Athletic Director Ross Bjork opened the inaugural University Creed Week Tuesday night at the Ford Center by challenging students to consider how they perform as leaders.
“The Creed was developed to build leaders,” Bjork said. “We’re not here to manage, we’re here to lead. How will you lead with the Creed?”
Alongside Associated Student Body President Gregory Alston, Bjork addressed the principles espoused in the Creed, emphasizing academic excellence, social responsibility, integrity and competitiveness as values alive and well at The University of Mississippi.
Bjork then mentioned how he came to change the athletic culture at Ole Miss through little things to make big things happen, expressing his desire to change the mindsets of the fans, campus, staff and student-athletes, and capitalize on the assets that are in place.
Bjork referenced a negative encounter with disgruntled fans as an experience that has motivated him to take up leadership through athletics.
“If we don’t believe, who will?” Bjork reflected.
Bjork’s presentation ended with a challenge to the students to have a vision for their lives and to show that they care about what the Creed represents in the university community.
This was followed by the encouragement that it does not take any discernible talents to follow the Creed and be a leader.
Freshman journalism major Meredith Parker was impressed by the event and Bjork’s presentation as a whole.
“It gave me an excitement for athletics,” Parker said, “but it also showed me that there’s a right way to present yourself as an Ole Miss Rebel–to be encouraging, respectful, and spirited.”
