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Profile 2025
PUBLISHER
Rebecca Alexander EXECUTIVE
EDITOR
Jeremy Weldon
EDITOR
Alyssa Schnugg
CONTRIBUTORS
Bruce Newman
Galen Holley
Angela Cutrer
Davis Coen
Donna Campbell
Harold Brummett
DESIGN
Victoria Hutton
MARKETING
Amelia Ott
Joseph Climer
PHOTOGRAPHY
Bruce Newman
We Get To Live Here
We are thrilled to present this year’s Profile edition to the Oxford, Lafayette, and University community. This magazine is the result of months of planning and preparation, made possible through the generous support of our business advertisers. It is our privilege to showcase the people, places, and stories that make our home so special.
This year’s theme, We Get To Live Here, is a phrase often shared among friends and residents—a simple yet powerful reminder of how fortunate we are to call
this community home. With so many visitors drawn to Oxford’s charm, we are the ones who have the privilege of experiencing its magic every day. There is no place quite like it, not just in Mississippi, but in the entire Southeast.
We dedicate this edition to the many individuals who contribute to making this community an extraordinary place to live. Within these pages, we celebrate just a few of the remarkable people who make the LOU community so special.
Enjoy, Rebecca Alexander
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MIKE GRANT
BY ALYSSA SCHNUGG | BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Whether it’s cleaning the Square in the middle of the night, planting thousands of tulips, or preparing for the next big event, Assistant Director of Buildings and Grounds Mike Grant and his team ensure Oxford remains a city that’s not just lived in, but loved.
For Grant, mornings start at 3 a.m. By 4:45 a.m., he’s at his office, planning the day for his team of 30 employees. While most of us are still asleep, Grant and his crew are already making Oxford shine.
“My guys come in at 4 a.m. seven days a
week,” he said. “Sometimes I get a call earlier if there’s a problem that needs immediate attention. We work until about 3:30 p.m. in the afternoon, but things can happen anytime, so we’re always ready.”
Grant’s team handles a bit of everything— from mowing grass in Oxford’s parks to maintaining every city-owned building. They’re also responsible for keeping the Square spotless and planting seasonal flowers that seem to bloom all year.
“We’ve got guys on the Square early on weekends,” Grant said. “During football
season, they’re out there by 3:45 a.m. picking up trash, sweeping streets and making sure the Square looks perfect before sunrise. It takes about three hours.”
And then there’s Christmas. Grant’s team transforms Oxford into a holiday wonderland, hanging decorations and lights starting at 4 a.m. during the workweek.
“It takes about a week to get everything up,” Grant said. “Christmas is a whole different animal.”
Grant’s journey to this role has been anything but typical. Born in Greenwood, and raised on
a farm, he said he’s always been mechanically inclined. His first job was as a lineman for North East Power, but coaching football became his calling.
Over the years, Grant coached at Ole Miss, Mississippi State and in Tennessee. After retiring, he returned to Oxford in 2014 and built a home on his wife’s family land.
The work doesn’t slow down for Grant and his team, regardless of the season. In the late fall, they plant 10,000 tulip bulbs on the Square, paired with pansies to keep the area colorful through winter.
When spring arrives, they pull out the tulips and replace them with summer plants.
“We’re constantly changing things up to keep the city looking fresh,” Grant said.
With years of experience keeping the Square clean, Grant’s team has stumbled across some odd finds.
“We’ve found all kinds of stuff,” he laughs. “Phones, wallets, people sleeping — you name it.”
Grant takes pride in the compliments Oxford receives for its well-kept appearance, but not for himself.
“It makes me happy for my guys because they work so hard,” he said. “They’re the ones doing the hands-on work. I just point them in the right direction. They want Oxford to look
good, so it makes my job a whole lot easier.” When he’s not busy overseeing Oxford’s grounds, Grant enjoys spending time on his property 6 miles outside of town.
Family is a big part of Grant’s life. Married to Betty Rikard Grant, he has four grandkids who keep him busy. He and his wife had two children; however, his son tragically died two years ago.
“I’ve got a good bit of land,” he said. “Sometimes I’ll just get on my tractor, cut trees or ride the side-by-side. But after all those years of traveling as a coach, it’s just nice to be at home.”
Bruce Newman Photography; From holiday lights to spring tulips, the Oxford Square shines year-round thanks to Mike Grant and his team.
BEN REQUET
Future
BY DONNA CAMPBELL | BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Ben Requet’s journey from golfer to Oxford’s city planner sounds a bit like a country song.
The Illinoisan moved to Mississippi in 2003 to attend Ole Miss and found the woman he’d eventually marry.
“We met here on campus years ago and fell in love,” he said. “It’s like a country record. People come down here and fall in love. I fell in love with the University of Mississippi. I fell in love with the town of Oxford and I fell in love with the love of my life, Dana.”
Requet came South from Moline, Illinois, to attend college. Dana Ros headed north to Oxford from the Gulf Coast for the same reason.
Oxford was their town to be together. Here they found their future.
But before the couple met, married, settled down and began a family that includes Mary Frances, 7, and John Vincent, 18 months, Requet needed to discover the city that would eventually become home.
After his high school graduation, he was encouraged by family friends from Batesville to consider college in Mississippi. And since
he was an avid golfer, he looked at a degree in Mississippi State University’s professional golf management program.
Then he rolled into Oxford to visit Ole Miss.
— Ben Requet
“I remember going into town and thinking how beautiful the campus was and was how it was very much intertwined with nature, a lot of pine trees,” he said. “I remember coming down here and thinking, ‘This is just great. I can really see myself being here.’”
His grandparents owned three restaurants in Illinois. He was the third generation to graduate from his high school. Everyone knew his family. But in Oxford, he was a lone
wolf. He could grow into his own person. “It gave me the opportunity to sow my own oats. I had to get out of my comfort zone,” he said.
At Ole Miss, he pursued undergraduate degrees in history and political science. He contemplated a law degree, but his family was involved in real estate development and that intrigued him as well.
Dana helped steer him in the right direction, setting the plan in motion that would shape their lives. He pursued a master’s degree in regional planning from the University of Memphis.
He gained real-life experience as sustainability coordinator for the Gulf Regional Planning Commission in Biloxi for four years, then came back to Oxford as a senior planner with the city in 2015. Just a year later he was named assistant director of planning, learning from his boss, Judy Daniel before taking over the top job in the planning department in 2018 when she retired.
and just being a voice of reason if I need to bounce something off of her,” he said. “What she taught me is it’s ok to try things, to be creative and see if they work, and if they do work, then great, but if they don’t, change it.”
Planning the future of Oxford is just another verse in his country song.
“This is the best-case scenario for somebody like me,” he said. “I love this town so much. I understand it. And I understand the challenges it goes through as we continue to grow.”
His vision for Oxford evolves as he does.
The young man who loves biking, hiking, hunting and golf understands the needs for recreation and protected bike lanes and trails.
The husband recognizes the need for affordable housing at all price points, access to restaurants with outdoor dining, unique shopping experiences and maintaining cultural charms and historic landmarks.
The sports fan sees the need for transportation improvements like six-lane roads when the city of 30,000 swells to nearly 300,000 on game weekends.
“That presents its own challenges in being able to provide the infrastructure that allows
This is the best-case scenario for somebody like me. I love this town so much. I understand it. And I understand the challenges it goes through as we continue to grow.
Ben Requet
you to kind of swell up when you need it but also provide the infrastructure that’s not so big that on a day-to-day basis you still have that small town feel that people love about this community,” he said.
Fatherhood brought another level of perspective. He values parks, playgrounds and places to enjoy time with his family.
Requet looks for ways to incorporate all of that into his vision for the city, which is the second fastest-growing college town in America. Oxford is second to Bozeman, Montana – home of Montana State University. Requet pointed to a survey by BrokeScholar that shows Oxford has grown in population by 102 percent between 2000 and 2023. The study predicts a 24 percent increase over the
next six years.
“As Oxford continues to grow, I think it’s imperative that we evaluate ways that we can provide more opportunities for parks in the future,” he said. It’s not just more parks. It’s more everything, while still maintaining the small-town charm that convinces visitors like himself to become residents.
“I believe that trend will continue for years to come and as a result we're going to wake up one day and Oxford’s going to going to be up 100,000 regular residents,” he said. “Part of my job is to be thinking through that and how we provide the same facilities that provide that same level of service as the community continues to grow. We're looking at ways that we can provide those for our neighborhoods that are growing on the fringes of the city.”
Planning for Oxford’s growth presents challenges, but Requet loves a challenge. By drawing on community input and his team’s experience and knowledge, they were able to take an area like East Jackson Avenue and transform it into a vital asset of the community through outdoor-dining opportunities.
Oxford City Hall, Bruce Newman Photography
Through that project, the planning department created shared-space guidelines that they’ll continue to look at for future projects.
