Bill Text: MS HR99 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Nora Roberts Miller; commend for service to the state as President of Mississippi University for Women.
Sponsorship: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 2-1)
Status: (Passed) 2026-03-12 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR99 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2026-HR99-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives McLean, Boyd (37th), Karriem
House Resolution 99
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MRS. NORA ROBERTS MILLER, CPA, FOR HER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AS PRESIDENT OF MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN AND FOR HER CONTRIBUTIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, 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, serving as the institution's 15th president and the first alumna to lead her alma mater; and
WHEREAS, established by an act of the Mississippi Legislature on March 12, 1884, The W holds a distinctive place in American higher education as the first publicly funded college for women in the United States, expanding educational opportunity and leadership development for generations of students; and
WHEREAS, The W has remained faithful to its historic mission under the leadership of Mrs. Miller and has strengthened its role as a public university committed to opportunity, academic excellence and service to the people of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, after earning bachelor's degrees in accounting and business administration from The W, Mrs. Miller received a master's degree in business administration from Mississippi State University, and she is a Certified Public Accountant licensed by the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Miller began her career in public service in the State of Mississippi Office of the State Auditor and later served with the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, assisting in the coordination and analysis of budget requests for the state's public universities submitted to the Mississippi Legislature; and
WHEREAS, upon returning to The W in 2001 to serve as Vice President for Finance and Administration, and later as Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, Mrs. Miller excelled in her role, providing outstanding leadership in fiscal management, strategic planning and campus operations for 17 years before being appointed as president in 2018; and
WHEREAS, throughout her career, Mrs. Miller has demonstrated a deep commitment to public higher education, responsible stewardship of public resources, and the enduring mission of The W, and during her time serving at the helm of university leadership, The W has strengthened its academic mission and statewide impact while maintaining a clear focus on student success, affordability and workforce preparation; and
WHEREAS, The W launched its first comprehensive capital campaign under Mrs. Miller's direction and ultimately surpassed its original goal to raise more than $25,000,000 to support students, academic programs and campus improvements; and
WHEREAS, the university has also expanded academic programs aligned with Mississippi's workforce needs and earned national recognition for program excellence, including nursing programs ranked among the top four percent in the nation; and
WHEREAS, according to Federal College Scorecard data, graduates of The W who received Title IV federal aid earn approximately $63,197 four years after graduation - the highest among Mississippi's public universities - while carrying the lowest median federal student loan debt in the state at a rate of $15,000; and
WHEREAS, national rankings continue to recognize the university's impact and mission, including its national ranking as No. 14 among America's Best Colleges for Women, highlighting The W's leadership among mission-driven institutions across the country; and
WHEREAS, in its steadfast commitment to demonstrating strong outcomes for students and the state, The W leads Mississippi's public universities in degree completion and produces graduates who remain in Mississippi to serve in critical professions, including education, health care and public service; and
WHEREAS, the university plays an important role in strengthening Mississippi's workforce and economy, preparing graduates for careers in fields essential to the state's future while generating more than $215,000,000 in statewide economic impact each year; and
WHEREAS, as Mississippi University for Women approaches more than 140 years of service to the State of Mississippi, the university celebrates those who have led it to such great success, and under the leadership of Mrs. Miller and her impressive efforts to strengthen and advance the institution's historic mission, The W continues to expand opportunity, develop leaders, and serve the people of this state, prepared for its role in shaping future generations for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippians, especially those such as Mrs. Nora Roberts Miller, whose years of dedicated service and impeccable leadership at The W has greatly enriched her community and her beloved university, bringing honor to the City of Columbus and the entire State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Mrs. Nora Roberts Miller for her distinguished service as President of Mississippi University for Women and for her contributions to higher education in the State of Mississippi, and wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Nora Roberts Miller and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
