An increased financial commitment to Ole Miss Athletics is being honored with the naming of the University of Mississippi women’s basketball locker room for the donors, Emma Gaines and Brandon Dixon.
The Oxford, Mississippi, couple, who made a gift of $125,000 to the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation (OMAF) in 2023, recently increased their gift hoping the funds will help give student-athletes the extended knowledge they need to proactively navigate life after graduation.
“Think about this: Our university will give an academic scholarship to help someone who has great capability in music cultivate that talent. I view athletes the same way. These young men and women have amazing abilities, so let’s cultivate those talents and give them the skills and education they’ll need later in life,” said Dixon, who earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Ole Miss in 2003.
Gaines earned a bachelor’s degree in biological science in 2016 and a nursing degree in 2018.
William Fisher, assistant athletics director of development, said he’s grateful for the couple’s desire to support student-athletes comprehensively.
“Ole Miss Athletics is committed to preparing our student-athletes not only for competition in the Southeastern Conference, but also for success beyond graduation,” Fisher said. “Brandon’s background in development gives him a unique understanding of how vital private support is. Generous gifts like his and Emma’s are essential to the strength of our programs and the long-term success of our student-athletes.”
A renewed interest in Ole Miss Basketball, specifically the Lady Rebels, inspired the couple to increase their pledge.
“We’re fortunate to live close to campus and can make it to games. The one thing I tell people about any sport — be it football, softball, basketball, whatever — go to one game and you’re going to feel invested; you’re going to be hooked,” Dixon said. “You’re going to realize the level of competition that these athletes are playing, and you’ll understand how fortunate you are to get to see that.”
To make a gift in support of Ole Miss Athletics, visit CHAMPIONS. NOW. or contact William Fisher at fisher@givetoathletics.com or 662-915-7159.
By Bill Dabney/UM Foundation