Bryant to address Ole Miss graduating classes
Governor is main speaker at May 10 ceremony
Gov. Phil Bryant will give the commencement address at the University of Mississippi on May 10, the university announced Friday.
Bryant will speak to graduating students, their families and guests at 9 a.m. in the Grove. This year’s graduating class includes about 2,650 spring candidates for graduate and undergraduate degrees, plus about 1,000 August 2013 graduates.
Individual schools will hold ceremonies at various times and locations on campus, but the main ceremony in the Grove will feature the governor’s remarks.
“Over the years, we have had leaders from many fields come to campus for our commencement addresses, and Gov. Bryant has provided valuable leadership to our state in both the legislative and executive branches for nearly 25 years,” Ole Miss Chancellor Dan Jones said in a statement. “By cham- pioning education and business reforms, he has helped drive economic development and provide a brighter future for all Mississippians. We look forward to the insights and challenges he will offer our graduates.”
Bryant, a Republican, never attended Ole Miss. He received an associate degree in criminal justice from Hinds Community College and completed a bachelor’s degree at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.
He also received a master’s degree in political science from Mississippi
College and served as an adjunct professor of government there before becoming governor.
In addition to Bryant’s remarks, the main ceremony will include remarks by the senior class president, recognition of the university’s outstanding teacher and announcements of the Frist Student Service Awards and the Distinguished Research and Creative Achievement Award.
In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved from the Grove to the Tad Smith Coliseum. Also, shuttle service for handicapped and elderly visitors will be available.