Antonio Small

Reporter

Mississippi University for Women is the beneficiary of a gift of $2 million from Dr. Ann Coleman Peyton, granddaughter of MUW founding mother Annie Coleman Peyton.

This gift was designated for students who are studying history. The scholarship can be used to help cover expenses for history majors who are participating in internship programs or the W’s study-abroad program. If the funds available to be awarded exceed the scholarship needs of history majors, the scholarship may be used to support students whose course of study includes a substantial history component.

“We are grateful to the Peyton family,” said Dr. Jim Borsig, MUW president. “It is a revered name in the history of the university. Ann Coleman Peyton's aunt taught at the W in the late nineteenth century and this was just a remarkable gift and legacy that was given to the university.

“This gift is going to transforms lives here at the W,” Borsig stated. “This award is going to propel some of the offerings in the history department farther ahead quicker than without this great gift.”

The history faculty will be working diligently to service the funds in ways that take full advantage of the program’s educational mission: through development of the Mary Lou Peyton scholarship program for history majors who are strong academic performers, and in those with limited financial means to support their studies.

Mary Lou Peyton was one of two children of Annie Coleman Peyton and aunt to Ann Coleman Peyton.

President Borsig presented the Mary Lou Peyton Scholarship to the university on Oct. 24 and then assisted in unveiling a portrait of Annie Coleman Peyton.