The proposed relocation of the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) from the Mississippi University for Women (MUW) campus to Mississippi State University (MSU) has resurfaced in the news. As a parent of an MSMS alumnus, I feel compelled to share my perspective once again, just as I did during the previous discussion in spring 2024.

When our son became eligible to attend MSMS in 2010, we faced an important decision: allow him to continue at his current high school or seek admission to MSMS. Among the many factors we considered, safety and environment were paramount. The MUW campus provided a secure and supportive setting, giving us peace of mind as our 15-year-old lived away from home. Today, as my wife and I imagine MSMS being relocated to MSU, we realize our decision would have been much simpler — we would not have sent him. Like us, many parents of past and current students likely share concerns about placing their 15- and 16-year-olds in a much larger, less secure university setting.

I sincerely hope that the Mississippi Department of Education and State Legislature take these concerns seriously, seeking input from parents of past, current, and prospective students before making any decisions that could jeopardize MSMS’s success.

Additionally, after reviewing the Request for Proposal (RFP) for relocation, I noticed that nearly all of the stated requirements are already met at MUW, with the exception of engineering research opportunities. However, this gap could easily be addressed through virtual collaborations with other Mississippi universities, including MSU, without uprooting the school.

From academic, financial, and safety standpoints, keeping MSMS at MUW remains the best option for its students, both now and in the future. The current setting provides a secure, supportive, and academically vibrant environment — one that should not be sacrificed without thorough consideration.

Dr. Ghanshyam D. Heda

Columbus