Eight UMMC Graduates pose for a photo at Commencement

71st Annual UMMC Commencement

Friday, May 28, 2027 at 10 a.m.
Mississippi Coliseum
Online learning students in coffee shop attend class on a laptop

Earn your UMMC degree online
Students interacting at an Interprofessional Education event

Interprofessional Education at UMMC
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Welcome to the Office of Academic Affairs

Portrait of Dr. Scott Rogers and Dr. Natalie Gaughf
Scott M. Rodgers, MD Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Natalie W. Gaughf, PhD, ABPP Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

The University of Mississippi Medical Center supports six health professions schools on its main campus in Jackson and successfully graduates roughly 1000 health care professionals each year, many of whom choose to stay and practice in the state.

The Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs oversees the academic enterprise of UMMC. To support our academic mission, each member of our team plays an essential role in our continuing success as we work to identify and promote best practices in health care education, including the following: 

  • Academic planning and strategy
  • Academic policies and procedures
  • Continuing health professions education
  • Faculty development and success
  • Institutional accreditation
  • Quality improvement and innovation in education
  • Resources through the Rowland Medical Library
  • Student services and success

Our goals are to provide quality education to our students and trainees and to promote lifelong learning to our alumni, faculty, and staff.

Thank you for visiting our webpage, and please feel free to browse through our many programs.  

Six Schools. One UMMC.

  1. School of Medicine building exterior.

    1955

    School of Medicine
  2. School of Nursing building exterior.

    1958

    School of Nursing
  3. School of Health Related Professions building exterior.

    1973

    School of Health Related Professions
  4. School of Dentistry building exterior.

    1975

    School of Dentistry
  5. SGSHS building exterior.

    2001

    School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences

  6. School of Population Health exterior building.

    2016

    John D. Bower School of Population Health

Faculty Directory

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Academic Affairs News

Sarah, Elizabeth and Michael Basha are apparently the first set of triplets to attend the School of Medicine together.

‘Lucky Threes’ distinguish Class of 2029

Monday, June 15, 2026

One set of triplets in a medical school class is a rare occurrence. The UMMC School of Medicine has two sets of triplets represented in the same class, highlighting a remarkable first for the school. Read More

Photos: Graduates prepare for the next chapter of their lives

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

As the University of Mississippi Medical Center honored its Class of 2026 during commencement ceremonies Friday, graduates were reminded that health care is more than a profession — it is a calling. The celebration represents the resilience, compassion and purpose of students preparing to make a lasting impact on patients and communities. Read More

Latest Articles

Graduating students representing six schools across the academic health sciences assembled inside the Mississippi Coliseum for UMMC's 70th commencement.

UMMC honors 992 health care professionals at 70th annual commencement

Published on Friday, May 22, 2026

PhD graduate left India for UMMC to advance her research goals

Published on Monday, May 18, 2026

 From left, Dr. Lee Brown, 2026 SHRP Alumnus of the Year, SHRP Dean Dr. Jay Garner and 2026 SHRP Early Achievement Award winner Dr. Chelsea Stephens

Career pivots lead SHRP Alumnus of the Year, Early Career Achievement awardees to UMMC

Published on Monday, May 11, 2026

 From left, 2026 SON Early Achievement Award winner Michael Jones, Dr. Tina Martin, SON dean, and 2026 SON Alumna of the Year Dr. Jennifer Hitt.

SON recognizes Alumnus of the Year, Early Career Achievement award winners

Published on Monday, May 11, 2026

 McKing Amedari, a 2025–2026 Honors College member in the John D. Bower School of Population Health, receives his certificate of completion of the program from Dr. Scott Rodgers, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Students celebrated for achievements at first UMMC Honors College awards

Published on Monday, May 11, 2026

UMMC graduate Hunter Sylvester pursues life-changing Alzheimer’s research

Published on Monday, May 11, 2026

 Image for For School of Nursing student, degree is fulfillment of lifelong calling

For School of Nursing student, degree is fulfillment of lifelong calling

Published on Monday, May 4, 2026

 Dr. Michael D. Roach, professor in the Department of Biomedical Materials Science, was named the inaugural Lyle D. Zardiackas, PhD, FADM, FASTM Professor in Biomedical Materials Science, which honors the legacy of the late Dr. Zardiackas, who founded the department.

Gift from pioneering researcher establishes professorship, names lab at UMMC

Published on Monday, April 27, 2026

Find Us on Social Media

Get news and information you need about the Office of Academic Affairs by connecting with us through our social media community. Our office is active on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Learn more about the student activities, events, programs, and services we support.

We look forward to engaging with you!

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Upcoming Academic Calendar Items

Ophthalmology Chief Clinical Cases

Monday, June 22 at 4:30 p.m

Dr. Kyle Freeman, PGY2; Dr. Chase Warren, PGY3; and Dr. Katie Pongetti, PGY4, will present the Ophthalmology Chief Clinical Case Studies at 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 22.

Read More
Portrait of Dr. Evan Rosen

CRRC Seminar Series

Thursday, June 25 at 12:00 p.m

Evan Rosen, MD, PhD, professor at Harvard Medical School and director of the Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Core at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, will present the Cardiovascular Renal Research Center Seminar, "Oxytocin: New Metabolic Roles for an Ancient Hormone."
Read More
Portrait of Dr. David Norris

Faculty Focus

Friday, June 26 at 12:00 p.m

David Norris, MD, professor in the Department of Family Medicine, assistant dean for academic affairs in the School of Medicine, will present the Faculty Focus session, "Defeating GIGO: Practical Prompt Engineering for Better AI Results."

Read More

Everyday Wellness Walking

Thursday, July 9 at 12:15 p.m

Join Everyday Wellness for a 20-minute walking event designed to keep you moving and cool during the summer months at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, July 9, in the Hall of Portraits. Participants will receive a bingo card to add a fun, interactive twist to the walk. We hope you’ll join us!

Read More

SHRP Summer Preview Day

Friday, July 17

MS Center for Violence Research Series

Wednesday, July 22

School of Medicine Alumni Awards Dinner

Friday, July 24

School of Medicine Alumni Brunch and Tours

Saturday, July 25

School of Medicine Alumni Awards Dinner

Saturday, July 25

Ophthalmology Chief Clinical Cases

Monday, July 27

Mississippi Miracles Radiothon

Thursday, Aug. 13 to Aug. 14

Everyday Wellness Walking

Thursday, August 13

View Full Academic Calendar