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OXFORD, Miss. – September 30, 2025 – As AI, automation, and digital transformation reshape industries across the South, the University of Mississippi is taking bold steps to prepare Mississippi’s workforce for what’s next.
In collaboration with Ziplines Education, a national career accelerator and trusted partner to more than 30 universities, The University of Mississippi is launching a series of short-format, university-branded certificate programs built for working professionals, adult learners, and career shifters across the state.
Launching this fall, the new programs include Project Management, Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, AI Essentials, and AI Automation—each designed to close urgent skill gaps and unlock new pathways to opportunity.
“As Mississippi’s flagship public university, we have a responsibility to lead—not just in academics, but in building a stronger, more resilient workforce,” said Tony Ammeter, Associate Provost, Director of Outreach, and Dean of General Studies. “These programs are about more than just technical skills. They’re about empowering people with the tools, confidence, and support to succeed in a changing economy.”
The economic need is clear. According to Lightcast data, demand for digital marketing skills in Mississippi is projected to grow 23%, project management by 20%, and AI-powered tools like Jira and Tableau by more than 20%. In industries from healthcare to manufacturing, employers are seeking professionals who can lead teams, analyze data, and apply AI tools in real time.
That’s where the new certificate programs come in. Each course is 5–10 weeks long and blends self-paced learning with weekly live sessions led by industry experts. Participants gain hands-on experience, career support, and the flexibility to learn without leaving the workforce.
“This is about meeting learners where they are,” said Mary Leach, Director of the Office of Professional Development. “Our goal is to create accessible, relevant, and rigorous programs that support real career growth—and this partnership helps us do exactly that.”
“We’re proud to stand alongside the University of Mississippi in delivering workforce programs that reflect the urgency of the moment,” said Sara Leoni, CEO of Ziplines Education. “When universities like The University of Mississippi move with speed and purpose, it sends a powerful signal: that their communities won’t just survive the wave of AI disruption—they’ll rise on it.”
Enrollment is now open for fall 2025 cohorts. To learn more and register, visit https://www.ziplines.com/partners/university-of-mississippi.
About the University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. A member of the elite group of R1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, Ole Miss has a long history of producing leaders in public service, business, academics and the professions. Its 16 academic divisions include a major medical school; nationally recognized schools of accountancy, law and pharmacy; and an Honors College acclaimed for a blend of academic rigor, experiential learning and opportunities for community action. Acclaimed as one of the nation's most beautiful, Ole Miss's main campus is in Oxford, which is routinely recognized as one of the nation's best college towns.
About Ziplines Education
Ziplines Education is a career accelerator that partners with over 30 leading colleges and universities to bridge the gap between higher education and workforce demands. Ziplines equips professionals with in-demand skills through short-format, cohort-based certificate programs focused on real-world application. All courses include live instruction from industry practitioners and are designed to align with labor market needs in fast-growing fields. Learn more at ziplines.com.
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