It began as a four-year journey—one of obstacles, one to alter perception. It became The University of Mississippi’s defining moment. At the beginning, no one was certain if it could even be done. Complex infrastructure changes, facility logistics and security requirements would have to come together in perfect unison. It would take the work of faculty, staff, students, community leaders and businesses. It would require sacrifice and forethought.

But the potential rewards would be incalculable.

“The debate gave us an opportunity to show the world that The University of Mississippi is not a little regional university,” said Executive Assistant to the Chancellor Andy Mullins, who played a major role in the debate process. “We are an international player in higher education.” That mission was on the minds of a team of grant writers, led by Robin Buchanan, who began work on the complex application process in 2005. Submitted in 2007, the application included everything from details on IT wiring to the number of available classrooms.

Beginning in 2005, the Commission on Presidential Debates made several campus visits. They were enticed by the state-of-the-art Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, but even more enchanting was the willingness exhibited by UM staff to do whatever it took to make the dream a reality.

It was a crisp November day when university administrators got a call that made some tremble with nervous excitement. Of 16 applicants, Ole Miss was one of three schools chosen to host a presidential debate, and not just any debate—the first one.

As word spread across the campus, the journey shifted from securing a debate to ensuring the debate showcased the very best of Ole Miss.