The University of Mississippi Athletics
FedEx Student-Athlete Academic Support Center
6/18/2007 | Athletics
The center provides state-of-the-art computer facilities and space for study halls and tutoring for student-athletes, as well as additional classrooms for all students.
"FedEx has always been a strong supporter of educational initiatives at all levels," said Mike Glenn, executive vice president, marketing development and corporate communications. "This contribution to the University of Mississippi is an extension of our commitment to helping improve the academic resources available to students, and student-athletes in particular."
Glenn said FedEx and Ole Miss are committed to providing a strong academic foundation to enable students to reach their full potential.
The money has been used to renovate a portion of the Starnes Athletic Center—which formerly housed football locker rooms, a weight room and training facilities—next to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on All-American Drive. The 22,500-square-foot building now houses the Office of Student-Athlete Academic Support, including offices, conference rooms, 20 large and small group tutoring rooms, a large study area, a multi-media classroom, computer lab and 150-seat high-tech auditorium. The project was completed in May 2007 with an approximate cost of $5 million.
In accepting the FedEx gift, university officials said the new center provides an important link in the university's goal to compete at the highest level in every aspect of its intercollegiate programs.
"American public universities are the best in the world largely because of the generosity of American corporations," said Chancellor Robert Khayat. "FedEx sets the standard for philanthropy by which others are measured. In this case, Ole Miss student-athletes are the primary beneficiaries, but all our students will benefit and, as a result, our entire state benefits."
Athletics Director Pete Boone said the FedEx Academic Support Center plays a valuable role in preparing student-athletes for success after their collegiate playing days are concluded.
"In recruiting, we make a commitment to young men and women and their parents. We promise to provide a positive environment of support to help them achieve their maximum potential in their academic and athletic pursuits," said Boone. "The FedEx Academic Support Center enables Ole Miss to go beyond that promise. The Center's front-line technology and classroom environment provide our student-athletes one of the best learning environments in the country."
In addition to its latest gift to the university, FedEx supports several endowed scholarship programs, the Whitten Chair in Law, the Lott Leadership Institute, the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation and William Faulkner's historic home, Rowan Oak.