is important for me,” Donahue said. “I think that just stands out for us.”

Ethan Roberts, a senior general engineering major from Paducah, Ky., spoke of the

The Omnia Review invites all art forms into the fold

relaxing and engaging element of Circle and Square’s trivia.

“Trivia is an easy way for me to unwind, and it’s something that I’ve done with my family and friends,” Roberts said. “It’s just good mental stimulation that’s different from my normal school work.”

ROSE HARMON A&C Staff Writer

Three University of Mississippi students are preparing to launch The Omnia Review, a campus magazine featuring artists who create work that represents the human spirit.

Arkasha McGinness, a senior film major, Mailynn Nguyen, a senior integrated marketing communications major, and Kayt Davis, a sophomore English and economics double major, have collaborated to publish a student-run magazine inclusive to all majors and artforms.

Unlike other student-led publications, The Omnia Review has a more obscure name, not directly referencing the university or the subject of focus. The founders were intentional about the name, wanting the magazine to have a reputation apart from the school.

“I wanted something that could be exterior of Ole Miss and feel like its own,” McGiness said. “So I was just thinking of what name would represent what I want to do, and I said, ‘Well, I want to make print media or a magazine that incorporates everything.’ So I did Omnia, which is the Latin word for everything.”

The editors expect to publish their first edition of The Omnia Review during the first week of the spring semester.

“Right now it’ll be online at least for our first issue,” McGinness said. “We hope to have (a) physical (edition) for the future, but that depends on funding and what (the Student Activities Association) decides for Registered Student Organizations.”

Oxford has a wealthy history of working artists who fuel a demand for sharing work accessibly.

“Last year, I got into short story writing, and I started to really love prose writing,” McGinness said. “I wanted something that would be out there for any major. Like Square Magazine, you have people of all different majors being part of a fashion magazine, which I think is pretty cool, so I wanted something like that, that other majors could be a part of. As a film major, I thought ‘How could I be as inclusive as possible?’”

Baylie Rice, a senior creative writing major, has submitted several written works to The Omnia Review, and she said her decision to submit to the magazine was influenced by McGinness’ enthusiasm.

“I had read a poem for the (English department’s) open

mic, so (McGinness) came to tell me how much he liked it and was interested in my work,” Rice said. “He seemed to be genuinely interested and I am always looking for places to accept my writing, so I decided to submit a few things.”

The magazine will be inclusive to the artists as well as all forms of expression. While many groups on campus have publications focused on a particular artistic medium such as photography, fashion or writing, The Omnia Review seeks to mix and mingle its art forms.

“Our goal is also to combine all types of media,” McGinness said. “We’re hoping to do prose, short stories, plays, paintings, sculptures and just any way that people can channel their work. The goal is to help the artistic community and enrich it. … Any way we can do that is good for me.”

McGinness said the guidelines for submissions allow for creative freedom.

“It’s an open, free submission type of deal,” McGinness said. “We’re trying to make it as chill as possible. The only rule is that you have to be enrolled in the university, grad student or undergrad. And our first deadline is Nov. 2. You can also submit an artist statement and a cover let-

ter, but those are optional.”

The submission form for The Omnia Review can be found on the Instagram page @omnia_review. Any interested students with ques-

tions can email the editors at omniareview@gmail.com.

Monthly music roundup: 7 stellar September songs

verse,” an ethereal folky tune that sounds both woodsy and Western.

ly absent from “So Close To What.”

Though the September heat proved to be brutal, walks to class were made less miserable by a plethora of new songs that dropped all month long.

Here is a look at seven standout songs released during September:

“Arrows (Die For That Man)” by Carter Faith Country music’s newest darling, Carter Faith, is gearing up to drop her debut album, “Cherry Valley,” on Friday, and she released “Arrows” at the beginning of September as a taste of what the album will provide.

The track is seasoned with lovetuned breathy transitions and tight strings that cue Cupid to shoot arrows at our man-obsessed songstress. Some lyrics are so suggestive, one might predict that a certain provocative pop star (Sabrina Carpenter) had a hand in the writing. This is particularly true on lines like, “Looking at him looking at me makes me wanna have all of his babies.”

