11/30/2011 - Columbus, Miss.

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning announced today the unanimous decision to name Dr. Jim Borsig as president of Mississippi University for Women. Dr. Borsig has over 30 years of experience in higher education, government and the private sector and is currently serving as Associate Commissioner for External Relations and Public Policy for the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning.

“With a tradition of excellence and a legacy of achievement, Mississippi University for Women deserves a leader that can mobilize all stakeholders and harness all resources to reach even greater heights,” said Trustee Christy Pickering, chair of the Board Search Committee for the Mississippi University for Women presidential search, an ad hoc committee of the Board of Trustees. “Dr. Borsig understands the most critical issues facing higher education today and has the experience and skills necessary to ensure that every student receives an excellent education. He will also ensure that the university is an essential partner for economic development in the region.”

A Jackson native, Dr. Borsig has also served as Assistant Commissioner for Government Relations for the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, as 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. Since 2007, he has been a visiting professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Jackson State University.

Dr. Borsig has led the Institutions of Higher Learning’s work on raising Mississippi’s education attainment level by increasing the number of college graduates produced by the university system since 2007. These efforts have required consensus building within the IHL system, as well as with state legislative leaders, the Governor’s Office, both the K-12 and community college systems and the private sector.

“I am humbled and honored that the Board of Trustees has selected me to lead this great university,” said Dr. Jim Borsig. “Mississippi University for Women has a rich history of strong academic programs in liberal arts and professional education. I look forward to working with all members of the MUW family to build on this tradition of excellence and provide opportunities for all students. I also look forward to working with the Columbus community to help both the university and the region to grow and thrive.”

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.

Earlier today, Dr. Borsig met with campus constituency groups on a visit to the main campus in Columbus. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members were able to pose questions to Dr. Borsig to share their thoughts and concerns with him. Attendees were able to provide feedback to the Board of Trustees. This feedback was reviewed during the Board Meeting on campus.

Dr. Borsig will begin serving as president of Mississippi University for Women in January.

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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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