Faculty Laureates Logo with Torch

The Faculty Laureates program empowers faculty from all disciplines who work on the Oxford campus of the University of Mississippi to develop new alliances, projects, and knowledge. The program delivers a mechanism and framework through which faculty engage Mississippi communities and undertake bold initiatives. Faculty Laureates projects illustrate the importance of higher education and the impact of faculty contributions. Faculty Laureates serve as ambassadors and advocates for their fields, our university, and higher education.

Underwritten by the Dr. Daniel W. Jones Endowment for Faculty Support.

Faculty Laureates

2026 - 2028

Beth Ann Fennelly headshot against a blue background

Beth Ann Fennelly, MFA
Distinguished Professor of English

Luca Bombelli headshot against a blue background

Luca Bombelli, Ph.D.
Professor of Physics and Astronomy

2024 - 2026

Amanda Winburn, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies
and Professor of Counselor Education

Stephen Fafulas headshot against blue background

Stephen Fafulas, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Modern Languages

Faculty Laureate Program Guidelines

    • Introduce Mississippi to UM faculty

    • Showcase the impact of higher education in Mississippi

    • Retain and grow creative faculty

    • Encourage and enable creative work

    • Build new alliances, projects, and knowledge

  • ALL fields and disciplines are eligible.

    Faculty with 5 years minimum experience at UM at time of application are eligible.

    Faculty must have achieved, at time of application, the rank of Lecturer, Instructional Associate Professor, Associate Professor, or higher with full-time/permanent status.

  • Course Release
    50 percent (two class releases per semester if the class load is 3-3) 

    Stipends
    $7,500 per year, paid monthly through regular payroll

    Project Funds 
    $5,000 (for development)

    By January 19, 2027, propose a project and apply for full project funds.

    Travel Budget 
    $10,000 per year (with rollover possible)

  • 7 jurors make the selection

    • 3 meetings per year

    • Narrows field to finalists

    • Each finalist gets one interview with the jury

    2-3 Laureates selected after finalist interviews

    • Actual number based on strength of field

    • Faculty Laureates serve a 2-year term. Current term ends Summer 2026. New term Faculty Laureate term begins August 15, 2026.

  • Thomas Andre, Exercise Science

    Barry Babin, Marketing

    Nancy Maria Balach, Institute for the Arts

    John T Edge, Mississippi Lab

    Vanessa Gregory, Journalism and New Media

    Cecille Labuda, Physics and Astronomy

    Cade Smith, Access and Community Engagement

*Logo by students in Tyler Barnes’s graphic design class at the University of Mississippi.

Faculty Laureate Photo Credits: Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services