Dee Larson, interim chair of Mississippi University for Women’s business department, and Demyia (Myia) Graham, a student in sciences and mathematics, will be recognized at the Higher Education Appreciation Day, Working for Academic Excellence (HEADWAE) Tuesday, Feb. 26.
One student and faculty member are selected from each of Mississippi’s four public and private universities and colleges and are honored at the ceremony.
Larson has been selected as the business and professional studies faculty member of the year numerous times. She also serves on the Curriculum Assessment and Design Committee and the University Curriculum Council, both of which she is currently chairing. She serves as a mentor to students and faculty alike. Larson is also known for going above and beyond her regular duties to ensure her students’ success.
“Dr. Larson, professor of marketing and management, is well respected both among her colleagues and students for her exceptional teaching and advising,” said Marty Brock, interim dean of the College of Business and Professional Studies. “She has an enthusiasm for her subject area that is always evident whether in the classroom or online.”
Graham is a biology major, and a member of The W’s Honors Program. She is known for her “positive presence” in the classroom. Graham excels in all of her classes, including several notably difficult, upper level science classes.
She is a member of the Writer’s Forum and the MUW History Club. She is also a member of the National Organization for Women, as well as The W’s mental health organization, Active Minds. Graham is extensively involved in the community as well, serving as a teacher’s assistant at Boys & Girls Club of Columbus/Lowndes County.
“She has an excellent academic record in a demanding major,” stated the nomination from science and mathematics professors. “She has served MUW and her community tirelessly in a myriad of organizations and service aspects. In our opinion, Myia embodies the spirit of our university.”
The honorees will begin the day with a visit to the State Capitol where they will be welcomed by Gov. Phil Bryant, recognized by the Senate and the House of Representatives and given a tour of the Capitol followed by the awards luncheon.
HEADWAE was established by legislative resolution to honor individual academic achievement and the overall contribution of the state’s public and private institutions of higher learning.
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