Of the alumni, students, faculty and staff, prospective students and community members polled in Mississippi University for Women’s name-change survey, the five groups had one top three in common — University of Northern Mississippi.
After three and a half months, MUW released to the public the findings of its naming survey on Monday.
In late September, the university announced it was putting together a task force to determine whether to change the name for the 175-year-old institution, and if so, what the new name will be. The survey listed eight names for participants to choose from — three after historical figures and five based on location.
The W has been known under the current moniker since 1974. Roughly every 35 to 55 years, the university has seen a name change. University president Nora Miller said after 48 years — 40 of which the university has admitted men — it is time to change to a more inclusive name.
The MUW naming task force worked with Love Communications, a full-service marketing and communications agency out of Salt Lake City, Utah, to build the survey.
Miller said more than 39,000 surveys were sent out, and there were roughly 4,300 responses. Those who took the survey could click multiple categories on how they identified, such as alumni who are also MUW employees, so the total number of responses is more than the total number of participants.
MUW alumni accounted for 2,525 survey responses, students accounted for 508, faculty and staff accounted for 318, prospective students accounted for 81 and community members accounted for 1,877.
“Although the survey did not generate the distribution of participants we hoped for, particularly with prospective students, we value the input those who participated have given,” Miller said in a press release sent out Monday. “We will continue our research to get a more balanced view of all our constituencies.”
The top three choices for alumni, students and community members were Callaway State University, Weathersby State University and University of Northern Mississippi in varying order.
Callaway State would be named for Mary Callaway, a founding faculty member, chair of mathematics for 15 years and two-time interim president.
Weathersby State would be named for Mary Ellen Weathersby Pope, a 1926 graduate who established home economics at the college and taught the first racially integrated class. She also held an MUW honorary doctorate.
Faculty and staff voted their top three as University of Northern Mississippi, Weathersby State University and Williams State University — named for Blanche Colton Williams, a 1898 graduate and internationally-known scholar and mentor of women’s education.
Prospective students chose solely based on geography with their three top options as University of Northern Mississippi, University of Eastern Mississippi and University of Central Mississippi.
In December, Miller announced in a video on The W’s social media that because the university is state-funded and a name change requires legislation, the university would wait until the 2024 legislative session before renaming the university.
Monday the university announced the task force is going to continue its research and offer updates on the university’s website throughout the process, and those interested in giving their input regarding the name can email [email protected].
“Thanks to all who have participated so far in the naming process at MUW by providing suggestions through the naming email address, in listening sessions, by taking the survey conducted by MUW and Love Communications and/or by participating in their focus groups,” Miller said. “Your participation has generated excellent ideas and important information as the Task Force continues its research toward recommending a name or names for final consideration.”
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