Four students from the Baccalaureate Nursing Program in the Vandergriff College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Mississippi University for Women were recently elected to state positions within the Mississippi Association for Student Nurses at the Mississippi Nurses Association annual convention. Additionally, The W received the Nightingale Award for the second year in a row.
The Nightingale Award is a scholarship that fosters the development of leadership skills in nursing students. The award selection process is essay based, and The W’s essay highlighted the community service and leadership development activities undertaken by students.
“I am so proud of our students, program and faculty,” said Brandy Larmon, dean of the college. “It is a testament to their dedication and well-deserved!”
In addition to the award, four W nursing students were elected to leadership positions within the MASN.
Taylor Bennett was named director of fundraising. Her duties are to assist the secretary/treasurer in the preparation of the fundraising portion of the annual financial report. She is also responsible for developing a statewide fundraising project to be implemented by each local chapter.
“Being selected as the director of fundraising for MASN is an incredible honor,” Bennett said. “I look forward to working with students across the state to support meaningful projects and expand resources that empower our future nurses. I am excited to be able to represent my school and program!”
Haley Herring was elected first vice president. Her responsibilities are to assume the duties of the president in the event of absence for any reason or if a vacancy occurs in the office. She is also responsible for planning and arranging the annual convention and preparing a budget for the same.
“It is such an honor to be given the opportunity to serve as the first vice president of the (MASN),” Herring said. “I cannot wait to spend the next year serving the future nurses of our state and representing The W on a state level. Although I have only spent a short time in the Vandergriff College of Nursing, I already feel like I owe so much to this program. It has begun building a strong foundation for me as a future nurse, both in and out of the classroom. I am excited to use the position as a way to support and encourage future nurses across the state while highlighting the excellence of the nursing program here at The W.”
Macy Polk was elected director of communication. She is responsible for publishing the convention booklet, the monthly update and maintenance of the MASN web site and various other communication related tasks.
“Being appointed as the director of communications for MASN is an incredible honor, and I’m proud to represent W nursing in this role,” Polk said. “I look forward to collaborating with schools and companies to elevate our outreach and create impactful connections. I’m particularly excited about planning the October 2026 convention and leveraging social media to engage a wider audience and showcase the innovative work we’re doing.”
Clay Williams was elected secretary/treasurer. His duties include conducting the general correspondence of the association as requested by the president or the board of directors as well as acting as custodian of organization funds and depositing those funds in a bank approved by the board of directors.
“Serving on the MASN board is a great honor,” Williams said. “I’m proud to represent Mississippi University for Women at the state level while continuing its tradition of leadership, service and academic excellence.”
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