Dymond Mitchell will graduate in May from the University of Mississippi, according to a May 8 announcement. She is a Stamps scholar, member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, and has earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in society and health.
Mitchell’s graduation marks the culmination of her leadership roles and community involvement during her time at Ole Miss. She said, “I am not seeking a career where overcoming barriers is the goal. I want one where dismantling them is the standard.”
During her studies, Mitchell traveled throughout the United States and to 11 countries thanks to her Stamps Scholarship. Her experiences included an internship at the University of Texas Southwestern’s Weight Wellness Clinic and serving as a health ambassador at Jackson Free Clinic, supporting patient intake for uninsured populations. On a Global Brigades medical mission in Panama, she assisted healthcare teams in rural clinics.
At Ole Miss, Mitchell chaired nutrition efforts for Grove Grocery food pantry and served as president of Honors College Ambassadors (HCA). Fellow HCA executive Aidan Waters said, “Dymond is an empathetic leader who always puts others first. She is the first to show up and the last to leave, continually demonstrating a true heart for service.” Numa Maryam, director of Honors Senate, said that Mitchell brings positivity to campus: “Dymond’s love for the HoCo makes prospective students want to come here and current students want to stay… Dymond is literally a ray of sunshine that brings so many happy memories…”
Mitchell also helped organize major events such as Honors Welcome Week for more than 500 freshmen and Chancellor’s Scholars Day. Allison Lavender said Mitchell “successfully oversaw selection and coordination of more than 50 student volunteers” while maintaining an inclusive environment.
Her honors thesis explores how social factors shape Americans’ use of prescription weight-loss drugs. Professors Laurel Bradley and Nadeeja Wijayatunga encouraged her academic path; Wijayatunga invited her to attend an American Society for Nutrition conference where she found new inspiration.
Looking ahead, Mitchell plans doctoral studies in nutrition sciences at University of Alabama at Birmingham this fall. Reflecting on setbacks along her journey—including internship rejections—she credited her parents’ resilience: “There was no criticism… only quiet confidence that something better was ahead.” She added: “My dad often reminds me that I am living out my ancestors’ dreams… I know I am living out what they didn’t dare to dream.”
