In March 2018, the University of Mississippi announced three pilot communities for M Partner, a community partnership program seeking to match university capabilities with the goals and needs of local communities. Whether those needs relate to health care and education, economic development and policy, marketing and tourism, resiliency, or core government systems, the goal of M Partner is to develop a mutually beneficial relationship. The initiative aims to create substantial and sustainable results that will be viable in the community for decades to come and enhance the educational experiences of students and research and engagement programs of the university.