Bill Text: MS HR43 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Alcorn State University; commemorate and celebrate upon the occasion of its 155th anniversary.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 6)
Status: (Passed) 2026-02-16 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR43 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2026-HR43-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Holloway (76th), Harness, Butler-Washington, Gibbs (36th), Thompson, Williams
House Resolution 43
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING AND CELEBRATING THE 155TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY, AMERICA'S FIRST HISTORICALLY BLACK LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITY, THE OLDEST LAND-GRANT INSTITUTION IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, AND A PREMIER RESEARCH AND TEACHING INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING.
WHEREAS, the Mississippi House of Representatives joins the students, alumni, faculty, staff and administration of Alcorn State University in commemorating the 155th anniversary of its founding, marking more than a century and a half of academic excellence, service and transformational impact upon the State of Mississippi, the southeastern region and the nation; and
WHEREAS, Alcorn University, also formerly known as Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College, a moniker it bore for 96 years, and now known, since 1974, as Alcorn State University, was founded on May 13, 1871, in Lorman, Mississippi, by an act of the Mississippi Legislature, as part of the state's post- Reconstruction effort to expand educational opportunity to the descendants of formerly enslaved individuals; and
WHEREAS, the university derives its name from then-Governor, James L. Alcorn, who co-drafted and signed into law the legislation establishing the institution, thereby securing its place in Mississippi's constitutional and educational history; and
WHEREAS, the university's first president, the Honorable Hiram R. Revels, resigned his seat as the first African-American United States Senator in American history to return to Mississippi, to assist in shaping the founding legislation and to lead the institution at its inception; and
WHEREAS, Alcorn State University officially opened its doors to students on July 1, 1871, becoming the nation's first Historically Black Land-Grant University, the oldest land-grant institution in Mississippi, and the second-oldest state-supported institution of higher learning in the state; and
WHEREAS, Alcorn State University, which bears the well deserved nickname, the "Academic Resort," is consistently recognized among the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States by national evaluators, including NICHE and U.S. News & World Report, reflecting sustained excellence in teaching, research and student outcomes; and
WHEREAS, the university has educated generations of leaders who have distinguished themselves in agriculture, education, nursing, business, ministry, public service, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, music, entertainment and numerous other professions, thereby strengthening communities throughout Mississippi and across the nation; and
WHEREAS, 10 current members of the Mississippi Legislature attended Alcorn State University or earned at least one degree from the institution, and one statewide elected official, the Central District Transportation Commissioner, holds at least one degree from Alcorn State University, further demonstrating the university's enduring influence on public leadership in Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, the current Commissioner of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning is also a graduate of Alcorn State University, underscoring the institution's role in shaping leadership within the state's higher education governance structure; and
WHEREAS, Alcorn State University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, including the only nursing program housed at a Historically Black College and University in the State of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, the Medgar Wiley Evers Heritage Village, a residential living community on the university's campus, honors the legacy of civil rights leader Medgar Wiley Evers, a 1952 graduate of Alcorn State University, whose life and sacrifice helped shape the course of American history; and
WHEREAS, distinguished alumnus Steve McNair, a graduate of Alcorn State University, enjoyed a celebrated professional football career after being selected third overall in the 1995 National Football League Draft, the highest draft selection ever attained by an offensive player from a Historically Black College and University at that time; and
WHEREAS, the achievements and reputation of Alcorn State University are the result of the unwavering commitment of its leadership, faculty and staff, who dedicate their professional lives to cultivating excellence in academics, research, athletics and public service; and
WHEREAS, recent economic impact studies indicate that Alcorn State University contributes more than $187,000,000.00 annually to Mississippi's economy, supports over 3,000 jobs statewide, and produces graduates whose mid-career earnings average approximately $46,500.00; and
WHEREAS, Alcorn State University student-athletes compete in 15 men's and women's sports at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), consistently exemplifying excellence, discipline and sportsmanship; and
WHEREAS, Alcorn State University remains steadfast in its mission to advance excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, research and workforce development, and continues to bring honor, distinction and economic vitality to the State of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor the rich history and abounding success of the state's prestigious academic postsecondary educational institutions, as that reflected in the 155-year enduring legacy of Alcorn State University, where, without any reservation that on the "Reservation," it remains evident that "Knowledge and Character: That's the Alcorn Difference":
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of the State of Mississippi, That we do hereby commend and celebrate the 155th anniversary of the founding of Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, and honor its historic legacy as America's first Historically Black Land-Grant University and a premier institution of higher learning.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Tracy Cook, the 21st President of Alcorn State University, on the institution's behalf, to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
