The Millsaps Nova Series was begun in the fall of 2000 in order to bring speakers of international significance to Jackson.

The series hosts addresses by individuals of international standing who have played transforming roles in the fields of education, business, government, religion, science, and the arts. These pioneers have shed new light on issues of critical importance to their professions, their communities, their nations, or the world and have set a standard of excellence that will be recognized for years to come.

A nova is created when a star suddenly appears where previously none was observed. Although the word nova is Latin for "new," a nova is not actually a new star; it is a star whose brightness has increased thousands-fold through an explosion of energy. A nova sustains this level of light for some time, illuminating the heavens where once our eyes perceived darkness only. The Millsaps Nova Series was so named because the luminaries it hosts have had just such an effect on their fields and the world at large.

For more information on past Nova Series speakers and future Nova programs, please click on the links below.

Nova Series Speakers
Margaret Thatcher - fall, 2000
Dr. Jane Goodall - spring, 2003