SC 544

MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Younger, Turner-Ford, Boyd, Michel, Blount,
England, Hickman, Hopson, Suber
Senate Concurrent Resolution 544
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE COMMENDATION OF THE
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO MRS. NORA ROBERTS MILLER, CPA, FOR HER DISTINGUISHED
LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE AS PRESIDENT OF MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN AND FOR
HER CONTRIBUTIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION AND PUBLIC SERVICE IN THE STATE OF
MISSISSIPPI ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT.
���� WHEREAS, following a 30-year
career in higher education, Mississippi University for Women President Nora
Roberts Miller, CPA, has announced her plan to retire effective June 30, 2026.�
Mrs. Nora Roberts Miller, CPA, has devoted her career to public service and
higher education in the State of Mississippi and has provided steady and
effective leadership to Mississippi University for Women, known as The W,
during her tenure as the institution's fifteenth and first alumna president;
and
���� WHEREAS, Mississippi
University for Women, known as The W, was established by an act of the
Mississippi Legislature on March 12, 1884, becoming the first public college
for women in the United States and reflecting Mississippi's historic commitment
to expanding opportunity through higher education; and
���� WHEREAS, as president of her
alma mater, Mrs. Miller has worked diligently to preserve and advance that
legacy, strengthening the university's mission while expanding academic
opportunity and student success; and
���� WHEREAS, during her
presidency, The W recorded the largest percentage enrollment growth among
Mississippi's public universities, demonstrating renewed momentum and continued
confidence in the institution's mission; and
���� WHEREAS, the Federal College
Scorecard data shows that graduates of The W who received Title IV federal aid
earned approximately $63,197.00 in 2025, four years after graduation, the
highest among Mississippi's public universities, while carrying the
lowest-median federal student loan debt in the state of $15,000.00,
underscoring the university's strong return on investment for Mississippi
students and families; and
���� WHEREAS, The W plays a vital
role in Mississippi's workforce pipeline by preparing graduates in critical
fields, including nursing, education, business, public service, and the
sciences, strengthening communities and contributing to the economic vitality
of the state; and
���� WHEREAS, throughout her
presidency, Mrs. Miller has demonstrated thoughtful leadership, a deep
commitment to students, and steadfast dedication to the historic mission of The
W; and
���� WHEREAS, it is the policy of
the Mississippi Legislature to recognize and commend citizens whose leadership
strengthens the institutions and communities of our state:
���� NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby extend the commendation
of the Mississippi Legislature to Mrs. Nora Roberts Miller, CPA, for her
distinguished leadership and service as President of Mississippi University for
Women and for her contributions to higher education and public service in the
State of Mississippi.
���� BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That
copies of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Nora Roberts Miller, transmitted
to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and made
available to the Capitol Press Corps.