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Campus Construction Update

Published: 1 December 2025
Written by Tyler Wheat
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Categories: Faculty & Staff Announcements

Current Projects

HL 204-136 MUW Roofing: This project includes shingled roof replacement/repairs for Painter, Reneau, Grossnickle Annex, Stark Natatorium, Pohl Gymnasium, Counseling Center, and Fant. The project will also include renewal of the clock tower and bell tower, and a flat roof replacement for Reneau, Education 4th floor and CPDC. The project professional is JBHM Architects. This design phase for this project is complete. Bids have been received, and the project has been awarded to Roofing Solutions of Louisiana, LLC. Work began 2/6/2025 and is estimated to be completed on 12/05/2025. This project is approximately 90% complete.

GS# 104-215 Jones Hall Interior/Exterior Renovations: This is a Bureau of Building project. Planning and construction through Warranty Phase of renovations is planned for Jones Hall. This 47,000 square foot facility, first constructed in 1964 has only received minor improvements over the course of its life. Scope will include asbestos abatement, restoration of interior and exterior elements, interior reconfiguration, ADA improvements and major renovations of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and life safety systems. Due to the building’s Mississippi Landmark status, coordination with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History will be required. The project professional is Schafer Zahner and Zahner. The construction documents have been completed and approved. This project has been re-bid and was awarded to Ethos Construction.

GS# 104-214 South Campus Mechanical Plant Improvements: This is a Bureau of Building project. A new chiller plant is planned for construction to provide cooling for Jones, Kincannon, Goen and Frazer. This new plant will provide chilled water delivery with improved efficiencies and redundant backup cooling. The project professional is Dewberry Engineering. This project has been awarded to Brislin, Inc. Substantial completion is expected by November 2026. This project is approximately 5% complete.

GS 104-221 McDevitt Emergency Power Upgrade: This is a Bureau of Building project. McDevitt will have two new emergency generators installed to replace the existing one. This has been changed from a JOC project to a sealed bid. The professional will be Dewberry Engineering, and the general contractor is to be determined.

Columbus Christmas Parade set for Wednesday, will feature W float

Published: 1 December 2025
Written by Robert Scott
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Categories: Faculty & Staff Announcements

The annual Columbus Christmas Parade will take place Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m., after being moved from Monday, Dec. 1 due to the threat of inclement weather.

The W will once again have a float in the parade, which employees have poured countless hours into over the last several weeks.

Spearheaded by Andrew Moneymaker, director of Housing and Residence Life at The W, this year’s float promises a summer vacation in the heart of winter.

The parade’s route will take it down Main Street and College Street.

Annual staff recognition luncheon and meeting set for Dec. 17

Published: 1 December 2025
Written by Robert Scott
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Categories: Faculty & Staff Announcements

Staff of Mississippi University for Women, Sodexo and Barnes & Noble are invited to the annual Staff Recognition Luncheon and Meeting Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in Pope Banquet Room in Hogarth.

Hosted by President Nora Miller and The W’s Staff Council, the event celebrates the staff of the university and its partners, Sodexo and Barnes & Noble, with a meal and address from Miller.

The Salvation Army will have a representative present to accept the donated toys from the annual campus toy drive that is currently underway.

There are several drop off boxes around campus that will be picked up on Dec. 15. They include:

• EDHS- 1st floor

• Welty Hall – 1st floor

• Parkinson Hall – 1st floor, hallway by room

• Cochran Hall – 1st floor

• Fant Memorial Library – front entrance

• Mail Services

• Martin Hall – 1st floor hallway by Dean’s office

• Reneau Hall – 1st floor, next to the Student Success Center

• Shattuck Hall – next to HR

Toys may also be dropped off at the luncheon. All gifts should be unwrapped.

Annual Late-Night Breakfast is Dec. 1

Published: 1 December 2025
Written by Robert Scott
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Categories: Faculty & Staff Announcements
President Nora Miller puts pancakes on a students plate.
W President Nora Miller serves breakfast to a student during late-night breakfast.

W students will be treated to a late-night breakfast to wish them luck on their finals, Monday, Dec. 1 at 9 p.m. in Hogarth Dining Hall.

The Office of Housing and Residence Life team with Sodexo will host the event. Faculty and staff are invited to help serve food during the event.

Anyone interested is asked to email Andrew Moneymaker at amoneymaker@muw.edu.

Two W Music Students Win Top Honors at State MTNA Competitions

Published: 17 November 2025
Written by University Relations
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Categories: Arts & Sciences, News

Two students from Mississippi University for Women’s Department of Music earned top prizes at the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) state competitions held earlier this month at Jones College in Ellisville.

John Lollar, Charles Weatherby
John Lollar (left) and Charles Weathersby recently received recognition at the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) state competitions.

Senior Music Composition major Charles Weathersby (Wesson), and a student of Dr. Valentin Bogdan, took first place and was named state representative in the Young Artist Composition category for his original work “For Better and For Worse,” written for violin and piano. This marks the second consecutive year that Weathersby has earned this prestigious honor.

Weathersby will now advance to represent Mississippi at the MTNA Southern Division competitions, where he will compete against winners from across the southeastern United States with a chance of making it to the national finals in March of 2026.

“In my preparation for the competition, one of the things I tried to do was go outside the box and compose in a style I have not done before,” said Weathersby. “I am excited to see how I fare against the rest of the winners at the regional level.”

Senior Music Performance (Piano) major Johnathan Lollar (Jasper, Alabama), and also a student of Bogdan, received Honorable Mention in the Young Artist Piano Performance category. Lollar performed a demanding program featuring works by Franz Liszt, Ludwig van Beethoven and Claude Debussy, competing against students from several other Mississippi universities, including graduate-level performers.

To prepare, Lollar practiced daily for several hours and presented preparatory recitals in multiple venues in the weeks leading up to the competition. “I am proud of myself,” said Lollar. “I am very happy with the result.”

Bogdan, professor of music at The W, praised both students for their accomplishments, noting the department’s long record of success at MTNA.

“The MTNA competitions are among the most respected in the country,” Bogdan said. “Each year, thousands of students across the US compete for top prizes and national recognition. Having our students consistently recognized at this level speaks to the creativity, discipline and dedication that define The W’s music community. In fact, during the past 10 years, a W composer has won the state MTNA composition top prize eight times — a testament to the strength and consistency of our program.”

About the Department of Music

The Department of Music at The W offers programs in performance, music composition, music education and music therapy. Known for its supportive faculty and individualized instruction, the department provides students with opportunities to develop their artistry through performance, research and creative projects.