Director's Cut

Director's message

These 10 key facts about It's About Time: The Campaign for the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute show how this capital campaign will impact cancer care, research and education in the state.

Celebrating Trustmark's $2 million gift to the CCRI campaign are, from left, Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs; Dr. Rod Rocconi, Ergon Chair for Cancer Research and director of the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute; Art Stevens, president of retail banking at Trustmark; and Melanie Morgan, executive vice president and director of corporate communications and marketing at Trustmark.

Trustmark gives $2M to campaign for UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute

UMMC’s journey to build a center for cancer care and research took a significant step forward thanks to Trustmark, which announced a $2 million donation to It’s About Time: The Campaign for the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute May 20.

The new five-story Cancer Center and Research Institute will offer advanced care, groundbreaking research and a welcoming space to enhance patient care and access.

McRae Foundation’s generosity continues with significant gift to UMMC cancer center campaign

The Selby and Richard McRae Foundation, a longtime supporter of causes in Jackson and throughout the state, is continuing its philanthropy with a significant gift to It’s About Time: The Campaign for the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute.

Dr. Manju George is patient advocate lead in UK project

This ambitious project aims to transform how scientists understand and treat colorectal cancer, one of the most complex and stubborn cancers to target with precision therapies.

Dr. Angelina Aduke Toluhi joins CCRI team

She brings more than 15 years of experience in global health systems, maternal and child health and program evaluation, with a strong commitment to translating research into practice and strengthening health systems in high‑need communities.

CCRI members to speak at NCI workshop in July

CCRI members Dr. Pier Paolo Claudio, professor of pharmacology and toxicology, and Dr. Candace Howard, professor of radiology and pediatrics, will discuss functional precision medicine (FPM) during Precision in Practice: A Functional Medicine Workshop, to be hosted by the National Cancer Institute July 1-2 in Rockville, Maryland.

Marlene Rios is among the first people patients meet at the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute.

Front and Center: Marlene Rios

One of the first people University of Mississippi Medical Center cancer patients meet is Marlene Rios, who does everything she can to offer a warm, reassuring first impression.

Ashley Napier is Employee of the Month

The RN care coordinator was nominated for her concern and compassion for CCRI patients in outpatient care.

Recent publications

A new publication highlighting the future of genomics-guided prostate cancer care showcases the collaborative efforts of UMMC School of Medicine student John A. Ligon and UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute members Dr. Shashi Anand, Dr. Seema Singh, Dr. Jawed Siddiqui, Dr. John Clark Henegan and Dr. Ajay Pratap Singh.

Slideshow: CCRI Scene

The UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute team is active in sharing knowledge, working to improve the health of Mississippians. Click "read more" to see photos.

May observances include brain, bladder, skin cancers

May focuses on cancer awareness efforts that promote prevention, early detection and survivorship.

May 2026