Back to School: Teacher Profile--Leta DiGiuseppe Palmiter

Leta DiGiuseppe Palmiter, Mississippi University for Women, class of 1997, is from Meridian.  While at The W, she was a Reveler #13, and Masker #3.  She was a member of  Lantern, Torch, and Hottentots and was a Centennial Scholar.  She now teaches Special Education Inclusion 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades at Southeast Lauderdale Elementary School and will soon receive her Master's degree in Dyslexia Therapy.

When asked how her W education prepared her for her career, Leta told us "The W prepared me to be a leader, to ask the hard questions, and to demand more of myself, my school, and my students.  It gave me the tools to think around problems and be creative in solutions.  The W led me to strive for excellence, and never accept the status quo."

"I love the challenge of working with the "difficult" child:  the child who needs more love, understanding, patience, and effort.  I love learning how to best meet their needs and working with other teachers to ensure quality education for all." describes what Leta likes about her job.   "I also enjoy coteaching in the inclusion classroom. Working with peers, teaming up to meet the challenges, makes work more fun.  This environment gives us someone to laugh with, cry with, commiserate with, and celebrate with.

Regarding her greatest challenges, she said "I find the red tape of education the most frustrating part of teaching.  Sometimes the good intentions of government get in the way of what children really need, and that is challenging."

Leta was recognized as a  National Board Teacher  last year, about which she said "Being recognized for doing what the W prepared me to do was fulfilling."   Leta, we are all proud of you for your achievement and wish  you great success this school year.  

Board Member Spotlight: Thomas "Mack" Spencer ('97)

Name: Thomas M. (Mack) Spencer
Class Year: 1997
Major: Journalism (music minor)

In which extracurricular activities did you participate at the W?
Spectator--sports editor, news editor and editor; MUW Chorale; Madrigal Singers; Student Government Association--Business and Communication senator, parliamentarian and president pro tempore; President's Council; Inter-Residence Hall Council; Frazer Hall Council; Highlander Social Club Big Brother; Division of Business and Communication Student Advisory Council; College Republicans; Lantern Honor Society; Torch Honor Society; Honors Program.

Tell us a little about your job history.
April 12, 2010-present, managing editor and senior reporter, The Daily Review, Morgan City, La.; Jan.-April 2010, freelancer, The Chickasaw Journal, Houston, Miss.; Feb. 2006-Dec. 2009, editor and reporter, The Monitor-Herald, Calhoun City, Miss.; Feb. 2003-Feb. 2006, education reporter, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Tupelo, Miss.; June 2001-Feb. 2003, general assignment reporter, The Commercial Dispatch, Columbus, Miss.; Jan. 1999-June 2001, substitute, librarian and teacher, Calhoun County School District; Sept. 1992-Jan. 1999, reporter and photographer, The Monitor-Herald, Calhoun City, Miss.

When did you first become involved as a W alum? What has your involvement entailed over the years?
I became involved after my five-year reunion. I had paid registration fees for Homecoming several times before, but then was unable to attend, mostly for work reasons. Once I got back to Homecoming, I attended every event I could, including the alumnae board meeting and the Foundation board meeting. Once Linda Ross Aldy saw me at absolutely everything, I had little chance to escape; she asked me to serve on her board, and I agreed. I've been on the board since, and attended everything I could. For most of my tenure I've been on, if not chaired, the PR committee. I managed to get Calhoun County "W girls" together once between the time I moved home to Calhoun County and the time I had to move out again.

What is your office this year?
I'm currently serving as a board member, with two years remaining in my term under the new format.

What are your goals for MFAeA this year?
The association must raise participation and awareness of the W's financial situation. We need donations for scholarships and operations to ensure the W remains vital and viable. I have faith the association's newly granted tax-exempt status will enable us to boost the support we have tried to maintain in the past few years.

Now that Dr. Limbert has decided to retire, describe your ideal candidate for her successor.
The W needs a president who understands what the W is about. Support for the women's mission, the historic nature and the traditions that make the W special is especially important. While being welcoming to male students is needed and appreciated, eradication of the mission and history of the school is not necessary to achieve this end. The school also needs a strong leader who thinks for him or herself, and who advocates for the school's interests in the community, with the College Board and in the Legislature.

What can the average alumna or alumnus who isn't really a "joiner" do to support the university?
We Methodists join the church with a pledge to give our "time, talents, gifts and service." Any alum can provide at least one of those, whether it's time spent calling legislators, service representing the W at a college fair or a gift to a scholarship fund.

Describe the MUW that you hope exists 10 years from now.
With the right leadership and support staff, the W in 10 years can be a vibrant, shining star in the nation's higher education universe. The quality of the university's programs, especially of such longstanding programs as nursing and education, remains and can be built to even greater heights. Those and the university's unique programs, like culinary arts and physical theatre, can be the catalysts that draw more "W students"--adventurous, intellectually curious, ready to learn, participate and continue our legacy of excellence.