From the very beginning, Dr. Jim Borsig has established his intent to be an approachable, visible president who listens. He’s maintained this vision of visibility and openness since he was named president of Mississippi University for Women on Nov. 30.
Friday morning, he reiterated this theme to faculty and staff who gathered for the annual Spring Convocation, emphasizing that as they work on key objectives, they won’t be alone in their efforts. He’ll work right alongside them.
“I work for you in many aspects,” Borsig said. “Being your advocate and an advocate for the university is an important part of my job.”
One of Borsig’s primary points was the need to improve graduation rates. To achieve that goal, he said, it’s important for faculty and staff to think through everything from what motivates students to what The W’s degree programs are offering in relation to what students want and need.
While working toward the future, though, there’s no reason the present can’t be fun, Borsig told the group.
“If we’re not having fun and being joyful, if we’re not laughing while we do it, it’s going to be a long time,” he said. “Every decision we make has to start with what’s in the best interest of the student.”
Faculty reaction after his speech was positive.
“I’m just hopeful he’s going to bring a lot of energy and work hard to take us forward,” said Dr. Dorothy Kerzel, who has taught math at MUW for 14 years. “That’s why we’re here is the students. That’s why we exist.”
Donna White, a psychology instructor, said she liked the way Borsig seemed to have both direction and new ideas.
“I liked that a lot,” White said. “He seemed very open.”
Dean of Libraries Gail Gunter said they were just excited to have him on campus.
“He’s ready for some changes, and we’re ready, too,” she said.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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