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OXFORD, Miss. – For Haley Chiles, the path to finding her artistic voice was not easy, but her journey through ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø’s art program has helped her discover both her medium and herself. 

Chiles, who graduated in December, initially wanted to pursue film studies at Ole Miss. However, after exploring different creative avenues, she realized her true passion lay in photography.  

Earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in imaging arts, the Clinton native uses photography as a medium for self-expression, healing and raising awareness. Her work often addresses themes that can be stigmatized, such as complex trauma and dissociation experiences. 

“I’ve always seen art as a way to express myself,” she said. “My work is very personal.” 

The nurturing guidance of various faculty members played a crucial role in Chiles’ development as an artist. She credits Brooke White, a former professor of imaging arts, with helping her build confidence and encouraging her to explore the world of art photography. 

“I was very doubtful and not as confident myself,” Chiles said. “And (White) would talk with me, recommend artists to explore and encourage me to think about the future, what I might do after I graduate.” 

When White left the university, Sara Wilkerson, instructional assistant professor of imaging arts, stepped in and continued to nurture Chiles’ artistic growth. Wilkerson also helped pave her way to performance art.  

This new dimension allowed Chiles to incorporate her body into her work, creating a powerful counterpoint to her experiences with dissociation. 

“I have a lot of ideas that are out of my comfort zone,” Chiles said. “And (Wilkerson) has been helpful in introducing me to new things, how I can incorporate that into my concept and providing feedback.” 

Kris Belden-Adams, associate professor of art history, is another key contributor who provided meaningful guidance, helping Chiles navigate the delicate balance between vulnerability and audience comfort when sharing personal work. 

“One day after class, I shared my project with her and told her I was worried it might feel like trauma dumping to the audience,” she said. “Ms. Belden-Adams told me, ‘You’re just telling your story.’ That resonated with me deeply.” 

Beyond the classroom, Chiles found community at the , the university's student newspaper, where she worked as a photographer. Ashton Summers, a junior and DM photo editor, took a chance on her despite limited job experience and has been a constant source of encouragement. 

Chiles’ college experience was not without struggles. Her sophomore year was particularly difficult, but perseverance led to a breakthrough, and her junior year became one of her best collegiate experiences. 

“I felt like, ‘If I haven't found my people yet, am I ever going to?’” she said. “But some people are late bloomers; it takes them a minute — because next year, I met the best people.” 

Being introverted has also been a challenge for Chiles. Much of being an artist involves networking, which she found difficult at first. However, she eventually found her groove through mentors who could guide her.  

For incoming students who might identify as introverted like herself, Chiles offers some advice. 

“Find an adviser or mentor that you can speak to about your work,” she said. “And try to use your art as a way to help build community and connections.” 

Chiles hopes to use her art to connect with others who face similar challenges, breaking stigmas around mental health and trauma. 

“A lot of issues I struggle with are things that others struggle with as well,” she said. “And because of how open I am about my struggles; I have been told that people have felt comfortable opening up to me about certain things that they don’t feel comfortable sharing with others.”   

For Chiles, photography is more than a creative outlet; it’s a bridge between personal healing and communal understanding. 

“Art has been the one constant through it all,” she said. “I can just lose myself in it and go into a meditative state of creation.” 

Though her college journey didn’t always follow the expected path, Chiles said she leaves with a stronger sense of purpose and identity. 

“I feel like my time at Ole Miss has been very pivotal in terms of my character development as an artist, but also as a person,” she said. 

Top: Haley Chiles, Clinton native and fine arts major, uses photography as a medium for self-expression, healing and raising awareness. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services 

See more photos from Haley Chiles' Journey to Commencement