MUWAA announces 2025 election results
The Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association (MUWAA) is pleased to announce the election of Bayleigh Herron Vick of Baltimore as president-elect, and Carrie De Leon Niemet of Starkville, Bridget Smith Pieschel of Columbus, Sydney I. Pittman of Cleveland, Nicole C. Rensink of Farmington, Arkansas, and Terri S. Stewart of Arlington, Virginia, as members of its Board of Directors.
Vick and the directors-elect were sworn in during the annual meeting of the MUW Alumni Association held during Homecoming.
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome these accomplished individuals to the MUWAA Board of Directors,” said Jermarra Jones-Price, MUWAA president. “Their commitment and diverse expertise will play a vital role in enhancing our alumni network and advancing the mission of Mississippi University for Women.”
Bayleigh Herron Vick
Herron Vick graduated from The W in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies (English and chemistry) and in 2020 with a Master of Arts degree in women’s leadership.
“I am deeply passionate about serving the university and its alumni community because of the transformative impact TheW has had on my life,” the Maryland resident said. “As an alumna, I believe in giving back to the institution that has shaped me, and I am dedicated to fostering connections and opportunities that strengthen the Long Blue Line.”
Vick works at the Pinnacle Career Institute (PCI) as the director of admissions. Previously serving as an admissions representative and manager at PCI, an admissions representative at the University of Arkansas Grantham and associate director of development at The W, Vick has expertise in college admissions, recruitment, fundraising, community outreach and collaboration.
Vick is a member of the Blacklist Alumnae Association, serving as secretary from 2020 to 2021 and as vice president from 2021 to 2025. During her years at The W, she was a member of Mortar Board, Silhouette Social Club, the Student Programming Board, and Chorale, and she was a class cheerleader, head orientation leader, a Student Alumni Ambassador and vice president of recruitment of Interclub.
She also served in the Hearin Leadership Program and on the Student Programming Board.
She is married to fellow graduate Taylor Vick, Classes of 2016 and 2020.
Carrie De Leon Niemet
Niemet, of Starkville, is a 2006 graduate of The W, earning a Bachelor of Science in family studies. She currently works as a freelance bookkeeper.
She has served on MUWAA’s Digital Marketing Committee, Membership Recruitment Committee and Recruitment and Retention Committee.
“I am interested in serving the MUW Alumni Association because I loved my time at The W and want to do my part to ensure that the legacy of The W continues,” she said.
As a student, Niemet was part of the Hearin Leadership Program and the Student Recruitment Team and was a member of Phi Upsilon Omicron, Highlander Social Club, Masker Honorary Social Club, and Jazz Ensemble and was a W-Rep. She was the recipient of a Minority Student Achievement Award in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2009 and the Hearin Leadership Scholarship.
She is a founding board member and troop coordinator for American Heritage Girls Troop MS1412, an incoming board and committee member of Starkville Strong, and a member of Business Networking International Chapter of GT Business Connections, where she serves as education coordinator.
Dr. Bridget Smith Pieschel
Pieschel graduated from The W in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in English education and in 1981 with a Master of Arts in English. She earned a doctorate in English from the University of Alabama in 1989. She is a professor emerita in English and Women’s Studies.
“The W has given me a wonderful education and a deeply satisfying career,” she said. “I enjoy doing what I can to support our university financially and also as a volunteer.”
She has served on the MUWAA Special Events Committee and is a member of the Lowndes County Chapter of the MUWAA.
As a student, she was a member of Mortar Board, Sigma Tau Delta English Honorary, Hottentots and Chapel Choir. Pieschel received The W’s Medal of Excellence in 2005, the Kossen Distinguished Faculty Award in 2012 and an honorary doctorate from The W in 2020. She previously served as The W’s director of Humanities, Honors College, Pre-College Enrichment Program and the Master’s Program in Women’s Leadership and as chair of Literature, Language and History.
She is a published author of works including the university’s history “Loyal Daughters.”
She is a vestry member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and a board member of the Lowndes County Foundation and the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters.
Sydney I. Pittman
Pittman graduated from The W in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health Education. She earned a Master of Education degree in Higher Education Leadership from Mercer University in 2022 and is working toward a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education/Higher Education Leadership from Delta State University.
She currently serves as the director of admissions at Delta State University and was previously an admissions counselor at The W.
“I am deeply committed to the success and legacy of our university and its alumni,” she said. “Serving on the MUWAA Board of Directors offers an opportunity to give back to the institution that has played a pivotal role in shaping my professional and personal growth.”
She has served on the MUWAA Recruitment & Retention Committee and is a member of the Jackson Metro and Lowndes County chapters of the MUWAA.
While a student, Pittman was a member of the National Honor Society of Leadership & Success, the Silhouette Social Club, Masker Honorary Social Club, Interclub and Passport to Wellness and was a leader in The W Health Organization, serving as president and vice president.
Nicole C. Rensink
Rensink graduated from The W in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology and is a science teacher and volleyball coach at Fort Smith Public Schools in Arkansas, where she was nominated for the Ignite Award.
“I have a strong commitment to fostering connections that support both personal and professional growth,” she said. “Having benefited immensely from my time at The W, I am eager to give back by contributing to the continued success of and engagement of the institution and its alumni.”
As an MUWAA member, she has served on the Chapters & Constituency Groups Committee, the Digital Marketing Committee and the Recruitment and Retention Committee.
While a student at The W, she was 2022’s Miss MUW, vice president of the Rogue Social Club and president of the Blacklist Honorary Social Club. She played the Owls volleyball and tennis teams and was a resident advisor.
Terri S. Stewart
Stewart graduated from The W in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from George Mason University in 1993. She is chief finance and administration officer of the American Institute of Architects.
“I want to expand my volunteer efforts to those outside my local community,” she said.
Stewart is a member of the D.C. Chapter of the MUWAA.
While at The W, she was a Dean’s List student and a member of the Reveler Social Club, Masker Honorary Social Club and the Student Government Association.
She is a staff liaison for the Architect Foundation Board, an AIA board member and honorary member, and is a Certified Association Executive.For more information about the Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association and its activities, please visit MUWAA’s website, longblueline.muw.edu.
About the Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association
The Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association exists to support and promote the mission of Mississippi University for Women while providing alumni engagement opportunities as the university’s officially affiliated alumni organization.