On Board with Brenda Lathan

Brenda Lathan

By Jimmie Meese Moomaw '58

In one sense Mississippi University for Women Alumnae Association Board of Directors member Brenda Hardaway Lathan has not gone very far since she graduated. Brenda, a 1977 graduate of MUW, left campus but she didn't leave Columbus. She first returned to the W to complete her Master's Degree in Business Education in 1978 and then stayed on in Columbus to make her mark as an outstanding community leader.

Brenda may not have traveled far from her alma mater in terms of geographic distance, but in terms of her accomplishments since graduation, she has gone a long way indeed.

Brenda is currently the Director of Research and Business Development for the Columbus-Lowndes Development Link. In that capacity, Brenda has been instrumental in locating six new major industrial projects to the Golden Triangle. One of Brenda's most significant accomplishments was receiving her certification as a Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council, the most prestigious recognition an economic developer can receive. When she earned her certification, Lathan became the 25th practicing economic developer in the state of Mississippi, the only practicing female and the only practicing African-American. For her entrepreneurial and business acumen, she has also been recognized as one of Mississippi's 50 Leading Business Women.

When she is not busy bringing millions of dollars of investment and thousands of jobs into Lowndes County, Brenda stays actively involved in the life of her community. She is a volunteer for United Way, president of the usher ministry at her church, a member of Franklin Academy PTO, and a participant in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

An expert cake decorator and wedding cake designer, when she is at home she is usually in the kitchen with Charles, her husband of 32 years. With five children, and seven grandchildren, Brenda says she stays "comfortably busy."

Asked why she is interested in staying involved with the historic alumnae association, Brenda responded, "MUW provided me with a quality education that enabled me to excel professionally. I want young adults and non-traditional students to be able to receive the type of education I received and to be able to prosper and grow as a result of their educational experience. I also believe that it is my duty as a community leader to assist the university in any way that I can, because the "W" is such an integral part of Columbus and Lowndes County."

"On Board With" will be a regular feature of The MUW Alumnae Association newsletter profiling the individuals who have been elected to represent all alumnae and alumni in the conduct of the organization's business.