The Ole Miss Alumni Association has opened nominations for its fifth annual 40 Under 40 Awards.
Year after year, the University of Mississippi graduates some of the most impactful young leaders in a broad range of industries. They forge partnerships, solve problems, blaze trails and serve their communities wherever they may be. The Ole Miss Alumni Association 40 Under 40 awards program spotlights selected alumni across a variety of vocations for having made a significant impact in business, research, leadership, public service and/or philanthropic endeavors.
Selected from hundreds of nominations, the 2025 class included a counterintelligence agent, communications director for TikTok, director of operations for USGA’s U.S. Open and the owner and founder of a bespoke clothing company.
“We are excited to continue this program as a way to recognize and celebrate some of our outstanding young alumni,” said Sunny Brown (BSFCS 09, MA 11), OMAA assistant director and 40 Under 40 coordinator. “Our young alumni population continues to grow, and they are doing noteworthy work in their respective industries. In addition, the recipient of the Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award, which is presented at Homecoming, will be selected from the 2026 40 Under 40 class.”
To be eligible, nominees must be an active member of the Alumni Association, have made a significant impact on their industry or field, have civic or professional achievements, aspire to uphold the core values of the University of Mississippi Creed, have earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi and must demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a lifelong relationship with the University of Mississippi and the OMAA. Nominees also must be 39 years of age or younger on Jan. 15, 2026, to be considered.
Nominators should fill out an online form with the nominee’s name and email address only. The nominee will then be asked to complete the application process.
Nominations for the Class of 2026 may be submitted here through Nov. 10, 2025. Recipients will be announced in the spring and celebrated with a reception and ceremony.
Click here to view the 2025 recipients.
For more information, visit olemissalumni.com/40-under-40 or contact Sunny Brown at sunny@olemissalumni.com.