“Center Of The Universe” by Hunter Metts Hunter Metts recently signed with Position Music/Interscope Records and is amping up to release his debut studio EP, “A Crater Wide.” In promotion of the project, Metts dropped “Center Of The Uni-

Metts’ voice haunts the listener and commands goosebumps to spawn as he whispers “You’re the center of the universe” through your headphones.

“Rainbow Connection” by Maddie Poppe

Though certainly not as magical as Kermit the Frog’s rendition, independent artist Maddie Poppe’s take on “Rainbow Connection” is both glittery and mystical. The cover marks Poppe’s first release in two years and calls back to her highly praised audition from her season of “American Idol” in 2018 — the season in which she was crowned victorious.

Poppe’s take feels like a fusion of Colbie Caillat and Sarah McLachlan.

Hearing Poppe take on a Muppet classic with indie pop production can make the listener feel spiritual and celestial simultaneously.

“TIT FOR TAT” by Tate McRae

Fresh off her third studio record, “So Close To What,” Tate McRae dropped “TIT FOR TAT.”

The song, which undoubtedly takes aim at her ex, The Kid LAROI, keeps the same upbeat, intense pop production and grainy pitch as her recent record, but it evokes feelings of vengeance, a theme apt-

One can only assume “TIT FOR TAT” will lead fans of McRae into an angrier follow-up to her previous album effort that featured a collaboration with her ex.

“Jack & Jill Daniel’s” by Emily Ann Roberts

Emily Ann Roberts marries nursery rhyme and legendary whiskey on this new track.

“Jack went up the hill to build a still of whiskey / And drink away the hurt of his heartbreak history / Ain’t no mystery, that’s the way it goes / Behind every shot of Jack, there’s a Jill Daniels,” Roberts sings on the chorus of “Jack & Jill Daniel’s.”

The song follows a trend of turning classic childhood rhymes and songs into darker tracks. You can see similar efforts on GAYLE’s “abcdefu” and Carly Pearce’s “truck on fire,” but those songs are riddled with rage, whereas Roberts’ song is more centered around telling a neutral story of “This is what really happened.”

“Fallin’ For You” by Colbie Caillat ft. Maren Morris

In an attempt to “go country,” as so many other pop-originating artists have done recently, Colbie Caillat has released an album reimagining hits from her discography. For “Fallin’ For You,” Caillat’s

RIAA-certified 2x Platinum hit, she snags Maren Morris — which is interesting, considering her alleged departure from the genre in 2023.

Nonetheless, the new take on a Caillat classic is country-flavored and should sound like a nostalgic reprise to fans being reintroduced to the singer’s archive of songs.

“Move On” by Kevin Powers and Shaboozey

“Who taught you how to move on?” sings Kevin Powers alongside the GRAMMY-nominated Shaboozey.

Our narrators detail the ease that a former lover is seemingly moving on from their fizzled relationship. “Move On” showcases the perspective of the two singers as they recount what they believe to be ease from their ex’s ability to move on. The song is not necessarily groundbreaking, but it is relatable and should pluck familiar strings in the mind of anyone who has ever had to get over anything.

A surprise return and storybook ending save an otherwise forgettable season of ‘Big Brother’

CAMERON LARKIN

Digital Editor

“Expect the unexpected.”

“Big Brother” fans have heard the CBS reality TV show’s host, Julie Chen Moonves, echo these words for the past 25 years. With the franchise having wrapped up season 27 on Sunday, Sept. 28, fans understand this sentiment now more than ever.

CBS’s “Big Brother” is a social strategy game in which houseguests compete weekly for the title of Head of Household (HOH), who then nominates fellow houseguests for eviction. Following nominations, six houseguests compete for the Power of Veto for the chance to remove one of the nominees. At the end of the week, the final nominees face an eviction vote by their peers.

This season was one of big personalities, subpar gameplay and nearly game-breaking twists.

Season 27 began on Thursday, July 10, with 16 new houseguests prepared to compete for the $750k grand prize — or so fans thought.

