About UM

Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) is the flagship university for the state of Mississippi. A world-class public research university, the institution has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and innovative research. With more than 21,500 students, Ole Miss is the state’s largest university, with a major medical school, a nationally recognized law school and 15 academic divisions. It has been ranked as one of America’s best college buys by Forbes and one of the best places to work by the Chronicle of Higher Education. The university’s Honors College has been named one of America’s finest.

HISTORY

When it chartered the University of Mississippi on February 24, 1844, the Mississippi Legislature laid the foundation for public higher education in the state. The university opened its doors to 80 students four years later, and for 23 years was Mississippi’s only public institution of higher learning. For 110 years, it was the state’s only comprehensive university.