The University

HISTORY

When Mississippi University for Women was chartered in 1884, it made educational history as the first state-supported college for women in America. Her founding mothers had been persistent and tireless in their efforts, which had spanned over twenty years. Energetic campaigning in the 1860s and 1870s by activist Sallie Reneau had resulted in legislative approval, but no appropriations.  A decade later Olivia Valentine Hastings and Annie Coleman Peyton joined forces to lobby legislators and journalists in support of a public women’s college. Originally known as The Industrial Institute and College (II & C), this institution was created by the Mississippi Legislature to provide a unique hybrid: a high quality collegiate education for women coupled with practical vocational training.  As one legislator said, it was a “Godsend” for the “poor girls of Mississippi.”  In a time when intellectual training for women was considered by many to have disastrous consequences, Mississippi had the foresight to recognize that  her young women were going to have to be taught not only to think for themselves, but also to support themselves.
  The first session began in October of 1885 in Columbus, a city that had won the college by virtue of its early interest in women’s education and its willingness to commit hard cash to the endeavor.  The city donated to the state the buildings and grounds of the Columbus Female Institute, a private school founded in 1847, in addition to offering city bonds in the amount of $50,000 for any needed improvements to the property.  That October, 341 girls embarked on this new educational experiment.  Four years later the first graduates received their diplomas.
  MUW has always shown an ability to adapt and change with the times.  In 1920, shortly before newly enfranchised II & C graduates elected their former president Henry Whitfield Governor of Mississippi, The Industrial Institute and College became Mississippi State College for Women.  This name more clearly reflected the institution’s  merging of the professional training with four year collegiate degrees.  By 1974, as all eight universities in Mississippi began adding and strengthening graduate programs, MSCW became Mississippi University for Women.   But her alums and friends  affectionately  call her “The W.” Admitting men since 1982, MUW still provides a high quality liberal arts education with a distinct emphasis on professional development and leadership opportunities for women.

ACCOLADES

• The MUW Society of Professional Journalists chapter was named the best student chapter in Region 12 at the SPJ National Convention. The weekly student newspaper, The Spectator, was selected best newspaper at the 14th annual Southeast Journalism Conference (SEJC) Convention. The SEJC includes more than 50 colleges and universities in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.
• MUW’s highly regarded Culinary Arts Institute is one of the few programs of its kind in the nation offering a baccalaureate degree.
• MUW is one of a limited number of universities in the country and the only public institution in Mississippi to offer a bachelor’s in music therapy.
• In October 2002, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine ranked MUW 69 of the 100 best public colleges in America.
• U.S. News & World Report’s 2003 guide, “America’s Best Colleges,” ranked MUW the best value among all Southern master’s universities. It is the sixth time in nine years that the W has been ranked a best value, MUW was ranked eighth among best public universities in the Southern master’s category.
• The Eudora Welty Writers’ Symposium, which honors the university’s world-renowned alumna, annually draws noted authors and scholars.
• MUW’s Division of Nursing graduates continue to excel on national licensing examinations; the baccalaureate degree graduates achieved a 100 percent pass rate and the associate degree graduates scored in the 99th percentile in the area of pharmacology. The master of science degree graduates achieved a 100 percent pass rate on board specialty examinations.
• The W features a fiberoptic backbone, interactive video conference classrooms and a satellite uplink.
• MUW is home to the Mississippi Governor’s School and the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, the fourth public, residential high school for gifted students in the nation.
• With 24 of its more than 60 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, MUW’s campus is one of the nation’s most architecturally distinguished.

ADMINISTRATION

 The first board of trustees consisted of Governor Robert Lowry, James T. Harrison of Columbus, Dr. Lea Williamson of Como, John F. Smith of Vossburg, Dr. J.J. Gage of Grenada, T. M. Miller of Jackson, Mayor G.R. Higgins of Chotard Landing, Captain D.L. Sweatman of Winona, Dr. J.J. Thornton of Pass Christian, and Senator John McCaleb Martin of Port Gibson, author of the bill creating The W.
 The university has had thirteen presidents and seven acting or interim presidents.

