UMMC made major advances in 2025
The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s year brought major investments, clinical expansion and statewide impact, alongside milestones in education and long-running departmental legacies. From historic gifts supporting cancer care and nursing scholarships to new facilities designed to broaden access and streamline specialty services, UMMC’s momentum reflected its three-part mission of patient care, research and education.
This year, the Medical Center strengthened its health care network with new and expanded programs, advanced treatments and specialized care. Teams opened and celebrated a dedicated burn unit, strengthened midwifery services and broadened community access with facilities like UMMC Madison and new clinic locations.
UMMC reached its 70th anniversary this year, a milestone made possible by decades of education, research and care. Departments across the Medical Center celebrated decades of progress that continue to improve health care in the state.
2025 also carried moments of reflection and remembrance, from honoring anatomical donors to recognizing the fifth anniversary of COVID-19. The UMMC community mourned the loss of AirCare team members while supporting colleagues and families affected by the tragedy.
In education and workforce development, UMMC celebrated learners and mentors at every level, from teaching excellence to increased scholarship opportunities and rising enrollment. These stories capture a year of progress built on expertise, compassion and partnership across Mississippi.
January
Mississippi couple commits $25 million gift to benefit UMMC cancer care, research
John and Sandy Black’s generous commitment, the largest gift in UMMC’s history, will enhance the Medical Center’s efforts to address the pressing cancer care challenges in Mississippi.
‘Medical giants’ showcased in museum's inaugural exhibit
Items from the personal and professional lives of two of the Medical Center’s best-known and most accomplished figures are on display in the Medical Center’s Rowland Medical Library in the first presentation mounted by the Museum of Medical History. Students, faculty and staff are invited to view it any time during regular library hours, and especially during Thursday’s special event.
February
UMMC opens specialty clinics at new Colony Park South location
The University of Mississippi Medical Center opened its new Colony Park South clinic, offering a more streamlined experience for patients receiving specialty care.
The MIND Center’s new centralized facility moves forward with $1 million donation
The MIND Center at UMMC received a $1 million boost toward its new centralized clinic, enhancing care for patients with dementia and advancing research.
UMMC neonatal experts supporting newborn care in Greenville, Tupelo
Outreach to communities in north Mississippi by UMMC and Children’s of Mississippi is improving medical care for babies.
UMMC School of Dentistry breaks ground on a new building
The groundbreaking represents the school’s commitment to advancing dental education and patient care.
March
Former family medicine leader endows fund at UMMC
For decades, Dr. Diane Beebe’s name has been synonymous with family medicine at UMMC. Now, through her generosity, she is adding to that legacy.
A tragic day: AirCare accident claims three lives
The Medical Center is coping with the loss of two first responders and a pilot by honoring their memory and offering support.
Mississippi Miracles Radiothon raises $328,641 for children’s hospital
Two marathon days of broadcasting resulted in donations that will add to the care and comfort of patients at Children’s of Mississippi.
Plagued by memories: UMMC leaders reflect on COVID’s 5th anniversary
UMMC leaders reflect on lessons learned and the enduring impact of the pandemic.
April
UMMC becomes the first in Mississippi to offer deep brain stimulation for epilepsy
After a lifetime of relentless seizures, James Canfield and his family are finally seeing hope. UMMC recently became the first in the state to offer deep brain stimulation for epilepsy — a treatment that could change his life.
UMMC Holmes County celebrates 25 years of service and staff dedication
UMMC Holmes County has provided essential care to patients across Lexington and surrounding areas. Behind that care is a team of dedicated staff who treat their neighbors like family and take pride in serving their community.
Children’s of Mississippi Sleep Center accredited by American Academy of Sleep Medicine
The state’s only pediatric sleep center with AASM accreditation is a resource for patients and their families as well as physicians who rely on sleep studies in determining diagnoses and treatments.
UMMC Hand Center earns accreditation as the first-ever Center of Excellence in hand surgery
The Jabaley-Songcharoen Center for Hand, Upper Extremity and Nerve Surgery has become the first in the nation to receive a newly established Center of Excellence designation for hand surgery. The recognition comes from the Surgical Review Corporation following a first-of-its-kind evaluation.
May
UMMC opens dedicated burn unit to expand statewide care
UMMC opened a new dedicated burn unit, expanding its ability to care for both pediatric and adult patients with serious burn injuries. The specialized unit is designed to deliver advanced, coordinated treatment from emergency care through rehabilitation, all in one centralized location.
