Suggested Names
This fresh look at names builds on 18 months of work with these groups, including surveys, listening sessions, focus groups, and a brand audit. Names were suggested by alumni, faculty, staff and community to the Naming Task Force.
Naming Process
Proposed W Names
Mississippi University for Women is known for its rich history of empowering women and its commitment to providing a high-quality education to all. Its faculty, staff, students, and alumni create a vibrant and forward-thinking university built on a tradition of academic excellence, personal growth and leadership, and strong community.
The name will incorporate some version of “Mississippi” and “University” prior to the final selection.
The W logo is an official and federally registered university mark and shall be identified with a ® for university and university approved usage only.
Wynbridge
The first part of Wynbridge comes from the Old English word for the letter W. Borrowing on this history, we pair it with bridge. A bridge connects the past to the future, our alums to our students, and our campus to our community. When the W was founded, it built a bridge from exclusion to empowerment for women. With this name, past, present, and future alumni will all be W grads, creating a continuous connection for our tradition-rich school, while maintaining its forward-looking spirit.
Attribution: Alumni, Faculty/Staff, Consultant
Welbright
The first part of Welbright comes from the idea of wellness, which represents our supportive environment that promotes the well-roundedness of our students. Traditionally each graduation ceremony begins with a reminder of the historic purpose of the university, to “study for light to bless with light.” This idea lives and breathes at the University, embodying a supportive, inclusive, and empowering community. This is a name that reflects our founders’ vision of excellence, positive transformation, and brighter futures.
Attribution: Alumni, Faculty/Staff, Students, Consultant
Wynbright
The first part of Wynbright comes from the Old English word for the letter W. Borrowing on this history, we pair it with bright. Traditionally each graduation ceremony begins with a reminder of the historic purpose of the university, to “study for light to bless with light.” This idea lives and breathes at the University, embodying a supportive, inclusive, and empowering community. This is a name that reflects our founders’ vision of excellence, positive transformation, and brighter futures.
Attribution: Alumni, Faculty/Staff
Naming Task Force
Amanda Clay Powers, Co-Chair
Dean, Fant Memorial Library
Dr. Tom Richardson, Co-Chair
Former Provost and Dean, Professor and Eudora Welty Chair
Dr. Scott Tollison,
Provost / Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Brian Anderson,
Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Dr. Marty Brock,
Dean, College of Business & Professional Studies
Dr. David Brooking,
Executive Director, Enrollment Management
Dr. Marty Hatton,
Dean, School of Education
Dr. Brandy Larmon,
Dean, College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Dr. Dee A. Larson,
Chair, Department of Business; Coordinator, Graduate Studies in Business; & Professor of Marketing and Management
Jenny Katool,
Foundation President
Dr. Holly Krogh,
Faculty Senate President
Tequila McCoy,
Staff Council President
Samuel Garrie,
Student Government Association President
Karen Clay,
University General Counsel
Anika Perkins,
Executive Director of University Relations
Andrea Stevens,
Executive Director of Alumni & Development
Heather Stone,
Alumni Association President
Dr. Kim Whitehead,
Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs; Director, Ina E. Gordy Honors College; Interim Director, Student Success Center
Cathryn Vaughn Borer
Former Director of the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce.