UM CIE Legacy Leadership Program

09/03/2026

Every family business has a unique legacy, but how you tell that story can be a game-changer for your brand, culture, and growth.

We’re excited to highlight a featured case study: Amplifying Family Business Stories, featuring insights from:
• Will Hunt, CEO & President at Hunt Marketing
• Beth Hunt, Owner of Beth Hunt Designs
• Kallen Alderman, Director of Growth at Hunt Marketing

Learn how to leverage storytelling to build trust, strengthen family enterprise identity, and drive business impact. Join us September 15–16 at the Sheraton Flowood!

🎟️ Reserve your seat today: https://olemisscie.com/family-business-26/

09/01/2026

We are officially 2 WEEKS AWAY from the 5th Annual It’s All Relative Family Business Symposium ⏳ https://olemisscie.com/family-business-26/

Navigating capital allocation and liquidity in a family enterprise requires clarity, strategy, and foresight. We are thrilled to welcome Travis W. Harms and Tripp Crews from Mercer Capital, who will share critical insights on balancing shareholder liquidity needs with long-term business sustainability.

Seats are filling up quickly, but we're still saving a spot for you!
🎟️ Register now: https://olemisscie.com/family-business-26/

UM CIE Legacy Leadership Program

08/24/2026

Bringing in independent board directors isn't just a governance milestone, but a catalyst for sustainable growth, objective accountability, and long-term legacy.

At this year’s Family Business Symposium, our Independent Board Directors’ Panel will feature insights from C-suite leaders who know firsthand what makes an independent board truly transformative:
・ Christopher Ray (CEO, The Ramey Agency)
・Ned Rand (President & CEO, ProAssurance Corporation )
・ and Wesley Goings (President, Telapex, Inc.)

Whether you are considering appointing your first independent director or optimizing an existing board structure, you won't want to miss their real-world perspectives!

🎟️ Registration is still open: https://olemisscie.com/family-business-26/

08/24/2026

Welcome back students! This is my first chance to write to you as dean. I am looking forward to the year in front of us.

Financial literacy is the piece I am most excited about. We have a freshman class open to every major on this campus, not just ours. We are supporting curriculum in other classes across the university, sponsoring workshops and training, and rolling out the LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) Workspace license to every student in the university.

Over the next year, we are going to adjust two fundamental courses in the curriculum to teach AI application and AI-driven data analysis to every major. In our finance courses, AI is informing portfolio research and trading choices. In the sales labs, students are using AI to refine and iterate their sales approaches. In marketing, analytics and management, we are pushing the boundaries of classroom instruction and experimenting with the best ways to teach with it.

It is going to be an exciting year. I cannot wait to see you tailgating at every home game, in front of Holman Hall, at an expanded Business School tent. Hotty Toddy, Rich Gentry

08/17/2026

Have you registered yet?

Leader, innovator, and licensed electrician, Brian Robinson, will be joining us for a fireside chat at the 5th annual "It's All Relative" Family Business Symposium!

As the third generation to lead Robinson Electric Company, Inc., Brian brings a deep, personal understanding of what it takes to navigate multi-generational growth, honor a legacy, and position a family business for the future. Whether you’re navigating succession, scaling operations, or protecting your core values across generations, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!

🎟️ Register Today: https://olemisscie.com/family-business-26/

08/13/2026

Register today! Early bird rates for family-owned businesses ends soon!
🔗 https://olemisscie.com/family-business-26/

We're excited to announce that Joey Havens will be our opening keynote speaker for the 5th annual "It's All Relative" Family Business Symposium!

Joey actively challenges the mainstays of business culture and strategic planning. He advocates for growing leaders faster using holistic approaches and intentional sponsorship. He has coauthored four books during his career at HORNE, including his newest - Leading with Significance: How to Create a Magnetic, People-First Culture - which every attendee will receive in their symposium welcome bag!

🔗 You still have time to register: https://olemisscie.com/family-business-26/
UM CIE Legacy Leadership Program

07/28/2026

We're saving your seat for the 5th annual "It's All Relative" Family Business Symposium! https://olemisscie.com/family-business-26/ 🔑

This year's theme focuses on Governance and Boards - a critical pillar of long-term survival. The agenda features interactive panel discussions, real-world case studies, and expert-led sessions designed to help Mississippi family business leaders build a resilient leadership framework. From structuring a family council to navigating multi-generational transition, you'll walk away with actionable insights and proven strategies to safeguard your legacy.

Join the UM CIE Legacy Leadership Program in Flowood to connect with fellow business leaders and gain the tools your business needs to thrive for generations to come! 🔗 Register today: https://olemisscie.com/family-business-26/

07/07/2026

Registration for the 5th Annual "It's All Relative" Family Business Symposium is open 🥳 https://olemisscie.com/family-business-26/

Join us for two days of powerful keynote speakers, expert-led panels, and invaluable networking with fellow family business owners from across the region. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to help your business thrive for generations to come.

🗓️ September 15-16, 2026
📍 Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel & Conference Center
🎟️ https://olemisscie.com/family-business-26/

06/18/2026

Last stop! Join us in Ridgeland 📍

06/11/2026

📍 Next Stop: Ridgeland! RSVP using the link below!