The production team at “Big Brother” has become known for implementing twists to keep houseguests and fans on the edge of their seats, and one of this season’s biggest curveballs happened on night one: the introduction of Big Brother legend and season 13 winner Rachel Reilly — a player I grew up watching and adoring.

Jaws dropped, including mine, and houseguests were left speechless when Reilly made her grand entrance down the main staircase, all but changing the entire trajectory of the game.

With the introduction of Reilly, the official 17-houseguest cast was locked, and the summer-long power struggle was underway.

Reilly joined fellow houseguests Amy Bingham, Zach Cornell, Lauren Domingue, Isaiah “Zae” Frederich, Jimmy Heagerty, Ashley Hollis, Rylie Jeffries, Kelley Jorgensen, Mickey Lee, Vince Panaro, Ava Pearl, Morgan Pope, Adrian Rocha, Keanu Soto, Katherine Woodman and Cliffton “Will” Williams.

The theme of this season was “Hotel Mystère,” a theme riddled with classic murder mystery undertones. To go along with the theme, CBS and “Big Brother” introduced “The Mastermind,” who periodically — and seemingly without any thought or foresight — would make an appearance to “shake up” the game.

Candidly, the whole mastermind shtick is one of the worst attempts made by “Big Brother” at trying to keep a season interesting. This is true for various reasons, but perhaps the mastermind’s greatest crime against humanity was when he introduced the “White Locust” elimination challenge, after which we lost fan-favorite Reilly — my all-time favorite player.

I know it might seem like I hate this twist because it took away the player I was rooting for — and you would be partially correct. However, I take greater issue with the fact that this sort of twist circumvents the entire structure of the game of “Big Brother.”

Put simply, it is incredibly rare, and for that matter unprecedented, for a houseguest to leave the game of “Big Brother” having not faced an

eviction vote; Reilly left the BB house after failing to complete a challenge.

For 25 years, “Big Brother” has been a social strategy game where houseguests compete for the power of HOH to make nominations for eviction. A battle for the chance to change the nominations then ensues. All of this is supposed to — keyword, supposed to — culminate in a vote to evict.

For some reason, unbeknownst to me, the “Big Brother” production team decided to completely disregard years, nay decades, of criterion.

Oftentimes, “Big Brother” seasons end, and the narrative becomes “How this person lost the season.” Many fans were quick to assign this narrative to third-place finisher Pope, who many thought deserved to walk out of the house triumphant.

To those who backed Pope, I see you. She was, after all, my preseason winner pick. Pope strategically sliced her way through this season, manipulated when she had to and manufactured a multi-faceted game that I can concede, on almost any other season, should have been rewarded with a win.

I liken her gameplay to Vanessa Rousso’s from “Big Brother 17,” who was similarly sniped out of the game in third place.

But I see Pope’s all-time great game, and I raise you an even better representative of “Big Brother 27”: Ashley Hollis, the eventual winner.

I refuse to fall into the pack of fans who want this to be the story of how Pope lost season 27; rather, I wholeheartedly believe that this season’s story is perfectly encapsulated by the under-the-radar, unsuspecting gameplay that

Hollis so masterfully curated.

Hollis went from being nominated in Week 1 by Panaro to bringing him to the final two just to beat him in a 6-1 jury vote. I mean, how much more storybook can that be?

The attorney from Chicago balanced lowering her threat level with planting seeds of strategic brilliance. The only times she was in danger of leaving, she was able to win the veto, use her social game to sway minds and — most importantly — win the Final 3 Head of Household to secure her seat on finale night.

Now, you may be wondering why I only gave details about four houseguests. That is because this season’s cast is, frankly, forgettable.

Heagerty and Lee provided at least some entertainment, but both of their games were cut short pri-

or to the jury phase. Simply put, a year from now, I might not even remember half of these people. This season will surely not be remembered for its prestige when compared to the rest of the franchise’s repertoire. In fact, I would place “Big Brother 27” somewhere in the middle if I were to do a series ranking.

Regardless, no matter how hard the mastermind tried to ruin this season, I can confidently say two things: I enjoyed seeing Reilly on my screen one more time, and Hollis is one of my favorite winners to date.

