Nora Miller, president of the Mississippi University for Women is creating a task force to examine whether the university should change its name. The university has been co-educational for 40 years. Today about 18 percent of the student body is male.
The school was chartered in 1884. In 1920, the institution was renamed the Mississippi State College for Women. In 1974 the school was renamed again to Mississippi University for Women. In 1982, men were admitted to all programs.
There have been several other attempts to change the name of the university in order to attract more male students. But these efforts were met by opposition from alumni and other members of the university community.
President Miller stated that “I assure you, no matter what happens, we maintain our historic commitment to academic and leadership development for women, for embracing our status as the first state-supported college for women in the United States. I too feel the urgency to do all we can to honor our history while clearing barriers to our future. Should a new name be recommended, it will be an emotional issue for some; however, it is imperative that we sincerely consider all opportunities that will strengthen our position and allow us to better fulfill our mission.”