It's About Time
The University of Mississippi Medical Center is embarking on a campaign to build a new Cancer Center and Research Institute to improve cancer outcomes in Mississippi.
The Need
Mississippi's Cancer Mortality Rate is the Worst in the Country
In Mississippi, nearly everyone's lives have been touched by cancer, and a higher percentage of people in our state die from the disease than in any other state in the U.S. Current treatment options available in our state are not enough. At UMMC, we know change is possible, and we believe the time is now.
We envision a future in which Mississippians have access to the best cancer care without having to leave the state. Together, let's draw a line in the sand and ensure our state has the highest level of cancer care, more research studies and increased clinical trials.
We Know Change is Possible in Mississippi


The Solution
UMMC is building a state-of-the-art cancer center that will bring together education, research and treatment under one roof in a beautiful, welcoming space. When complete, the new center will be a place where
- Patients receive integrated, streamlined care at an innovative facility without having to leave Mississippi.
- Families are welcomed and provided resources as they support their loved ones receiving care.
- Care teams collaborate in real time for more connected and informed decision making.
- Researchers and physicians work together closely for faster translation of new research findings into improved patient care, leading to more effective treatments and better patient outcomes.
The results: Better outcomes. More hope. More time.
It's time to transform cancer care.

A Special Thanks
Sandy and John Black and Family
Learn more about the vision that led this Mississippi family to become the first donors.
Campaign Committee Members
Sandy and John Black
Honorary Chairs
James “Holt” Crews, MD
Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMMC
Beverly Hogan, PhD
Past President of Tougaloo College
Alyson Jones
Partner, Butler Snow
Robert Lampton
President, Supply and Distribution, Ergon
Walt Lampton
Agent, Barber and Kinney
Payton Lockey
Founder and Managing Partner, Vacuum Truck Rentals
Marshall Loeb
President and CEO, EastGroup Properties
Johnny McRight
Founder and President, DeltaAg
Chris Newcomb
Founder and CEO, Newk's Eatery
Kent Oliver
Director of Strategic Growth, Raanes & Oliver Capital Advisors
Bill Oliver
Past CEO of Forrest General Hospital
Rod Rocconi, MD
Director, Cancer Center and Research Institute and Ergon Chair of Cancer Research, UMMC
Jia Scott
Vice President of Treasury, Cal-Maine Foods
Tate Thigpen, MD
Past Director of Oncology, UMMC
For More Information
To learn more and become part of this transformational campaign, contact Suzanne Thigpen at sfthigpen@umc.edu