W professors, credit union recognized in 2025 ‘Best of the Triangle’
Mississippi University for Women received three separate nominations in The Commercial Dispatch’s “Best of the Triangle” for 2025.
The “Best of the Triangle” is a yearly competition where the public decides who is the best at what they do by voting. The contest encompasses the entire Golden Triangle.
Dr. Hope Durst, assistant professor of education, was named among the best college professors. Durst has been nominated for Best Professor every year since 2023. She was named Best Professor in 2024.
A Columbus native, Durst has always been familiar with The W. Eight years ago, she came on board as an adjunct professor before moving to a faculty position five years ago.
She has taught a variety of courses in the elementary education program and the Master of Arts in teaching program. Currently, Durst teaches residency students social studies and science teaching methods as well as working with graduate students on their final dissertation.
Durst is honored by the nomination, and is proud to be recognized for doing what she loves.
“What an honor to be voted Among Best College Professors,” said Durst. “As a lifelong resident of Columbus, I am thankful to have the opportunity to stay in my community and contribute to the educational experience of its residents. The W is vital to the economic position of our state, and the university prides itself on nurturing students from surrounding communities and afar toward degree completion, equipping them with essential skills to reinvest in their own hometowns. What a privilege it is to work for The W, alongside committed colleagues, to further its mission of providing high-quality education – impacting students, communities and the state of Mississippi.”
Dr. Brandy Larmon, dean of the Vandergriff College of Nursing and Health Sciences at The W, was also named among the best college professors for 2025.
“This recognition is special to me, as it is community-based,” she said. “It is so special to me to know there are those out there that recognize the passion and dedication I hold for health sciences education. I am honored.”
Larmon also received nominations in 2017, 2021 and 2022.
Larmon joined The W in 2008 as part of the associate degree nursing program. Since then, she has served the college in various capacities, including the RN-BSN online upgrade, associate professor and full professor with tenure. She was named dean of the Vandergriff College of Nursing and Health Sciences in 2022, succeeding Dr. Tammie McCoy.
“The W is a remarkable place,” said Larmon. “Not only has it been the primary place I have worked, but I am an alum as well. Being a part of something that shapes students and the state of Mississippi is beyond words.”
Rounding out this year’s accolades, the MUW Federal Credit Union was named among the best credit unions.
MUWFCU was chartered in 1965 and has been serving employees of The W since then. It has expanded its services to include students, alumni and families of these individuals as well as employees of Air Control, Kent Foods and Ecolab.
The credit union offers a variety of services including share accounts, share draft accounts, prepaid debit cards and Christmas and vacation club accounts. It also offers lower-interest signature, share secured and auto loans.
MUWFCU is located in McDevitt Hall, directly across from the police department.