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University Spokesman Clarifies ‘Ole Miss’ Usage Amid Public Backlash

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While first reports from UM officials suggested the name “Ole Miss” be used in reference to athletics and school spirit, and “University of Mississippi” be used to reference the academic institution, officials now say Ole Miss is appropriate in any context that reflects an affectionate, spirit-based tone.
Lyceum - West FacadeFollowing public outcry from fans, students and alumni on message boards and social media sites following the release of the Six-Step Plan on Inclusiveness, University Chief Communications Officer Tom Eppes gave a clarification interview published by The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.
Eppes talked to the Ledger late on Aug. 1 after the newspaper’s earlier online report said, “The university will continue to use the nickname Ole Miss, but should consider whether to limit its use to the context of athletics and school spirit.” The Ledger reports Eppes as clarifying that “the sixth point does not represent any change in the school’s policy regarding the use of the nickname.”
Eppes, on Monday, told HottyToddy.com that Step Six in the Chancellor’s Action Plan on Diversity and Inclusiveness is an affirmation of the love and respect the Ole Miss family holds for the university’s nickname.
The university was founded 1848 and the name Ole Miss dates from yearbook published in 1896.
Eppes told HottyToddy.com Monday that the Action Plan “allowed us to clarify university policy on the name ‘Ole Miss’ that has been in effect for some time. It describes no shift, nothing different in how we operate. Nothing has changed.”
HottyToddy.com reported July 31, after interviewing Chancellor Dan Jones, that he “defined a shift of the term ‘Ole Miss’ for close identification with athletics and school spirit.”
Chancellor Jones pointed out that focus group research revealed that “Ole Miss” is beloved by the vast majority of faculty, alumni and University of Mississippi supporters, and that both terms would continue to be used in appropriate contexts. Reading from Point Six of the action plan, the chancellor added that: “Particular emphasis would go to Ole Miss in athletics and as a representation of the university’s spirit.”
Eppes told HottyToddy.com, in certain contexts, the University of Mississippi, UM and Ole Miss might be used interchangeably. Eppes added that the key was that the appropriate context for “Ole Miss” was one of affection, spirit and love for the institution.

Tom Eppes  /Photo courtesy of Ole Miss Communications

Tom Eppes
/Photo courtesy of Ole Miss Communications


Eppes cited the famous quote in the Student Union by 1932 graduate Frank E. Everett Jr. that says: “The University is respected, but Ole Miss is loved. The University gives a diploma and regretfully terminates tenure, but one never graduates from Ole Miss.”
The chief communication officer illustrated his point, using fictional official correspondence from the University of Mississippi Law School: “The first reference in the document might be to University of Mississippi School of Law, and then a second reference might use the initials UM Law School. Finally, the writer of the correspondence might refer to a connection with ‘Ole Miss Law’ from a perspective of love, pride and respect.” According to Eppes, all three usages would be appropriate.
When faculty in the School of Pharmacy, for example, are conducting scientific research, it’s understandable, explains Eppes, that they would refer to their work on behalf of the University of Mississippi, where a formal academic tone is more appropriate than an affectionate one.
Eppes told HottyToddy.com that the fact that any faculty member might not like the name Ole Miss or wish it to go away, has no official standing. “We confidently believe, and our comprehensive research confirms, that the use of Ole Miss is a net positive for our university and not a negative,” Eppes added.
He continued, “The world at large loves the term Ole Miss and the July 31 report is an opportunity to show our position on the use of the name is a settled issue. Nothing is changed and nothing is going to change.”
Click Here to read HottyToddy.com’s original coverage of the chancellor’s action plan.
– Andy Knef is editor of HottyToddy.com. You can contact Andy about this story at Andy.Knef@Hottytoddy.com
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30 Comments

30 Comments

  1. Wanda Gatlin-Sullivan

    August 4, 2014 at 5:25 pm

    Chancellor Jones pointed out that focus group research revealed that “Ole Miss” is beloved by the vast majority of faculty, alumni and University of Mississippi supporters, and that both terms would continue to be used in appropriate contexts. I hope money was not spent on a focus group. How could you not know and be in the administration at Ole Miss that the term is loved by faculty, alum, and supporters.

  2. Pusser

    August 4, 2014 at 6:46 pm

    It might do Ole Miss some good to read the usage and branding guides from Kansas State University. In the region it’s verbally known and K-State, while officially it’s Kansas State University. I think there might be some good ideas here, well-thought-out and revised over the last decade or so: https://www.k-state.edu/vpcm/branding/

  3. Goaty McCheese

    August 4, 2014 at 7:27 pm

    There called the focus group because they want to get rid of Ole Miss. It’s going, eventually. This is how power imposes its will on the people – not with a bang but with a series of whimpers.

  4. Jdubyah67

    August 5, 2014 at 8:28 am

    Wow, all references can be used interchangeably… now that is break-through research if you ask me. I’m with Wanda, hope we spent millions on that. I am very sensitive to changing so much associated with my University because a few people are offended. I don’t live in the area and what I am learning, people outside of that area don’t really care. The alumni care when traditions are stopped because that changes the Ole Miss we remember… what bothers me is that the changes appear to be coming as reactionary tactics rather than from a solid plan. From Dixie with Love was one of the most awesome traditions I thought… the memories and emotions it stirred when played on the field and in The Grove brought me back to my days… but it was removed because people were offended by a few words people yelled? Why not change them? “Ole Miss will rise again” would seem appropriate when the majority of the people yell that instead, no one hears anything else. To not even try something else before “banning” the song seems short-sighted and reactionary.

  5. Rusty Reeves

    August 6, 2014 at 6:49 pm

    Wanda, where was that group when the Colonel got lynched? Or that damn bear showed up? They stuck their toe in the water and drew back a nub. Laughing my butt oFF at the spin. This guy should work in the White house. Just a matter o time then it all will be gone, the cemetery, the stained glass window in Ventress, the statue, the columns on Frat row. Its history in 20 years or less. Good to see we still got some gumption to Fight this liberal take over.

  6. Rusty Reeves

    August 6, 2014 at 6:54 pm

    Pusser, the Kansas 7th Regiment Calvary burned OxFord to the ground. They tried to burn ole miss but an enterprising Colonel with a soul stopped them. So I say to hell with you and your Kansas Redleggs. Too bad Bloody Bill stopped at Lawrence.

  7. Plantiff

    August 6, 2014 at 11:34 pm

    Too much talk about it on the part of the administration. The name originally came about more or less, spontaneously from its alumni and to discuss it all is ridiculous.The name became part of a brand that admin has been trying to disenfranchise for years and, effectively, ruin the best college brand in America. So the name “Ole Miss” belongs to its alumni no matter
    whether the official name is kept or not.

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    August 9, 2014 at 5:30 pm

    If “Nothing is changed and nothing will change” then what was the 6 point Marxist agenda? Why are we reading this current article? Having placed both feet in his mouth, today he attempts to dance. It stinks, he is a sham, and the whole thing should be forgotten ASAP and a huge apology to the universe be made Monday

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