A rose to all of the stakeholders of what we expect will soon be known as Wynbridge State University of Mississippi after the conclusion of a long, often-contentious effort to choose a more modern name that honors the university’s history. Legislation to codify the new name is expected to be adopted in the current session, officially changing the name of the university, which had been known as Mississippi University for Women since 1972. Predictably, the new name drew criticism from those who believed the name-change detracts from the university’s historic position as the nation’s first public university for women. By using Wynbridge in its name, the university will keep its informal name — The W — along with its current logo and trademark for marketing purposes. President Nora Miller said the school will continue to be known as “The W,” informally. We believe this compromise will help sooth feelings among those who objected to a name-change. What is important now is for all those who genuinely care about the university to put aside their differences and work together for the betterment of the university. Its future relies on that.
A rose to Tony Hannah and Caleb Pounders, along with all those who participated in the meeting the two New Hope men organized to discuss incorporation for the community. As we noted last week when the city of Columbus held a meeting to discuss annexation, these types of meetings are emotional in nature and can easily devolve into shouting matches. As it was with the Columbus meeting, the New Hope meeting featured none of that. Instead, the meeting was marked by a calm rational discussion of the issues associated with incorporation. Hannah and Pounders, who have been leading advocates for incorporation, were well-prepared and informative. They also created an atmosphere that allowed those opposed to incorporation to make their cases and ask questions. Often, audience members raised valid points that contributed to the discussion. We don’t know if the incorporation efforts will be successful, but this kind of information sharing will certainly help New Hope residents make an informed decision.
A rose to Kim Moreland as she begins her new role as Ward 1’s representative on the Starkville Board of Aldermen. Moreland, who had previously served on the city’s planning and zoning commission, defeated Timothy Bush, 155-38, in a special election to fill the seat held by Ben Carver, who now serves on the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors. Moreland’s business background — she is a licensed general contractor and manages rental properties — will be an asset to the city as it continues to grow. Moreland’s arrival gives the city two women board members for the first time in the city’s history. We congratulate Moreland, who will be sworn into office before Tuesday’s regular meeting, as well as Bush for stepping forward to serve the city in this important role.
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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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 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