RICHARD W. JONES, 1884-1888
CHARLES H. COCKE, 1888-1890
MARY J.S. CALLAWAY (Acting President), March 1890-June 1890
ARTHUR BEALS, 1890-1891
ROBERT FRAZER, 1891-1898
MARY J.S. CALLAWAY (Acting President), February 1898-June 1898
ANDREW A. KINCANNON, 1898-1907
HENRY L. WHITFIELD, 1907-1920
JOHN C. FANT, 1920-1929
NELLIE KEIRN (Acting President), November 1929-June 1930
R.E.L. SUTHERLAND, 1930-1932
BURNEY L. PARKINSON, 1932-1952
CHARLES P. HOGARTH, 1952-1977
JAMES W. STROBEL, 1977-1988
HARVEY M. CRAFT (Interim President), July 1988-October 1988
DELENE W. LEE (Interim President), October 1988-April 1989
CLYDA S. RENT, 1989-2001
VAGN K. HANSEN, (Acting President) July 2001
LENORE L. PRATHER, (Interim President), August 2001-June 2002
CLAUDIA A. LIMBERT, President, July 2002-Present

 History was made in 1989 when Dr. Rent became the first woman to serve as the university's president and the first woman to serve as the institutional executive officer of a public university in Mississippi.

MISSION

 Mississippi University for Women is a public institution funded primarily by the State of Mississippi. As a member of the state higher education system, MUW is governed by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and is charged with serving the educational needs of the State of Mississippi, while attracting students from the Southeast and the nation. MUW is dedicated to the liberal arts and to professional education for all students, with an emphasis on academic and leadership preparation for women.
 Primarily an undergraduate institution, MUW places a high priority on teaching and learning in a personalized environment. Personnel in all areas of institutional support cooperate to provide an environment conducive to a successful educational experience. MUW is committed to diversity and quality in its recruitment and retention of students, faculty, and staff and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, religion, disability, or national origin.
 Graduates of MUW are expected to possess a satisfactory degree of competence in the skills of written and oral communication, computation, and critical thinking; an understanding and appreciation of broad as well as specific areas of knowledge; an awareness of gender-related issues and multicultural diversity; and a sense of responsibility for service to the community.
 To develop a greater understanding of self and the world and a broad base of knowledge and skills, all students take various core curriculum courses, including composition, mathematics, literature, history, laboratory science, social science, fine arts, speech, philosophy, and physical education. The core curriculum also provides preparation for specific study in a major area and a broad perspective for continuing intellectual growth.
 MUW offers degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels. Students select a major from liberal arts and pre-professional programs administered through the eight academic divisions: Business and Communication; Education and Human Sciences; Fine and Performing Arts; Health and Kinesiology; Humanities; Interdisciplinary Studies; Nursing; Science and Mathematics. The university also provides continuing education and cultural enrichment programs as a community service and as a complement to its academic curriculum.

ACCREDITATION

 Mississippi University for Women is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award the Associate, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees.
 MUW is a member of Association of American State Colleges and Universities, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and the Southern Universities Conference. MUW is listed among institutions accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) (Associate, Baccalaureate and Masters Degree programs), NLNAC, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006 (800) 669-1656, extension 153, The Professional Services Board of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (for services of the MUW Speech and Hearing Center), the National Association of Schools of Music, and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. The academic (i.e., Master of Science) program in Speech Language Pathology is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech Language Hearing Association. MUW’s Paralegal Program is approved by the American Bar Association. MUW’s Business Program is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs.  Graduates are eligible for membership in the American Association of University Women.

LOCATION

 MUW is located in Columbus, Mississippi, a city with a population of 25,000.  One of the most beautiful and historic communities in the South, Columbus is the site of more than 100 antebellum homes and several hundred other buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The city is home to Columbus Air Force Base, one of only four Air Force undergraduate pilot training bases in the nation.  The nation's first observance of what eventually  became Memorial Day took place in Columbus, and the city is the birthplace of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tennessee Williams.  Columbus is a headquarters city for the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
 Columbus is served by U.S. highways 45 and 82 and Mississippi highways 12, 50, and 69.  The Golden Triangle Regional Airport, the third busiest in the state, offers several flights daily via two commuter airlines to the major hub cities of Atlanta and Memphis.

