Faculty > Vitter > Communications > Articles and Interviews
Articles, Interviews, & Videos
See a few of the more notable and popular news clips, interviews, and videos we’ve collected on his media webpage.
IHL: Chancellor Vitter announces plan to return to faculty; Board thanks Chancellor for his service –November 9, 2018
[Read the full press release by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning here]
The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning President Shane Hooper thanked Chancellor and Distinguished Professor Jeffrey S. Vitter for the many contributions he has made to the University of Mississippi as Dr. Vitter announced his intent to return to the faculty.
“Dr. Vitter has made substantial contributions to the University of Mississippi during his three years as Chancellor,” said Trustee Hooper. “His leadership has moved the university forward in numerous ways and we are grateful for his service.”
Steering Ole Miss to Greater Economic and Academic Gains –October 31, 2018
Cover story in Delta Business Journal by Becky Gillette
A lot has happened in the almost three years since Dr. Jeffrey Vitter took the helm as Chancellor of the University of Mississippi. Ole Miss is the Flagship University of the state, considered the best-known college in the state with the largest enrollment, just over 23,258. With an annual budget of $2.5 billion, it is also an economic powerhouse.
This article is available as a formatted pdf file and in online form.
Ole Miss chancellor shares vision for university’s future –April 28, 2018
[Full article by Zack Steen in Daily Corinthian]
“Flagship Forward.”
It’s the simple, yet profound strategic plan for The University of Mississippi, and one UM’s top official is immensely proud of.
Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter was among the Ole Miss royalty at the Crossroads Arena on Thursday as the BancorpSouth Rebel Road Trip made its seventh stop in Corinth.
“This is a amazing turnout and definitely the biggest crowd we have had so far,” Vitter told the more than 400 Rebel faithful in attendance. “It is great to see so many passionate Ole Miss Rebels here, and it’s even greater to be able to share with everyone the momentum we have right now across our entire flagship university.”
Vitter lays out Ole Miss plan for excellence –April 28, 2018
[Full article by Slim Smith in The Dispatch]
During Tuesday’s speaking engagement at the Columbus Rotary Club meeting at Lion Hills Center, University of Mississippi Chancellor Jeff Vitter set the record straight on one point: He does not wear a back brace.
“It’s a copy of our strategic plan,” Vitter said. “I keep it in my back pocket wherever I go.”
The plan has not been reduced to a pocket-sized pamphlet. It is contained in an 8-by-11-inch plastic binder that Vitter folds over and sticks in his hip pockets.
“It’s rough on pockets,” he admitted. “When I went to an Ole Miss Women’s Council (meeting), one of the women gave me a hug. She thought I was wearing a back brace.”
Vitter said he can’t bear to be without the plan, which details a $1 billion plan designed to carry Ole Miss into a future when students and communities are transformed through the power of higher education. Flagship Forward.”
Audio: MPB News: Mississippi Edition –Friday, July 7, 2017
“Hear from state commissioners on the Kemper energy facility settlement process. Then, Ole Miss is trying to provide more context for its historical landmarks, monuments, and named buildings. And Miss Mississippi is on her quest for the Miss America crown. Plus, Mark Coblentz goes from MasterChef Junior to MPBs Fit to Eat.” MPB
To listen to the full interview on Mississippi Public Broadcasting, click this link: http://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/mississippiedition/mississippi-edition-friday-july-7th/
Mississippi Edition: Friday, July 7th (Chancellor Vitter’s interview begins at 4 minutes and 45 seconds.)
Ole Miss Musings Interview: 14 Questions With Chancellor Vitter –March 14, 2017
[Interview in HottyToddy.com by Steve Vassallo]
Just being in the company of Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter, even for just a short while, stimulates you upon hearing all of the great opportunities awaiting our beloved university. His enthusiasm is contagious, but it goes beyond this. You can sense in his responses that a well-charted path has been clearly thought out and the “Best Days” for Ole Miss are still ahead.
Ole Miss chancellor touts progress amid budget concerns –February 8, 2017
[Read the full article in The Dispatch by Alex Holloway]
University of Mississippi Chancellor Jeff Vitter told Columbus Rotarians on Tuesday that nothing is more vital to the state’s future than higher education.
Vitter, who has served as chancellor for a little longer than a year, said the university is improving on several fronts, from growing enrollment to record-high ACT scores and grade-point averages for incoming students.
However, Vitter said the University of Mississippi — and all universities in the state — must grapple with the reality of tightening state budgets.
Video: Vitter’s flagship vision sets Ole Miss on new course –January 30, 2017
[Full article and video interview in Mississippi Today by Ashley F. G. Norwood]
During his first year in office, University of Mississippi Chancellor Jeffrey S. Vitter accomplished something no other leader of a university in the state has: appointing a vice chancellor for diversity and community engagement.
“For many years, we have been in the process to add (such a role). Chancellor Vitter brought it to the forefront to make it happen,” says Dr. Donald Cole, assistant provost at the university.
