kids encyclopedia robot

University of Mississippi facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
The University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi seal.svg
Motto Pro scientia et sapientia (Latin)
Motto in English
For knowledge and wisdom
Type Public flagship research university
Established 1848; 176 years ago (1848)
Academic affiliations
ORAU
APLU
SURA
Sea-grant
Space-grant
Endowment $736.3 million (2019)
Budget $2.448 billion (2016)
Chancellor Glenn Boyce
Vice-Chancellor Katrina Caldwell
Provost Noel E. Wilkin
Academic staff
871
Students 23,258 (fall 2017)
Location
University
, ,
United States

34°21′54″N 89°32′17″W / 34.365°N 89.538°W / 34.365; -89.538
Campus Rural (small college town) 2,000+ acres
Colors Cardinal red and Navy blue
         
Nickname Rebels
Sporting affiliations
NCAA Division I FBS – SEC
University of Mississippi logo.svg

The University of Mississippi (also called Ole Miss) is a university in Oxford, Mississippi. The college was founded in 1848. Its sports teams, called the Rebels, play in the Southeastern Conference.

James Meredith OleMiss
James Meredith walking to class accompanied by U.S. marshals

History

In September 1962, James Meredith won a lawsuit to secure admission to the previously segregated University of Mississippi. He attempted to enter campus on September 20, on September 25, and again on September 26. He was blocked by Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett, who said, "[N]o school will be integrated in Mississippi while I am your Governor." The Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held Barnett and Lieutenant Governor Paul B. Johnson, Jr. in contempt, with fines of more than $10,000 for each day they refused to allow Meredith to enroll.

Attorney General Robert Kennedy sent U.S. Marshals. On September 30, 1962, Meredith entered the campus under their escort. Students and other whites began rioting that evening, throwing rocks and then shooting guns at the U.S. Marshals guarding Meredith. Two people were killed; 28 marshals suffered gunshot wounds; and 160 others were injured. After the Mississippi Highway Patrol withdrew from the campus, President John F. Kennedy sent regular US Army forces to the campus to quell the riot. Meredith began classes the day after the troops arrived.


Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Universidad de Misisipi para niños

kids search engine
University of Mississippi Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.