11/13/2013 - Jackson, Miss.

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning delivered a strong vote of confidence in the leadership of Mississippi University for Women President Dr. Jim Borsig when they voted recently to extend his contract for four more years. The Board’s decision came following a careful review of the past two years. MUW is thriving under Dr. Borsig’s leadership.

“Dr. Borsig is a thoughtful and creative leader who uses data to drive decision-making,” said Bob Owens of Jackson, president of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. “He is focused on continuing the university’s mission of providing access to underserved populations and meeting the diverse needs of all students.”

Dr. Borsig was named the 14th president of Mississippi University for Women on November 30, 2011 and began serving in the role in January 2012. He was formally sworn in on February 15, 2013.

“Jim Borsig puts The W first and it shows,” said Ruth Jones, president of the MUW Foundation. “He is a visionary leader, the kind who will continue to make a lasting, positive impact. He generates a wonderful state of excitement on campus, in the community, and with our alums. I’m very happy he’s part of the Long Blue Line.”

Since becoming President of MUW, Dr. Borsig has involved a broad constituency of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends in the collective work to strengthen the university. These efforts include:

• Campus dialogues to imagine the university in the 21st century leading to a rebranding effort and a new marketing campaign;
• A performance approach to recruitment, retention and degree completion, further strengthening the university’s System-best degree completion ratio;
• Expanding graduate academic offerings as well as building new partnerships with East Mississippi and Hinds Community Colleges in the culinary arts.

“Dr. Borsig has accomplished much already, and this renewal of his contract as president of The W represents the confidence shared by alumni, students and faculty in his leadership and vision,” said Cheryl “Sherrie” Jackson Cooper, President of the MUW Alumni Association. “On behalf of the Long Blue Line, the alumni of MUW, 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. 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.”

With a 14 to 1 student to faculty ratio, MUW’s strengths lie in the quality of its academic programs, its personalized approach and the dedication the faculty and staff to meet the individual needs of all students.

“The Faculty Senate of Mississippi University for Women is pleased at the announcement about President Borsig,” said Dr. Royal Toy, president of the Faculty Senate. “He has been a light to our campus that has focused our best efforts and brought us together as a community. His leadership at the helm has provided for us a stronger direction and opened dialogue that had been lost through several years of transition. The changes that President Borsig inspired have put our community back on a path that will drive The W to great things now and in the future.”

U.S. News and World Report’s 2012 guide, “America’s Best Colleges” placed the university in the top tier of Best Regional Universities and as the highest ranked public university from Mississippi. MUW’s quality is consistently reflected in other national rankings, including recently being ranked sixth in the country among public master’s universities by Washington Monthly.

“I am grateful to the Board of Trustees for their confidence and support,” said Dr. Jim Borsig, President of Mississippi University for Women. “The opportunity to serve The W and our students is one of the greatest privileges of my professional life. I look forward to continuing to work with my faculty and staff colleagues, as well as our alumni and friends, to embrace daring possibilities.”

Prior to his appointment as President of Mississippi University for Women, Dr. Borsig served as Associate Commissioner for External Relations and Public Policy for the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. In this role, he was responsible for external and government relations, communications and staff support for the university system’s research enterprise, public policy and economic research.

Other higher education experience includes serving as Assistant Commissioner of Government Relations for the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, Executive Assistant to the President of the University of Southern Mississippi and as Research and Development Coordinator for the John C. Stennis Institute of Government.

A native of Jackson, Dr. Borsig has held senior leadership positions in municipal government, not-for-profits and higher education.

Dr. Borsig holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and American Studies and a master’s degree in political science with a concentration in public administration, both from the University of Southern Mississippi. He earned his doctorate in public policy and administration from Mississippi State University.

“Dr. Borsig has brought an inclusive leadership style to MUW,” said Dr. Hank M. Bounds, Commissioner of Higher Education. “By involving all constituency groups, he has found creative ways to address the needs of all students. I feel confident he will lead the institution on a path of continued growth, academic excellence and service to the community.”

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The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

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