William Magee Center

The University of Mississippi

Eating Disorders Education and Support

Eating Disorder Treatment Team (EDTT)

Due to the complex nature of eating disorders, the potential to cause severe harm, and prevalence of college aged students affected, the University of Mississippi created the Comprehensive Eating Disorder Program (CEDP) to help educate and provide support for Ole Miss students. There is a treatment team (EDTT) on campus composed of healthcare, nutrition, and mental health professionals to provide help to students without the need to put their academics on hold or leave their support system on campus to pursue care. Eating disorder treatment, care, and support is provided for free to all UM students.

To request Eating Disorder Treatment Team Services:

  1. Complete the [EDTT Inquiry Form]
  2. Within 3-5 days you will be contacted by a member of our Eating Disorder Treatment Team to schedule your private, 1-on-1 intake session
  3. During your intake session you will receive your individualized treatment plan

Meet the Eating Disorder Treatment Team

Laura Stiles is a Licensed Professional Counselor that serves on the EDTT.  Her goal in providing counseling to students served by this team is to address both the distorted thinking patterns and self-perceptions that cause disordered eating, as well as, exploring the standards that our society have set in place regarding an ideal body type.  Additionally, she strives to empower students through a therapeutic relationship grounded in respect and non-judgment.

 Mariana Anaya Jurss is a Registered Dietitian dedicated to providing the best care and support  for individuals dealing with disordered eating and eating disorders. Her goal is to help  individuals in their recovery journey by empowering them through a path of self-care and self-  compassion. Mariana has worked as a dietitian for the University of Mississippi for 8 years and  has been working in the dietetics profession for 12 years.  “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb

What is an Eating Disorder?

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.

Comprehensive Eating Disorder Program (CEDP)

The William Magee Center’s CEDP acts as the book ends to provide support to the treatment team itself, provide educational and preventative information and programming to the UM campus, and create and support recovery opportunities for those who seek them, on or off campus.

If you are a student organization or a department that works closely with students, please reach out to Sierra Elston at seelston@olemiss.edu to request any of the following services:

  • Traveling Food Demonstration – Our staff provide education, ingredients, and resources related to eating disorder awareness. We use this hour to share information, and walk students through how to prepare a simple, affordable meal. We are happy to bring our supplies to most campus locations upon request!
  • 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 will be cleaned daily. Eating disorder awareness resources and swag are supplied with the mirror, and are replenished bi-weekly
  • Eating Disorder Awareness Presentation – Request a 45 minute presentation at the UM location of your choice. This option also includes 1-2 activities depending upon the audience size
  • Eating Disorder Awareness Resource Station – Request that we table at the UM location of your choice and provide eating disorder handouts, activities, resources, and discussion

Eating Disorder Recovery/Support 

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

  • Talk to someone at their national Helpline: 1-800-931-2237 available Monday-Thursday from 10am to 8pm CT, and Friday from 10am to 4pm CT.   
  • Chat with their Helpline:  Available Monday-Thursday from 8am to 8pm CT, and Friday from 8am to 4pm CT
  • Or for 24/7 crisis support, text ‘NEDA’ to 741741
  • You can also find more information at the National Eating Disorders Association website

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 at to 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.