He points to leadership of Mayor Robyn Tannehill and the Board of Aldermen for pushing to preserve history and nature while creating opportunities for improving a growing city.
His job is finding the balance and he couldn’t do it without his staff, who he calls brilliant experts in their topics, who also provide the best customer service to the people they serve – Oxford’s residents and visitors.
“They’re knowledgeable. They’re creative. They come up with great solutions to challenges,” he said. “We’re as much a family as my home family because we spend so much time together.”
They even travel together. Tannehill and the board encourage Requet and his team to visit other college towns and larger cities to spark ideas for Oxford. They recently traveled to northwest Arkansas to meet planners there and study the use of public art, roadway design and historic preservation.
“It’s not necessarily to replicate what they’re doing but to find Oxford’s version of ways to improve,” he said.
Requet sees himself eventually retiring in Oxford to fully enjoy the city he’s helping build for himself, his children and others.
“Oxford presents itself with new challenges every single day and that’s exciting to me. It makes me want to be here forever,” he said.
“We are blessed by great leadership in Mayor Tannehill and the rest of the board of aldermen. There’s great leadership at the City of Oxford and all of our department heads. Everybody we have here is fantastic.
“I’m a small cog in a great big wheel of tremendous folks that are doing their best to make Oxford that special place that we can all say ‘We get to live here.’”
SAMANTHA HAMBLIN, MSN, AGNP-C
Nurse Practitioner Helping People Heal
BY GALEN HOLLEY | REBEKAH CLAYTON, AT YOUR BEST PHOTO
F or Samantha Hamblin, healing people is simply to follow in the footsteps of Jesus –and that’s exactly where she wants to tread.
“I take seriously the opportunity to change somebody’s life, but it’s not about me, it’s for the glory of God,” said Hamblin, a nurse practitioner specializing in vascular surgery.
Hamblin, an Oxford resident and mother of two, said that her Christian faith guides her in all her work.
Samantha Hamblin has been a gift to our practice. She shines like a beacon, extending specialty vascular surgery care from the Delta to the Rolling Hills! Her background in vascular ultrasound gives her deep insight in to interpreting and understanding complex imaging tests. She is a great asset and an invaulable resource to our region and the medical community.
— Dr. Anton Dias Perera, Vascular Surgeon
“I understand that I’m just a part of something bigger, a part of God’s plan,” said Hamblin. “I’m blessed to be in a position to help.”
Rural experience
Hamblin grew up in the Delta. She witnessed firsthand the crippling effects of abject poverty. That upbringing shaped her outlook on healthcare.
“We have many in this state who don’t have access to nourishing food and information about living a healthy lifestyle,” said Hamblin, who works at the Vascular and Vein Institute of the South in Oxford. “Education and personal care are so critical to making our
state a better place to live.”
Hamblin graduated from Bayou Academy in Cleveland. She moved on to Ole Miss, where she earned a degree in psychology, but she always carried with her the image of what a lack of resources and financial strain does to people.
“If you don’t know, you don’t know, and so many of our residents simply don’t understand the factors that put their health at risk,” said Hamblin.
Smoking, bad food, and sedentary habits are the bane of many Mississippians, Hamblin said.
While in school, Hamblin worked as a phlebotomist. She eventually became a diagnostic ultrasound sonographer, an occupation at which she worked for more than 20 years. She felt called to continue her education.
“I had seen a lot, and done a lot,” said Hamblin. “I wanted to be involved in a more impactful way.” She went back to school to become a registered nurse. Hamblin always felt called to deepen her knowledge in healthcare, and, alongside it, her faith. She began to realize that her two passions intersected.
“I wanted to help bring a solution to people who had few other options,” said Hamblin. “I saw that God had a higher purpose for my life.”
Vascular health is of critical importance in a state that leads the nation in rates of hypertension, obesity, and general wellbeing. Hamblin wanted to confront those issues head-on. She earned a degree as a registered nurse and took a job in emergency care. From there she continued on to become a nurse practitioner because she saw a need to reach people on a local, personal level. Her
I wanted to help bring a solution to people who had few other options. I saw that God had a higher purpose for my life.
Samantha Hamblin
—
experience in the field of ultrasound provided her with intimate knowledge about the dangers of diabetics losing limbs, a problem that was especially prevalent among the poor. It became her focus.
“I’m really passionate about reaching people in underserved areas,” said Hamblin. “I’ve seen a lot of chronic disease, and it’s much more widespread than you might think.”
Spiritual healing
When she’s not at work, Hamblin likes to sing with the praise band at Pinelake Church. She had a spiritual awakening as a young adult and it changed the trajectory of her life. One of her favorite songs is “Thank you, Jesus, for the Blood,” perhaps a fitting song for a medical professional. She embraces trauma, and delights in healing. Her embrace of the poor and broken is biblical. Hamblin is highly esteemed among her colleagues, including vascular surgeon, Dr. Anton Dias Perera.
“Samantha Hamblin has been a gift to our practice,” said Dias Perera. “She shines like a beacon, extending speciality vascular care from the Delta to the rolling hills! Her background in vascular ultrasound gives her deep insight into interpreting and understanding complex
imaging tests. She is a great asset and an invaluable resource to our region and the medical community.
Hamblin said that humanity is the heart of any caregiver’s vocation. “It’s about lifting people up,” said Hamblin. “It’s about that moment, in the presence of God. I’m truly blessed to be part of it.”
Samantha Hamblin leading worship at Pinelake Oxford’s Women’s Refresh in February.
PAM SWAIN Helping Oxford's Businesses Grow
BY ANGELA CUTRER | BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Business is exploding in Oxford. That’s not unexpected, thanks to the anchor of Ole Miss, a thriving economy, consistent residential growth and the sweet spot of the city’s location.
Pam Swain, the president and chief operating officer of the Oxford Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, is a big part of the reason for the business and entrepreneur additions to the Oxford landscape, and it all started years ago.
Swain, a native of Jayess and a product of the University of Southern Mississippi, started off as a volunteer at a nonprofit back in Hattiesburg. “I found my passion with the chamber as a volunteer, using all my spare time to work with them,” she said. “I grew to love volunteerism and decided to become a staff member. I knew Oxford was the right place to move for my career.”
And how did Swain find Oxford? “The Oxford community is the absolute best place to live in Mississippi,” she said. “It’s unique, caring and welcoming. I moved here in 2002, having not attended Ole Miss or having any roots here. Yet, I was accepted with open arms amid the beauty of Oxford’s people in the most welcome atmosphere.”
“As someone not born in Oxford, I can use that perspective when speaking with people who want to move here or do business here. I get to tell them you can live here, run a business here, grow a family here. And I get the pleasure of working each and every day to help all Oxford’s businesses succeed,” she added.
After 22 years of working as a staff member, Swain took the reins as the CEO a little more than a year ago, and said the transition into the leader’s seat was easy “thanks to wonderful staff and core volunteer group. The staff is devoted to making the chamber what it is.
“My proudest moment was back in August 2023 when the chamber board of directors voted unanimously to promote me to the president/CEO position,” she added. “It literally
brought tears to my eyes that they had that faith in me and it was a dream come true.”
Swain took that trust and ramped up the value to businesses becoming a part of Oxford’s chamber. The chamber set out to expand and grow.
A decision last year to add a new staff member, Alyssa Benedict, as the community events coordinator, really pushed the chamber into the right direction. “She’s been a tremendous asset to helping us grow,” Swain said. “We’ve had the largest growth and membership rate this past year, and more engagements and new events have added value to our membership.
“The support our chamber gets from our members, sponsors and volunteers is what makes our chamber the best you’ll find anywhere, and I’m blessed to call these people my colleagues.”
According to data, the average retention rate for chambers of commerce is somewhere between 78 to 86 percent. Oxford now stands right at the top, with a 92 percent retention rate — a recordbreaking number in any part of the country.
“Last year, we expanded so much,” Swain explained. “We added four monthly events and a fifth event quarterly for chamber members. For this year, we want to settle in with that growth and engagement and make sure the events are the best they can be. We’ve done the growing and now we want to continue with our progress to make sure that that added value works and is successful.”
My proudest moment was back in August 2023 when the chamber board of directors voted unanimously to promote me to the president/CEO position. It literally brought tears to my eyes that they had that faith in me and it was a dream come true.
Pam Swain
Swain related how the best advice she ever received is the old quote “love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.” She said “that is so true and how I feel about coming to work every day. When I started at the chamber … years ago, I immediately realized that I could come to work every day and absolutely love what I do. And that still holds through today.
“We get to live here! And I get to work here!”
KIM PETTIS-WADLEY
The Heart Of The Oxford Park Commission
BY ALYSSA SCHNUGG | BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Kim Pettis-Wadley has been a steady presence at the Oxford Park Commission since 2007.
