Mississippi University for Women will market test three proposed new names for the school.

MUW President Claudia Limbert told the editorial board of the Hattiesburg American that she wants a name that rids the university of its image as a finishing school for girls.

Men have attended MUW in Columbus since 1981.

Limbert says after a marketing firm tests three proposed names, a recommendation will go to the College Board and then to the Legislature.

Limbert said she is not sure how the Legislature will react to a name change and that many alumnae have lobbied against it.

Limbert says she has no preference for a name or any rules that it has to include “Mississippi.”