36 Interesting Facts about University of Mississippi

Dan April 2, 2023

The University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, is a public research university located in Oxford, Mississippi. Founded in 1848, the university is the flagship institution of the Mississippi state university system. With an enrollment of approximately 23,000 students, Ole Miss offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across its 15 schools and colleges.

Ole Miss has a strong tradition of academic excellence, particularly in the fields of business, law, education, and journalism. The university is also known for its vibrant campus life, with more than 300 student organizations and numerous cultural events and activities. Sports are also a big part of the Ole Miss experience, with the Rebels competing in NCAA Division I athletics in the Southeastern Conference.

Ole Miss has a beautiful and historic campus, featuring many buildings that date back to the university’s founding. The campus is situated on 2,000 acres of land and includes a variety of academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, and green spaces. The university also operates a branch campus in Tupelo, Mississippi, which offers select undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

There are many interesting facts about the University of Mississippi. Let’s take a look at these 36 interesting facts about this university.

1. The University of Mississippi was founded in 1848, making it one of the oldest public universities in the United States.
2. The university is commonly known as “Ole Miss” and the university mascot is a black bear named “Rebel”.
3. The university’s official colors are red and blue, but they are often referred to as “Ole Miss” red and blue.
4. The University of Mississippi is located in the city of Oxford, which has been named one of the top college towns in the United States.
5. The university has a total enrollment of approximately 23,000 students.
6. The university’s academic programs are organized into 15 schools and colleges.
7. The university is classified as a “R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity” institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
8. The university is home to the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, which offers a selective and challenging curriculum for high-achieving students.
9. The university is also home to the Croft Institute for International Studies, which offers an interdisciplinary program in international studies.
10. The university is known for its strong programs in business, education, journalism, and law.
11. The university is also home to the Center for the Study of Southern Culture, which promotes the study of Southern history, literature, and culture.
12. The university has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries.
13. The university is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and competes in NCAA Division I athletics.
14. The university’s football team, the Ole Miss Rebels, has won three national championships and numerous conference championships.
15. The university’s basketball team has also enjoyed success, making several NCAA Tournament appearances and winning the SEC Tournament in 2013.
16. The university has a rich tradition of Greek life, with more than 30 fraternities and sororities on campus.
17. The university’s campus features several historic buildings, including the Lyceum, the oldest building on campus and the site of several important events in the university’s history.
18. The university’s J.D. Williams Library is one of the largest academic libraries in the southeastern United States.
19. The university operates a branch campus in Tupelo, Mississippi, which offers select undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
20. The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable practices.
21. The university is home to the Mississippi Center for Justice, a non-profit legal organization that provides legal representation to low-income individuals and communities.
22. The university is also home to the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation, which promotes racial healing and reconciliation in Mississippi and beyond.
23. The university has a strong tradition of service and community engagement, with numerous volunteer and service opportunities available to students.
24. The university’s mascot, “Rebel”, has gone through several iterations over the years, with the current black bear mascot being introduced in 2010.
25. The university’s football team plays their home games at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, which has a capacity of over 64,000.
26. The university’s basketball team plays their home games at The Pavilion at Ole Miss, a state-of-the-art arena that opened in 2016.
27. The university’s marching band, the “Pride of the South”, has performed at numerous high-profile events, including presidential inaugurations and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
28. The university has a strong tradition of philanthropy, with the university’s annual giving campaign raising millions of dollars each year.
29. The university’s “Big Event” is a day of community service where thousands of students, faculty, and staff volunteer throughout the Oxford community.
30. The university is home to the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts a variety of performances and events throughout the year.
31. The university’s student newspaper, The Daily Mississippian, has won numerous awards for its journalism.
32. The university is home to the Meek School of Journalism and New Media, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs in journalism and integrated marketing communications.
33. The university’s campus features several outdoor sculptures and art installations, including the “LOVE” sculpture by artist Robert Indiana.
34. The university’s Center for Manufacturing Excellence provides students with hands-on experience in modern manufacturing techniques and technology.
35. The university is home to the Mississippi Teacher Corps, a program that recruits and trains recent college graduates to teach in underserved schools in Mississippi.
36. The university’s School of Law is ranked among the top law schools in the United States for trial advocacy.

The University of Mississippi is a vibrant and dynamic institution that offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities to its students. From its world-class research facilities to its top-ranked academic programs, the university is committed to providing its students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern world. Whether you’re interested in business, journalism, the arts, or any other field, you’re sure to find a program that suits your interests and goals at the University of Mississippi. With its beautiful campus, welcoming community, and rich cultural heritage, the university is an ideal destination for anyone seeking a world-class education in a supportive and stimulating environment.