Original statewide health graphic: Children’s of Mississippi announced a $1 million gift for the Mapp Family Endowed Chair in Pediatric Critical Care, held by Dr. Vishwa Gajula.

Statewide: $1 million gift establishes pediatric critical-care chair

November 3, 2026 Jon Myers

A $1 million gift from the Mapp Family Foundation is establishing an endowed chair in pediatric critical care at Children’s of Mississippi, the University of Mississippi Medical Center announced Nov. 2. The gift extends Melinda and Louis Mapp’s support for the field.

Dr. Vishwa Gajula holds the Mapp Family Endowed Chair in Pediatric Critical Care. UMMC says the endowment will support his team’s work caring for critically ill children and advancing research.

The Medical Center describes endowed chairs as lasting investments in physician leadership, mentoring future clinicians and developing innovations in care.

The Mapp Family Foundation was established in Fairhope, Alabama, in 2002 and moved to Hattiesburg in 2025, according to UMMC.

Photo: Pontotoc News original editorial graphic

Sources: UMMC: Mapp family establishes pediatric critical-care chair; Related UMMC coverage: cancer center groundbreaking