House Resolution 80

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING MARCH 26, 2025, AS RUST COLLEGE DAY AT THE CAPITOL.

WHEREAS, Rust College, established in 1866 by the Freedman's Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was founded by missionaries from the North who opened a school in Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church accepting adults of all ages, as well as children, for instruction in elementary subjects, and a year later, the first building on the present campus was erected; and

WHEREAS, the Holly Springs school was initially chartered in 1870 as Shaw University in honor of generous donor the Reverend S.O. Shaw before first being renamed Rust University in 1892 to avoid confusion with another Shaw University, with the new name being a tribute to Richard S. Rust of Cincinnati, Ohio, Secretary of the Freedman's Aid Society, and ultimately, Rust College in 1915; and

WHEREAS, as the school's first students progressed, high school and college courses were added to the curriculum, and in 1878, two students graduated from the college department; however, as public schools for African Americans became more widespread, the need for private schools decreased which, in time, resulted in the grade school's discontinuance in 1930 and the high school's in 1953; and

WHEREAS, a significant change in the administration of Rust College took place in 1920 when Dr. M.S. Davage became the first African American to hold the position of president, and over the last 100 years, the office has been held by a long line of distinguished leaders, including: in 1924, Dr. L.M. McCoy, the first alumnus to serve his alma mater as president; in 1957, Dr. Earnest A. Smith, an alumnus, Class of 1937; in 1967, Dr. William A. McMillan; in 1993, Dr. David L. Beckley, an alumnus, Class of 1967; in 2020, Dr. Ivy Taylor, the first female president; and in 2023, Dr. Robert M. Dixon, interim president, who in July 2024, became the 13th president of Rust College; and

WHEREAS, among approximately 20,000 former students of Rust College, many completed only their elementary or secondary education, but more than 5,500 have graduated from the college department to later become bishops of the United Methodist Church and other denominations, public school teachers and administrators, college presidents, lawyers, physicians, business and government leaders and ministers; and

WHEREAS, true to its mission to equip and inspire students for excellence and service in their communities and throughout the world, Rust College, a student-centered college where everyone is committed to the success of all students, recognizes the importance of a multifaceted education valuing teaching, learning, research and community service; and

WHEREAS, with its primary mission being teaching, Rust College is grounded in its legacy and commitment to social justice and offers outstanding associate and baccalaureate degree programs designed to support the cultural, moral and spiritual development of its students while preparing them for impactful careers; and

WHEREAS, Rust College, maintaining a vision that reflects an institution of learning both inside and outside of the classroom, prepares its students for careers as they study in an environment that nurtures academic and personal development; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend extraordinary Mississippi academic institutions, especially those such as Rust College, whose 159 years dedication to academic excellence has produced outstanding graduates who have used their intellect and talent to enhance the quality of life throughout Mississippi, thereby bringing honor to this illustrious college and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby designate March 26, 2025, as Rust College Day at the Capitol.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Robert M. Dixon, President of Rust College, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.