## Overview The University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss, is Mississippi’s flagship public research university and a member of the elite R1: Doctoral Universities—Highest Research Activity group, reflecting its commitment to high-impact research and academic excellence[5][7]. Founded in 1848, Ole Miss has grown from a regional institution to a nationally recognized university with over 24,000 students, offering more than 90 majors across 15 academic divisions, including nationally ranked programs in business, accountancy, law, pharmacy, and medicine[3][5]. ## History Ole Miss has a rich and complex history. While it is celebrated for its traditions, Southern charm, and picturesque campus in Oxford, it also played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement when James Meredith became its first African American student in 1962, marking a turbulent but ultimately transformative chapter in its journey toward inclusivity and diversity[2][4]. Today, the university is noted for its efforts to foster a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds, both within Mississippi and internationally[2][4]. ## Key Achievements Ole Miss has a legacy of innovation, notably in medicine: surgeons at its medical center performed the world’s first human lung and heart transplants in the 1960s[2]. The university’s research enterprise continues to address critical challenges in health, technology, and society, with a strong focus on community engagement and economic development[3][7]. Its Honors College is recognized for blending rigorous academics with experiential learning and community action[1][5]. ## Current Status Today, Ole Miss is a vibrant, diverse community that balances academic rigor with a lively campus culture. It is renowned for its SEC athletics, premier tailgating in “The Grove,” and a student life that regularly earns top marks for school spirit, social scene, and sense of community[1][3][5]. The university has adapted well to the digital age, offering robus