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Front and Center

Every institution is rich with personal stories. We want to know ours, and to share them with you.

Do you know a student, staff member, volunteer or faculty member at the University of Mississippi Medical Center whose story would make an interesting feature, or who deserves to be recognized?

Someone who you think more people should know about because of his or her commitment to their job and/or the people they work with or for? Who has a fascinating hobby? Who takes part in a remarkable group? Who has accomplished something amazing?

We want to share what makes them special and unique. To nominate someone to be considered for a Front and Center feature, submit this short form. If your nominee is chosen, Communications and Marketing staff will be in contact to learn more about his or her personal story.

Latest News

Photos: UMMC celebrates employees with a week of appreciation events

Monday, May 18, 2026

Employees across UMMC took part in food, games, giveaways and celebrations during this year’s Employee Appreciation Week. The weeklong festivities recognized the people who support UMMC’s missions of education, research and patient care every day. Read More

Marlene Rios is among the first people patients meet at the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute.

Front and Center: Marlene Rios

Monday, May 11, 2026

Before patients meet their care team or hear a treatment plan, they meet someone who instantly puts them at ease. For CCRI, that reassuring presence is often Marlene Rios. Read More

Front and Center News Feed

Madison Hansen, a fourth‑year School of Medicine MD‑PhD student, founded Cantus Medici – Latin for “song of the healers” – in 2023. She said the student‑interest group explores the intersections of music, medicine and neuroscience.

Front and Center: Madison Hansen

Published on Tuesday, January 20, 2026

 Jason Dill, business administrator in the Department of Pathology, has worked at UMMC for eight years, first as an accountant and later as director of business operations for the School of Nursing.

Front and Center: Jason Dill

Published on Monday, January 5, 2026

 Mirna Vargas has been a cytotechnologist at UMMC for nearly a decade.

Front and Center: Mirna Vargas

Published on Monday, December 15, 2025

 Dr. Devika Das, director of the Division of Hematology and Oncology

Front and Center: Dr. Devika Das

Published on Monday, November 3, 2025

 Dr. Rakesh Chandra follows Dr. Scott Stringer as the second chair of the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery since the department's founding in 2002.

Front and Center: Dr. Rakesh Chandra

Published on Monday, October 13, 2025

 Rebecca Turner, a registered dietitian with UMMC's Lifestyle Medicine Clinic, helps patients achieve health goals through healthy eating habits.

Front and Center: Rebecca Turner

Published on Monday, September 8, 2025

 Sgt. Shanice Mays oversees officers working the night shift, a time when the Emergency Department is among the areas her unit visits.

Front and Center: Shanice Mays

Published on Tuesday, September 2, 2025

 Dr. Twila Rawson has provided care to Mississippi children for four decades.

Front and Center: Dr. Twila Rawson

Published on Monday, August 4, 2025