A $2 million gift from Karen and Bruce Moore of Nashville, Tennessee, will help propel the future of the University of Mississippi’s golf programs, funding a new state-of-the-art facility that will support generations of Rebel student-athletes.
In recognition of the gift, the university’s new golf building will be named for the Moores, according to Denson Hollis, CEO of the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation. The facility will feature administrative offices, coaches’ offices and modern player lounges designed to enhance the experience and development of both men’s and women’s golf student-athletes. Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2027.
For Bruce Moore, the gift is both an investment in the future and a tribute to the success and leadership that have elevated Ole Miss golf to national prominence.
“Karen and I gave this gift as recognition of what long-term coaches (Kory) Henkes and (Chris) Malloy have been able to accomplish during their extensive tenure at Ole Miss,” Moore said. “Golf tends to fly under the radar somewhat, but a national championship by our women’s team and last year’s SEC championship by the men’s team are huge accomplishments.
“Both teams have been consistent in qualifying and playing at the NCAA championship,” he continued. “I have had numerous non-Ole Miss individuals talk about how impressive our student-athletes are both on the course and off. They represent Ole Miss well, so we wanted to help continue the momentum and support the hard work of our coaches and athletes.”
Hollis said the Moores’ commitment reflects a shared belief in the transformative power of athletics and education.
“I have worked alongside Bruce and Karen for the majority of my career at Ole Miss, and they are far more than two of the University's greatest supporters — they are dear friends,” Hollis said. “Whether it's their time, their resources or simply their unwavering belief in this institution, Karen and Bruce always answer the call for Ole Miss. Their generosity and dedication have helped transform this university into the national powerhouse it is today.”
The golf facility gift is the latest chapter in the couple’s longstanding legacy of philanthropy at Ole Miss.
In 2011, with a gift of $1 million, the Moores created the Bruce Moore Scholar in Finance Endowment to support the recruitment and retention of faculty in the School of Business Administration. In 2015, they elevated the endowment to establish a chair with an additional gift of $500,000.
In 2022, they made their first major contribution to Ole Miss Athletics, giving $1.2 million to the Vaught Society, OMAF’s premier giving level that fuels investments in student-athlete scholarships, capital projects, revenue sharing initiatives and deferred maintenance and facility improvements that enhance student-athletes’ experience and keep them competing at the highest level.
Two years later, the couple added another $250,000 to the Vaught Society. In recognition of that gift, Gate 31 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium was named in their honor.
“Giving to Ole Miss Athletics is exciting as we watch our sports programs flourish under AD Keith Carter,” Bruce Moore said.
Their generosity extends far beyond athletics.
In 2024, the Moores contributed $500,000 to the Triplett Alumni Center building fund, $500,000 to the Ole Miss Women’s Council building fund and $250,000 to support the Women’s Council Global Leadership Circle and the Robert C. Khayat Lecture Series.
Karen Moore, who earned a bachelor’s degree in applied sciences from Ole Miss in 1982, has served the university in numerous leadership roles. Her volunteer service includes the Ole Miss Alumni Association Board, where she recently served as president; the University of Mississippi Foundation Board; the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts Board; and leadership positions with the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy. Today, she is founder and president of Project Redesign, a Nashville nonprofit that furnishes homes and facilities for families and individuals in need.
With a Women’s Council endowment in her name — given to her as a Christmas gift from her husband — Karen Moore has enjoyed knowing her scholars and watching them flourish under the OMWC programs.
Bruce Moore, who earned a bachelor’s degree in managerial finance from Ole Miss in 1982, built a distinguished career at HCA Healthcare. Beginning as an internal auditor after graduation, he retired in 2025 as group president overseeing service lines and operations. Like his wife, he has remained deeply engaged with the university through service on the University of Mississippi Foundation Board, the Parents Council and multiple university campaign committees.
The couple’s connection to Ole Miss runs deep. They met in their first class at the university and have now been married for more than four decades. Their three children, Tyler, Margaret Anne and Mitchell, all attended Ole Miss, as did five of Karen Moore’s siblings and Bruce Moore’s sister. The family’s ties to the university continue to grow through a wide network of relatives, friends, classmates, faculty and fellow alumni.
Karen Moore said those lifelong connections, combined with the education the family received at Ole Miss, inspire their commitment to give back.
“It’s kind of our way of life,” she said. “We live and breathe Ole Miss; we always have, and we love it.”
To make a gift to Ole Miss Athletics, click here, or contact Denson Hollis, CEO of the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation, at denson@givetoathletics.com or 662-915-7159.
By Bill Dabney/UM Foundation