FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 1, 2011
Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins
(662) 329-7124
aperkins@pa.muw.edu

Campus and community embrace new MUW president

COLUMBUS, Miss. -- Dr. Jim Borsig received a warm and spirited welcome, complete with students carrying balloons and blowing noisemakers, following the announcement of him being named the president of Mississippi University for Women.

A large crowd was on hand for Wednesday’s campus reception, where a blue carpet was rolled out for Borsig, who becomes the university’s 14th president and the first male to serve in this capacity in more than 20 years.

“This is a wonderful welcome,” he said. “I have been deeply touched and moved by this experience.”

During the press conference and in meetings with constituency groups, Borsig shared the same sentiments.

“I am delighted to be standing here today. The search process is a two-way street. I have fallen in love with the university each step of the way.” 

Borsig added that he was honored and humbled to be selected by the Board of Trustees to lead the university.

“Mississippi University for Women has a rich history of strong academic programs in liberal arts and professional education. I look forward to working with all members of the MUW family to build on this tradition of excellence and provide opportunities for all students. I also look forward to working with the Columbus community to help both the university and the region to grow and thrive,” he said.

Campus groups and affiliated organizations expressed their enthusiasm in working with him.

Dr. Gloria Bunnell, president of the Faculty Senate, read the following statement: The Faculty Senate of Mississippi University for Women supports the naming of Dr. James Borsig as our new president. Dr. Borsig’s leadership, administrative, academic and legislative experience is vital to The W’s future. We believe that he will move us forward in the changing world of higher education and shepherd The W into a brighter future. We look forward to being integral and active participants in the exciting growth process.

In a statement from the Student Government Association, president Leander Williams Jr., said, “Throughout this process, the students have been actively involved in helping our institution find the most suitable candidate for the presidency. The Student Government Association has attended many sessions administered by the IHL Board to give input on what qualities we would like our next president to not only possess but exemplify. We are confident that the search committee has chosen the best candidate.”

Jessica Harpole, Staff Council president, said, “Staff Council is delighted to welcome the new president to MUW. As the university makes this transition, we are excited for the future and believe this is a great step forward.”

A prepared statement from the alumni association read as follows, “The Board of Directors of the MUW Alumni Association joins others in the university community in welcoming the new president of MUW. It is our desire to work together with all constituencies to further the mission and goals of the university and together to have an immeasurable impact on the educational advancement of the young women and men of Mississippi.” 

J.H. “Ken” Kennedy Jr., interim president of the MUW Foundation, said, “On behalf of the Mississippi University for Women Foundation, it is indeed a privilege to welcome Dr. James B. Borsig as the next president of this outstanding university. He is extremely qualified having served in higher education, government and the private sector. We feel his leadership will greatly benefit the efforts of the MUW Foundation and the Office of Development’s fundraising efforts for scholarships and university projects.”