The University of Mississippi is dedicated to equal educational opportunity and a high quality of life for all of the citizens of the State of Mississippi. The current representation of African Americans within all levels of responsibility among faculty, staff, and students has reflected significant changes across time as the University continues to work toward the realization of our goals of equal opportunity. The receipt of national awards for the Minority Graduate Program acknowledges the visibility of our diversity efforts.

These achievements have been built on the foundation laid by the diligent efforts of many courageous Mississippians who have been committed to ensuring the accessibility of The University of Mississippi and other higher education institutions in our state of all citizens. One such important instance occurred during the spring of 1970 when black students at the University put forth demands for the incorporation of a Black Studies Program and underscored the need for the administration, faculty, and staff at the University to be reflective of the diversity within our state. One participant in these events, Dr. Don Cole, now serves as the Assistant Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Professor of Mathematics. His achievements underscore the positive contributions that he and his fellow students from that time have made to the University. In saluting Dr. Cole we recognize the contributions that he and his fellow students who helped establish in fact, as well as theory, that The University of Mississippi exists for the development of all our citizens.