“Diversity is a multifaceted component — academics, race, profession, sexual orientation, etc. It is in these areas where you bring different ideas and perspectives that make us a more imaginative and innovative community,” says Vitter.
Vitter inspects Ole Miss ROTC units –November 17, 2016
[Read the full article in Mississippi Today]
Jeffrey Vitter conducted his first inspection of University of Mississippi ROTC programs Thursday on campus.
The annual Pass in Review ceremony on the Circle in front of the Lyceum Building included a keynote address to the cadets from Vitter, who became chancellor in January, according to an Ole Miss press release.
“It is an honor to be standing here today amongst a group of heroes, our students who have put aside their personal interest for the sake of serving something larger than themselves,” Vitter said. “The University of Mississippi and our ROTC programs have a long and proud heritage of service to our university, state and nation. I applaud you – cadets and midshipmen – for upholding that proud legacy.”
Video: New chancellor challenges Ole Miss family: “Just imagine what we will do.” –November 11. 2016
[Article on Chancellor Vitter’s investiture in Mississippi Today by Ashley F. G. Norwood]
[You can watch Chancellor Vitter’s speech and the entire investiture ceremony online at here.]
Dr. Jeffrey S. Vitter submitted his vision for the University of Mississippi on Thursday.
“Learning from our past, we will create a vibrant future,” he said. “We will transform lives, communities and the world. Just imagine what we will do.”
Vitter was formally installed as the university’s 17th chancellor during an investiture ceremony at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts on the Ole Miss campus.
Video: Two fun interviews with the Vitters’ three kids –November 10, 2016
Click here to see a short interview of Jillian, Scott, and Audrey Vitter by Newswatch Ole Miss.
And click here for a short take on a hiking trip gone awry.
Video: Celebrate Jeff Vitter’s investiture at Ole Miss: The next chapter of leadership –November 8, 2016
[Full article in Oxford Eagle by David Magee]
[You can watch Chancellor Vitter’s speech and the entire investiture ceremony online at csci.cs.OleMiss.edu/vitter_inauguration/.]
When Ole Miss invests Jeff Vitter as Chancellor this week, it is a moment for all who live and live the the goodness our flagship university brings to the state and beyond to celebrate, together.
We have a legacy of excellence from our contemporary chancellors, and Vitter undoubtedly has the leadership, skills and vision to match up well with that list of heavy-hitters.
Porter Fortune was a warm, smart heart when a warm, smart heart was needed. Gerald Turner knew Ole Miss could rise far beyond Mississippi, and was unflinching in his commitment to position the University as a national player.
The Talented Mr. Vitter –November 7, 2016
[Full article in Oxford Magazine by Austin Dean]
On the first night of 2016, Ole Miss fans lit up the Superdome in New Orleans after watching their beloved Rebels win a Sugar Bowl for the first time in decades.
As the crowd erupted after the game watching quarterback Chad Kelly and Coach Hugh Freeze raise the Sugar Bowl trophy in victory, most of them paid little to no attention to the man standing near them united in celebration.
It was Jeffrey Vitter’s first day as chancellor of the University of Mississippi. And he spent it in New Orleans throwing landsharks and tweeting photos from the game as if he were a lifelong fan.
Q&A: Things You Never Knew About Chancellor Vitter –September 16, 2016
[Full interview in HottyToddy.com conducted with John Touloupis]
John Touloupis: You’ve now been Chancellor for a little over nine months, talk about how life in Oxford has been and what’s the community like?
Chancellor Vitter: Being from New Orleans, I knew I would be right at home with the people, the food, the attitudes and especially the weather. Even with those expectations, it has been amazing how quickly Sharon and I have felt at home, how quickly we became part of the Ole Miss family. Over the last 34 years, we have been fortunate to live and serve in a number of great university communities, but there is something really special about Ole Miss and Oxford.
Vitter, UM family make their voices, ideas heard –August 31, 2016
[Full article in The Oxford Eagle by Edwin Smith]
Furthering his efforts to increase and improve internal and external communications, University of Mississippi Chancellor Jeffrey S. Vitter launched the university’s first Town Hall meeting Monday.
Several hundred UM faculty, staff and students joined the chancellor in the Gertrude C. Ford Ballroom at the Inn at Ole Miss for the open forum.
Vitter, whose extensive use of social media and frequent interactions have earned him a reputation for being accessible, used both small-group discussions and a question-and-answer session to generate conversations about how to make what he acknowledges is already a “great university” into an even greater institution in the years to come.
Chancellor Vitter: 3 reasons why Ole Miss is the flagship –August 28, 2016
[Full article in The Oxford Eagle by Alyssa Schnugg]
University of Mississippi Chancellor Jeff Vitter has enjoyed being transformed into an Ole Miss Rebel over the last eight months.
Vitter started as the new chancellor on Jan. 1, just in time to see the Ole Miss Rebels win the Sugar Bowl. He was given a Sugar Bowl ring to wear proudly as he began his journey in becoming a Rebel.
