{"id":157354,"date":"2026-04-06T10:39:36","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T15:39:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/?p=157354"},"modified":"2026-04-06T10:39:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T15:39:38","slug":"mississippi-day-fun-ranges-from-rock-walls-to-research","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/mississippi-day-fun-ranges-from-rock-walls-to-research\/","title":{"rendered":"Mississippi Day Fun Ranges From Rock Walls to Research"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Annual event invites community to explore academics, research and student life on April 11<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The University of Mississippi<\/strong> is getting ready to break out the pop-up tents again. This time, they are not for tailgating, but rather for its annual outdoor open house on April 11.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mississippi Day<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union Plaza<\/strong>, the Circle and Business Row. This free event is open to the public and will have shuttles running from parking areas at the Ford Center and Tad Smith Coliseum<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The\u00a0University of Mississippi<\/a>\u00a0has amazing faculty, staff and students,” said Noel Wilkin<\/strong>, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “This academic open house is a way to showcase the amazing people and the great work they are doing. It also brings our community together to have a little fun.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The university created Mississippi Day five years ago to exhibit the opportunities and resources Ole Miss offers, as well as demonstrate the university’s contributions around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With more than 80 departments and organizations participating and more than 1,200 faculty, staff and student volunteers, this promises to be the biggest Mississippi Day yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This level of campus involvement is something we are especially excited about,” said Cooper Carrico<\/strong>, a graduate assistant in the Office of the Provost<\/strong>. “It will allow us to showcase a broader range of academic programs, student services and campus partnerships than ever before.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some activities families can look forward to\u00a0include an obstacle course hosted by the\u00a0Army ROTC<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>, a television studio simulation hosted by the\u00a0School of Journalism and New Med<\/a><\/strong>ia<\/strong><\/a>, as well exploring 3D printing and creating wearable art with the\u00a0J.D. Williams Library<\/a>‘s IDEALab<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
A volunteer from the University of Mississippi Department of Biology (left) helps a Mississippi Day visitor experience holding a snake. The university’s annual outdoor open house is set for April 11 and will feature exhibits, interactive activities, food and more, all showcasing its programs, resources and services. Photo by Hunt Mercier\/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
Two young visitors to Mississippi Day learn about principles of physics during an activity hosted by the University of Mississippi Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Circle. The university’s annual outdoor open house is set for April 11 and will feature exhibits, interactive activities, food and more, all showcasing its programs, resources and services. Photo by Hunt Mercier\/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Food trucks will be available along Business Row, and children of all ages can enjoy a snow cone, create a stuffed animal and climb a rock wall in front of the Student Union<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visitors will also be able to test their flag and civics knowledge at the<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0tent and determine where the South is located with the\u00a0Center for the Study of Southern Culture<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, attendees can learn more about improving their mental and physical health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
A Mississippi Day volunteer (right) hands out brain-shaped stress balls at the 2025 event in the Circle. The University of Mississippi’s annual outdoor open house is set for April 11 and will feature exhibits, interactive activities, food and more, all showcasing the university’s programs, resources and services. Photo by Hunt Mercier\/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“We are excited to have the Chancellor’s G.R.O.V.E Wellbeing Initiative<\/strong> participate and provide visitors with tips on mental and physical wellness,” Carrico said. “The William Magee Center<\/strong> will also provide free water to visitors at their HYDRate Tent.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides the Mississippi Day festivities, the Ole Miss Division of Athletics<\/strong> will host the Joe Walker Track Invitational<\/strong> all day, softball against Texas A&M <\/strong>at 2 p.m., and baseball against LSU <\/strong>at 4 p.m. The\u00a0Office of Admissions<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0also hosts its Junior Preview Day<\/strong> beginning at 8 a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Overall, we are thrilled that guests will be able to see the meaningful work departments do every day and how Ole Miss is shaping the region, state and world,” Carrico said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

by Marisa C. Atkinson<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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