News Summary
The University of Mississippi has extended Keith Carter’s contract as vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics through 2029, acknowledging his leadership and the athletics department’s remarkable achievements. During his tenure, Ole Miss has celebrated two NCAA championships, improved academic performance with a 94% Graduation Success Rate, and made significant infrastructure upgrades. The decision is seen as a strategic move to continue the department’s successful trajectory and enhance the experience for student-athletes.
Oxford, Mississippi – The University of Mississippi announced on Thursday that it has extended Keith Carter’s contract as the vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics through 2029, following a period marked by significant achievements in the athletics department.
Chancellor Glenn F. Boyce praised Carter’s leadership over the past six years, emphasizing the substantial impact he has had on elevating the university’s athletic programs. Under Carter’s tenure as athletics director, which began over five years ago, Ole Miss has experienced unparalleled success, securing two NCAA team championships and achieving record postseason results.
This year, Ole Miss athletics completed its participation in the Learfield Directors’ Cup, finishing 27th, which marks the third time in history the university has finished in 27th place or better. Notably, Ole Miss achieved its highest-ever finish in the Learfield Cup during the 2021-22 season, placing 20th among national competitors—a remarkable improvement considering Ole Miss had previously only managed two top-40 finishes since the inception of the Learfield Cup in 1994.
During Carter’s tenure, numerous teams have excelled, including the women’s golf team, which claimed its first outright NCAA team title in 2021. The men’s baseball team also made headlines by winning the 2022 Men’s College World Series championship. Additionally, the football program reached its first 11-win season in 2023, culminating in a Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl victory over Penn State and a concluding Associated Press ranking of No. 9, which is the highest standing for Ole Miss since 1969.
The 2024-25 season has further illustrated the department’s strengthening position, highlighted by four individual national titles across three different sports and four teams achieving or tying for their best NCAA finishes to date. Notably, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA March Madness tournament, while the softball team made its inaugural journey to the Women’s College World Series.
In terms of academic performance, Ole Miss athletics boasts a record 94% Graduation Success Rate, surpassing the national single-cohort average of 91%. Additionally, six athletic teams recorded a perfect 100% Graduation Success Rate (GSR), reflecting the department’s commitment to the academic success of its student-athletes.
Under Carter’s guidance, notable infrastructure improvements have also taken place, including a $45 million renovation of the Olivia and Archie Manning Athletics Performance Center completed in July 2023 and the opening of a new $32 million Ole Miss Softball Stadium in February 2024. Future projects under consideration include renovations at the Ole Miss Soccer Stadium and the Ole Miss Golf Complex.
Looking forward, Carter’s objectives will focus on fundraising initiatives and revenue generation for Ole Miss athletics, aiming to sustain and enhance the momentum established during his leadership era. The extension of his contract underscores the university’s confidence in his vision and capability to continue advancing Ole Miss athletics to new heights.
The decision to extend Carter’s contract is seen as a strategic move to maintain the trajectory of success that has become a hallmark of the Ole Miss athletic department during his tenure, promising a robust future for student-athletes both on and off the field.
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Additional Resources
- On3: Ole Miss Extends Athletic Director Keith Carter’s Contract Through 2029
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter Contract Extension
- WJTV: Ole Miss Extends Keith Carter’s Contract Through 2029
- Wikipedia
- Encyclopedia Britannica
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