The University of Mississippi highlighted on May 8 the accomplishments of Dan Sloan, an economics major from Taylorville, Illinois, as part of its 2026 Journey to Commencement series. Sloan is set to graduate with a degree in economics and a minor in mathematics after building a record that includes research, public service, and international experience.
The recognition underscores the university’s focus on celebrating students who have demonstrated academic excellence and personal growth throughout their college careers. The Journey to Commencement series aims to share stories that reflect the diverse paths students take from enrollment to graduation.
Sloan credited his academic development to experiences within the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. “I would not have discovered my academic passion without this course, and I now have plans to attend graduate school and eventually work in the field of economics,” he said. He also expressed gratitude for mentorship received from Dr. Garrett Scott and Bruce Levingston. “It has been a pleasure to take his fall and spring courses that are specially and intentionally developed to not only explore the simultaneous causality of art and society, but also build students’ confidence in engaging with others,” Sloan said about Levingston.
Levingston praised Sloan’s contributions: “He is both a superb scholar and an exceptional person,” Levingston said. “It has been a true joy getting to know him and have him in my classes. He has a brilliant future ahead of him.”
Sloan’s extracurricular involvement included serving as an Innovation Scholar through the Catalyzing Entrepreneurship and Economic Development initiative at the Grisham-McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement. Albert Nylander, director of the institute, said: “From the beginning, he demonstrated a deep commitment to community and economic development, along with a genuine desire to understand how communities grow and thrive.”
His internships spanned local organizations such as Oxford-Lafayette Economic Development Foundation as well as national bodies like the U.S. Department of State. Internationally, he worked with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation in Rwanda where he researched economic barriers facing communities recovering from tragedy.
J.R. Love described Sloan as “driven by a pursuit of excellence,” adding: “Whether it’s arriving early for an interview, going the extra mile or working late at Insight Park, he consistently demonstrates a commitment that sets him apart… His impact reaches far beyond campus.” After graduation, Sloan plans further study at Harvard University’s Kennedy School before returning to Rwanda as a Fulbright Research awardee.
