The MUW Theatre Program: Art through Community

Ryan Lake

Reporter

Mississippi University for Women is well-known for its nursing program, but tucked away on back campus in Cromwell Hall is a hidden gem – the MUW theatre program.

“We typically have around 20 students. It can be a struggle to attract students. We’ve been working to attract them over the years. The three of us in the department work professionally, we know what it’s like in real world theater, and we network. We establish a network of theatres and get our students internships,” said David Carter, the chair of the Theatre Department.

Carter has been chair of the theatre program for one year. He took over for long-time chair William “Peppy” Biddy, who helped to start the network that aids the program in attracting students. The program also benefits from large amounts of alumni support, particularly in bringing in staff and talent for productions.

Faculty Spotlight: Derek Webb

Tevin Arrington

Senior Reporter

Derek Webb is fairly new addition to the W family. He is originally from South Bend, Ind., and now lives in Columbus with his wife Amber Handy, an associate professor of history here at the W.  He took on the duty of becoming the archivist for Mississippi University for Women in January of 2013.

Q: What brought you to the W as the university’s archivist?

A: “Well, I had started volunteering in the archives in August of 2012, just kind of helping out where I could. And over the next six months, I gradually transitioned from that into full-time work as university archivist.”

W calls attention to suicide awareness

Velvet Case

Religion Editor

Suicide. When people hear this word, it either scares them or does not mean anything to them at all.

This word may induce fear because a person knew someone who committed suicide, thus the word has a vivid memory attached.

Contrarily, the word may be something that a person never thinks about. Many people are oblivious to the seriousness of suicide issues in our generation.

Cheese, Wine and Memories

Ryan LakeHarvey delivering his lecture

Reporter

The W hosted Dr. Benjamin Harvey, associate professor of Art History at Mississippi State, for the Howard Art History Lecture as he delved into his own family history.

Students and faculty alike were welcomed into the Fine Arts building lobby were they were treated to hor d'oeuvres and red and white wine by the glass. Attendees were treated to Harvey and his family’s legacy of art and exploration.

Harvey took the gallery stage to applause. His prominent British accent made clear that his baccalaureate and masters degrees were earned from the University of Birmingham—the one in England, not Alabama.

Cross Culture at the W

Velvet Case

Religion Editor

Cross Culture is making a difference on the W campus through its lunchtime Bible studies and other outreaches

Cross Culture meets every Thursday at noon in Carrier Chapel for lunch and a short Bible study. Students said they find this time to be a refreshing break between their classes.

"The middle of the day is such a great time for friends around campus to meet up, unwind, fellowship together and study the Word," said Steven McIntosh, a biology major. "I just love being a part of it every week!"

Downtown Columbus Gets the Blues at Catfish in the Alley

Charlie BentonRyan Perry entertaining the crowd

Features Editor

Catfish in the Alley was held on April 11 in Catfish Alley. The small festival, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featured live blues music, vendors and food.

Performing artists included Big Joe Shelton, Terry “Harmonica” Bean, Homemade Jamz and Grady Champion.

“I loved it,” said Taya Perry, drummer for the Tupelo based Homemade Jamz. “The sound was great.”

Perry also added that she loved how energetic the festival was.