How can Ole Miss get to the College Football Playoffs?

RUSS EDDINS Sports Editor

Following its 24-19 win versus then-No. 4 LSU, Ole Miss climbed to its highest AP ranking in a decade and replaced the Tigers at No. 4 in the polls. This rise has many fans, the rest of the SEC and the nation asking one question: How far can this team go?

The Rebels started last season 4-0, but losses against Kentucky, LSU and Florida in SEC play severely hurt their playoff chances. Heading into the bye week this year, the 5-0 (3-0 SEC) Rebels control their destiny with a Top 4 win already under their belt.

Ole Miss looks promising for the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoffs. Still, in college football, wins themselves are not always the end all be all — also playing a factor is the quality of the opponents.

Kentucky is 2-2 with wins against Toledo and Eastern Michigan. Its other loss came against South Carolina 35-13. The win over Arkansas also does not help the Rebels much, since the Razorbacks are 2-3, including a loss to Memphis.

The Rebels hold the highest ranking in the SEC, with upcoming dates versus two challenging opponents in No. 5 Oklahoma and No. 12 Georgia.

Ole Miss fans saw just how much last year’s win over Georgia boosted the team’s playoff odds. With that one win, the daunting loss to unranked Kentucky and three-point loss to LSU could have been forgiven.

With the win over LSU last Saturday, Ole Miss is no longer perceived as a possible playoff team but a legitimate playoff contender. If the Rebels take care of business against Oklahoma and Georgia, it feels certain that Ole Miss will be in the playoffs. A lot can happen, but the season hinges on those two road games.

Oklahoma is without star quarterback and preseason Heisman favorite John Mateer for a month due to injury, leaving the Sooners vulnerable. Similarly, Georgia, which lost at home to then-No. 17 Alabama this past week, has not looked as indestructible as in years past.

Last year, a three-loss Ole Miss team did not make the playoffs. It stands to reason that the same applies this year, which means the Rebels need to finish at least 10-2 in the regular season.

The only way an Ole Miss team with wins over LSU, Oklahoma and Georgia could miss the playoffs is if the Rebels drop games against all three remaining SEC opponents — South Carolina, Florida and Mississippi State — which seems unlikely, as the Rebels are favored in all three matchups.

A more likely scenario is Ole Miss dropping a game to either Oklahoma or Georgia. In this case, the postseason picture would change slightly. The Rebels could afford only one other loss to feel comfortable.

With the way South Carolina (3-2, 1-2 SEC) and Florida (1-3, 0-1 SEC) have played this year, Ole Miss should — keyword

should — be able to take care of business. The Gamecocks and Gators have more talent than their records indicate, though.

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers and Florida quarterback DJ Lagway were projected to be two of the top signal-callers in the country at the beginning of the season, and both have the sheer talent to will their teams to wins.

Through four games last year, the Gators were 2-2 (1-1 SEC). Then, to end the season, Florida beat LSU, Ole Miss, Florida State and Tulane — proving that a Napier and Lagway-led team cannot be discarded easily.

Before the season, it seemed like a sure bet that the Egg Bowl trophy would be staying in Oxford, but Mississippi State has impressed many this year. While the Bulldogs are not ranked, AP voters have given the team recognition thanks to a win against then-No. 12 Arizona State and for putting up a fight against No. 15 Tennessee last week.

The Egg Bowl is always scrappy, and a Mississippi State team with a chance to knock Ole Miss out of playoff contention is dangerous.

The Rebels have a great chance to make the College Football Playoffs. Though a good deal still hinges on road matchups against Oklahoma and Georgia, Ole Miss is in full control of its future.

CONTACT THE SPORTS DESK AT thedmsports@gmail.com

Rifle head coach Will Shaner aims high

WILSON ENGERISER

Sports Staff Writer

This season, gold medal Olympian Will Shaner takes over as head coach of the rifle team following Rachel Martin’s resignation from the program on April 17.

