“Hello, my name is Tyra Lockett. I am currently a sophomore Biology major with a minor in Chemistry from Brooksville, MS. Upon graduation, I plan to go to medical school to pursue a career in pediatrics. Nothing fills my heart more than knowing I can give back to my community through volunteering and assisting in any way I can during my free time. Oxford is now my home away from home and I treat it as such.

School, volunteering, and staying an active member in organizations occupy most of my time. When I am not swamped with work and other important duties, I binge watch Criminal Minds to crush on Spencer Reid. I am a LuckyDay Scholar, CONNECT mentor for the Center for Inclusion & Cross Cultural Engagement (CICCE), member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, and an active member of the Increasing Minority Access to Graduate Education (IMAGE). During my time at the University of Mississippi, I have grown to appreciate my decision to pursue my undergraduate years here.

My favorite aspect of the LOU community is the support and close-knit aspect that it exhibits. Whenever there’s an event, no matter the time or place, the community finds a way to come together to make sure everything’s a success. Having a support system like the LOU community is a blessing. Growing up in a poverty stricken area, I am so grateful to witness and experience the innovation and initiative of the LOU community that drives me even more to make a difference, essentially at a young age. Being a college town also helps boost these initiatives since the young minds all over our campus are capable of greatness.

This year I will be working as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) & Civil Rights Issue Area Coordinator for the Office of Diversity and Community Engagement. I cannot wait to begin working alongside well versed individuals to alleviate problems in the community that often get overlooked and to support local organizations. Hopefully, I will be able to gain skills and knowledge to exceed my capabilities and also motivate others to overcome challenges during this process.”

If you are interested in working with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) & Civil Rights organizations, please email engaged@olemiss.edu to get in touch with Tyra.