Support Research, Exploration, Critical Thinking and Collaboration
Give to the Humanities Lab!
This summer, a cohort of eight University of Mississippi undergraduates became the first members of the UM Humanities Lab, a four-week intensive program that helped them sharpen their research skills, hone their writing and presentation, and engage with other students and faculty conducting research in the humanities.
The students represented many areas of study in the College of Liberal Arts: from English and creative writing to history, gender studies, philosophy, classics and Southern studies.
“One of my favorite parts of the program was watching students encounter ideas and research outside of their fields of emphasis,” said Dr. Mary Thurlkill, a professor of religious studies and the director of the 2025 Humanities Lab. “Students learn so much from their fellow students and are able to place themselves in conversation with different perspectives.”
But changes in federal funding might endanger the 2026 Humanities Lab. We need your help to make sure we can continue providing these special students with a small stipend to cover their living expenses during the program. Your support can ensure that all students who qualify for this honor can afford to participate in the program.
Thurlkill said the Humanities Lab proved to be such an illuminating experience for students and faculty mentors that she hopes to be involved again in 2026.
“Watching a community of people interested in learning come together and listen to other perspectives — listen, really hear each other and support one another — is what higher education is all about,” Thurlkill said.
Please give today to support Ole Miss students and the 2026 Humanities Lab!
$25
The First Summer
The first summer Humanities Lab was in 2025, and according to the students and professors who advised them, the program was a huge success. Students in a variety of Liberal Arts disciplines learned from one another to strengthen their research and learn new techniques. Give $25 to honor the inaugural year of the program!
$50
Finishing Your Thesis
The typical length of an undergraduate thesis varies by discipline, but many students aim from 40 to 50 pages. During the summer Humanities Lab, students were able to supercharge their research process, get feedback on their work, and complete a chapter of their thesis. Give $50 in honor of the 50 pages these talented students will finish on their journey to graduation.
$200
Research is a Full-Time Job
Students who participate in the summer Humanities Lab are encouraged to dedicate all their time during the four-week program to their project and not work even a part-time job. It's a big commitment, as many students use the summer to work and earn money for the upcoming school year. Students in the Humanities Lab dedicate around 200 hours of work to the program. Honor their hard work and support the Humanities Lab 2026 students with a $200 gift!
$2,000
Fund One Student's Summer
With a generous $2,000 gift, you can fund one student's expenses for their summer Humanities Lab experience. The high-achieving students participating in the Humanities Lab often have to find short-term summer housing during the program. Additionally, the program keeps them so busy that it's not possible to have a part-time job. From the beginning, the Humanities Lab committed to giving students a stipend for living expenses. Help us fulfill that promise to one student with a $2,000 gift!