The Women in Higher Education—Mississippi Network (WHEMN) held its 2022 conference from February 17-18, 2022, in Oxford, MS, and Mississippi Valley State University's Dr. Sharon Freeman received the 2022 WHEMN Leadership award. Dr. Freeman serves as the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research and Effectiveness.
The WHEMN Conference is a time for women to come together and support the network's mission, which is to identify, develop, advance, and support women in higher education in Mississippi.
Dr. Freeman expressed how honored she is to be nominated and receive the award.
"I was thrilled just for the nomination," said Dr. Freeman. However, winning this award was a complete surprise because there are so many women on this campus and throughout higher education in this state, who do phenomenal work every day," she added.
The award was established to recognize women who have demonstrated their leadership and commitment to advancing women in higher education.
To support and mentor other women, Dr. Freeman has taken advantage of opportunities to participate in spaces where representation by women is essential. She has served as the chapter advisor for the Golden Key International Honor Society, providing leadership opportunities for women students. Dr. Freeman has served on many successful dissertation committees for women aspiring to achieve personal and professional goals. From 2016 to 2018, she stepped up as the only member from Mississippi to serve on the SACSCOC regional accreditation planning committee.
"To be recognized for my work, particularly being a role model for other women, is truly an honor. This was an unexpected treat for me. I sincerely appreciate the nomination from the University and the recognition from WHEMN because representation matters," said Dr. Freeman.
Dr. Freeman has over 25 years of experience working in higher education in Mississippi. She holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science from Tougaloo College, a master's degree in Environmental Health from MVSU, and a doctorate in higher education leadership from Delta State University.
She began her career in higher education as a systems analyst in the James Herbert White Library at MVSU. She went on to work in the academic computer services department before transitioning into the role of the senior researcher in the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness. During that time, she was promoted to associate director and then Director of Institutional Effectiveness.
Since 2013, Dr. Freeman has served as the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research and Effectiveness and the SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison at MVSU. With a focus on informed decision-making, she has extensive experience in strategic planning, data analysis, institutional effectiveness, outcomes assessment, and higher education quality assurance. In addition to her role at MVSU, she has worked in institutional research and effectiveness at Mississippi Delta Community College, taught research methods at Delta State University, conducted research for the HBCU Library Alliance, and has served as a program evaluator for the U.S. Department of Education's federal grant competitions.
As Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research and Effectiveness, Dr. Freeman assembles many campus groups to support informed decision-making and ensure compliance with accreditation and academic quality standards. In addition, she makes sure that the membership of these groups is always representative and balanced, giving women opportunities for engagement and professional growth.
"I believe in leading by example and demonstrating what is possible to encourage and support women in higher education," she said.
As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Freeman understands the importance of higher education and its impact on individual lives, communities, and the world.
"I have dedicated my career to ensuring educational opportunities are available for students in the Mississippi Delta and beyond. I want to continue making an impact through my service and through the work of the people my life has inspired.
Dr. Freeman is a lifelong native of Greenwood, Mississippi, where she resides with her husband Sherman and children, Cayla, Jordan, Kennedy, and granddaughter Cali.
(Pictured from left) Dr. Kathie Stromile Golden (Provost/Senior Vice-President for Academic Affairs), Dr. Freeman, and LaTonzia Evans (Assistant Professor of English)