Black Bears. Landsharks. Ackbars.
No matter what you call them, University of Mississippi chancellor Jeffrey Vitter says the Ole Miss Rebels are here to stay.
“I can assure you that we will continue to use the terms Ole Miss and Rebels as endearing nicknames for the university,” Vitter said in a letter addressed to the university community. “Data show that the term Ole Miss is broadly viewed as one of connection and affection, with strongly positive national (and international) recognition. It is one of the more known and respected (and frankly, envied) college brands.”
Vitter added that those seeking information about the university are seven times more likely to use “Ole Miss” in a web search and that the nickname “evokes a more positive image than does even University of Mississippi.