Defender
One who champions the cause of a disadvantaged person or group

Vashti Underwood Muse

Nominated by Jackie M. Granberry

Jackie says, “For 50 years, Vashti Muse has been the underdog’s champion who makes sure that at-risk students have an opportunity to succeed. Now a developmental reading instructor at Hinds Community College, Vashti fell in love with helping at-risk students when she first began teaching first graders. The philosophy she formed then of ‘teaching a child to love learning’ continues to drive her.”

Her efforts have won her many local, state and national awards, including the Award for Outstanding Service to Developmental Education Students presented by the
National Association for Developmental Education.

“While many educators prefer to work with the best and the brightest, 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.”

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