A Lafayette County native, Pettis-Wadley grew up in the area and attended Northwest Community College. Before OPC, she worked as a clerk at the Lafayette County Tax Collector’s Office. Her journey to OPC began when she spotted a job ad in the newspaper. Out of 41 applicants, she was the last to apply—and the one chosen.
Many of them participate in OPC programs, and she finds joy in making their visits special.
“Some may be single or widowed, and I might be the only person they talk to that day,” she said. “I love interacting with them and honestly, it’s the highlight of my day most of the time.”
I love what I do. I love the people that I work with. It just all depends on what God has in store for me.
Kim Pettis-Wadley
As Executive Secretary and Office Manager, Pettis-Wadley wears many hats. She handles reservations, types meeting minutes and answers phones, all while keeping the office at the Ulysses “Coach” Howell Activity Center running smoothly. She also plays a key role in registration for programs like soccer, basketball, softball and pickleball.
Whether someone signs up online or comes into the office, Pettis-Wadley is often the first person they meet.
“I think I set the tone,” she said. “You see so many different people, and I get very personable because I may be the only person they come in contact with that day.”
Over the years, Pettis-Wadley has built lasting connections. She’s seen kids she once registered return as adults, now signing up their own children.
Raised by her grandfather, Pettis-Wadley naturally connects with the older adults who spend time at the activity center.
Outside of work, Pettis-Wadley is a self-described laid-back and direct person. A member of Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church, she enjoys spending time with her family, including siblings, nieces and nephews.
Though she doesn’t have children of her own, she appreciates the opportunity to influence and inspire young people at OPC.
“I’m not here to be the kids’ friend like that, but that doesn’t mean I’m not friendly with them,” she said. “We’re not babysitters but I’ll tell them to act right when I need to. You never know where they come from and what’s going on in their lives so I want to be a positive influence.”
She also finds inspiration in the support she receives from the OPC community, which helps her through tough days.
Looking to the future, Pettis-Wadley doesn’t plan to retire anytime soon. She hopes to reach 28 years of service and remains open to wherever her faith guides her.
“I love what I do. I love the people that I work with,” she said “It just all depends on what God has in store for me.”
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TONY DEAL Operating With Traditional, Hometown Values
BY GALEN HOLLEY | BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
As a business owner and chairman of the OxfordLafayette County Chamber of Commerce, Tony Deal is carrying on a family legacy of integrity and civic responsibility.
“My father dealt fairly with people and treated them with respect,” said Deal, 52, owner and operator of Deal’s Auto Repair, a shop that has become synonymous with quality customer service. Deal’s father, John, ran an auto repair shop for 20 years. Deal’s mother, Martha, worked for the university.
Probably twenty percent of our business comes from out of town, including students, so we make sure people are comfortable and reassured when they do business with us. When you think about it, every family is like a small business, with two or three cars, so, when we take care of some 200 businesses, for instance, we have a lot of important work to do.
Tony Deal
Deal brings their earnest work ethic and commitment to serving the community to all that he does.
“In the auto repair business, it’s easy to take advantage of someone for a few dollars profit, but we value long-term relationships based on trust, so we treat people right,” said Deal. He and his wife, Brooke, have two children: a daughter, Madden, 17, who’s headed to Ole Miss, and a 12-year-old son, Ridge. Deal takes seriously the lessons he learned from his parents.
“Work isn’t always glorious, but working hard, treating people right, and doing your
absolute best makes it easier to sleep at night,” said Deal.
Character building
Deal also learned about hard work and fair play through participating in sports. He played offensive line on the football team at Lafayette High School then at Northwest Mississippi Community College. He took to heart the concept of good sportsmanship. Deal’s father introduced him to the world of auto work, and along the way, taught him lessons about becoming an honest, dependable man. “We worked on cars together, and let’s just say that I always knew to clean the tools
and put them back in their place,” said Deal, laughing.
After community college, Deal transferred to Ole Miss, where he earned a degree in business administration with a minor in accounting. He then entered the training program for Home Depot and took a position as a store manager in Tennessee. Eventually, the road led Deal out of retail and back to northeast Mississippi. An opportunity arose to open his own automotive shop.
At that point in his life, Deal was ready to return to the work he’d known as a boy. He had his upbringing in the car shop coupled with management expertise. The auto business had always been close to his heart.
“I’ve always been fascinated with cars,” said Deal, adding that his latest fixer-upper was a 1995 Chevrolet 1500 pickup. He’s also a motorcycle enthusiast. Deal is handy enough with a wrench to fill in when he’s needed around the shop, but said he’s more at home keeping the books, managing personnel and dealing with customers.
One of those faithful customers is Eli Gross, who said that his long standing business
relationship with Deal has given him peace of mind when dealing with auto repairs.
“When I take my vehicle into Tony’s shop, and he asks me what I want done, I just tell him to do with my car what he’d do with his own in the same situation. I have that kind of trust in him,” said Gross, adding that he also consults with Deal before buying a new car.
Gross has a lot of respect for Deal’s business acumen. “Some people understand well the particular widget with which they work
in their business, but maybe they aren’t as proficient with the financial end of things,” said Gross. “Tony operates what feels like a mom-and-pop business, with a personal touch, and he’s keen with the business side as well.”
Caring for his own employees is part of Deal’s commitment to responsible business practices.
“I’ve got six employees, so that’s six people who have to pay their house notes and all the
expenses of life, so people depend on me,” said Deal, adding that he has worked as a tow-truck driver and security guard to make sure that his business is well supported.
Serving on the executive committee of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce affords Deal another opportunity to help his community.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to help businesses and citizens take advantage of what our area has to offer,” said Deal, a chamber member
OXFORDHOMEFURNISHINGS
Deal’s Auto Repair, 2211 University Ave, Oxford, MS
Deal Family (L-R): Brooke, Madden, Ridge, Tony
for 20 years. In July of 2024, Deal was elected to a one-year term as chairman. Fellow board member Jason Plunk said that Deal has been an asset to the chamber and the community.
“It’s been an honor to serve alongside Tony and to watch the growth he’s helped promote,” said Plunk, adding that Deal has cultivated relationships with law enforcement and healthcare executives, and has promoted participation in Young Professionals of Oxford.
“Tony has great enthusiasm and commitment, and his talent for customer service and relatability are some of his strongest assets,” said Plunk.
Local commitment
Like all small business owners, Deal has faced challenges in recent years. The parts he orders for car repairs have risen by as much as 40 percent in some cases. Deal does his best to keep his costs moderate while
providing top quality service–service that’s often necessary when people are in a particularly vulnerable position.
“Probably twenty percent of our business comes from out of town, including students, so we make sure people are comfortable and reassured when they do business with us,” said Deal, adding that he works with many national warranty programs.
Deal is grateful to live in an area where there’s plenty of business.
“When you think about it, every family is like a small business, with two or three cars, so, when we take care of some 200 businesses, for instance, we have a lot of important work to do.”
Overall, Deal operates from a posture of gratitude.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of the business community and to help drive economic development,” said Deal. “This area and its people have a lot to be proud of.”
JILL STEVENS Oxford’s
BY ALYSSA SCHNUGG | BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Imagine moving to a new town for college and falling so deeply in love with it that you never leave. That’s exactly what happened to Jill Stevens.
In 1999, she arrived in Oxford, as a freshman at Ole Miss, and it didn’t take long for this charming town to capture her heart. While her parents begged her to come home, she found ways to stay in Oxford, enrolling in summer classes and soaking up every bit of this place she now calls home.
Growing up in Stevens was a die-hard Mississippi State fan, with weekends spent in Starkville. But during her senior year of high school, she experienced the magic of the Grove at Ole Miss with another family, and it was a game-changer. She knew right then and there that Oxford was her destiny.
After completing her undergraduate and graduate studies at Ole Miss by 2004, Jill stayed rooted in Oxford. She met and fell in love with Drew, and the two of them built a life together, raising two children -- Miley, 12, a seventh grader at Oxford Middle School, and Jack, 11, a fifth grader at Central Elementary School.
As a part-time substitute teacher, she has made it her mission to support Oxford’s schools. Right now, she is involved at Central Elementary, where she is also the PTO co-president. She has subbed all over—Oxford Middle School, Della Davidson Elementary and Oxford Intermediate School—but she feels most at home wherever her kids are.
Before diving into the PTO world, Stevens worked full-time with John Currence’s City Grocery Restaurant Group. But when her kids got older, she made the decision to step back and become a stay-athome mom.
When Mansi Patel and Stephanie Love, members of the Della Davison PTO, asked her to chair the Staff Appreciation Committee at Della, she found a passion for supporting the people who pour so much into Oxford’s children.
“I love being involved in these schools,” she said. “Until you’re really in there, you don’t see how hard these teachers work. It brings me so much joy to support them and make their days a little brighter.”
For two years, she volunteered as a delivery driver for Love Packs, a program founded by Liza Fruge and Camie Bianco, that provides
food for children in need. Eventually, her background in digital marketing led her to take over Love Packs’ social media, helping to share the heartwarming stories behind the organization and its volunteers.
