Mississippi’s College Board announced its decision to extend MUW President Jim Borsig’s contract for four years Wednesday.
State officials said in a release that Borsig’s role in the quality of the university’s effort to recruit and retain students, as well its approach to ensuring students complete degrees, has led to The W “thriving” during Borsig’s leadership. Also mentioned was his push to build partnerships with area colleges and start a new marketing campaign.
Borsig was named the 14th president of The W in late 2011. The job pays $218,000 a year, with about $25,000 of that coming from the MUW foundation.
Borsig said he was grateful to the Mississippi Institute of Higher Learning for the confidence it displayed in him through its decision and announcement.
“I am fortunate to work with terrific colleagues on the faculty and the staff,” Borsig said. “This is an exciting time to be at The W. We have plenty of work to do and great opportunity in front of us. I’m pleased to be a part of it.”
Borsig said he plans to continue the work that has already begun to build a strong university for the 21st century that meets students’ needs.
“We’re taking a hard look at physical facilities, particularly residence halls,” he said. “We’re moving toward advancement excellence with a very strong alumni association and a strong foundation board. We want to continue to modernize both our facilities and provide the tools to our faculty and students for learning as technology changes the classroom.”
Wednesday’s announcement earned a nod from the university’s alumni association. Its president, Cheryl Cooper, said the renewed contract is a reflection on alumni, student and faculty confidence in his leadership.
“I commend the IHL for bringing Dr. Borsig to Mississippi University for Women and even more for allowing him to continue to lead this unique institution,” Cooper said in a release. “The W spirit is stronger than ever, the alumni are united and enthusiastic and we can’t wait to see what good things will happen next.”
IHL Commissioner of Higher Education Hank Bounds said in the release that Borsig has brought “an inclusive leadership style” to the university since he began formally serving as president in January 2012.
“By involving all constituency groups, he has found creative ways to address the needs of all students,” Bounds said. “I feel confident he will lead the institution on a path of continued growth, academic excellence and service to the community.”
Before his appointment as The W’s president, Borsig served as associated higher education commissioner for External Relations and Public Policy at the College Board.
He has a bachelor’s degree in political science and American studies and a master’s degree in political science with a concentration in public administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. He earned his doctorate in public policy and administration from Mississippi State University.
U.S. News and World Report ranked MUW 18th among regional public universities in its “Best of Colleges” list last year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Nathan Gregory covers city and county government for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.