Rifle is one of the most consistently successful Ole Miss athletic programs, routinely placing among the Top 10 teams in the nation in the past few seasons; the Lady Rebels’ average finishing position settles around fourth in the nation over the past four years.

Some may find Shaner only being 24 years old surprising. However, youthful leadership is not uncommon in the sport.

“Rifle has a lot of younger coaches coming out, myself and a few others,” Shaner said. “We are a little

more driven, more competitive. We very much like winning, and most of us were athletes beforehand. That really helps us put our knowledge of the sport — and our drive that we had as athletes — back into a team.”

When he was in college, Shaner led the Kentucky Wildcats to four straight national championship appearances and won the individual title in 2021 and 2022. He was also a First Team All-American 11 times.

Shaner credits much of his success to the fact that he began competing in rifle when he was eight years old through the national youth development program 4-H.

“It was my grandfather and dad that saw rifle as a sport and thought that we might as well try it out,” Shaner said. “Then, it kind of kept stemming from there, from 4-H, to state matches, national matches

and then eventually World Cups.”

Some of Shaner’s most impressive accomplishments took place on the international stage, where he spent 10 years competing following his debut on the Junior Olympic team. He solidified himself as one of the best male rifle shooters in the world when he won a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Shaner was an Ole Miss Rifle assistant coach under Martin for two years. He had nothing but praise for Martin and her emphasis on supporting athletes’ mental health. Though Shaner hopes to focus on competitive mindsets this season, he still seeks to incorporate many of Martin’s central tenets.

“Being a newer program compared to some other schools, we have a new way of looking at things and a new drive

Day in the life of rifle

JIMMY PETRUZZI

Sports Staff Writer

Student-athletes’ lives are not easy. With early morning practices and late night study sessions, they must be disciplined in balancing academics, competition and travel.

Ole Miss Rifle shooter Susan Carter has mastered that balancing act.

Last season, Carter posted one of the highest aggregate scores in program history and was consistently one of the country’s best shooters. Her precision and reliability also won her numerous Great American Rifle Conference Shooter of the Week honors.

Outside the range, she has

also received academic accolades, such as when she was named to the College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-America Team. Carter’s key to success is her daily routine.

“Three times a week, we wake up at about six o’clock and we lift,” Carter said. “We do two weight lifting (days) and one cardio day, and then the other two days are free.”

Though many might not correlate cardio with rifle shooting, Carter emphasized its importance in her and her team’s routine.

“We get on the line, and we’re practicing, we’re working on our breathing — like shooting in between our heartbeats because that is the thing that we have to do,” Carter said. “It is (part of the reason) why we do cardio — to lower heart rate.”

Staying cool under pressure is an essential skill in rifle shooting. Thus, Carter and her teammates participate in yoga during the week; then, during competition, Carter channels this calmness as she takes aim.

“One thing that I’ve been working on personally is going into focus for the 20 seconds that I’m taking this shot,” Carter said. “And then when I’m opening the bolt, adding a new round, closing the bolt, that’s when my mind is elsewhere, and then when I’m about to shoot … my

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for this year,” Shaner said.

Shaner emphasized how supportive Ole Miss has been throughout his time in Oxford.

“I think that it’s really the community and the support we have, not just in the athletics program but also Oxford itself,” Shaner said. “This community always brings alumni back and always attracts new people — that’s why I’m here.”

One of Shaner and his squad’s most important matchups will be against No. 4 Alaska-Fairbanks, on Nov. 8. Additionally, the Lady Rebels will travel to compete against No. 3 TCU, on Nov. 16.

This season, Ole Miss will host the Patriot Rifle Conference Championship on Feb. 6-7. Assuming that Ole Miss makes it through the NCAA qualifiers later that month, the season will conclude in mid-

shooter Susan Carter

mind is back to what I’m doing.”

After early-morning workouts, Carter paces through a full Monday-Friday class schedule.

“We have classes in the morning,” Carter said. “Monday, Wednesday, Friday, I go from eight (a.m.) to 12 (p.m.) for classes. (On) Tuesday and Thursday, I go from eight (a.m.) to 9:15 (a.m.). We have three open trainings Monday, Wednesday and Friday, then Tuesdays and Thursdays, we have drills. So Tuesday, we do a small board drill, and on Thursdays, we do an air drill.”

