Inspiring Change in Higher Education

Ty McNamee’s Evolution from UW Student to Empowering Educator

By Michael Blaney

Ty McNamee’s path from his undergraduate years at UW to his current role as an assistant professor at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) showcases not only a career journey but also a steadfast commitment to making higher education more equitable and accessible. His early experiences at UW, marked by challenges and growth, ignited a passion for understanding and supporting rural working-class students in academia. McNamee’s work — particularly his dissertation, which received the American Educational Research Association Division J Dissertation of the Year Award — focuses on the unique challenges faced by these students and reflects McNamee’s dedication to inclusivity and equity in education.

Mentorship, as McNamee highlights, played a pivotal role in his development. The support and guidance from mentors including UW’s Sara Axelson were crucial in his navigating both academic and career pathways. This, coupled with a supportive community at UW, underscores the importance of having a network of support when overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

As an assistant professor of higher education, McNamee champions policies and practices that promote equality, diversity and inclusion, something that is deeply personal. McNamee’s commitment to education is rooted in his experiences at UW — where he not only faced and overcame academic challenges but also embraced his identity as a gay man. Coming out in such a setting was transformative and shaped his viewpoint on education and his role as an educator and advocate for equity. McNamee’s drive to improve college accessibility and success for underserved students is not only a professional objective but also a reflection of his own journey. 

As he looks back on his transition from student to professional, McNamee highlights the crucial elements of building strong networks and embracing change for UW students and alumni. He points to the enduring benefit of university relationships in personal and professional growth: “Continue to build your networks and communities of support. Not only will those groups of people have valuable connections for you, but, more importantly, they will be there for you during your career milestones — both successes and hard times. I still to this day reach out to, conduct research with, and collaborate on projects with UW alums.”

McNamee’s trajectory from Shoshoni, Wyo., to a standout student at UW, to an influential educator at Ole Miss highlights the remarkable impact of exemplary students in their fields. His story serves as inspiration for future leaders, illustrating how the foundation laid during one’s academic journey can lead to substantial contributions in one’s future professional life.