Video: Ole Miss Students Organize Rally In Support Of Chancellor Jones

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OXFORD, MISS. (WCBI) – Hundreds of Ole Miss students gathered for a public show of support for Chancellor Dan Jones. A lunchtime rally called on the Institutions of Higher Learning to reverse last week’s decision and extend the Chancellor’s contract. WCBI’s Allie Martin was there and has this report.

Like many of his fellow students, Ryan Felder was shocked, surprised and saddened when he learned the IHL had not renewed Chancellor Jones’ contract.

“It shocked us all into action,” Felder said.

Felder helped organize the group “Students for Chancellor Jones” and what began as a social media movement, culminated in a rally in front of the Lyceum.

The hour long rally featured members of the Associated Student Body, Faculty Senate and Staff Council . Each of those entities have passed resolutions calling for the IHL renew the chancellor’s contract.

In its decision to fire Jones, the IHL cited financial concerns with the University of Mississippi Medical Center. But supporters of the Chancellor, who has led the university for six years, say his leadership has taken Ole Miss to new heights.

“I can’t imagine a CEO anywhere that signs every contract, three audits shown there is no financial mismanagement,” said Oxford resident Dianne Fergusson.

“We the students do support our Chancellor, first of all and it lets us show we can do things in a peaceful manner to show something we would like to see happen,” said Freshman Kevin Brown.

“Dan Jones, is an incredible man, he’s able to bring together a variety of people on an issue and make it happen, I think it’s rare in any leader,” said Senior Phillip Waller.

The rally ended with a call for continued action, students say there will be more protests like this one, until the IHL reverses its decision.

Jones’ contract is set to expire in September.