Bill Text: MS SR48 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed

Mississippi Senate Resolution 48

Bill Title: Commemorate 155th Anniversary of Alcorn State University.

Sponsorship: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2026-02-17 - Adopted [SR48 Detail]

Download: Mississippi-2026-SR48-Engrossed.html

MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2026 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Butler, Hopson

Senate Resolution 48

(As Adopted by Senate)

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 COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, AND THE SECOND-OLDEST STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING IN MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, we join the students, alumni, faculty, and administration of Alcorn State University on the occasion of its 155th Anniversary Celebration, memorializing decades of academic excellence, a milestone and landmark event in Mississippi higher education; and

WHEREAS, Alcorn University, now referred to as Alcorn State University, was founded on May 13, 1871, in Lorman, Mississippi, by an act adopted by the Mississippi Legislature, resulting from Mississippi's efforts to educate the descendants of formerly enslaved individuals; and

WHEREAS, Alcorn University derives its name from the sitting Governor of Mississippi at the time of its founding, James L. Alcorn, who co-drafted and signed into law the legislation to establish the university; and

WHEREAS, the first President of Alcorn University, Hiram R. Revels, resigned his seat as a United States Senator and our nation's first African American Senator, to return to Mississippi to co-draft the legislation establishing and to lead the university; and

WHEREAS, Alcorn State University opened its gates to large numbers of students on July 1, 1871, as our nation's first Historically Black Land Grant University, Mississippi's oldest land grant college or university, and the second-oldest state-supported institution of higher learning in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Alcorn State University consistently ranks among the top 25 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States by NICHE, U.S. News & World Report, and others; and

WHEREAS, Alcorn State University has educated generations of students who have gone on to serve as leaders in agriculture, education, nursing, business, ministry, STEM, music and entertainment, public service, and countless other professions, strengthening communities across Mississippi, the region, and the nation; and

WHEREAS, ten current Mississippi representatives and senators attended or have at least one degree from Alcorn; one current Mississippi statewide elected official, Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie L. Simmons has at least one degree from Alcorn, and the current Commissioner of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning has at least one degree from Alcorn; and

WHEREAS, the university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees and the only nursing program available at a Historically Black College and University in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, a residential living option on the campus of Alcorn State University, the Medgar Wiley Evers Heritage Village, pays tribute to Medgar Evers, the civil rights leader and 1952 graduate of the university; and

WHEREAS, Alcorn State University alumnus Steve McNair led a decorated career in the National Football League and was drafted third overall during the 1995 National Football League draft, the highest draft selection for an offensive player and graduate of a Historically Black College and University in National Football League history; and

WHEREAS, the successes of Alcorn State University are tied to the dedicated leadership and faculty who devote their careers to preparing future generations for excellence in academics and athletics; and

WHEREAS, in its latest study, Alcorn State University has an economic impact of over $187 Million on the State of Mississippi and contributes to supporting over 3,000 jobs across the state, where mid-career salaries for graduates can average $46,500.00; and

WHEREAS, Alcorn student-athletes representing 15 men's and women's sports compete for championships in the NCAA Division I Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Alcorn competes in the following sports: football, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's indoor track and field, men's and women's outdoor track and field, men's and women's cross-country, women's volleyball, women's soccer, baseball, and softball; and

WHEREAS, Alcorn State University is committed to excellence and innovation in teaching and learning, research, and workforce development, and it is with great pride that we recognize the legacy and contributions of a great university, which has brought honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate and celebrate the 155th Anniversary of the founding of Alcorn State University, America's first historically Black Land Grant University, the oldest Land Grant College or university in the State of Mississippi, and the second-oldest state-supported institution of higher learning in Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Tracy Cook, Alcorn State's 21st President, and forwarded to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.