food, fun and fellowship

Julessa Oglen

Managing editor

School has officially started and organizations on campus have begun to recruit members. New students and returners have signed up to participate in these fine organizations to have fun, build leadership skills, make a change or join a cause. As a returner and senior, I have been a part of and currently a member of many organizations on campus including, student government association, The Spectator, active minds and Mortar Board honor society. This year, I decided to try something new, too.

beginning to say goodbye to the "w"

 

Alexandra Woolbright

Editor

Serenade is a time for MUW students to come together as a university. No matter classification, everyone stands in front of the President’s house singing songs, holding hands and sharing smiles.  As I stood looking out at the new freshman faces, so eager for knowledge, friends and a new adventure, I couldn’t help but become overwhelmed by the realization that I have less than nine months to spend here.

muw voted one of the best places to work

MUW ranked high in several categories, MUW Photo

Zac Carlisle

Copy Editor

Mississippi University for Women was recently named one of the best colleges to work by a national academic publication. This recognition came after a survey was used to determine how well the faculty enjoyed being a part of the W. The survey was carried out by The Chronicle of Higher Education, which is located in Washington, D.C.

Faculty Spotlight with Dr. Michael Farris Smith

Dr. Michael Farris Smith, Courtesy of Dr. Smith

Alexandra Woolbright

Editor

With his upcoming novel, Rivers, set to release Sept. 10, Dr. Michael Farris Smith, associate professor of English at MUW, has been leading a very busy life. The novel has also been chosen as the Common Reading Initiative at MUW for the school year. His awards include the Mississippi Arts Commission Literary Arts Fellowship, the Transatlantic Review Award for Fiction, the Alabama Arts Council Fellowship Award for Literature and the Brick Streets Press Short Story Award. Works from Dr. Smith can be found in both fiction and non-fiction form, with some of his short fiction work being nominated twice for a Pushcart Prize. A novella, The Hands of Strangers, was a part of the Eudora Welty Symposium.  His essays have also appeared in The New York Times, as well as various other publications.  In between writing and helping care for his two little girls, Dr. Smith granted the Spectator an interview, giving students an insight into the mind of a writing genius.