Ole Miss chancellor Jeffrey Vitter is a social media rock star, and that’s a great thing –August 23, 2016
[Full article in The Oxford Eagle]
University of Mississippi Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter will deliver the keynote address at tonight’s fall convocation to his first freshman and transfer class since landing the job in October 2015.
Vitter’s role as the 17th chancellor of the university leaves him with a line of big shoes to fill, particularly those of his immediate predecessors, Dan Jones and Robert Khayat.
Sharon Vitter looks forward to living in Oxford –November 1, 2015
[Full article in Oxford Citizen by Jeff Roberson]
Sharon Vitter is the new First Lady of the University of Mississippi. Already she is embracing the town of Oxford, the Ole Miss community, and what she believes will be warmer weather than in Lawrence, Kansas, where they now reside.
Jeffrey S. Vitter Takes Helm as UM Chancellor –October 30, 2015
University of Mississippi Chancellor Jeffrey S. Vitter, who goes by “Jeff,” joined the Ole Miss family on Jan. 1, 2016 and capped off his first day with a Sugar Bowl victory in his hometown of New Orleans. The Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning had earlier voted “unanimously and enthusiastically” on Oct. 29, 2015, to name Vitter as UM chancellor.
“I am honored to be given this leadership opportunity by the board of trustees and the Ole Miss family,” Vitter said. “I hold a profound respect for the University of Mississippi and understand the responsibility with which I have been entrusted. As chancellor, I commit, with wholehearted enthusiasm, to build upon the university’s rich history and foster enhanced excellence in learning, innovation, engagement, and healthcare.”
A renowned computer scientist and academic leader, Vitter comes to Ole Miss after serving as provost and executive vice chancellor at the University of Kansas.
“Dr. Vitter is, without a doubt, an exceptional academician and researcher,” said Alan Perry, president of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. “He is also an experienced and very successful academic leader.
“However, it is his vision and passion for the University of Mississippi that is most compelling. I am confident this vision, coupled with his ability to lead the process of developing and implementing strategic plans, will help take the university to (an) even higher level of stature and prominence.
Since being named the 17th UM chancellor in October, Vitter and his wife Sharon have made several visits to the Ole Miss campus to get to know the students, faculty and staff.
In addition to serving as provost and executive vice chancellor, Vitter was the Roy A. Roberts Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas. His academic home was the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and he was a member of the Information and Telecommunication Technology Center. KU includes the main campus in Lawrence, with 10 colleges and schools, the Edwards campus in Overland Park, and the Medical Center campuses in Kansas City, Wichita and Salina. As provost, Vitter served as the chief academic and operations officer for the Lawrence and Edwards campuses.
Vitter initiated and co-led the campuswide development of KU’s strategic plan, Bold Aspirations: The Strategic Plan for the University of Kansas, 2012–2017. The plan is the university’s transformative road map toward its vision of excellence as a top-tier public international research university. While at KU, he created the first-ever universitywide KU Core curriculum, oversaw major facilities improvements and expansion, and led the expansion of the schools of Engineering, Business and Pharmacy. As part of Bold Aspirations, he worked to enhance multidisciplinary research and funding around four strategic research initiatives. He also contributed to major growth of technology commercialization and corporate partnerships, incentivized innovation across the mission of the university, and initiated administrative reorganization and efficiencies.
Prior to joining the University of Kansas, Vitter was on the faculty in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Texas A&M University. He also served as provost and executive vice president for academics and oversaw the academic mission of the university in Galveston, Texas, and Doha, Qatar.
Before his time at Texas A&M, Vitter served as the Frederick L. Hovde Dean of the College of Science and professor of computer science at Purdue University. And before working at Purdue, he held the distinguished professorship as the Gilbert, Louis and Edward Lehrman Professor at Duke University, where he also served as chair of the Department of Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences and as co-director and a founding member of Duke’s Center for Geometric and Biological Computing. He rose through the faculty ranks while at Brown University.
Dr. Vitter’s research expertise is data science and big data, especially dealing with the algorithmic aspects of processing, compressing, and communicating massive amounts of information. He has been elected a Fellow of the Guggenheim Foundation, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). He is a National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator, a Fulbright Scholar, and an IBM Faculty Development Awardee.
Vitter received a B.S. with highest honors in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame (1977), a Ph.D. in computer science from Stanford University (1980), and an M.B.A. from Duke University (2002).
Video: Purdue Oral History Archives interview with Dr. Jeffrey S. Vitter –July 29, 2008
This interview of then-Dean Vitter at Purdue University was conducted for the Purdue Oral History Archives by Ms. Katherine Markee.
It is available here in as a text transcript and as well in video form.
Video: Jeff Vitter Speaks Out on Being a Southerner, Duties of a Dean, and More –2008
This interview of then-Dean Vitter at Purdue University was conducted by Dr. Marianne Winslett as part of ACM SIGMOD Record’s series of interviews with distinguished members of the database community.
The transcript is also available for reading in ACM SIGMOD Record, 42(2), June 2013, 35–45. The video can be watched online.