CAMPUS

 The MUW campus covers more than 114 acres within the residential area of Columbus. Twenty-four of the more than 60 buildings on the campus are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Historically significant architectural styles represented include Queen Anne, gothic revival, and neoclassical.
 The Plymouth Bluff Center is only minutes from the main campus on a sylvan, 190-acre site with more than four miles of nature trails on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. This beautiful, tranquil setting has cabins accommodating 48 guests and facilities for catered dining for 120 people. The center also has a state-of-the-art conference center, making it an ideal facility for retreats, workshops, and meetings.

ACADEMIC, ADMINISTRATIVE AND STUDENT SERVICE BUILDINGS

BARROW MEMORIAL BUILDING (1902) houses the physical plant administrative and shop functions. NRHP
THE LENORE WOOLARD CARRIER CHAPEL (1962) was designed as a place for individual or group worship by the world-famous architect, Gyo Obata.  The Chapel was the gift of alumna Lenore Woolard Carrier ('12).  It is used for a variety of events including weddings, prayer services, and choral concerts.
CARRIER LODGE (1962), a spacious lodge located on a bluff overlooking the Tombigbee River, was built with funds donated by MUW alumna Lenore Woolard Carrier (‘12).  The lodge houses a recreational and dining area, sleeping accommodations for forty, and supervisor's quarters.
THE HARVEY CROMWELL COMMUNICATIONS CENTER (1976) houses the Communication Program, the Paralegal Studies Program, the MUW Theatre, the Speech and Hearing Center, Continuing Education, radio and television studios including the electronic classroom of Mississippi Fibernet 2000, the nation's first two-way, interactive, fiber-optic based public-switched distance education network, and offices for the journalism program.  The Cromwell Center is named for Dr. Harvey Cromwell, head of the speech department (1949-67) and the first Dean of the Graduate School (1967-75).
THE DEMONSTRATION SCHOOL (1929) is part of the Columbus City Schools and serves as a model elementary school (K-4).  The Demonstration School is the first, and now the only, "laboratory" school for teacher education in the state.  NRHP
THE ECKFORD BUILDING (1929) houses the Police Department.  The building was named in 1939 for Dr. Martha O. Eckford, faculty member (1907-1913) and head of the department of bacteriology, physiology, and hygiene (1913-1918). NRHP
EDUCATION AND HUMAN SCIENCES BUILDING (1974) houses classrooms, laboratories, and teaching facilities for the Division of Education and Human Sciences.  One wing is used for the Parent-Child Development Center.  The "Penthouse," formerly a home management residence on the fourth floor, accommodates university guests.
JOHN CLAYTON FANT MEMORIAL LIBRARY (1969) houses the holdings of the university library.  The library was named in honor of Dr. Fant, president of the university (1920-1929).  The Special Collections Room is named for Miss Beulah Culbertson ('10), who served as head of the library (1910-1958).
THE FINE ARTS BUILDING (1961) provides a gallery, classrooms, studios, and facilities for the Division of Fine and Performing Arts. This building will be restored in 2003-2004.
FRANKLIN HALL (1900) was used until 1935 as the infirmary and was named in honor of Tom Franklin, a former trustee of the university, whose efforts led to the construction of the building. NRHP
CHARLES P. HOGARTH STUDENT CENTER (1961) is the home to a variety of student service offices and programs, including "The Goose" grill and coffee bar, the W room, a gathering spot for students, the university post office, university bookstore, clubrooms for meetings of student organizations, an auditorium, a patio, a recreation room, sun deck, and offices for the Division of Student Affairs -- the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Student Government Association, and Residence Life.  The Center was named for Dr. Hogarth, president of the university (1952-1977).
NANCY H. HOGARTH DINING CENTER (1969) houses the cafeteria, banquet rooms, and the President's Dining Room and was named for Nancy Hogarth, wife of the tenth president of the institution. The cafeteria was renovated in 2002.
HOOPER SCIENCE HALL (1955) houses the academic program of the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science and was named for Francis Hooper, faculty member (1900-1922) and former head of the biology department (1901-1922).
KEIRN HALL (1959)  was originally built as a residence hall and is a twin structure to Taylor Hall.  The building was named for alumna Nellie S. Keirn ('06) who served the university for forty-seven years, including as acting president (1929-1930).
MARTIN HALL (1929) is home to the Division of Science and Mathematics and was named in honor of John McCaleb Martin, sponsor of the legislation establishing the institution. It is slated for renovation to house the Division of Nursing. NRHP