“I love telling stories over social media and just kind of giving things a heartbeat,” Steven said. “Love Packs just needed that kind of daily experience to tell the story behind the amazing work of all the volunteers involved with the program.”
In 2024, she was named Citizen of the Year for her work with the schools and Love Packs. She has also been recognized as the 2024 Parent of the Year for Central Elementary School, the 2024 Parent of the Oxford School District and Della Davidson’s Parent of the Year in 2021.
Stevens credits her upbringing in Amory for instilling in her a deep appreciation for public schools and community involvement.
“Amory valued its schools so much,” she said. “Our entire town would empty out for sporting events. Oxford has that same spirit— the love for our schools and community is incredible.”
Stevens has always been someone who jumps in wherever she’s needed. Whether it’s coaching soccer at the Oxford Park Commission, teaching Sunday school at Pine Lake during the pandemic, or mentoring incoming Ole Miss freshmen, she finds joy in building relationships and giving back.
In the fall semester in 2024, she taught the **** class to incoming freshman.
“I loved telling these students, ‘You’ve got an entire town of people rooting for you. While you’re here, you’re family.’ Seeing their faces light up in realization was amazing,” she said.
She has made it her mission to leave every place better than she found it. From the classrooms to the soccer fields, from the PTO meetings to the Love Packs deliveries, she has poured her heart into Oxford.
“Wherever they need me to serve, that’s where I’ll be,” she said. “As my family’s seasons change, I’m sure there will be sports and other opportunities like school clubs to get involved with.
“There's no telling where, where I'll pop up.”
CHUCK FOWLER
Decorated Korean War Veteran Calls
BY HAROLD BRUMMETT | BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Born into hardship in rural Mississippi, Charles Fowler’s life has been one of resilience, faith, and service. From enduring the brutal cold of the Korean War to answering a divine call to preach, Fowler’s journey has been shaped by sacrifice and purpose. Now 93, the retired pastor and veteran reflects on his life—from the trenches of war to the pulpit of faith.
Fowler was born in Koscuisko Mississippi the May 25, 1932. His father dug wells by hand and passed away from pneumonia when Fowler was 6 years old.
Fowler believes that the depth of the well he was working on (more than 100 feet) and the lack of fresh air led to his father’s illness.
His mother raised eight boys and four girls with one boy who died at birth. There were five Fowler brothers in service during World War II.
Fowler enlisted in the Army in 1946 and served until September 1956. Fowler took his physical at Keesler Air Force Base, basic training at Fort Jackson South Carolina and advanced training at Fort Benning Georgia. Fowler said he returned home on a 30-day
leave after being in service for a year only to find out he had orders to go to Korea as the war had just broken out.
Assigned to the 65th Combat Engineer Battalion which participated in all 10
The work was endless, rebuilding blown bridges, patching roads, clearing mines and obstacles laid down by a Chinese enemy bent on creating an inescapable trap. The relentless cold penetrated everything and was unmerciful. The continuous work of keeping a retreating army moving contributed to Fowler’s frostbite. It was during this time that the future pastor said he, “Prayed to a God I did not know to get me out of there.”
campaigns of the Korean War, their job was to conduct missions like mine clearing, obstacle building, road improvements, and bridge construction
Fowler arrived in the Pusan perimeter, which was a last stand for the United Nations, where they fought off attacks from North Korea. The 65th Combat Engineer Battalion watched as
Marines pulled from the defensive line and loaded on ships.
“Many thought it was a withdrawal to Japan but later they learned of the Inchon landing,” Fowler said.
The 65th CEB (part of the 25th Infantry ‘Tropic Lightning’) received new orders to fight their way to Yeongdeungpo to meet up with the Marines moving inland from Inchon. The 65th CEB continued north with the offensive.
Fowler was at the Chosen Reservoir when the Chinese entered the conflict and threw the UN forces back. The winter was particularly cold with the temperature reaching as low as -50 degrees.
“My whole body froze,” he said.
The work was endless, rebuilding blown bridges, patching roads, clearing mines and obstacles laid down by a Chinese enemy bent on creating an inescapable trap. The relentless cold penetrated everything and was unmerciful. The continuous work of keeping a retreating army moving contributed to Fowler's frostbite.
It was during this time that the future pastor said he, “Prayed to a God I did not know to get
me out of there.”
Fowler evacuated by helicopter (the Bell 47 ‘MASH’ type) to the rear and later to the hospital ship Haven. On the Haven, a doctor told Fowler that he could get him back home quickly if he would consent to having his feet amputated. Fowler refused the offer of amputation and saved his feet.
After recuperating, Fowler continued to serve, reassigned to Germany. Fowler served in the military until 1956 and was discharged from service at Fort Lewis Washington.
In 1957, Fowler married Mary Olivia Johnston, also from Koscuisko. Fowler was 25 and Mary was 17. Using the GI bill, he went to barber school. After barbering for a while (owning his own shop) he felt the call to preach.
After attending Bible College in Orlando Florida he went on to seminary school in Texas. Fowler was the pastor in many
churches.
He and Mary were married for 63 years and raised two sons. Mary passed away on January 22, 2022.
Fowler retired from preaching in 2002.
Fowler’s home is now Beau Ridge Assisted Living in Oxford. He praises the staff who he said does a wonderful job taking care of him.
No longer preaching and still very active on his feet at 93, Fowler is always willing to say a few words at veterans' meetings. He is the past state Disabled American Veterans Chaplin.
Like in Matthew 18:20: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them" Fowler's feet still take him to wherever God calls.
To listen to Charles (Chuck) Fowler’s journey go to: https://koreanwarlegacy.org/ interviews/charles-fowler/.
RYAN MILLER Envisioning Oxford's Economic Future
BY ALYSSA SCHNUGG | BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
On any given day, Ryan Miller can be found navigating the intricate web of economic development, fostering growth, and shaping the future of Oxford and Lafayette County.
As the CEO of the Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation, Miller sees his work as more than just a job—it’s a mission. With a deep-rooted passion for the community and a vision for sustainable economic progress, he is determined to preserve and enhance what makes Oxford so special.
Born in Houston, Texas, Miller’s early years were shaped by movement. His father, Max Miller, was in the military for nearly 30 years, and the family lived in places as varied as Monterey, California; Washington, D.C.; and Anchorage, Alaska. Yet Mississippi always called them back. The family lived in Long Beach on the Gulf Coast during many of Miller’s formative years, and he spent his last three years of high school in Long Beach before making his way to the University of Mississippi as a freshman in 1997. His father’s career took an unexpected turn when he retired and transitioned into a role as a scholarship manager at Ole Miss.
For Miller, having his parents close during college was an unexpected blessing. Walking across campus with his father, he often heard Max marvel at their surroundings, saying, “Can you believe it? We get to live here.” That sentiment—one of deep gratitude and commitment to community—stayed with
Ryan Miller
Miller and is still often heard around town by Oxonians.
Miller’s professional journey began at the University of Mississippi’s Center for Manufacturing Excellence, where he spent 13 years as the associate director of external affairs. His expertise in workforce development led him to Accelerate Mississippi, a statewide initiative based in Jackson, where he worked for three years before returning to Oxford to take the helm at the EDF in March of last year.
Now, as the CEO of the EDF, Miller is responsible for crafting and executing strategies that support existing businesses while attracting new industries to Oxford and Lafayette County. His goal is not just to bring in new companies but to ensure they are good neighbors—businesses that align with the character and needs of the community.
“We’d love to see more jobs created that can put our hardworking people into better career paths,” Miller said. “How do we create opportunities for more people to come and
experience how special Oxford and Lafayette County are? That’s what drives me.
For Miller, economic development isn’t just about numbers and policies— it’s about people. He is keenly aware of the balance between growth and preservation, working to protect the unique charm of Oxford while expanding opportunities for residents. His father’s philosophy of giving back continues to guide him, reinforcing the idea that leadership means rolling up your sleeves and contributing to the community’s well-being.
Beyond his professional life, Miller is a devoted husband to Erin Miller and a proud father to their three children—Shirley, 14; Grace, 12; and Max, 9. The Millers share a deep love of music, often gathering as a family to play and sing together. Miller himself has written over 500 songs—some, he admits, better than others—but the joy of creating music with his loved ones is what matters most.
Despite his busy schedule, Miller prioritizes family time, whether it’s playing music, attending local events, or simply enjoying the town he works so hard to support. For now, his children still find joy in spending time with their parents—something he knows may change as they grow older, but a gift he cherishes in the present.
As he continues his work with the EDF, Miller remains guided by the words of his father: “We get to live here.”
TEASHA SANDERS Passionate Advocate For
BY ALYSSA SCHNUGG | BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Born in Oxford, Teasha Sander’s early life took a significant turn when her family relocated to Southern California. Growing up in Orange County and graduating from Chapman University in Orange, CA, she spent over three decades in Orange County before returing to Oxford.
