MOST Conference Transforms College Curiosity into Confidence

More than 600 rising high school seniors from across the state were selected to participate in this year's conference, organized by the university's Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement in partnership with the Office of Admissions. The first session was June 29-July 1, and the second was July 13-15.

"The MOST Conference is a transformative experience that gives students a real taste of college life," said Karrye Tynes, director of the Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement. "It's a powerful head start on the transition from high school to higher education, and it builds confidence, connections and clarity about the college journey."

The MOST Conference has been around in some form since the 1970s and has been in the current iteration for a decade. An example of the Division of Access, Opportunity and Community Engagement's commitment to promote opportunities and serve Mississippi citizens and communities, MOST is designed to spark confidence, build leadership skills, promote self-advocacy and build a lasting support network of faculty, staff and students.

Over the course of the three-day event, students participated in breakout sessions that reflected emerging trends in higher education, such as mental health, ACT preparation, mentorships, student government and student services. They also bonded with fellow students and had fun with team-building activities and a silent disco.

"These sessions are aimed at helping students thrive in college and beyond," Tynes said.

Rising Madison Shannon Palmer High School senior Ja'Shun "Duke" Adams, from Marks, said he learned how to network and create new bonds with community members during the first session.

"MOST was an opportunity to see whether I could fit in and thrive in the university's environment," he said.

Labrandyus Campbell, a senior at Bay Springs High School from Louin, said the experience was fun and educational.

"I learned the most from the ACT workshop and I learned a lot from my mentors," Campbell said.

Almost 30% of the 2023 MOST cohort were freshmen at Ole Miss during the 2024-25 academic year. Many participants also continue to give back to the program by serving as MOST mentors or peer coordinators.

Natalia Williams, a sophomore international studies major from Cleveland, was a member of the 2023 cohort. The MOST conference was her first encounter with the university.

"My first thought was, 'This is where I want to be,'" Williams said. "I had a great time meeting new people, and those people played a vital role in my transition from high school.

"It has given me the resources for a solid foundation for success as a first-year student."

Calvin Johnson, a junior marketing major from Jonestown, attended the 2022 MOST Conference and has served as a mentor for the past two years.

"Being part of the MOST Conference was honestly one of the most impactful parts of my life," Johnson said. "It gave me the space to connect with people who shared similar values and pushed me to think deeper about who I am and what kind of impact I want to make.

"It's shaped how I carry myself as a student, leader and friend."

Tynes said she hopes this year's participants left feeling "empowered and prepared" for college.

"Whether they choose the University of Mississippi or another institution, our job at the MOST Conference is done if they leave feeling more confident in navigating college admissions, scholarships and campus involvement," she said.

Top: MOST Conference participants get a bag of themed gear to remind them of the skills and lessons learned at the annual event. More than 600 rising high school seniors attended this summer's MOST Conference in June and July at Ole Miss. Photo by Kirkland Horton/Smooveshots Photography