William Magee Center

The University of Mississippi

Healthy Eating & Eating Disorders Resources

The William Magee Center provides resources and awareness around healthy eating, body appreciation, and positive body image. If you are a student organization or a department that works closely with students, please email Sam Shirley, our Program Manager, to request the programs below.

  • Traveling Food Demonstration – Our staff provide education, ingredients, and resources related to healthy eating. We use this hour to share information, and walk students through how to prepare a simple, nutritious, and affordable meal. We are happy to bring our supplies to most campus locations upon request! Check out the recipes and suggestions found in this online cookbook.
  • Body Appreciation Mirror (BAM!) – BAM! is a static mirror that provides a space for students to draw or write what they appreciate about their body, health, or well-being. The mirror can be placed at any location you request for up to two weeks, and can be cleaned daily.

The William Magee Center can also connect you with resources related to eating disorders.  Our Wellness Navigator, Kakky Brown, can help connect you with the Eating Disorder Treatment Team.  Call Kakky at 662-915-5776 or request a WellChat.

Campus Clinical Resources for Eating Disorders

Eating disorders do not discriminate and are not one size fits all. A person of any gender, race/ethnicity, sexual identity, age, socioeconomic status, or body size/shape may be affected and it is impossible to determine if someone has an eating disorder or disordered eating by merely looking at them. In fact, contrary to popular belief, less than 6% of people with eating disorders are medically diagnosed as underweight.  While eating disorders may appear to be food or body centric, the root cause is sometimes something else entirely. This is why it is so important for those seeking recovery to have access to professional help.

Eating Disorder Treatment Team (EDTT):

The Eating Disorder Treatment Team is group of clinical providers on campus who are available to provide free support for students.

To request Eating Disorder Treatment Team Services:

  1. Complete the [EDTT Inquiry Form]
  2. Within 3-5 days you will be contacted by Kakky Brown, Wellness Navigator, to schedule your private, 1-on-1 intake session
  3. During your intake session you will receive your individualized treatment plan and scheduling information for appointments with treatment team members

The Eating Disorder Treatment Team Members:

  • University Counseling Center:  662-915-3784
    • Counseling – Laura Stiles, LPC-S (Counselor)
    • Counseling – April Hammons, LCSW (Counselor, William Magee Center Embedded Counselor)
    • Psychiatry – Katie Spann, PMHNP (Psychiatric Care Provider)
  • Student Health Center: 662-915-7274
    • Nutrition – Mariana A. Jurss, MPH, RD (Registered Dietitian)
    • Medical Assessment – Lauren Durham, FNP-C (Medical Provider)

How can I support a friend or loved one that I suspect has an eating disorder?

If you do not feel equipped to speak to your loved one yourself, you may submit a CARE referral form through UMatter within the Division of Student Affairs. While this can be done anonymously, the CARE team strongly encourages you to provide your name and contact information. A case manager will reach out to the person in question.  Because of the sensitive nature of eating disorders, it can be hard to talk to a loved one you are worried about. If you feel comfortable, make sure that you come off caring, empathetic, and use “I” statements so your loved one does not feel attacked. If the individual is not ready to access treatment services, then submitting a CARE referral on their behalf is still providing an important form of support.

Additional Eating Disorder Recovery/Support 

How can I access immediate support if I have or suspect I have an eating disorder?