A rose to Mississippi University for Women, which was the only Mississippi institution to appear in the “strong commitment to teaching” category of U.S. News & World Report”s latest college rankings released this week.
MUW also was ranked No. 34 in the Best Universities — Master”s Southern region category, the highest-ranked school from Mississippi in this category as well.
MUW has been prominently ranked in other leading publications such as Kiplinger”s Personal Finance and Consumer”s Digest magazines.
The rankings reinforce MUW”s position as a world-class “teaching university,” where students get extra attention in the classroom. The university boasts a 13:1 student-faculty ratio.
Whatever one”s position on a new name for the school might be, whatever it is called, we know it will continue to be known for its commitment to its students and for quality instruction.
A rose to health officials at Mississippi State University, who are dealing with what could turn out to be more than 100 cases of H1N1 virus, or “swine flu,” on the Starkville campus.
The university stepped up to the challenge, distributing thousands of masks and thermometers for students and raising awareness with e-mails, door hangers, magnets, and advertisements on campus radio, TV and the student paper.
As a result, more students are taking precautions. We applaud the efforts to keep students safe and healthy.
A thorn to the West Point Board of Selectmen, which voted to oust the city”s police chief without sharing a reason with the public, or giving the chief an opportunity to speak on his own behalf.
West Point Police Chief Steve Bingham plans to appeal his Aug. 11 termination this week, after the board voted 4-1 to fire him.
In another odd twist, the board left the ousted chief on the job for 10 days.
We understand that city department heads serve at the discretion of the city”s elected leaders. Still, an explanation would help calm the rumor mill, which is chugging at full steam amid a deafening silence from board members.
A rose to Jim Robinson of Columbus, assessment coordinator for West Lowndes middle and high schools, who is making money the old-fashioned way: He”s winning it.
It”s not all chance, though. Robinson is a contestant on ABC”s “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” and continues his winning streak on the program at 7 p.m. tonight.
The affable Robinson, decked out in a vest decorated with money, is mum on what exactly his winnings turn out to be. When he returns in tonight”s finale of Millionaire”s two-week 10th anniversary special, he”ll begin with the $25,000 question.
His achievement is a testament to perseverance — he has tried to get on the show for months before having a chance in the hot seat. It”s also a testament to smarts — those questions can be tough.
Know of someone who deserves a rose — or a thorn? Send your nomination to [email protected], and we”ll consider it for a future mention.
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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