Oxford, Miss: High Praise for Chancellor Boyce

The Chancellor of the University of Mississippi, Dr. Glenn Boyce, widely recognized across the state for his accomplishments and leadership, has recently received positive news regarding his tenure. The Board of Trustees for Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) has announced a contract extension for Chancellor Boyce, extending his term up until June 30, 2028. This event follows last month’s decision to extend the Chancellor’s contract, a decision arrived at during the IHL meeting held on May 16.

Contract Details and Financial Package

As part of the new contract, Dr. Boyce will receive an annual state salary of $500,000 with an annual supplement of $450,000 from the University of Mississippi Foundation. Additionally, if Chancellor Boyce remains in his position until June 30, 2026, he will be entitled to a retention payment of up to $400,000 from the Foundation. The completion of his full four-year contract will also see Boyce receive another retention payment, equally totaling up to $400,000 from the Foundation.

Fulfilling Leadership and Responsibilities

Chancellor Boyce, expressing his gratitude for the confidence placed in him, stated, “I am most grateful to the IHL trustees, Commissioner Rankins, and our University Foundation board members for their vote of confidence in my leadership.” Boyce has attributed the thriving of the University to the unwavering commitment of the faculty and staff who contribute to the achievement of the institution’s mission of education, research, service, and healthcare every day.

Chancellor Boyce’s Contributions at Ole Miss

Since his appointment as the 18th Chancellor of the University of Mississippi in 2019, Dr. Boyce has brought numerous improvements to the institution. An Ole Miss alumnus himself, Boyce graduated with a Bachelor’s of Education and a Doctorate in Education Leadership from the University. He proved his leadership capabilities as the Commissioner of Higher Education for the Mississippi state and the President of Holmes Community College, before assuming his role as the Chancellor.

Distinguished for initiating the Now & Ever campaign, which aimed to raise $1.5 billion in private support, Boyce’s endeavor successfully translated into significant investment in technology, recruitment, marketing, admissions consolidation, and financial aid during his tenure. The high-impact measures taken in these areas were instrumental in pushing Ole Miss to achieve a record freshman retention rate of nearly 90% in the fall of 2022, surpassing the national average.

Inclusive Measures and Further Growth

Under Chancellor Boyce’s leadership, Ole Miss launched the Pathways to Equity Strategic Plan, embodying a series of goals devised to generate a more diverse and inclusive environment on campus. His support was integral to the foundation of the Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science in Technology and Innovation, representing the single largest construction project in the history of the Oxford campus. Furthermore, during Boyce’s tenure, the University received record endowments, exceeding $825 million, and also celebrated two NCAA championships in women’s golf and baseball.

A Vote of Confidence from IHL Board President

Expressing the board’s faith in Dr. Boyce’s leadership, Bruce Martin, President of the IHL Board of Trustees, said, “We are fortunate to have Dr. Glenn Boyce in the role of Chancellor at the University of Mississippi. He has demonstrated a keen ability to lead the university to new levels of success, and the renewal of his contract is evidence of the Board of Trustees’ confidence in his work.”