Take a Seat With Ian

A Q&A with Ian Pigg, 2021-2022 Mr. Ole Miss

Q: Why did you decide to run? Was it a goal of yours before this year? Were you encouraged by friends/family?

A: I had always been involved in campaigns on campus for my friends, but I genuinely never thought I would be the one running. Earlier this year, my friends really started encouraging me to take the leap and run, and I got the advice to reflect on the past three years and what it has all meant to me. I thought about all of the relationships I’ve made and all that this place has given me, and I decided I wanted to try and represent Ole Miss and give it all back.  

Q: Talk about the process of running—organizing a team, campaigning, etc. Was it stressful? Fun? What all did it entail?

A: It was all of the above! When I finally decided I wanted to run for Mr. Ole Miss, my first calls were easy- I knew I wanted two of my best friends, Kylie Cockrell and Harrison Grimes, to run my campaign. They were two of my first friends here when I knew no one, and they have been the most consistent, ever-present people ever since. All of my friends and people on my campaign were the most supportive in the world, and they made it all worth it. There were definitely stressful moments, but looking back, it was some of the most fun I’ve had in college. It was kind of a culmination of the past three years, and I got to spend a lot of time with all of the people who have made my college experience worthwhile. All of the stickering on the Union Plaza and talking to different student groups was definitely worth it in the end! 

Q: What are you most looking forward to doing while holding the title of Mr. Ole Miss?

A: I’m looking forward to working with Madison on our philanthropy! We are raising money for a scholarship endowment for first-generation college students, so more students will have the opportunity to experience the university that has given me so much. We are also partnering with Operation FitNation, which was Madison’s platform during the campaign, to advocate for health for Mississippi’s children. I love being able to give back to people and make an impact, no matter how big or small, so I am so excited to be able to take on a lot of philanthropic work this year and into the future!