A rose to Nora Miller, who was officially named as Mississippi University for Women’s 15th president during an inauguration held Friday at The W’s Rent Auditorium. Miller is also the first W alumnus to serve as President. Her 17 years as an administrator at The W made her the obvious choice for the position. Her unique combination of talents and experiences, as well as her intimate ties with The W that go back to the early 1980s, inspire confidence among alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community. We cannot imagine a better choice.
A rose to Agnes Zaiontz, director of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Transportation Museum, who was instrumental in bringing the Smithsonian Water/Ways exhibit to town. Columbus is one of 10 U.S. cities chosen to host the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit, which tells the story of water’s historical, societal and cultural impact on the world. The exhibit is open weekdays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. through March 8 at the museum, located at 318 Seventh St. N. The exhibit is a wonderful learning opportunity, and we encourage everyone to pay a visit to the museum for the rare opportunity.
A rose of remembrance to Mississippi University for Women women’s soccer coach Gray Massey, whose sudden death at age 41 on Jan. 27 has left The W and the broader Columbus community in shock and grief. Although Massey had been in Columbus just two years, his impact was immediate and enduring. From administrators to faculty to athletes — indeed to almost everyone who crossed is path — Massey was always eager to engage in a meaningful, affirming way. His enthusiasm and humanity made him an instant favorite throughout campus and makes our grief all the more deep, his legacy all the more enduring. Our deepest sympathies are extended to Massey’s wife and two children and the extended MUW family.
A roses to the owners and staff at J. Broussard’s, food vendors and volunteers who provided a special meal for those federal employees impacted by the recent partial government shutdown. About three dozen federal employees were served at Thursday’s event as an expression of support and sympathy for what can be considered the collateral damage of the budget impasse that produced a 35-day shutdown. Many of the employees worked without pay for much of the shutdown. The meal was a way to acknowledge those sacrifices and show support for our neighbors. While we hope there is never again a need for such an expression, it’s a testament to all who made this effort on behalf of their neighbors. This certainly wasn’t the only effort to support affected federal workers. We’ve previously acknowledged other individuals and organizations for their actions, and we again express our appreciation here.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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