National Collegiate Athletic Association

NCAA News Archive - 2010

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Feb 25, 2010 9:31:39 AM

Mississippi students have voted overwhelmingly in favor of developing a new mascot, a move that will be supported by university officials.

In a vote sponsored by the student government group, students voted 2,510 to 856 to create an on-field mascot to replace Colonel Rebel, who was retired in 2003. The university has not had a mascot since then.

Athletics teams will remain the Ole Miss Rebels and the school's colors will not change.

"Our students think of themselves as ‘Ole Miss Rebels.' They are today's Ole Miss Rebels, and they want a new on-field mascot that represents their spirit and energy," Chancellor Dan Jones said. "They will lead the effort to create a mascot that they think will improve school spirit and the game-day experience for themselves and others."

Artair Rogers, president of Mississippi's student government group, said he wanted to give a voice to the students. Rogers and other student leaders will decide how to select a committee that will be charged with developing and proposing a new mascot. Rogers hopes to present a plan to university officials next week. Input from alumni, fans and others will be included in the process.