People
DIRECTOR
E. Gray Flora IV, Ph.D.
Duff Center
662-915-3410
gray@olemiss.edu
Originally from Macon, MS, Dr. Flora has been working in college access and success since 2009. He strives to leave “no stone unturned” in helping young people be successful. When Dr. Flora is not at work, you can find him with his family, playing pickleball, listening to podcasts, or tinkering with his Spotify playlists. He holds degrees from the University of Mississippi, Vanderbilt, and Harvard.
PROGRAM MANAGER
Yasmin McLaurin, M.A.
456 Duff Center
662-915-3514
yasmin@olemiss.edu
Ms. Yasmin is a native of Bay Springs, MS. She received her Master of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Mississippi in 2022 and her Bachelor of Science in Social Science from Jackson State University in 2020. As a first-generation college student, she enjoys helping college students reach their full potential by proving them with the resources and skills to be successful beyond college. In her free time, Yasmin enjoys listening to music, singing karaoke, and playing with her puppy Kofi.
ASSOCIATE PROGRAM MANGER
Fred Tidwell
453 Duff Center
Fred Tidwell is a native of Grenada, Mississippi, and a two-time graduate of the University of Mississippi. He earned his Bachelor of Applied Science in Social Work in 2022 and went on to complete his Master of Arts in Higher Education/Student Personnel in 2024. With a strong foundation in social work and higher education, Fred is driven by a deep passion for supporting student development, fostering inclusive learning environments, and creating pathways for individual and community growth.
Fred’s academic and professional journey reflects his unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and service. Whether through mentoring students, facilitating educational programs, or advocating for equity in higher education, he strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. His work is guided by a belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of cultivating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Fred enjoys spending quality time with his family and exploring new foods!
ASSOCIATE PROGRAM MANGER
Grace Godbold
455 Duff Center
sggodbol@olemiss.edu
Grace Godbold is an Associate Program Manager for the Grove Scholars program at the University of Mississippi. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, she moved to Sewanee, Tennessee in 2016 to attend the University of the South, where she earned her degree in 2020. Following graduation, Grace worked in student life at Sewanee until 2025, gaining experience in program coordination, event planning, and student support. In her current role, she helps guide Grove Scholars through their college experience by managing academic initiatives, coordinating communications, and fostering student engagement. Outside of work, Grace enjoys cooking, creative projects, and exploring all that Oxford has to offer.
