Ole Miss Athletic Director honored by on-campus group

Not only does the Director of Athletics at the University of Mississippi oversee millions of dollars, Ross Bjork goes above and beyond his position. Tonight, the Dodge City, KS native received the “Lift Every Voice Award” from the University of Mississippi Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement, per Kyle Campbell of the Athletic Media Relations office.

The significance of the award comes on the first day we honor African-Americans across the country on the first day of Black History Month. Bjork comes to Ole Miss and inherited an athletic department and university that has seen its share of troubles in regards to race relations.

Rather than allow the country to continue and label the state and Ole Miss with every negative connotation imaginable, Bjork has welcomed them to the state and asked them to see what this state is about. The Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement works to develop programs and services that support the University of Mississippi’s core value of inclusiveness and complements the academic experience, per OleMiss.edu.

It also connects and engages students with the university community, and provides opportunities for success in a multicultural society, per the University of Mississippi.

Bjork received his bachelor’s degree in recreation administration from Emporia State University in 1995 where he was a two-year starter at fullback. The 43-year old earned a master’s degree in athletic administration from Western Illinois University in December 1996.

Bjork has quickly established a leadership role in the SEC by being appointed as Chair of the awards committee and selected to the NCAA basketball issues committee and the NCAA recruiting cabinet, per OleMissSports.com