Mississippi University for Women is pitching three final suggestions for its new name: Wynbridge, Wynbright and Welbright.
The university sent surveys to alumni, employees and students Friday that included the three names. The survey also seeks to gauge how people think each name sounds, and how well each name reflects a university with a rich history that provides a high-quality and would empower students.
The survey will close Jan. 29 before midnight.
“We appreciate and value the feedback and discussions we’ve had with many of our constituents, as well as many creative suggestions that have been shared with the Naming Taskforce,” the survey said. “This group has listened, considered many suggestions, and deliberated many hours to narrow to three names that will support the continued branding of the university as The W.”
The university drew the three “finalist” names from 237 suggestions from alumni, 61 suggestions from faculty and staff, 17 from students and 18 from Chernoff Newman, the communications agency assisting with the process. MUW posted all suggested names on its website.
Each of the finalist name suggestions is accompanied in the survey by its meaning, the MUW brand statement and a series of statements to assess perceptions of the name. The survey also said the name will incorporate some version of “Mississippi” and “University” prior to the final suggestion.
The three name suggestions were culled from a large list accumulated throughout the naming process, the university announced last week.
The naming task force intends to submit a name recommendation to the legislature by Feb. 1 based on the findings of the survey. The legislature must approve any name change for MUW.
The first suggestion, Wynbridge, originates from the Old English word for the letter “w.”
“Bridge,” the survey said, connects the university’s past to its future, alums to students and the campus to the community.
The second name, Welbright, borrows the same rationale behind the previously proposed Mississippi Brightwell University. “Well” comes from the idea of wellness and is representative of a supportive environment that promotes well-rounded students. “Bright” is a call to the university’s literary society motto, “We study for light to bless with light.”
The final suggestion, Wynbright, incorporates the Old English word for “w” and the “bright” taken from the literary society motto. This name, the survey said, reflects the university founders’ vision of excellence, positive transformation and brighter futures.
Among the other names faculty, students and alumni suggested were Columbus University, Mississippi Wonderful University, Wise State University, Mississippi Warrior University, Walleye University for Mississippi, Founding Waters University and Athena University of (for) Wisdom.
Renaming process history
Founded in 1884 as the Mississippi Industrial Institute and College for the Education of White Girls, it was later named Industrial Institute and College, Mississippi State College for Women (1920) and MUW (1974). It was the nation’s first dedicated women’s college. Men were allowed to attend starting in 1982.
The renaming efforts at MUW started in September 2022 when the university established a task force to select a name more representative of the integrated student body. In October 2022, surveys were sent to constituencies of the university with several names focusing on the history and geographic location of the university.
With none of the names gaining traction, the committee chose a name not listed on the survey, announcing Mississippi Brightwell University as the official proposed name on Jan. 8. Many alumni and community members skewered the name, claiming it did not represent the school’s history of providing quality education to women.
Following the backlash, the university ditched the name and the naming committee restarted the process, which prompted the newest survey with the three final name suggestions.
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.