A rose to the leadership at Mississippi University for Women, as it navigates through an emotionally-charged, but we believe, necessary name-change for the university. That a name change was coming was no secret – the university initiated that process more than two years ago. But Monday, when President Nora Miller announced that the new name would be Mississippi Brightwell University, it created a fire-storm of criticism. Some were critical of the name that did not include a “W” that would have maintained a link with its role in the history of women’s education. Some opposed any name change at all. Others complained that the new name had not been mentioned until Monday. There seems to be a possibility that another name may be chosen, but there is no guarantee of that. What we do know is that every person weighing on the name change is motivated by their love of the university. That’s important to remember. We wish there would be a smooth transition, one that would have universal approval. That won’t happen, which is why we encourage university leadership to remain strong in their resolve to move forward, knowing that criticism is inevitable.
A rose to organizers and volunteers for Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day events. Columbus, Starkville and West Point have special programs scheduled for the holiday. In Starkville, a plaque for two new honorees will be unveiled on Monday as part of the celebration while Mississippi State will again hold its annual MLK Day breakfast. All three cities will provide service opportunities in conjunction with their program. West Point will hold a food pantry drive on Saturday at the Holmes gymnasium from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Monday, the United Way of Lowndes and Noxubee County will prepare donations of supplies to teachers as part of its “Tools for School” drive while in Starkville volunteer service programs around the city and county will follow the MSU breakfast. We urge everyone to participate in these opportunities as we honor the life and legacy of King.
A rose to our utility workers and first responders as the Golden Triangle braces for the arrival of the first winter storm of the year. Beginning overnight Saturday, the temperature is forecast to plunge into the 20s, with the high temps in the 30s on Sunday and Monday. The possibility of freezing rain and sleet on Monday may make for hazardous driving conditions while on Tuesday, a bitter cold (high of 26 and a low of 8) will make outdoor activity dangerous. Most of us can, and should, avoid being out in that kind of weather. But for utility workers and first-responders these are the conditions in which their services are often most needed. We don’t know how bad the storm will be or what damage it might produce, but we do know these dedicated people will be prepared to keep us warm and safe.
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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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.
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