MUW Dedicates Pioneer Plaza

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- A day full of emotions on the MUW campus as university leaders officially open the Pioneers Plaza. An area honoring history of the university stemming back to 52 year ago.

The ribbon was officially cut Friday morning just outside of Welty Hall.

The Pioneer Plaza honors the history of the Mississippi University for Women, highlighting the first six African-American students who enrolled at the W back in 1966.

Six benches fill the area honoring each of the women.

At Friday’s ceremony, some of the pioneers were there saying how humbled they are to be such a big part of history at the university.

Pioneer Laverene Leech, says bringing change was something the now, six women, never thought would happen.

“It means so much today. It didn’t mean a lot in ’66 because we weren’t trying to be pioneers. We weren’t trying to make history. We weren’t trying to change anything. We just wanted an education and this was the school that we could attend,” said Leech.

As for the plaza, everyone is excited for how it turned out.

“I’m just thrilled. Oh man this is unbelievable. It’s just wonderful,” said Leech.

Dozens were there for the dedication including several family members of the pioneers.