How Diverse is the University Of Mississippi?

Croft Institute of International Studies.

Jordan Wulforst

Weakley

Journalism 102

11 May 2011

When students think of the University of Mississippi, most would think of the years of southern tradition that the schools represents.

A smaller school located in the heart of the south, would never be seen as a school with a lot of diversity. However many students from all around the world choose to attend Ole Miss.

This is especially the case for freshman Alex Williams, 19. “I am one hundred percent Irish and most everyone in the family went to Trinity College Dublin in Ireland,” Williams said. “I chose to be different.”

Williams resides in Columbia, South Carolina, a state where she also contemplated attending school.

Williams choosing to attend a University other than Trinity College Dublin, was a shock and somewhat of an upset to her family she explained. Her decision on the University of Mississippi had to do with most of her friends attending the school as well.

As for her thoughts on diversity at Ole Miss, “I don’t really feel like the minority at this school, there is a lot of diversity. But the fact that I grew up in the states makes me feel like I belong. I am used to the American ways and customs.” Williams said.

With a slightly different opinion to student Alex Williams, a Crosby Hall Residence Assistant, Kesha Rena, also commented on student diversity at Ole Miss.

"There could absolutely be more room for diversity, even though I do believe this is a pretty diverse campus," Rena said. "It is definitely not overflowing with different races, but racial diversity os evident."

There are various opinions about diversity on the Ole Miss campus and students are not afraid to voice their opinions about it.

According to the University, the number of students that attend Ole Miss will grow in the years to come. Along with the size, diversity may increase as well, raising even more opinions.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W6F49RjRlo

For more information on international programs and studies at Ole Miss visit: http://www.international.olemiss.edu/