IHL approves Women’s College at The W

The Board of Trustees of Mississippi's Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) has formally approved the creation of a new Women's College at Mississippi University for Women. The college will strengthen and advance the university's historic emphasis on academic and leadership development for women.

“I am pleased that we are able to honor our founding and our continued mission with the establishment of the Women's College,” said University President Nora Miller.

The university will offer scholarships to students to become 1884 Scholars and 1884 Fellows in the college. The designation “1884” was selected in honor of the year the university was founded as the first public college for women in the United States.

Regardless of major, 1884 Scholars and Fellows will choose from courses across the curriculum that explore women's roles and leadership. Fellows will complete more requirements, including a high-impact experience. As the college expands its programming and course offerings, students will benefit from an increased range of high-impact experiences like internships, research and study abroad to support their professional and leadership development. The college also plans to develop a network of mentoring opportunities with faculty and alumni.

Upon completion of the college curriculum, 1884 Scholars and Fellows will receive special recognition at their commencement ceremony and on their academic transcript.

“Students will be able to engage in empowering activities designed to uphold The W's enduring mission. By successfully completing specially designated courses, participating students will further attain distinction as graduates of The Women's College,” said Dr. Scott Tollison, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs.

Applications for admission will open soon and the first Women's College courses will be offered in the fall semester. For more information, interested students can email womenscollege@muw.edu.

The creation of the Women's College was a result of a working group of university faculty and administration with alumni representation. The college will integrate with the current university structure, facilities and faculty.