The University of Mississippi has closed the largest fundraising campaign in state history, securing $1.75 billion in gifts that will support scholarships, faculty, healthcare, facilities, and student opportunities across all campuses.
Approximately 95,000 donors contributed to “Now & Ever: The Campaign for Ole Miss,” which launched publicly in 2021 with a $1.5 billion goal. That target was surpassed a year early, announced by the university on Monday.
“This campaign has elevated our excellence and will help define our university’s path for generations to come — from student scholarships and faculty support to advancing research, athletics and health care,” Chancellor Glenn F. Boyce said.
The effort included cash, pledges, in-kind donations and planned or deferred gifts that reached the Oxford and regional campuses, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and Ole Miss athletic programs. More than 53,000 first-time donors participated.
Campaign leaders credited volunteer support from alumni and friends, with co-chairs Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy of Memphis, Tenn., and Debra and retired Maj. Gen. Leon Collins of Madison helping rally contributions.
“When the call went out, they answered,” Leon Collins said. “It shows the love and dedication we all have for our university.”
Other key milestones include the university’s endowment surpassing $1 billion, placing UM among a select group of peer institutions. Donors created 367 scholarship endowments, 138 program endowments and 36 faculty endowments. Scholarship support alone reached $208 million, benefiting thousands of students.
More than $880 million is directed toward student experiences beyond the classroom, including athletics, organizations, career services and experiential learning. Faculty support totaled $60 million, funding endowed chairs and professorships to attract top scholars and foster research.
Major campus projects funded through the campaign include the Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation, the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower at UMMC Children’s of Mississippi, and expansions to the Olivia and Archie Manning Athletics Performance Center.
Gifts also aided construction of a new marching band practice field, softball stadium, and multiple UMMC clinical facilities.
“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the University of Mississippi is more accessible, more innovative and more inspiring than ever,” Vice Chancellor for Development Charlotte Parks said.
