People of the U
Main Content

Front and Center

Every institution is rich with personal stories. We want to know ours, and to share them with you.

Do you know a student, staff member, volunteer or faculty member at the University of Mississippi Medical Center whose story would make an interesting feature, or who deserves to be recognized?

Someone who you think more people should know about because of his or her commitment to their job and/or the people they work with or for? Who has a fascinating hobby? Who takes part in a remarkable group? Who has accomplished something amazing?

We want to share what makes them special and unique. To nominate someone to be considered for a Front and Center feature, submit this short form. If your nominee is chosen, Communications and Marketing staff will be in contact to learn more about his or her personal story.

Latest News

Wesley Smith, chief nursing officer at Children's of Mississippi, poses for a photo in the Children's executive suite.

Front and Center: Wesley Smith

Monday, July 27, 2026

For more than a decade, Wesley Smith has cared for Mississippi's children and families in different roles across Children's of Mississippi. Now, as chief nursing officer, he leads the nursing organization he has grown alongside, bringing a deep understanding of the people, purpose and culture that define the children’s hospital. Read More

Will Appleby, manager of MED-COM, stands in the emergency transfer center of Mississippi MED-COM.

Front and Center: Will Appleby

Monday, July 13, 2026

When disaster strikes, most people focus on the flashing lights, helicopters and first responders racing toward the scene. Behind many of those lifesaving efforts is someone making sure help gets where it is needed most. Will Appleby has dedicated his career to answering Mississippi's toughest calls — often before anyone else even knows help is on the way. Read More

Front and Center News Feed

Alice Chaney Herndon is fighting cancer while serving as director of adult nursing services, a job she loves.

Front and Center: Alice Chaney Herndon

Published on Monday, June 29, 2026

 Dr. John E. Hall, retiring Arthur C. Guyton Professor and longtime chair of the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, expresses surprise and heartfelt gratitude for the recognition and tribute during his recent retirement ceremony.

UMMC celebrates Hall’s legacy, names research building in his honor

Published on Monday, June 8, 2026

Photos: UMMC celebrates employees with a week of appreciation events

Published on Monday, May 18, 2026

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

Front and Center: Marlene Rios

Published on Monday, May 11, 2026

 Madison Hansen, a fourth‑year School of Medicine MD‑PhD student, founded Cantus Medici – Latin for “song of the healers” – in 2023. She said the student‑interest group explores the intersections of music, medicine and neuroscience.

Front and Center: Madison Hansen

Published on Tuesday, January 20, 2026

 Jason Dill, business administrator in the Department of Pathology, has worked at UMMC for eight years, first as an accountant and later as director of business operations for the School of Nursing.

Front and Center: Jason Dill

Published on Monday, January 5, 2026

 Mirna Vargas has been a cytotechnologist at UMMC for nearly a decade.

Front and Center: Mirna Vargas

Published on Monday, December 15, 2025

 Dr. Devika Das, director of the Division of Hematology and Oncology

Front and Center: Dr. Devika Das

Published on Monday, November 3, 2025