Case Studies

Chancellor's Scholars Day

Building a Brand for a High-Touch Recruitment Experience

Chancellor’s Scholars Day is an invitation-only University of Mississippi and Honors College recruitment and yield event for 20 prospective students selected to receive the Stamps Scholarship. Historically, the university had struggled to yield these highly recruited students, many of whom were also considering other competitive institutions. The event was designed to give each scholar and their family a highly individualized introduction to Ole Miss and help them envision what their experience could look like here. In 2023, I created the event’s first dedicated visual identity and carried it across the full attendee experience, from invitations and pre-event communications to personalized schedules, apparel, signage, folders, and giveaways.

Creating the Identity

With no existing event identity to work from, I developed a visual system specifically for Chancellor’s Scholars Day that could feel distinct and celebratory while remaining connected to the Honors College and larger university brand. The system became the foundation for the event’s communications and physical materials.

University of Mississippi Chancellor's Scholars Day 2023 and Welcome Reception invitation signs displayed at event.

Red long sleeve shirt featuring University of Mississippi Honors College Chancellors Scholars Day 2023 design with campus building graphic.

Carrying the Brand Through the Experience

I extended the identity across the event experience, designing and coordinating materials including invitations, folders, nametags, apparel, signage, printed collateral and branded giveaways. Individual elements were designed to work together rather than as standalone pieces, creating a recognizable experience from a student’s first communication through their day on campus.

University of Mississippi Chancellor's Welcome 2023 gift bag with HOCO, ONSA, Liberal Arts stickers, tote, and water bottle.

Canvas tote bags with red and blue tissue paper, featuring Fins Up and University of Mississippi Alumni Association logos.

Light blue circular sticker reading I Love An Ole Miss Stamps Scholar with a red heart design.

Printed name tags with blue borders arranged on a table for an office or corporate event meeting.

Multiple canvas tote bags with blue handles arranged on a floor, filled with items, next to a blue chair and cardboard box.

Conference registration table with blue folders, lanyards, badges, pens, and event materials neatly arranged in rows.

Four colorful University of Mississippi Chancellor's Scholars t-shirts in blue, red, maroon, and gray folded on a table.

Hand holding a round sticker reading Stamps Scholars Say Fins Up with a shark fin graphic on blue background.

Personalizing the Experience

Chancellor’s Scholars Day was designed around the individual student rather than a single itinerary for the entire group. I created 20 unique, hour-by-hour scholar schedules based on students’ academic interests and planned activities, along with corresponding schedules for their parents and families. Each scholar was also paired with an Honors Ambassador who escorted them across campus throughout the day, creating a highly personalized experience while ensuring students could move smoothly between activities.

Two Chancellor's Scholars Day 2023 folders held up, one labeled Madelyn Hill and another Lori Hill and Aaron Hill.

View Itineraries

Students pose together at Chancellor's Scholars Day 2023 event in a university auditorium.

A diverse group of eight students and a faculty member pose together around a tall round table at a formal academic event.

Two smiling young women in blue Harper College uniforms pose together at a campus event.

Two smiling young men wearing Ole Miss Rebels sweatshirts pose together indoors near a World of Opportunity poster.

A smiling couple poses together at an indoor event, woman in floral blue dress and man in blue blazer.

Two women shaking hands and smiling at a professional networking event with people gathered in the background.

People networking at a social gathering, smiling and conversing in a warmly lit indoor venue.

Five students sit on stage at University of Mississippi Chancellor's Scholars Day 2023 event.

Two smiling women wearing University of Mississippi Chancellor's Scholars sweatshirts dining together at a table.

Two people in blue shirts smile for a selfie while riding in a golf cart outdoors.

Four women socializing at a networking event, two wearing blue polo shirts with name tags, holding drinks.

Smiling young man in red Ole Miss polo shirt socializing at an indoor gathering or event.

Two men engaged in conversation at a networking event, with guests socializing in the background.

Two smiling people pose together, one wearing an Ole Miss Rebels shirt, at an indoor social gathering.

Two women smiling and laughing at a social gathering event.

Guests mingle at an elegant university reception with floral centerpiece and catered food display.

Two professionals in a white coat and suit converse at an indoor networking event with a third person in background.

Two speakers present at Chancellor's Scholars Day 2023 event on a red-draped stage at the University of Mississippi.

Three professionals networking and smiling during a business event in a brick-walled venue.

A man in a navy suit and red tie speaks at a microphone during a professional networking event indoors.

Three smiling college students wearing Ole Miss Rebels shirts pose together at a campus social event.

Three men in business attire engage in conversation around a high-top table at a networking event.

Group of people smiling and socializing at an indoor gathering or reception event.

Smiling young man in red shirt proudly holding certificates at an indoor academic awards ceremony.

Professionals networking at a formal event, smiling and conversing while holding drinks in a bright venue.

Five students pose outside Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College building on a sunny day.

Large group of students pose together at Chancellor's Scholars Day 2023 at the University of Mississippi.

Two young women posing together in front of research posters at an academic conference.

Two men laughing and gesturing animatedly during a casual networking event indoors.

Two young people in matching blue Ole Miss sweatshirts smile for a selfie outdoors on a sunny day.

Two women smiling together at an event, one wearing yellow with round glasses, the other in a green blazer.

Two smiling college students pose together at an indoor academic event with peers and presentation boards in the background.

Two men laughing together at a networking event, one holding a glass of wine.

Seeing It Come to Life

The project extended beyond design into event planning and execution. I coordinated attendee communications, vendors and production, helped manage the on-campus experience, and worked across the Honors College and university partners to bring the event together.

(Photos courtesy of HG Biggs & Submitted Photos)

What Families & Scholars Said

CSD Participant

“I enjoyed the attention to detail and the abundance of information presented during the Chancellor’s Scholars Day. This event truly sold me, and now I will officially be attending the university in the fall!”

CSD Participant

“I enjoyed the personalized Friday schedule as well, and this schedule allowed me to meet with people who highly convinced me to choose Ole Miss.”

CSD Parent

“Both students’ and parents’ itinerary was meticulously planned... You all did an excellent job organizing and paying attention to every detail. Thank you so much for including the parents.”

18 of 20 scholars chose

Ole Miss.

Chancellor’s Scholars Day was created to address a persistent challenge: yielding highly recruited Stamps Scholarship finalists who were considering some of the nation’s most competitive universities. In 2023, 18 of the 20 scholars ultimately chose Ole Miss—an unprecedented yield for the program. Of the two who enrolled elsewhere, one chose an Ivy League institution.

The response to the experience extended beyond enrollment outcomes. Following the reception held for scholars and their families the evening before Chancellor’s Scholars Day, the university’s provost told me it was the best university reception he had ever attended.