MUW welcomes new president

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi University for Women has a new person in charge.

Rent auditorium was full Friday of people ready to support the inauguration of Nora Miller.

The ceremony was full of laughs, tears, and an overwhelming sense of excitement as Miss. Miller became President Miller.

It’s the start of something new at MUW.

Nora Miller officially became the fifteenth President of Mississippi University for Women.

“I am exhilarated it’s just a wonderful day I’m so happy and I just really feel blessed,” said President Nora Miller.

President Miller is the first alumna to be named president of the University on a full-time basis.

And that’s what people say makes her the best choice to lead.

“Miss Miller was a perfect fit she had been at this university for years she’s an alumna of this university, and that’s very important to be able to reach out to the past graduates of this university for their support. If you look at the past present and future she was a great choice,” said Shane Hooper.

“It’s just a dream come true really that we have someone of this skill set and stature to come and be our president. She certainly has the skills she has the knowledge she has the passion for the University, and she’s just a strong woman,” said Emily Garner.

She already has plans in mind to help grow the W.

“I want to make sure that we are adapting to the changing world around us, that we are reaching students where they are, geographically and also where they are and their preparation. I want to give our students the best possible experience like the one I had here and just make sure we’re always adapting to make that change as people need,” said President Miller.

But with growth comes challenges and one challenge is on everyone’s minds.

“I think one of the biggest challenges is funding we know that state appropriations have been on decline the last few years but had to absorb some hits,” said President Miller.

“Funding in a very uncertain environment but based on Nora’s background as a chief financial officer an auditor I think she is well equipped to deal with tough budget times, and she’s a great fit for the presidency here at the W,” said Alfred Rankin.

Students, faculty, and alumni are excited to see where President Miller takes them from here.

“The W has been on an upward Trajectory for years it had a solid leadership and selecting Miss Miller to continue that leadership was an easy choice. We are just looking forward to being able to continue that with her leadership,” said Hooper.

Of the four presidents selected since The W went co-ed, three have been women