Sanders now resides in Mississippi with her husband, Tony, and their daughter, Brooke. A junior at the University of Mississippi and a member of the National Honor Society, Brooklyn is on the path to pursuing a career in pharmacy.
Sanders’s professional journey at the Oxford Housing Authority began in 2010 when she joined as an Occupancy Specialist. It was a role that allowed her to build meaningful relationships with residents—connections rooted in respect and understanding.
“Those friendships have continued to grow and remain strong through the years as I transitioned into new roles,” Sanders said.
In 2018, she was promoted to Deputy Director, stepping into the shoes of her mentor, Jeff McClure, who played a pivotal role in her professional growth. Six years later, in 2024, Sanders was appointed Executive Director of both the Oxford Housing Authority and the
Mississippi Regional Housing Authority II.
“I’ve greatly valued every position I’ve held at Oxford Housing, but my current role offers the opportunity to pursue initiatives I’ve long been passionate about,” Sanders said. “I’ve had the unique perspective of observing how things operate from within and identifying areas for improvement. These experiences have shaped my vision and inspired the changes I’ve implemented since assuming my current role.”
One of her proudest achievements has been
I believe that when people feel proud of their living environment, it inspires them to maintain and take better care of it.
Teasha Sanders
leading a comprehensive remodeling project to enhance the interiors of the apartment units. By updating the spaces with fresh designs and modern touches, she has created a more inviting environment that residents can take pride in.
“I believe that when people feel proud of their living environment, it inspires them
to maintain and take better care of it,” she said. “These updates were long overdue, and I’m thrilled with the transformation we’ve achieved.”
The improvements didn’t stop there. Community laundry facilities were completely overhauled and plans are underway to beautify the exterior of the properties.
Sanders is determined to expand affordable housing options in Oxford and surrounding areas, a mission she pursues in collaboration with HUD and the city’s Affordable Housing Commission. Additionally, she is committed to empowering residents through access to classes and resources that promote self-sufficiency and success.
“I aim to equip our residents with the essential tools and skills needed to thrive and succeed,” she said. Despite the challenges that come with her role, Sanders finds deep fulfillment in her work. She credits her exceptional staff and the unwavering support of the Board of Commissioners for making her job rewarding. The backing of Mayor Tannehill, the City of Oxford, and the public has also been instrumental in the success of the housing authorities she leads.
“I am deeply appreciative of this backing, as
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it plays a critical role in ensuring the continued success of Oxford Housing,” she said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this organization, and I’m committed to making it the best it can be for both the staff I work alongside and the residents we serve.”
One of Sanders’s ongoing goals is to clear up common misconceptions about the two housing authorities she oversees. The Oxford Housing Authority manages public housing within the city of Oxford, serving 212 families across four complexes: CB Webb, Laurel Grove, Wayne Johnson and Willow Knoll.
In contrast, the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority II administers the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program across seven northern Mississippi counties, assisting over 600 families. While both programs aim to provide housing assistance, they operate under different guidelines.
Sanders emphasizes the
importance of understanding these distinctions, ensuring that residents and the broader community are informed about the vital services each program provides.
While Sanders dedicates much of her time to her work, she remains deeply family-oriented. She treasures visits to Southern California to spend time with family and finds joy in the simple pleasures of home life. An avid reader, she values moments of quiet downtime to recharge.
“Throughout my career, I’ve prioritized accessibility, often serving as a counselor, life coach, or simply as a friend who listens to our residents,” she said. “I genuinely care about their well-being and strive to do what is best for them. My core philosophy in life is to treat others the way I would want to be treated, and I apply this principle both professionally and personally.”
LAUREN CLEARY
Faith, Family, And A Passion For Community
BY GALEN HOLLEY | BILL DABNEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Lauren Cleary has many roles in life, but the ones of which she’s proudest are mother and committed Christian.
“Family is the priority in my life, and it's the driving force behind all I do,” said Cleary, a wife and mother of two and an associate real estate broker. Cleary and her husband Mark operate the firm of Cannon Cleary McGraw in Oxford.
Cleary is originally from Birmingham, AL, and Mark is from Houston, Texas. They met at Ole Miss, and Cleary said that Oxford's vibrancy and cultural robustness have made it a great environment for growing their family and business.
“Oxford and Ole Miss are really at the heart of who we are as a family, and this area has a certain magic,” said Cleary.
Community oriented Cleary graduated from Ole Miss in 2006 with a degree in marketing and real estate. She obtained her real estate license as a senior and started working immediately after graduating. The realty community offered her strong support and guideance. She credits associate broker Harry Alexander as a colleague who helped her get started in the business.
“I’ve been lucky enough to work with great mentors, like Harry, whose wisdom has truly been appreciated,’ said Cleary. “He advised me to go ahead and become an expert in my field and to get my real estate broker’s license.” Along with her husband and partners, Cleary helped found CCM in 2019.
organization.
“I’m so pleased that the group is still going strong today,” said Cleary.
She served on the board of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and worked with Leadership Lafayette, a program designed to promote networking among community-minded citizens committed to bettering the area.
Among all her civic endeavors, she is most passionate about her work with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. She has helped organize the Monster’s Ball, a costume party held in October.
“We saw the need for an annual fundraiser and many good people have helped make it happen,” said Cleary.
The ball is a chance to network and have fun while donating to Le Bonheur. During COVID-19, it became problematic to host large indoor events, so Cleary and friends came up with a solution.
“We had to pivot, but the benefit golf tournament has turned out to be a real success, and, along with the Monster’s Ball, we’ve raised a lot of money,” said Cleary. “We have a stellar board that helps bring all that together, and the Oxford Country Club has been very gracious to host the tournament.”
To date, Cleary and her colleagues have raised more than a million dollars for Le Bonheur.
Cleary is also a proud member of Oxford University United Methodist Church, and she heads up a small, faith-sharing group.
“We call it Jesus Therapy,” said Cleary.
good man,” said Cleary.
Cleary has earned the respect and admiration of her peers, including her mentor, Harry Alexander.
“I just think the world of Lauren,” said Alexander, who works alongside Cleary at the real estate firm. “She has a way of always being on the forefront of children’s and family issues, and she’s a positive light in the community. She’s a great friend and peer.”
The good people at Le Bonheur are certainly grateful for Cleary’s help.
“We’re grateful to have Lauren as part of our family,” said Michelle Rogers, director of development at Le Bonheur. “She’s a key board member for the annual Monster’s Ball. She advocates for what is best for Mississippi’s children. She also serves on Le Bonheur’s National Leadership Council to support our efforts through advocacy and philanthropy. Her passion for children shines through.”
The Cleary household is a busy one. Their son, Topher, 8, and daughter, Carolina, 5, are involved in numerous sports.
“I feel like a glorified taxi driver some days,” said Cleary, laughing. “We have a three-yearold golden doodle named Houston, who is definitely part of the family too,” said Cleary. Cleary is a strong ambassador for Oxford, and the interconnectedness of its citizens invigorates her.
“Time almost stands still here,” she said. “It’s a vibrant community, with a lot of chances to get involved. It’s growing fast, but it still has that white-picket-fence, Mayberry feel.”
Conjures
BY GALEN HOLLEY | BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Nothing about devil’s food cake with Earl Grey Swiss meringue and orange vanilla ganache sounds amateurish, but pastry chef Mary Reagan Starrett will be the first to tell you that she’s pretty new to the game.
“I accidentally fell into the position,” said sprightly Starrett, just 26 years old. “I needed a job, so I was hired on as a line cook, and my cooking career took off from there.”
Despite her youth and recent entry into the culinary world, Starrett is already in charge of creating confections for two of Oxford’s popular restaurants, Snackbar and City Grocery. Her ever changing lineup of deserts reads like a menu from the mind of a Michelin-starred chef. Take for example Starrett’s Southern sourced pavlova with whipped cream and Louisiana strawberries, (a meringue-based cake with a crisp finish and soft inside), or the exotic sounding tahini chocolate tart with candied kumquats, (a decadent selection with a hint of the Middle East). Autumnal ingredients are apropos in cold weather, like cinnamon rolls made from butternut squash, apple and pecan. Starrett changes her dessert menu every six weeks, (she routinely features four desserts at each restaurant; City Grocery offers two desserts at lunch and four at dinner, and Snackbar, which only serves dinner, always offers four) so she’s continually stoking the oven of her creativity, and she draws inspiration from rather unconventional sources.
“One of my hobbies is foraging, so I love to incorporate natural items into my cooking,” said Starrett, who infuses ice-cream and creme brulee with honeysuckle, producing “a warm, strong flavor,” as she describes it. She also incorporates elderflowers into simple cakes and avails herself of purple kudzu flowers which she said smell and taste like grape soda. Starrett even uses leftover carrots from the bar to make carrot cake. A patch of woods behind Snackbar provides Starrett with a patch of blackberries. She likes to pick them when the ground is still wet with dew.
