House Concurrent Resolution 48

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE DILIGENCE OF THE FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS OF ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY ON THE OCCASION OF THE SCHOOL'S HISTORIC 150TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY.

WHEREAS, Alcorn State University, a historic public school institution established in Claiborne County, Mississippi, will celebrate the splendid occasion of its 150th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Alcorn is the oldest public historically black land grant institution in the United States and the second oldest state supported institution of higher learning in Mississippi, founded in 1871 as a result of the people of Mississippi's efforts to educate the descendants of formerly enslaved Africans, and it was named in honor of the sitting governor of Mississippi, James L. Alcorn; and

WHEREAS, Alcorn is situated in Claiborne County, seven miles west of Lorman, 80 miles south of the capital city of Jackson, 45 miles south of Vicksburg, and 40 miles north of Natchez; the site was originally occupied by Oakland College, a school established by Presbyterians in 1828; the State of Mississippi purchased the Oakland campus for $40,000.00 and named it Alcorn University; and

WHEREAS, Hiram R. Revels resigned his seat as a United States Senator to become the University's first president; the State Legislature provided $50,000.00 cash annually for the University's first 10 years to support its establishment and overall operation; and, additionally, 30 acres of land were sold for $188,928.00, with Alcorn receiving three-fifths of the proceeds, or $113,400.00; and this funding was used for Alcorn's agricultural and mechanical components; and

WHEREAS, initially, the institution's three major study components were the four-year college track, the two-year college track and the three-year graded track; students spent the morning, from seven o'clock until noon, in classes; in the afternoon, they worked in various university shops for Eight Cents per hour; and room and board, including laundry, cost about $5.00 a month; and

WHEREAS, in 1878, Alcorn University became Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College, and the college was exclusively for males at first, but eventually women were admitted, and a dormitory for women was built in 1902; and over time, facilities increased from three historic buildings to more than 80 structures, and the original purchase of 225 acres of land grew to a campus of more than 1,700 acres; and

WHEREAS, in 1974, Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College became Alcorn State University; Governor William L. Waller signed House Bill 298, granting this status; and Alcorn has thrived by continuously accomplishing dynamic goals and objectives despite limited resource allocations from the state; and

WHEREAS, by the early 1990s, Alcorn's physical plant and academic programs evolved into a more diversified university; the student population is now representative of more than 76 counties, more than 38 states, and at least 18 foreign countries; and the university provides an undergraduate education that enables students to successfully pursue work in graduate and professional schools, engage in teaching, and enter other professions; and

WHEREAS, as Mississippi recognized the importance of educating all citizens, Alcorn has gained status and importance; from the original eight faculty members in 1871, the university has grown to more than 800 faculty and staff; the student body has increased from 179 students to more than 3,500 students with varied ethnic backgrounds; and although early graduates of Alcorn had limited horizons, today's graduates are successful in their chosen professions, and many are outstanding entrepreneurs; and

WHEREAS, throughout Alcorn's history, the leadership and faculty remained committed to enhancing the institution's image and to attracting young people whose interest is the pursuit and receipt of a quality education; over the decades, "the college that excelled against great odds" has become one of the leading universities in the nation; and Alcorn State University operates divisions with degree programs in more than 50 areas, including the bachelor's, master's and educational specialist degrees; and

WHEREAS, after 150 years of dedication to its students, Alcorn State University continues to grow and remains an educational stronghold and a source of intellectual empowerment for its students, faculty and staff, as well as for the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding and contributory higher educational institutions such as Alcorn State University, which continues to be an exceptional asset to the State of Mississippi as it strives continuously to mold the minds of its students in a positive and contributory manner:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the diligence of the faculty, staff and students of Alcorn State University on the occasion of the school's historic 150th year anniversary and extend warmest wishes for continued prosperity, growth and success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the President of Alcorn State University Dr. Felecia M. Nave, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.