Nursing students named Miss, Mr. MUW
A pair of seniors from the Vandergriff College of Nursing and Health Sciences have been named Miss and Mr. MUW for the 2023-24 school year.
Skylawn Thompson, BSN, and Quinterius Johnson, ASN, were elected Miss and Mr. MUW, respectively.
The awards are part of the graduating class’s Hall of Fame, and winners are elected by their peers.
Thompson is proud to add this distinction to her impressive list of accomplishments.
“It means the world to me to be named Miss MUW. I am from the small town of Canton where little girls like me dream of accomplishments such as this one. I was Miss Shirley Simmons Middle School, Miss Velma Jackson High School and to now be named Miss MUW really brings tears to my eyes. I am a senior a few days from becoming a first-generation college graduate, who is not only earning a Bachelor of Nursing degree but also able to graduate with honors from the Ina E. Gordy Honors program. I have made it my goal to go for anything I want and make the best of my college experience. I am so grateful for my parents and friends for pushing me to campaign and being by my side every step of the way,” Thompson said.
Knowing she wanted to be a nurse is what drew her to The W. She researched the university and was amazed at the reputation it has garnered. She was also intrigued by the Gordy Honors College.
“I knew I wanted to be a nurse in high school, so I did my research and stumbled across The W. I saw and read so many amazing things about The W’s nursing program and knew I did not just want to be a nurse but a W nurse. After I found out about the nursing program, I saw information about the Ina E. Gordy Honors program and was able to receive a full ride off the Centennial Scholarship, which included being able to study abroad in Ireland and have a book stipend. I could not pass this opportunity by and went on to spend my four years here making many friends and bonds,” she said.
During her time at The W, Thompson was able to join Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first African American sorority. She would go on to serve as president of the chapter.
“I know nothing is impossible with God, and he just keeps opening doors for me. I could not believe I would represent such an amazing institution I call my home,” Thompson added.
Following graduation, Thompson will step into her new role as a registered nurse at the University of Mississippi Medical Center Children’s Hospital. After a few years, she plans to also go back to school to earn a Doctor of Nursing Degree to become a family nurse practitioner, and eventually teach at a university while working as a DNP.
Johnson is equally proud of his Mr. MUW distinction.
“It means a lot to me to be named Mr. MUW. First, I want to thank God for this opportunity. This is uncommon favor! I am so honored and grateful to be given the opportunity to represent our university in such a great way. Not only am I able to represent The W as a whole, but also Skylawn and I are representing the ASN and BSN programs of the Vandergriff College of Nursing. This is such an incredible honor, and I am proud that I am able to encourage others and shine a light; to let other students know that it is possible to achieve your goals—no matter how big or small they are!” Johnson said.
Like Thompson, it was the reputation of The W’s nursing program that drew him to the university.
“The nursing program and its history is what drew me to The W. I know many great nurses today who are products of The W. I wanted to be taught by the best. I wanted to be challenged. I wanted to be able to say that I learned and graduated from the top nursing program in the state,” he added.
Following his graduation, Johnson plans to work as a registered nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, and continue his education through the levels until he eventually reaches nurse practitioner.