Accidental career
Starrett didn’t come to Oxford chasing culinary dreams. A native of Montgomery, Alabama, she started as an English major at Ole Miss and played clarinet in the Pride of the South Band. Then came COVID.
I’m absolutely fascinated by making something out of nothing, or transforming various ingredients.
Mary Reagan Starrett
“I needed a job, but I’d never really cooked before,” said Starrett. “I didn’t even hold a knife correctly.” She manned a skillet on the line at Snackbar and found that she liked kitchen culture. She started baking as a hobby. “I became obsessed with making cookies,” said Starrett, laughing. “It got pretty intense. I became interested in the science of food in general, and I started making cookies and bringing them to work.”
Her kitchen coworkers liked her cookies and encouraged her to continue baking. “I had zero formal training,” Starrett said. “I didn’t even have a candy thermometer, but I liked experimenting with food, like what sugar becomes when it’s cooked to a certain stage, or what a mixture of fudge and coconut milk might be like. I just kept learning.”
Not unlike music, cooking requires skillful
technique, practice, and perhaps an innate feel for harmonizing ingredients, Starrett said.
“There’s a big difference between cooking and baking,” said Starrett, musing. “It takes intuition to cook, and a good bit of hard science to bake, but, of course, the two are not diametrically opposed.” She paused and laughed.
“I think it’s possible to bake with intuition too, but I’m kind of rough around the edges,” she added. Although Starrett humbly downplays her expertise, the sophistication of her creations speaks for itself. When she steeps the Earl Grey tea in butter for her devil’s food cake dessert, it “becomes something else,” as she describes it, “toasty and perfumy,” and when combined with bergamot orange, it becomes a luxuriant mixture of taste experiences. Starrett said that making deserts is not unlike alchemy. “I’m absolutely fascinated by making something out of nothing, or transforming various ingredients,” she said. Still, some irony pertains to Starrett’s particular approach: she doesn’t much care for sweets, and she scored poorly in high school chemistry. “I make a salty pie crust, as opposed to a more traditional, sweet recipe,” she said, explaining that she uses only flour, butter, salt, and ice water.
Not every moment is Zen when Starrett is in the kitchen. “I experiment with ingredients that seem opposed, sometimes,” she said. “I get a dopamine rush from bringing together elements that don’t necessarily go together, but I test everything before it makes the menu.” Starrett is not a maestro on all kitchen appliances, describing the icing machine, particularly when it needs cleaning, as her “mortal enemy.”
Continuing creativity
Starrett spends a good deal of her life in the kitchen, but when she’s not cooking she likes to hike, play and listen to music (bluegrass is a favorite genre while cooking) and even paints. On the hiking trail she might forage edible mushrooms or berries and bring them home for use in an earthy dish. Her cat, Winry, named after an anime character, provides her good company. Starrett likes to stay innovative. “I have a cool boss (James Beard Award-winning chef, Vishwesh Bhatt) who encourages my creativity,” she said. “I just love to keep learning.”
Cornmeal puff pastry, lemon vanilla creme pat, white chocolate soil, Mardis blueberries, blueberry lavender sorbet
Mango soufflé with saffron ice cream
SHERIFF JOEY EAST
From Hot Rods To Law Enforcement
BY ALYSSA SCHNUGG | BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Lafayette County Sheriff Joey East didn’t always know he’d end up wearing a badge.
Born and raised in Lafayette County, the son of Margaret Hurdle Laney and the late Sheriff F.D. “Buddy” East, East’s early dreams leaned toward fast cars and grease-stained hands.
Being the son of the Sheriff, East said he grew up with folks expecting him to go into law enforcement. But as a teenager, he had other plans.
“I liked hot rods and fast cars,” he said. “I thought I wanted to work on cars. But after a while, I realized I didn’t like all the grease on me.”
East entered adulthood working on cars and houses, but he quickly realized his passion lay elsewhere.
It wasn’t until his late teens that law enforcement began to take hold of his interest.
“When I was 19, I got the bug,” he said.
By age 20, East was interning and dispatching for the Oxford Police Department, and he fell in love with the work.
“I just really liked it,” he said.
East’s career took off quickly. Starting as a dispatcher, he moved to patrol when he turned 21.
“I couldn’t wait to get started,” East said.
After four years on patrol, East joined the Narcotics Unit in the late 1990s during the height of the crack cocaine epidemic.
“Crack cocaine was huge back then,” he said. “On campus, it was Rohypnol—what they called the date rape drug. Of course, marijuana and powder cocaine were always present, but now it’s fentanyl and meth.”
In 1999, East joined the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, working in the Youth Services division. His team focused on preventing the sale of tobacco to minors and monitoring grant compliance.
“We’d send in minors to see if we could buy cigarettes,” he says. “It was about keeping businesses accountable and protecting kids.”
After four years with the Attorney General’s Office, East returned to OPD as the commander of Metro Narcotics. From there, he steadily climbed the ranks, eventually becoming Chief of Police.
The experience gave him a broad understanding of law enforcement and administrative leadership.
When his father passed away in 2018, East faced a pivotal decision: whether to run for sheriff, a role his father had held for decades.
“It took a lot of prayer,” East said. “But I felt like it was where the Lord was leading me.”
In 2019, East ran for sheriff. Winning the election, he took office in 2020. Stepping into the role wasn’t without its challenges.
“I felt ready to run an agency,” he says. “But it was humbling to learn just how important the sheriff’s role is to the community.”
Unlike his years in municipal law enforcement, East found that being sheriff is about much more than arrests and investigations.
“We’re a service-oriented office,” he said. “People come to the sheriff when they need help, whether it’s a land dispute, a utility issue, or something personal. It’s not just about enforcing the law—it’s about helping people through tough times.”
East credits much of his perspective to lessons from his parents, lessons he now passes on to his own children. Married to Kimberly, East has four children: Megan, Jack, Maddie and Josie. Megan,
30, works in the tax assessor’s office and is planning her wedding.
Jack, 19, is studying criminal justice and considering a career in law enforcement. Maddie, 15, dreams of becoming Lafayette County’s first female sheriff, while Josie, 14, is still finding her own path.
One of the most demanding parts of East’s job is overseeing the county jail, which houses both local and federal inmates.
“Running a jail is a huge responsibility,” he said. “We hold about 150 inmates, and some of them are very violent. The building is old and not built to handle the growth we’re seeing in the county. It’s a challenge to keep up.”
Despite the challenges associated with the Detention Center, East said his views about those who inhabit the jail have changed over the years. They're no longer just inmates – they're mostly local folks, many of who have grown up in Lafayette County.
“When they’re clean and sober, most of them are good people,” he said.
For East, being sheriff is more than a job—it’s a calling.
“I’ve always loved helping people,” he said. “When I was younger, I loved the excitement of the job, being the guy kicking down doors.
But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized it’s not just about enforcement. It’s about being there for people when they need you most.”
East’s philosophy is simple: serve the community with humility and dedication.
“If the people let me, I’d like to do this for a long time,” he says. “It’s the best job I’ve ever had.”
Through his leadership, East continues to build on the legacy of his father while making his own mark on Lafayette County.
LEE ANN STUBBS
Double Duty: Family And Festivals
BY GALEN HOLLEY | BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Oxford could have no more enthusiastic ambassador than Lee Ann Stubbs, and as coordinator of the annual Double Decker Arts Festival, she's come to know the city and its people in a very intimate way.
"This place is welcoming, everyone is friendly, and the festival is an event that people have on their calendars each Spring," said Stubbs, as she was in the midst of the homestretch preparing for the festival. She'd spent the whole day in meetings, but the phone calls, emails, and robust networking she does is a year-round job. "Each year our goal is to make the festival bigger, better, and more enjoyable, to enhance the experience for everyone," said Stubbs.
“Lee Ann has been an invaluable addition to Double Decker Arts Festival and tourism in Oxford, said Kinney Ferris, executive director of Visit Oxford. “Her ability to think outside the box and create new funding with private dollars is unmatched. Shhe is contractually thinking of ways to improve events and bring more value to living in this town we love.”
Community Connected
Stubbs was born in New Orleans and grew up in Gulfport. Her parents are both Ole Miss alumni, and after Stubbs's oldest brother started school at UM, the family made the trip up often. Eventually, all four of the family's children would attend Ole Miss. Stubbs got an early introduction into community life in Oxford as a member of the Chi Omega Sorority and by working in the pro shop at the Ole Miss Golf Course. She also met her husband at Ole Miss, Ellis,
a local insurance agent, and today they have three children, Townsend, 14, Penn, 11, and Nora Kate, 6.
Stubbs studied parks and recreation management at Ole Miss, with an emphasis on travel and tourism. She graduated in 2005.