THE MARY WILSON HOME (1929) serves as office space for MSMS. The home originally served as a home management practice house for the program in home economics.  It was named for Mary Wilson, a member of the home economics faculty (1925-1961) and head of the department of home economics (1930-1961). NRHP
McDEVITT HALL (1927) houses the university computer center, print shop, and Office of Public Affairs and was named in honor of Dr. Ellen McDevitt ('30), an alumna who served as a vascular medicine training specialist at Cornell Medical College.  The building originally housed a Junior-Senior dining hall and was later used for the student health center. NRHP
THE ORR BUILDING (1884) was the first building on the campus erected by state funds.  Orr is the second oldest building on the campus and houses the MUW Archives and Museum, which includes major artifacts from the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.  The building was named for Pauline V. Orr, mistress of English and elocution (1884-1913).  The stained glass Window of Wisdom in the Orr Chapel, dedicated in honor of Annie Coleman Peyton, former faculty member and an early supporter of the establishment of the university, is a design of Elie Conde Lamb of the J. and R. Lamb Studio of New York City.  NRHP
ORR ANNEX (1963) originally housed the speech and hearing clinic.
PAINTER ACADEMIC HALL (1922) is home to the Division of Humanities and was named for Lawrence G. Painter, head of the English department (1913-1948).  NRHP
PARKINSON HALL (1951) is undergoing renovation for the Division of Science and Mathematics.  The building was named in honor of Dr. B.L. Parkinson, president of the university (1932-1952).
THE PLYMOUTH BLUFF EDUCATION CENTER (1995) is a science education and professional development center.  The 190-acre site on the old channel of the Tombigbee River approximately five miles from downtown Columbus houses an education center with a 100-seat auditorium, dining center, and education laboratories along with six cabins which can accommodate 48 guests.  The facility was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
POHL INTRAMURAL BUILDING (1927) serves as the student services center of the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science and contains two gymnasiums, a dance studio, a swimming pool, and offices.  NRHP
POINDEXTER HALL (1905) is the home of the music program and includes classrooms, teaching studios, a music library, practice rooms, and a 235-seat recital hall.  The hall was named after Weenonah Poindexter, head of the music department (1895-1935).  NRHP.
PUCKETT HOUSE (1905) serves as a facility for Alumnae functions. It was the former home of the W. N. Puckett family and was donated to the university by the city of Columbus in 1927.  The building has been used both as a language house and as a residence hall over the years.  NRHP.
RENEAU HALL (1929) houses the Division of Business and Communication, the Career Resources Center, the Counseling and Testing Center, Academic Advising, and Academic Support Services.  The building was named for Sallie Reneau, who in 1856 started the movement for the establishment of a state-supported college for women.  NRHP
SHACKLEFORD WAREHOUSE (1930s) houses art studios for both The W and MSMS.
SHATTUCK HALL (1910) houses the Division of Fine and Performing Arts.  It was originally used as a residence hall and later as the dining center and was named for Mrs. M.E. Shattuck, who served as college housekeeper for twenty years.  NRHP
SHATTUCK HALL ANNEX (1910) houses the Culinary Arts Institute.
SOUTH CALLAWAY HALL (1908) is undergoing for renovation for use by Student Affairs. It was built as an annex to the original Callaway Hall and served as a residence hall.  NRHP
STOVALL HOUSE (1910) houses the Office of Alumni Affairs.  The house was donated by the city of Columbus in 1927. NRHP
TAYLOR HALL (1959) is home to the Division of Nursing and the Campus Health Center and was named for Janie Rice Taylor, a former member of Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and an alumna ('11) of the university.
EUDORA WELTY HALL (1929) originally housed the Fant Library.  The building was completely renovated in 1991 for use as the administration building.  Welty Hall is named for one of the university's most esteemed alumnae, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eudora Welty.  NRHP
WHITFIELD HALL (1927) was named in honor of Henry L. Whitfield, president of the institution (1907-1920) who later became Governor of Mississippi.  Whitfield Hall houses the Clyda Stokes Rent Auditorium, named for the former MUW president who served from 1989-2001, and the Office of Human Resources, Office of Resources Management and the Office of Institutional Research.  NRHP

