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Jo’Anna Thompson, a Yazoo City native and senior dietetics and nutrition major, always dreamed of becoming an Ole Miss Rebel after watching her older sister graduate from the University of ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ. The university was a familiar, yet fresh, place to start a new chapter.

“Ole Miss was my introduction to a new and diverse environment, compared to my hometown,” Thompson said.

The transition from small town to major university was at first a challenge for Thompson. She leaned into the support she received from the university’s resources, faculty and staff to help pave her way.

Thompson’s passion for making a difference in her community drew her to the dietetics and nutrition program.

“Seeing how my community is plagued by the lack of access to nutritional health care and knowledge changed me, and now I want to learn even more about it so that I can teach others,” she said. “My interest also stems from me wanting to know more about how our food is made for our consumption.

As our world becomes more technologically advanced, we are seeing more and more changes to our food systems, but with that comes more mystery about what is in our food. I want to ensure that our society is consuming the highest quality of food because we deserve the chance to live long lives and enjoy life with our loved ones.”

Kathy Knight, professor emerita of nutrition and hospitality management, offered Thompson an opportunity to help with Manna, a student-led food ministry located in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church that serves meals to community members in need.

Her involvement was quickly noticed, and Thompson earned the Top Chef award in her Introduction to Culinary Science lab her during her first semester. She was recognized again with a departmental award 2024.

“She was a joy to have in the nutrition education and counseling class and presented an outstanding session to freshmen students,” said Melinda Valliant, interim dean of the and professor of nutrition and hospitality management. “I am so proud of her and look forward to watching her successes over the next few years.”

Besides her involvement with the community nutrition program, Thompson was an ambassador for the School of Applied Sciences throughout her time as an undergraduate student. As an ambassador, she assisted with promoting the school through various recruitment efforts.

Following graduation in May, Thompson plans to enroll at ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ State University to pursue her master’s degree in food science and technology.

“Ole Miss created many unforgettable memories and moments that I will cherish for the rest of my life,” Thompson said.

Top: Inspired by her community’s health needs and her own curiosity about food systems, Jo’Anna Thompson found her purpose in dietetics and nutrition at the university, where she became a standout student and advocate for food education. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services

See more photos from Jo'Anna Thompson's Journey to Commencement