Stubbs's responsiblities include all aspects of the Double Decker Arts Festival, including work with third- party vendors as well as with various city departments. Fundraising is a major part of her responsibilities, since sponsorships account for about 60 percent of the festival's total budget.
"Fortunately, our sponsors recognize the value of supporting this event and the strong return on their investment," said Stubbs.
"Double Decker offers sponsors greater exposure compared to smaller events, making it an excellent opportunity for local businesses to engage with the community.
"Organizing a large-scale, free festival isn't all fun and games. Behind all the enjoyment is a superstructure of coordinated hard work.
"Over the years, the festival's budget has naturally grown due to rising costs, which is reflective of the increasing expenses in hosting an event of this scale," said Stubbs. "This means I've had to work even harder to close the gap and ensure we can continue delivering a memorable event while keeping it sustainable."
Believe it or not, there is a finite amount of space in Oxford. "We've really maxed out what we can utilize,' said Stubbs. "We have been really blessed that city leadership has been so supportive, and we're able
to close the entire Square to vehicular traffic on Saturday, but we really don't have much wiggle room to add more food or art vendors." 17 Stubbs also helps with entertainment. Scott Caradine is the talent booker, and the two carefully select the music artists. "Given our finite budget, we focus on finding artists who can deliver a fantastic performance while staying within those financial constraints," said Stubbs. Booking musicians for a free festival is much different than booking musicians for a ticketed event, according to Stubbs. "For ticketed events, the booking fee is often lower because artists can earn a share of the ticket sales,” siad Stubbs. “However, for free festivals like Double Decker, those fees are significantly higher since there is no additional revenue to supplement the artist’s income.”
Family Foundation
Stubbs and her family are season ticket holders for Ole Miss baseball. They go to all the home football games and they're thoroughly plugged into life in Oxford. "We love it here, and Oxford is a real showplace for the beauty of life in the South," said Stubbs. They're also members at St. John Catholic Church. All her hard work to grow the festival each year is well worth it because of her love for home, she said. "Whether it's streamlining load-in, expanding art vendor spaces, or improving secure internet access for seamless sales, every detail matters," said Stubbs. "We want to create an atmosphere that keeps people coming back to Oxford."
OFFICER MACKENZIE ROGERS
Police School Resource Officer Puts The
Safety Of Our Youth First
BY DAVIS COEN | BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
After only about a year on the job, Bramlett Elementary School Police Resource Officer Mackenzie Rogers is keeping the bar high for the role.
She also has the distinction of being the first female K-9 officer in the Oxford Police Department, which Chief Jeff McCutchen acknowledged as a “historic appointment” and “significant milestone” for the department.
Rogers partnered with the OPD resource officers as handler of the SRO K-9, and has been a “valuable addition,” according to Chief McCutchen
As someone who grew up regarding her local police officers as “superheroes,” and took an interest in community service from an early age, Officer Rogers has been enthusiastic about the opportunity since Day One.
“When I saw the way that resource officers in Oxford interacted with their kids - instead of just walking around the school - I knew that it was an opportunity I could not pass up,” said Rogers. “And when a spot became open, I put in - and pushed and pushed for it - then was blessed enough to be able to get that position I’ve had at Bramlett.”
Rogers attended Ole Miss and decided to major in Criminal Justice, and eventually did an internship at the OPD. “All of my interests led back to law enforcement and police work, as I found I had a heart and passion for community service and helping and serving others,” she said.
This passion grew when she discovered how “community-oriented” the department is. “It wasn’t just writing tickets, it was doing work and working with the community,” said Rogers.
So far, she said the experience as the sole SRO at Bramlett has been “amazing,” and that one of her favorite parts of the job is to see the “five little fingers” waving when the school bus arrives with the children.
“They’re all my little best friends,” she said, and that she could tell you at least one thing about each and every student in the school - most of whom love to call her, “Officer Kenziee!”
Besides a lifelong dream of becoming a police officer, another has been to become a mother, and she will always “gravitate” to kids, making the job a perfect fit. “I can’t tell you how many hugs and ‘I love yous’ I get everyday,” Rogers said.
Although her job can be heartwarming, she is always aware of the gravity of her role. “Not only is it a position to engage with the community every day, but it’s also to make an impact on someone who’s so young, and still so impressionable.”
Resource officers do everything from being the frontline protection of the school, to routinely making sure the doors are locked. The job also entails checking with people who are visiting campus, especially when there’s big events going on such as a pep rally or football game.
Officer Rogers enjoys showing her love and appreciation for the students although expects some cooperation in return.
Kids encouraging each other to walk-not-run in the hallways is one opportunity they have to show mutual respect.
“They can be who they want to be, do what they wanna do, and pursue anything they want as long as they’re well behaved,” said
Rogers.
In the situation that a student’s family is unable to provide as much as a Christmas present, or a warm winter coat, the SROs are able to facilitate assistance - which is another unique and special aspect of the relationship between OPD and the local schools.
“I’m able to be the person who if they need something they can turn to - if they’re unable to get it at home,” Officer Rogers said, “on top of all of the resources that the school already has in place.”
She emphasises communication, and encourages her kids to know that “you can talk to a cop, and they’re not always there to put you in jail.”
Interaction between SROs throughout town is also common on a daily basis. Not only do they talk often but also visit each other’s schools regularly.
According to Rogers, the major difference in the roles they play is that her fellow SROs at the older schools have to deal with potential juvenile charges, for things like THC vape pens or bringing in knives.
Although the similarity shared is that they all will try to sit and talk, or even share lunches with students - age not being a factor.
Officer Rogers strives to continue in Oxford as long as possible, with hopes of moving up the ranks, and consistently growing her “tool belt” to help better provide for the community.
“We have great leadership and just overall great people. I would never want to leave a place where everybody’s amazing all around you, with a chief who is so engaged in the department.”
JAY HUGHES Entrepreneur With Oxford Always In Mind
BY ANGELA CUTRER | BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Jay Hughes moved to Oxford in 1988 for law school. Not only did he take away a degree as an attorney, but he decided he simply didn’t want to leave a city he had fallen in love with. It’s been his mission ever since to build on those good vibes, one project at a time. And so he has.
”I simply fell in love with Oxford,” he said of his college days, adding “…and a girl from Natchez named Cris.”
But back to Oxford: “It’s a great town that is small enough to still know a lot of neighbors, but large enough to allow you anonymity and privacy, if you like,” he said. “The diverse backgrounds of the students, faculty and staff at Ole Miss provide such a wonderful mix of different customs, styles, tastes and things to do year round.
“There are so many great places to eat and cultural and sporting activities [to attend], including high school theater and sports. We are lucky that the governing boards for the city and county continually think about growth and the good of our community … [they] seldom get into politics.
“And if you really need to get away for a bit, there is an international airport just about an hour away. I think the bottom line is there is a sense of community and an ease of feeling you belong.”
Hughes graduated from Nichols State University in Thibodaux, La., before attending Ole Miss. And that brings us back to another decision he is glad he made — he married his college sweetheart, Cris Moroney, and they came back to Oxford.
“I worked at a law firm in Jackson the year after law school and couldn’t wait to get back to Oxford,” Hughes admitted. “[As a builder], I built our first home in 1995, and the Southern style with a porch was a hit.
“There was so much growth in Oxford from the time Tommy Tuberville started a new wave of fan support, through to Eli Manning and to Lane Kiffin.
“I had the pleasure of building many more homes, condominiums, apartment buildings and medical offices. We even brought Popeyes to Oxford in the late ’80s.”
Now we know who we can thank for bringing that yummy “cajun gravy” to the area.
Born in Houston, Texas, Hughes served in the United States Army from 1981 to 1984 and in the Army Reserves from 1984 to 1988. The expert marksman served in South Carolina, Georgia and Texas, as well as on temporary duty in Michigan, England, France and Germany.
He was elected as alderman of Ward 1 in
Oxford before becoming a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from the 12th district from 2016 to 2020.
Currently, Hughes’ endeavors revolve around real estate, including residential and commercial rentals, and his law practice.
“Of course, [my] biggest endeavor is Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort, along with my wife Cris and our partners, Dr. Alison and Dr. Andrew Ross,” Hughes said.
The $25 million project covers 85 acres of rolling hills with recreation vehicle sites, a luxury cottage, water features, miniature golf, an arcade, playgrounds, a restaurant, pool-deck bars and a nearly 1,000-foot-long lazy river.
The new business will keep it all in the family: The Hughes’ daughter, Patricia, recently graduated from a New England college, but returned to Oxford to work full time as the project director for Roundabout Oxford.
Hughes is feeling settled and content with how far his experience with Oxford has turned out. “Hopefully, we can get Roundabout Oxford up and running smoothly and get the community involved in it, and then I can simply have the pleasure of riding around on the mower, cutting grass and meeting new guests every day,” he said.
DR. WINSOR MORRISON
BY GALEN HOLLEY | BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Winsor Morrison didn’t even finish high school his first go around, so naturally he’s spent most of his 100 years of life as a medical doctor. Naturally.
