Investment Underscores Company’s Deep, Long-Term Commitment to Mississippi
C Spire, an advanced technology company delivering customer-inspired solutions to transform how people and businesses connect, live and work, today announced a $5 million philanthropic commitment to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) to support construction of its new Cancer Center and Research Institute. The state-of-the-art facility, to be located adjacent to the UMMC campus in Jackson, will advance cancer treatment, research and patient care for the people of Mississippi. Every year, nearly 16,000 Mississippians are diagnosed with cancer, and about 6,500 lose their lives to this disease — the highest mortality rate in the United States.
The investment reinforces C Spire’s longstanding dedication to Mississippi and its commitment to supporting forward-thinking healthcare that benefits individuals, families and communities across the state. While C Spire now serves business customers in 49 states, the company’s roots — and its dedication — remain firmly in Mississippi. Today’s announcement reflects C Spire’s history of strengthening communities in meaningful ways that improve lives, expand opportunities and support the institutions that make Mississippi stronger.
“At C Spire, our mission is to improve lives through the power of technology,” said Dr. Holt Crews. Dr. Crews serves on the board of directors for C Spire and as an assistant professor of Gynecology at UMMC. “We also recognize that none of this matters without quality, accessible healthcare. UMMC plays an unmatched role in providing advanced care to Mississippians, and this new Cancer Center will bring transformative treatment and research capabilities to our state. We are proud to support an effort that will touch so many families.”
As Mississippi’s only academic medical center, UMMC leads the state in advanced treatment, research innovation, and training of the next generation of healthcare professionals. In just over a year, more than $88 million has been raised to help fund construction of a new five-story home for the world-class care of the new Cancer Center and Research Institute. The facility will expand access to cutting-edge therapies, clinical trials, and multidisciplinary cancer care—ensuring patients can receive world-class treatment without leaving the state.
“Mississippi faces a cancer burden unlike any other state, and too many families feel the impact of this disease every day,” said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, UMMC vice chancellor for health affairs. “C Spire’s extraordinary $5 million gift will help ensure Mississippians receive advanced cancer care close to home while accelerating research and the training of future cancer experts. Their commitment reflects a deep belief in our vision and in the people of this state.”
The gift continues C Spire’s legacy of reinvesting in Mississippi and supporting initiatives that strengthen individuals, communities, businesses, and public institutions. This commitment aligns with the company’s broader vision of improving quality of life through innovation, infrastructure, and strategic philanthropy.
The announcement was made during a ceremony at C Spire’s corporate headquarters in Ridgeland.
