Commending Mississippi Christian University for 200 years of service to the State of Mississippi and the United States.

Commending Mississippi Christian University for 200 years of service to the State of Mississippi and the United States.

Whereas, on January 24, 1826, the Mississippi Legislature passed, and Governor David Holmes signed into law, an Act establishing Hampstead Academy in Hinds County, Mississippi, making what is now Mississippi Christian University the oldest institution of higher learning in Mississippi;

Whereas, in 1827, Hampstead Academy changed its name to “Mississippi Academy,” and, in 1830, the institution became “Mississippi College,” offering degrees in arts, sciences, and languages;

Whereas, in 1831, Mississippi College became the first coeducational institution of higher learning in the United States to grant degrees to women, bestowing diplomas upon Alice Robinson and Catherine Hall;

Whereas, in 1850, Mississippi College became affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention, making it the second-oldest Baptist college in the United States;

Whereas, in 1921, the Mississippi College athletic teams became known as the Choctaws, paying homage to the Native American heritage of the region;

Whereas the formal graduate program of Mississippi College was established in 1950, followed by the addition of the School of Nursing in 1969 and the School of Law in 1975;

Whereas, in 2003, the Mississippi College Foundation was established to strengthen ongoing giving, which supports the vision of Mississippi College and recognizes its academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ;

Whereas, in 2005, the Tribal Council of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians passed a resolution supporting the continued use of the name “Choctaw” and related symbols by Mississippi College;

Whereas, in 2011, Mississippi College launched the first physician assistant program in the State of Mississippi and awarded its first educational leadership doctorate;

Whereas, in 2019, the Mississippi College Honors College was established and the Edward McMillan Center for Education Abroad was launched;

Whereas, in 2022, the Leland Speed Scholarship program, named in honor of longtime benefactor Leland Speed, was established, offering scholarships for eligible Mississippi students and leading to a record-breaking class of more than 1,000 new students in the fall of 2023;

Whereas, in 2023, the Gore Arts Complex, named in honor of renowned artist Dr. Samuel Gore, was dedicated and became home to the art programs of Mississippi College and the Institute for Southern Storytelling, representing the latest chapter in a legacy of excellence in art programs and of commitment to faith at Mississippi College;

Whereas, in 2026, Mississippi College celebrates its bicentennial anniversary;

Whereas, on June 1, 2026, Mississippi College was renamed “Mississippi Christian University,” reflecting its longstanding commitment to the State of Mississippi, its Christian mission, and its comprehensive educational offerings;

Whereas, today, Mississippi Christian University remains dedicated to excellence and innovation in teaching and learning, fostering scholarship, creative activity, and professional development among its faculty, staff, and students;

Whereas, today, Mississippi Christian University student-athletes compete in 17 sports in the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference, including men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, and track and field and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball;

Whereas, today, Mississippi Christian University continues to make a significant economic impact in central Mississippi as one of the largest employers in Clinton, Mississippi;

Whereas, throughout Mississippi Christian University history, its alumni, including 4 Mississippi governors and numerous public officials at the State and local levels, have made and continue to make an immeasurable difference in their communities through their professions, public service, and vocational ministry; and

Whereas, throughout its history, Mississippi Christian University has contributed significantly to the educational, civic, and spiritual life of the State of Mississippi and the United States: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) commends Mississippi Christian University on the occasion of its bicentennial for 200 years of distinguished service to the State of Mississippi and the United States;

(2) recognizes Mississippi Christian University for its faith-based academic, community, and athletic excellence; and

(3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to—

(A) the President of Mississippi Christian University, Dr. Blake Thompson; and

(B) the Interim Provost of Mississippi Christian University, Dr. Stephanie Busbea.