“I hardly know where to start telling my life story,” said Dr. Morrison, a retired otolaryngologist (that’s an ear, nose, and throat doctor) whose biography is like a mixture of Forrest Gump and Homer’s Odyssey.
The good doctor now resides at the Beau Ridge assisted living community in Oxford. Among the many fascinating episodes from Morrison’s century on this earth include being a bombardier in training during World War II, running a confectionery where a future country music legend brought weekly butcher deliveries, and delivering the first baby born in what was then the newly formed state of Alaska.
From his childhood in rural Missouri to a lifetime of practicing medicine, Morrison has packed an awful lot into 100 years.
Life’s Vicissitudes
Most doctors start out plowing fields, selling dry goods and working in a grist mill. However, Morrison’s early life is straight out of Little House on the Prairie. He grew up in Zanoni, Missouri, a tiny town nestled in the Ozark Mountains, where his father owned a general store. Education was a rare and valuable commodity in those days. Once he finished eighth grade, Morrison had to decide whether to continue
Among the many fascinating episodes from Morrison’s century on this earth include being a bombardier in training during World War II, running a confectionery where a future country music legend brought weekly butcher deliveries, and delivering the first baby born in what was then the newly formed state of Alaska.
on. A benevolent teacher volunteered to tutor him in “high school” subjects. That worked for a while, but the outbreak of World War II brought changes in the cultural landscape, and after a stint working in the wheat fields of Kansas, Morrison married his sweetheart, Byrdella, in December 1942. They were so young their mothers had to sign a certificate. Determined to serve his country, Morrison, still underage, far exceeded the minimum score for the entrance exam to join the Army Air Corps (today’s Air Force).
He became an aviation cadet and finished his stint in the service as a second lieutenant. He was about to ship out into combat when the U.S. dropped the atomic bomb on Japan, ending the war. Back home in Missouri, Morrison and Byrdella opened Cinderella Confectionary, and at a time when sugar was being rationed, being a vet, Morrison got all he needed.
That certainly helped with running a sweet shop. The man who delivered the meat for the hamburgers was a budding, young musician, who went on to Grand Ole Opry fame, none other than the man of the sequined suits, Porter Wagoner. Morrison brushed up against another famous person, baseball great Bill Virdon.
Although he was still an amateur shortstop when Morrison–almost inexplicably–was asked by a business associate to coach the Dr. Pepper team, Virdon eventually rose to Major League fame with the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates.“I joke and say that I was once his manager,” said Morrison. The winds of life carried Morrison along in his century-long journey. He decided to use the G.I. Bill to get into medical school – because why not– so he applied to undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri. Armed only with an eighth-grade education, and his GED, Morrison took a four-part entrance exam, and when the committee took into consideration his military service, he entered as a second-year student. His friends back in West Plains were incredulous.
“I told them, ‘Well, I’m a sophomore, now,’” said Morrison, as they shook their heads laughing. In the middle of applying to medical school, Morrison decided to build a house–literally, with his own, two hands. That turned out to
be a feather in his cap.
“The people on the admissions committee wanted to hear about me building the house, and they seemed fascinated, so I got into medical school,” said Morrison, laughing.
After graduating, the now-certified doctor Morrison worked in public health, and he eventually took up practice in Alaska, serving the native people. It was there, in Mt. Edgecumbe, on Jan. 3, 1959, that he assisted a native woman in bringing into the world Michael John Anderson. That was at 9:30 a.m. “It was thirty minutes after Eisenhower declared Alaska the forty-ninth state,” said Morrison.
After Morrison decided to specialize in otolaryngology his work took him to Staten Island, New York, then back to Missouri, then to chair the department at the University of Tennessee, and finally to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, where he reestablished the institution’s otolaryngology residency. He retired from full-time medicine, did some doctoring in North Dakota, then in 2002 moved to Branson, Missouri, and built a house on a lake.
Byrdella passed in 2003, and Morrison eventually moved back to Mississippi, to be near his family. His youngest son, Michael, is a physician in Oxford. Morrison and Byrdella also have a daughter, Katherine Meeker-Cohen, and their son, Tom, is deceased. Today, Morrison enjoys his seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Morrison is thoroughly a medical man, precise in his conversation, almost surgically so, not one given to maudlin reflection.
When told that he’s accomplished quite a few things, over a rather extraordinary life, he simply said, “Yes sir. Yes, sir.”
DR. ANDREW ROSS Giving Back Makes Living Purposeful
BY ANGELA CUTRER | BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Andrew Ross grew up in Oxford, a fact for which he feels thankful. That’s why Ross, who is not one to “toot his own horn,” said that it’s now his honor to offer services to Oxford and her people through his dental practice, his involvement in Roundabout Oxford and his church work.
“I grew up in Oxford and I feel like it's a privilege to have grown up here,” he said. “It’s also a privilege to be able to come back and serve in the same community I grew up in.”
Ross graduated from Oxford High School in 2001 and from the University of Mississippi with a degree in biology in 2005. He then joined the dental school at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry in Jackson, graduating with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2009.
Ross — who is married to Alison, also a dentist — has practiced in both a public health facility and by helping soldiers take care of emergency and necessary dental care prior to deployment. He and his wife opened a private practice in Oxford in 2009, and they keep up with dental advances through continuing education courses.
“It's a beautiful part of Mississippi,” Ross
said of Oxford. “It’s the home of the Ole Miss Rebels, it’s one of the fastest growing counties in the state and it's just an oasis of beauty in
It’s
— Dr. Andrew Ross
Mississippi. It’s such a beautiful town, and it's just a privilege to come back home and invest in the community and invest in the people who invested in me.”
The Ross’s children — Celia, 8; Shepherd, 6; and Wilson, 4 — keep the couple on their toes, but the children are also three reasons for the couple’s intense involvement in the community.
“The [Oxford] community has such wonderful diversity,” Ross said. “There are people of all ages because there's a lot of influx of young families as well as retirees because it's one of
the top 10 places to retire in America. So you have from young to old, from young families to retirees, so there is something here for everyone.”
Ross said that even the food in Oxford is diverse. “We have every type of food here, I mean everything, and yet we are still Oxford, where there are still a lot of local businesses in addition to chains.
“Oxford has changed a lot as far as growth is concerned, but it still has the small town vibe. No matter your age group, you can find something uniquely Oxford. It's a university town, so you have just that diversity of meeting people from all over the world, and people with so many different talents who come here, from music to art to research.
“So you have this university that is a big part of Oxford in a beautiful city that's really clean and kept up. City officials really focus on that and it's nice the community always looks so nice and clean.
Ross said that though Oxford has been able to grow, it still has been able to keep the small town vibe. “It’s how I remember Oxford as I was growing up here,” he said. “As kids, we
felt it was just a small town feeling wherever you went that you know somebody. If you needed a helping hand, there was always somebody you knew to help, but in return, you got to be the helping hand to help somebody else when they needed it.”
Life
— Dr. Andrew Ross
When Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort goes live in the near future, the Rosses and partner Jay Hughes hope to bring that small town feeling back into the forefront, yet still in Oxford.
“Jay was in my office getting his teeth cleaned and got this idea in his head, and boy, I had no clue what it would take to get it off the ground,” Ross said with a chuckle. “He has known me since I was 10 years old, and we've been family and friends a long time, so he grabbed the bull by the horns and just started going with it.
”It really sparked the idea of the need for community and the offer of being outside and seeing people. What we want to do is create a place that's really just magical for the families and the kids to be able to not have to leave to go on vacation. They don’t have to leave Oxford because there will be a family environment for young and old, where people can just go and literally enjoy the outside and the serenity and peace. They can be as social as they want and as private as they want.
“We want to offer lots of options for visitors to be able to do things together, from family reunions to birthday parties and retirement parties to concerts and things of that nature. We’ll also be planning
to have church service on Sundays out at the amphitheater. If somebody wants to join and listen, they can. Or they can stay in their camper and do something else.”
Ross’s faith shows through when discussing serving others, and he hopes the new RV park will allow people to stay vacay without worrying about anything else, including missing church services.
“I believe in giving honor and glory to God, and so may this place just truly be used for his good, and influence other people and impact other people in the community,” he added.
“It’s a lot more than just having fun. We want to offer a place where life can slow down a little bit for your kids and your parents or whomever you're enjoying your fellowship with,” he said. “Life gets so busy and you slowly run out of time, so we hope this park will offer ways for people to be able to enjoy fellowship without having to travel and being on the road. It'll be right here in their backyards.”
The space, Ross added, has been planned intentionally to offer a measure of privacy. “We did that deliberately so you’d have a space where you can enjoy yourself and your family with as much privacy as you want, or you can open your doors to enjoy talking with others. So, it's a place literally for everybody.”
Sounds just like Oxford — a place for everybody.
