The word "Defender" is a good one to describe Vashti Muse, Hinds Community College Raymond Campus developmental instructor, as an educator for the past 50 years.

It was in the Defender category that Muse was honored by Baptist Health Systems, Comcast and Lifetime Television with their prestigious "Strong Woman of the Year" award on May 7.

Prior to coming to Hinds in 1979 when her husband, Dr. Clyde Muse, became college president, Vashti Muse taught in elementary schools. There she nurtured children needing an extra boost in the classroom; and at Hinds she has been a champion of the at-risk students that come under her wing. Through her dedication and determination, Hinds now offers a full program in developmental education for those not prepared for college work.  

"Vashti Muse has been the underdog's champion all during her career. She makes sure that at-risk students have an opportunity to succeed," said Jackie Granberry, HCC's vice president for institutional advancement. "While many educators prefer to work with the best-prepared students, she prefers to work with the most educationally disadvantaged students. She goes beyond the everyday duties to show them that she cares not only about their success in the classroom, but about their success in life."

Muse is known for the great lengths she goes to for each individual that she teaches; making sure each one has the opportunity to succeed.

Two such students, Reggie Harris (HCC 1987) of Raymond, HCC district recruiting coordinator, and Stanley Turner (1983) of Ridgeland, an employee of Capital Bolt & Screw Co., were on hand at the program honoring their friend, mentor and former teacher.

"I know I can speak on behalf of Stanley as well as myself and many others when I say that it was so rewarding to have our 'star' teacher being recognized for her hard work," said Harris.  "For Stanley and me it was an honor and a privilege to be part of the ceremony and see her recognized that way. It's rewarding for us to know that her legacy of helping students is appreciated by others as well as by us."

Teaching her students to love learning is the philosophy that has gained Muse many national, state and local awards including being named the Mississippi Professor of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, the William Meardy Faculty Member Award by the National Association of Community College Trustees and the Award for Outstanding Service to Developmental Education Students presented by the National Association for Developmental Education. She has been honored twice by the Mississippi Legislature and has received every award given by Hinds Community College (for most of which she was nominated by former students).  

Muse, who resides with her husband in Raymond, is a native of Leland and taught in the Starkville, Hinds County and Lauderdale County schools before coming to Hinds Community College.