Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring Vermester Jackson Bester

Vermester Jackson Bester, a Rowan High School Class of 1965 graduate and Hattiesburg native, set her sights on academic excellence at an early age. She attended Tougaloo College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, and later made history as one of the first African Americans to integrate William Carey University in the fall of 1965, alongside Linda Williams Cross.

Mrs. Bester went on to obtain a Master of Science degree from William Carey College and pursued further studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and The University of Southern Mississippi. Dedicated to service and education, she devoted nearly 40 years to educating students, including 37 years with the Hattiesburg Public School District.

During her tenure with HPSD, Mrs. Bester received numerous educational, community, and civic honors, including being named HPSD Administrator of the Year in 1999. She has served on several organizational boards and is a life member of multiple professional and service organizations.

In the fall of 2023, William Carey University began awarding the Vermester Bester Scholarship, a full-tuition award presented annually to Hattiesburg High School graduates who demonstrate academic excellence and reside near the WCU campus, as Mrs. Bester did while growing up.

Now retired, Mrs. Bester continues to give back by volunteering with the Mathematics Department at William Carey University.

Reflecting on her lifelong commitment to service, she shared, “I wanted to give back to the community that prepared me so well and where my family, friends, and other community members continue their educational journeys."