Center for Excellence in Literacy Instruction

05/06/2026

Thinking about joining the Parent Academy network, but not quite sure where to start?

CELI Program Directors Alissa Hobart and Kayla Denton will host a virtual info session THIS Friday for communities and organizations interested in learning more about Parent Academy and what participation entails.

We’ll walk through the program, discuss what implementation can look like in your community, and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Friday, May 8
1:00PM–2:00PM

Join us here: https://olemiss.zoom.us/j/83399769077

Thinking about joining the Parent Academy network but feeling unsure about taking the leap?

Join us THIS Friday for a virtual info session to learn more and see if Parent Academy is the right fit for your community or organization!

We’ll talk through what Parent Academy is, what participation looks like, and answer any questions you may have.

Friday, May 8th
1:00PM-2:00PM

Click here to join us 👉 https://olemiss.zoom.us/j/83399769077

05/05/2026

Congratulations to CELI Director Dr. Angela Rutherford on being recognized at the 2026 Leadership & Engagement Awards!

Dr. Rutherford exemplifies leadership, service, and meaningful engagement across the University of Mississippi community and beyond.

04/29/2026

Senate Education Chairman Dennis DeBar joined us at Nora Davis Elementary in Laurel to celebrate the end of another incredible year of CELI’s Mission Acceleration program.

Our six Volunteer Mississippi volunteers from Jones College are wrapping up seven months of dedicated service, supporting young readers and making a meaningful impact in their tutoring sessions.

We’re deeply grateful to our volunteers, our partners at Laurel School District, and Senator DeBar for supporting this work and championing children and literacy across Mississippi.

04/20/2026

04/17/2026

Interested in building executive function skills in meaningful, everyday ways?

Explore the CELI / MPB partnership page featuring Mind in the Making resources—practical tools you can use to support children: https://mindinthemaking.mpbonline.org/

04/11/2026

Mississippi Day was a smashing success! We loved getting to spend the day with the LOU community—connecting, sharing, and celebrating together.

We gave books to nearly 150 families and had the chance to introduce many of you to upcoming CELI events, including our 3 Ts family series (Tune In, Take Turns, Talk More).

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, supported, and helped make the day so special.

03/19/2026

Don’t miss “M is for Marathon, Not Miracle: How Mississippi Achieved Literacy Success Through Smart Implementation,” featuring an incredible lineup of Mississippi leaders—including our own CELI Director, Dr. Angela Rutherford.

On 3/31 Campaign for Grade-Level Reading is exploring how Mississippi achieved monumental literary success through smart implementation with Foundation for Excellence in Education, Mississippi Department of Education, Jefferson County School District, Union Public School District, and The University of Mississippi - Ole Miss
REGISTER ➡️ https://bit.ly/3LkTvIy

02/13/2026

It has been a journey, but tutoring in Oxford resumes this week! We're excited to highlight one of our members returning to action at Lafayette Lower Elementary. Olivia is a first-year Volunteer Mississippi AmeriCorps member with Mission Acceleration.

"I have chosen to serve with Mission Acceleration to help make a difference in the lives of children and in my community. I love working with children and getting to form sweet relationships with each of the kids I serve, and I hope to continue working with kids in my career path." - Olivia.

02/13/2026

12/06/2025

Our Mission Acceleration Volunteer Mississippi members at Ole Miss have officially wrapped the Fall 2025 semester, serving K–5 students across the Oxford School District and Lafayette County School District. We’re so proud of their impact and can’t wait to welcome them back in January.