Outside of rifle and school, Carter places a high premium on maintaining relationships.

“I call my parents at least once a week, normally more than that, and I keep up with them on Facebook,” Carter said. “And I have an older brother who’s also in college back in Georgia, so he doesn’t have much time to come out either.”

When asked what part of her schedule is most vital, Carter brought up her faith.

“I do a Bible reading and a prayer journal. I get to calm down before I go to sleep,” Carter said. “I’m a Christian, I grew up Methodist, but also (attending a Baptist church). I’m part of the Wesley organization. So every Wednesday night (I have) worship, and then Thursday nights

I actually help with the freshman small group. That’s one of my favorite things in the community.”

HOW TO PLAY

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

CHALLENGING

Do the new Homecoming tabling rules make campaigning better or boring?

As the votes are cast and the winners are announced, this year may be less about who won and more about how campaign tabling evolved.

VIDYA ADLAKHA Opinion Staff Writer

At the University of Mississippi, Homecoming week brings the familiar sight of candidate tables dotting the Union Plaza, decked with posters, flyers and campaign goodies.

Although the tradition is familiar to any student, this time around felt noticeably calmer and quieter.

This year’s election season was shaped particularly by new tabling rules that all campaigns had to follow. While some students embraced the more controlled setup, others missed the spectacle and energy of past seasons.

Ultimately, the new rules changed the overall atmosphere of the Homecoming season for better and for worse.

Since the new 2025 campus tabling policies limit tabling space solely to registered student organizations (RSOs) and campus departments, the Homecoming candidates table under the umbrella of their sponsoring RSO.

Campaigns must submit an online request at least two business days before their tabling day, and no third-party reservations are permitted. Confirmations must come via email, and processing may take up to three business days, with first-come, first-served rules applying. Homecoming candidates also face tighter limits on when they can campaign publicly via tables. ASB Attorney General Madison Waldrop announced that public campaigning on the plaza may only occur on specific dates.

Opinion Policies:

In prior years, candidates could table at almost any time once campaigning opened.

I believe that fewer decorations helped encourage more genuine conversations between candidates and voters. With fewer days allowed for tabling under the new rules, candidates had to focus more on their message than on spectacle.

Students passing by the tables get the chance to hear directly from the people behind the posters instead of just scrolling through campaign slogans online.

Tabling remains one of the most direct ways for candidates to reach voters. Instead of passive social media posts or mass texts, students can approach tables, ask questions about platforms and meet the people behind the campaign.

But the change has not eliminated criticisms. For students in a hurry, the tables still create traffic on busy walkways. The sheer number of campaigners, even under more restrictive rules, can feel overwhelming.

One passerby shared her thoughts on the matter.

“Tabling can feel overwhelming because there too are many organizations and candidates to go up to,” Addison Brawley, a sophomore computer science major, said.

For me, the new process feels fairer on paper, but also a little bureaucratic — as if student elections are being treated like office paperwork. Instead of having the chaotic nature of previous years, it feels more structured and rigid, taking away the old

charm of Homecoming week.

Some students wonder whether tabling — even under the new structure — is still the best way to reach peers. With more students turning to social media, email and online forums, candidates have to work harder to capture attention in person.

“The in-person presence of candidates still has unique value,” Brawley said. “It allows you to really get to know what the candidate has to offer.”

The new rules do succeed

in creating more clarity and reducing unfair competition by limiting extravagant setups. But the trade-off is a quieter, more subdued campaign atmosphere. The lack of flair makes the process feel less exciting, yet results in a cleaner, more level playing field.

As the votes are cast and the winners are announced, this year may be less about who won and more about how campaign tabling evolved. The question going forward is, “Can tabling remain a vibrant

part of Ole Miss elections while respecting fairness, space and student experience?”

Vidya Adlakha is a sophomore biological sciences major from Ocean Springs, Miss.

CONTACT THE OPINION DESK AT thedmopinion@gmail.com

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.

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