50 Years Later and Ole Miss is Still Changing

Donald R. Cole speaks to a packed crowd of students in the Overby Center as the university wraps up its week long celebration of being integrated for 50 years. 


Houston Buckley

JOUR 271

Overby Center Article

379 words

            Oxford, Miss. – Chancellor Dan Jones quieted a mixed crowd in the Overby Center as he prepared to introduce a panel of speakers. Among these speakers were historians, past students, and past administrators. Chancellor Jones was preparing to introduce speakers for the final installment of lectures about the 50^th anniversary of the integration of Ole Miss.

            Among these speakers was David Sansing. Sansing is part of the Ole Miss Department of History, and received his PHD from Southern Miss in Mississippi history. Sansing is the author of a history book entitled The University of Mississippi, and is an associate editor to the Mississippi Encyclopedia.

            Sansing introduced Gerald Walton, a former Ole Miss graduate and chancellor. Walton once signed a document that endangered his academic career. The document stated that the National Guard members did not start the riot that occurred when James Meridith was registering for classes. “I remember in the 80’s when I was looking out over the circle,” said Walton. “I saw black, white, and all other kinds of students. That should say something.” Walton went on to say, “While we may have a long way to go, we have made great strides.”

            ‘Great strides’ are something that comes naturally to Ole Miss, and Donald R. Cole is an example of these strides. Cole is a faculty member and former administrator, and he tried to acquire his job during a time of protest. “I believed Ole Miss was thoroughly integrated,” said Cole. “There were faculty members that were not going to teach me in 1968, I was not prepared.” With the Vietnam War in full swing, protest was the popular thing across the country. Cole said, “Can you believe we were protesting things so exotic such as faculty members being integrated?”

            Vallerie Ross was another speaker who is a former Ole Miss student. Ross spoke about the change that Ole Miss has gone through in 50 years since it has become integrated. “We are taking an honest look at ourselves in the mirror,” said Ross. “And it has never been more beautiful than it is today.” Ross wants students to feel at home in their Alma Mater, and the integration of Ole Miss has changed the face of the University forever.