As I walked around campus this afternoon, it was easy to realize that today was the calm before the storm.
Streets are being blocked off, traffic is being rerouted and we passed a dozen or so satellite trucks that have already claimed prime real estate around The Grove. The campus is beautiful. Fall mums are in place at every turn and the grounds are manicured to perfection.
The most impressive sight of the day wasn’t a sight at all – it was the sound of the students. Walking around campus this afternoon, I was greeted by groups and individual students alike, “Good afternoon,” “How ya’ll doing?” The greetings weren’t the Eddie Haskell, suck-up kind of salutations – they were genuine. The students here seem to grasp that this is their moment to shine. The campus is electric. It feels like a Game Day and it’s only Monday.
With over 3000 members of the media arriving in Oxford over the next couple of days, months of planning and preparations will be put to the test. Ole Miss is ready. In the endless days of meetings, conference calls and walk-throughs, there has never been a sense of doubt. The same confidence that landed The Debate is being exhibited in executing the millions of details associated with an event of this magnitude.
There is no doubt that this entire mindset is a classic case of, “Trickle Down Confidence.” Chancellor Khayat brings a quiet confidence to this campus made up of equal parts, cheerleader, statesman and promoter – with a little bit of swagger thrown in for good measure. He leaves no room for doubt that this will be one of Ole Miss’ finest moments. He inspires greatness in others like few CEO’s, while maintaining the approachability of your favorite uncle.
Though a quiet confidence is leading the charge on campus, there is no doubt that nervous energy is a close second. The rest of the week will be fueled with solid planning, great execution and tons of caffeine.
One final thing. A big thank you to Stacy and Lynn Wall of Jackson who have allowed us to set up camp in their beautiful Oxford home.
