Successful fundraising is the cornerstone of a great university. Ole Miss has met that mark in recent years, evidenced by the $194 million the University of Mississippi Foundation received from private donors and foundations last year.

The majority of those gifts are directed to specific programs, and they are vital to the overall health and growth of the university.

But Ole Miss’ latest fundraising campaign, Invest in Ole Miss, is another step in the university’s powerful forward progress.

Honoring the investiture of new Ole Miss Chancellor Jeff rey Vitter, Invest in Ole Miss provides unrestricted funds that support Ole Miss’ schools and colleges at the dean’s discretion. That means more money for new faculty and on-campus programs.

In the Oxford community, that translates into economic and education growth that simultaneously benefits our overall heath as well. Every time a new, top-notch faculty member comes to the community, we grow in a positive direction. Every time a new, quality program is launched, we benefit.

Chancellor Jeff Vitter is the right chancellor for Ole Miss at the right time, and Invest in Ole Miss is a perfect way to honor his leadership.