What is Ole Miss First?
Ole Miss First is a university-wide initiative, implemented by Chancellor Robert Khayat, that addresses the most critical need of the 21st century—scholarships. Each Ole Miss First scholarship is based on a pledge of $5,000 per year for five years, for a total of $25,000, to cover eight semesters of tuition for an undergraduate student. Scholarship endowments can also be created at the $100,000 level and will be awarded in perpetuity. Ole Miss First scholarships are unique in that each scholar is assigned a mentor during his or her tenure at Ole Miss.
back to top
What is a deserving student and how are scholarship recipients chosen?
While the major focus of Ole Miss First is on academic excellence, additional scholarships will be awarded based on leadership and need. These scholarships may be combined with other scholarship packages. While most scholarships will be designated for undergraduates, graduate and professional students may also apply for an Ole Miss First scholarship if the scholarship criteria so allow.
The selection process is administrated by the Office of Financial Aid; scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit and/or need. A student must have at least a 3.0 grade-point average to qualify for consideration and maintain this minimum average throughout his or her tenure at The University of Mississippi. A student must be registered full time (12-hour minimum) to be eligible. A student must complete both The University of Mississippi Academic and General Endowed Scholarship Application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
back to top
How can a student apply for an Ole Miss First scholarship?
To apply for an Ole Miss First scholarship, complete the online application on The University of Mississippi Web site by clicking here.
back to top
Can we name our scholarship after someone?
Donors have the opportunity to name the scholarship in honor or memory of an individual(s). The scholarship criteria are also determined by the donor.
back to top
Can I direct my gift to a specific school or college?
Absolutely. Your gift can be designated toward the school or college of your choice or toward established scholarship programs such as your area alumni club. You, however, must state the designation on the “front end” to your affinity group as well as to Ole Miss First.
back to top
Can an Ole Miss First scholarship be awarded to an athlete?
Yes and no. Donors may specify a scholarship for athletics but not by sport. Academic scholarships for athletes can be donor directed to Ole Miss First through an athletics department fund.
back to top
What is the Robert C. Khayat Endowment for Ole Miss First?
The University of Mississippi Foundation board of trustees unanimously voted to begin the Robert C. Khayat Endowment for Ole Miss First based on the gift from Mike Starnes, who pledged $1 million to establish this endowment to honor the man he most admired. Donations on all levels have been given to express appreciation for the chancellor’s exemplary leadership. The earnings from the endowment will provide funds in perpetuity for unrestricted scholarships (nondesignated) in all academic areas.
back to top
How is Ole Miss First different from other scholarship programs at the university?
Ole Miss First is an initiative designed to galvanize the university family—alumni, “walk-on” alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students. The uniqueness of Ole Miss First, however, is that this innovative program allows donors (or persons designated by donors) to mentor Ole Miss First scholars. Through this unique facet of Ole Miss First, each scholar enjoys a meaningful relationship with an involved adult. This means someone is there to encourage each scholar to take chances, to explore opportunities, and to make a difference, both at Ole Miss and in the world. The chancellor has repeatedly said, “Students are the heart, as well as the first beneficiaries, of any effort to build a great university. ”
For more information about supporting Ole Miss First, please contact:
The University of Mississippi Foundation
P.O. Box 249
University, MS 38677-0249
800-340-9542 or 662-915-5944
Jill Waycaster West
Development Officer
662-401-1050
jillw@olemiss.edu
back to top