With TEACH Prize win, Katie Barber reaches ‘pinnacle’ of profession
As the winner, Barber was one of seven TEACH Prize finalists from each of UMMC’s schools. Her rewards include the knowledge that she is the first-ever School of Pharmacy faculty member to claim the prize since its inception in 2013.
June
UMMC expands health care access with UMMC Madison
Since its acquisition in May, the hospital formerly known as Merit Health Madison is officially part of the UMMC hospital system. Now operating as UMMC Madison, the facility will serve as both a community care hub and a training site for future health professionals.
Expecting better: Inside the fight for maternal health in Mississippi
Mississippi faces some of the highest rates of maternal mortality and poor birth outcomes in the country. Behind those statistics are real families, real challenges — and real people working toward change. At the University of Mississippi Medical Center, that fight is happening every day in clinics, research labs and classrooms. This series explores how UMMC’s threefold mission of education, research and health care is driving efforts to improve maternal health across the state. Through the voices of patients, providers, students and scientists, we’ll take a closer look at the crisis — and the hope — for healthier pregnancies and safer outcomes in Mississippi.
Faculty members awarded honor named for medical school legend
UMMC has once again paid tribute to Dr. Billy S. Guyton’s contributions to medical education in Mississippi with the awarding of distinguished professorships in his name.
July
Ribbon cut on renovations at UMMC School of Nursing in Oxford
High-tech spaces for nursing education and capacity for more students in Oxford will add up to more nurses to care for Mississippians, UMMC School of Nursing leaders say. Renovations at the South Oxford Center were celebrated with a ceremony and reception Wednesday.
Video: Meyers family celebrates quintuplets’ first birthday
Franklin Walker, Carter James, Saylor Kate, Allie Ray and Nova Mae celebrated their first birthday earlier this month with family and friends in Laurel. The five, born at Wiser Hospital for Women and Infants, spent their first weeks of life in neonatal intensive care at Children’s of Mississippi.
Aru family endowment will support future UMMC medical students
After decades of service at UMMC, Dr. Giorgio Aru and his wife, Jan, have turned their attention to supporting the next generation of physicians. The couple has established a scholarship to help medical students overcome financial barriers and pursue a future in medicine.
August
Over the next three years, the grant will create 167 full scholarships for accelerated and traditional BSN students in Jackson and Oxford. The funding will increase the number of nurses while eliminating the cost of nursing education for scholarship recipients.
September
Robotic surgery now available at UMMC Grenada
Patients in north Mississippi can now benefit from minimally invasive care, as surgeons at UMMC Grenada are performing robotic surgeries with the da Vinci XI system. The advanced technology means smaller incisions, faster recovery and care close to home.
Research enterprise surpasses $100M for fiscal 2025
Researchers at UMMC received grants, awards and contracts totaling $101.4 million for 336 projects, reflecting a robust research program despite funding challenges.
October
Construction projects updating Children’s of Mississippi care
Renovations at the Batson Tower are underway as the Alyce G. Clarke Center for Medically Fragile Children is nearing completion.
UMMC Madison expands women’s care with new midwifery clinic
UMMC is expanding access to maternal care with the opening of its new nurse-midwifery clinic at UMMC Madison. The first clinic staffed entirely by certified nurse midwives is already making a difference for growing Mississippi families.
November
In good season: Once again, student enrollment springs in the fall
For many reasons, the Medical Center’s education mission continues to thrive, especially if newly-released fall enrollment numbers are a guide. Most campus schools recorded a rise.
Video: Soldier reunites with the care team that saved his life
In 2022, Justin Lynchard, a soldier in the 101st Airborne Division, suffered a traumatic brain injury that landed him in the ICU. Three years later, Lynchard and his family return to UMMC to create new memories and reunite with the faculty and staff who saved his life.
Superheroes drop in for opening of Mimi’s Playground at Children's of Mississippi
The new playground between the Batson Tower and Wiser Hospital for Women and Infants includes colorful and inclusive play equipment as well as a walking track and a basketball court.
OAVCR Excellence Awards honor 2025 research accomplishments
Medical Center researchers across disciplines were hailed for their achievements in the past fiscal year, which saw a record number of proposal submissions.
December
Video: A mother with heart failure delivers hope
For Renata McGrew, pregnancy came with life-threatening risks few expectant mothers face. Thanks to a tightly coordinated team at UMMC, she navigated a complex medical journey that ended with a healthy baby and a second chance at life.
Sanderson Farms Championship host organization donates $1M to benefit Children’s of Mississippi
Century Club Charities, host of the Sanderson Farms Championship, has once again reached a milestone in giving — donating $1 million from tournament proceeds to benefit Children’s of Mississippi.