Since it was established in 1847, The Mississippi University for Women has run through four official names, and in a letter to alumni MUW President Nora Miller said the time is right to consider a new one.
The university has formed a task force to determine whether to change the name for the 175-year-old institution, and if so, what the new name will be.
The W has been known under the current moniker since 1974. Roughly every 35 to 55 years, the university has seen a name change. Miller said after 48 years — 40 of which the university has admitted men — it is time to change to a more inclusive name but not the university’s mission.
“In May, I received a letter from our Dean’s Council, acknowledging the challenges that our name presents and advocating that we pursue a name that is inclusive for all students,” Miller wrote in the letter. “… However, I would like to clarify that although there are calls for a more inclusive name, we are not considering a change in our mission. I assure you, no matter what happens, we maintain our historic commitment to academic and leadership development for women, forever embracing our status as the first state-supported college for women in the United States.”
The university has been known at different times as Columbus Female Institute (1874-84), Industrial Institute and College (1884-1920), Mississippi State College for Women (1920-74) and Mississippi University for Women.
The task force regarding the name change will be chaired by Dean of Library Services Amanda Clay Powers and include the MUW Deans Council, Provost Scott Tollison, former Provost Tom Richardson, Executive Director of University Relations Anika Perkins, Executive Director of Alumni and Development Andrea Stevens, general counsel, and representatives of the MUW Faculty Senate, Staff Council, Student Government Association, Alumni Association, and the Foundation Board.
A timeline has not yet been set for sessions of the task force to begin listening to thoughts regarding the name change, but Miller said sessions will begin soon.
“We will begin holding listening sessions soon to gather information about your thoughts and concerns on this issue,” Miller said. “These sessions will be for faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other stakeholders. … We ask for mutual respect as we exchange differing viewpoints and work toward growing our enrollment and creating the best possible opportunities and outcomes for our students and alumni.”
An email has been set up for those affiliated with The W to send their thoughts about the name change: [email protected].
As an alumna, Miller said she understands the importance of the name at the W, but in order to move forward with inclusivity, it is necessary to consider all avenues of change. She’s been president since 2018 and has served on the W staff since 2001 in various roles including senior vice president for administration and chief financial officer at the university.
“As our first alumni president, I too feel the urgency to do all we can to honor our history while clearing barriers to our future,” Miller said. “I acknowledge that should a new name be recommended, it will be an emotional issue for some; however, it is imperative that we sincerely consider all opportunities that will strengthen our position and allow us to better fulfill our mission.”
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