The United Faculty Senates Association of Mississippi (UFSAM) brings together faculty leaders from all eight public universities governed by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL). Our mission is to promote collaboration among faculty senates, advise on statewide higher education policy, and protect the academic values that sustain quality teaching, research, and service across Mississippi’s universities
UFSAM serves as a forum for shared governance—a place where elected faculty representatives exchange ideas, build consensus, and advocate collectively for the advancement of Mississippi’s higher education system.
Member Insitutions
- Alcorn State University Faculty Senate
- Delta State University Faculty Senate
- Jackson State University Faculty Senate
- Mississippi State University Faculty Senate
- Mississippi University for Women Faculty Senate
- Mississippi Valley State University Faculty Senate
- The University of Mississippi Faculty Senate
- The University of Mississippi Medical Center Faculty Senate
- The University of Southern Mississippi Faculty Senate
Recent Initiatives
Academic Freedom and Faculty Rights
UFSAM continues to stand firmly for academic freedom as the cornerstone of higher education, as reflected in its statewide letters and resolutions supporting open inquiry and the autonomy of faculty in teaching and research.
Shared Governance and Policy Advocacy
UFSAM regularly communicates with the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) and state officials regarding matters affecting faculty welfare, including legislative issues such as Senate Bill 2449 on retirement contributions and House Bill 1193 on campus funding impacts.
Parental Leave Proposal
Following a 2023 committee report and 2024 statewide resolution, UFSAM has advanced a proposal for paid parental leave for Mississippi faculty, emphasizing family support, faculty retention, and equity across institutions. On March 11, 2025, Governor Reeves signed House Bill 1063 into law which provides 6 weeks of paid parental leave for state employees.
Meetings and Events
UFSAM meets monthly, typically aligned with IHL Board meetings.
In 2025, UFSAM will host the first annual Joint Session of Mississippi Faculty Senates on November 11 at the University of Mississippi, featuring discussions on academic freedom and shared governance.
Next Meeting:
📅 November 11, 2025 – Oxford, MS
📍 Hybrid format (in-person & virtual)
🕙 Details forthcoming
Leadership (2025–2026)
President: Dr. Joshua Bernstein (University of Southern Mississippi)
Vice President: Dr. Jonathan Westfall (Delta State University)
Secretary: Dr. Bradley Walters (University of Mississippi Medical Center)
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