RESIDENCE HALLS

All residence halls are centrally heated and air-conditioned.

CALLAWAY HALL (1860) is the oldest building on the campus.  The four-story structure has undergone renovations several times including one complete renovation when the entire interior of the building was removed with only the outside walls remaining.  Callaway Hall is a residence hall for freshmen and provides living space for 134 students.  It was named for Mary S.J. Callaway, professor of mathematics (1885-1900) and on two occasions the acting president of the institution (1890, 1898).  The structure was used as a hospital during the Civil War when it was a part of the Columbus Female Institute.  NRHP
COLUMBUS HALL (1896) has been renovated for use again as a residence hall on the historic front campus.  It can accommodate 60 students in 13 suites and four single rooms. The building was named in honor of the city of Columbus, which donated funds for its construction.  NRHP
FRAZER HALL (1965) is a five-story residence hall which accommodates up to 220 students.  The building was named for Robert Frazer, president of the university (1891-1898). Frazer hall is scheduled for renovations in 2002-2003. It currently house the male students of Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science.
GOEN HALL (1963) is five-story residence hall that accommodates 220 students.  The building was named for Marguerite Goen, former faculty member and dean of students (1928-1963).
GROSSNICKLE HALL (1922), formerly known as The Club, was named in honor of R.L. Grossnickle, head of the department of mathematics (1926-1964).  It is a two-story residence hall of 22 suites and once provided apartments for faculty. NRHP
HASTINGS-SIMMONS HALL (1900) serves as a residence hall on the historic front campus.  The building is a four-story residence hall of 56 apartments with each apartment having two bedrooms and a common living area.  It was named for Olivia Hastings, who was an early leader in the movement to establish a state-supported college for women.  The building was rededicated in October 1994 as Hastings-Simmons Hall in honor of Miriam Q. Simmons ('49), MUW alumna who served as a member of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and was a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives.  NRHP
JONES HALL (1964) is a five-story residence hall that accommodates 225 students.  The building was named for Richard W. Jones, the first president of the institution (1885-1888).
KINCANNON HALL (1962) is a five-story residence hall that accommodates 225 students.  The building was named for Andrew A. Kincannon, president of the university (1898-1907).
MABEL FANT HALL (1927) is a three-story residence hall used by the female students of the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science.  The building was named for Mabel B. Fant, a loyal alumna (1897) of the university and the wife of former university president John Clayton Fant.  NRHP
PEYTON HALL (1922) is a three-story residence hall used by the male students of the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science.  The building was named for Annie Coleman Peyton, who played a major part in the movement to establish the institution and taught history at the college until her death in 1898.  This building will be restored in 2003-2004. NRHP

RESIDENCES

THE PRESIDENT'S HOME (1969) is located across the street from Callaway Hall and serves as the official residence of the institutional executive officer.
MUW APARTMENTS (1960 & 1967) provide housing for faculty, staff, and full-time students with child  in 32 two-bedroom and sixteen three-bedroom apartments located on 5th and 6th Avenues South between 9th and 10th Streets South.