MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Frazier, McCaughn, Suber, Wiggins, Fillingane, Barrett, DeBar, Mumford, Williams, Boyd, Kirby, Blount
A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE FOUNDING OF MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE.
WHEREAS, we join the students, alumni, faculty and administration of Mississippi College on the occasion of its Bicentennial Celebration, memorializing two centuries of academic excellence, a landmark event in Mississippi higher education; and
WHEREAS, founded on January 24, 1826, Mississippi College marks its bicentennial in 2026, commemorating two hundred years of service in higher education. This milestone reflects a distinguished legacy of institutional longevity, faithfulness to mission, and sustained contributions to the educational, cultural, and spiritual life of the State of Mississippi and beyond; and
WHEREAS, as the oldest institution of higher learning in Mississippi and the second oldest Baptist college in the United States, Mississippi College has played a foundational role in higher education in Mississippi and the nation, including its distinction as the first coeducational institution in the nation to grant degrees to women. Throughout its history, the university has remained committed to the integration of faith and learning, academic excellence, and service to God and others; and
WHEREAS, for two centuries, Mississippi College has educated generations of students who have gone on to serve as leaders in education, law, healthcare, ministry, business, public service, and countless other professions, strengthening communities across Mississippi, the region, and the nation.
• Four Mississippi governors graduated from MC.
• 26 current Mississippi representatives and senators have at least one degree from MC.
• Two current Mississippi statewide elected officials, State Treasurer David McRae and State Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Gipson, have degrees from MC; and
WHEREAS, across periods of profound social, cultural, and educational change, Mississippi College has demonstrated resilience and adaptability while remaining steadfast in its Christian mission, Baptist heritage, and commitment to preparing students for meaningful lives of leadership and service; and
WHEREAS, the bicentennial of Mississippi College honors the institution's history and recognizes the enduring contributions of its faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters whose collective efforts have sustained and strengthened the university across generations; and
WHEREAS, consistent with its Baptist heritage and relationship to the Convention, Mississippi College provides a quality Christian education for its student population. Students select the university because of the quality of its academic programs, Christian environment, and location. The university strives to recruit students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, and church/community involvement. The majority of students come from Mississippi and other southeastern states; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi College stimulates the intellectual development of its students through the liberal arts and sciences and concentrated study in specialized fields, including preprofessional and professional programs. Furthermore, the university environment promotes the spiritual, social, emotional, and physical development of its students and encourages them to utilize their skills, talents, and abilities as they pursue meaningful careers, life-long learning, and service to God and others. The university emphasizes those undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs that offer service opportunities. Additionally, the university reflects its responsibility of service to the community through a variety of learning opportunities and numerous cultural enrichment experiences; and
WHEREAS, the fall 2025 freshman class at MC has the highest cumulative GPA and the highest ACT scores the institution has recorded in a decade. The average ACT score for incoming students is 26. The average cumulative GPA for incoming students is 3.71. MC Law is the No. 1 Army JAG feeder school in the United States, was named the No. 8 Most Devout Law School in America by preLaw Magazine, and is ranked No. 26 nationwide for its placement of graduates in federal clerkships by U.S. News & World Report; and WHEREAS, Mississippi College continues a special connection to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. In 2023, MC President Blake Thompson signed an agreement with MBCI Chief Cyrus Ben, an MC alum, solidifying the Christian University's relationship with the only federally recognized American Indian tribe living in Mississippi. The agreement established an important cultural exchange between MC and the MBCI; and
WHEREAS, MC student-athletes representing 17 men's and women's sports compete in the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference (GSC). MC competes in the following sports: men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's golf, 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, baseball, and softball; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi College is committed to excellence and innovation in teaching and learning. The university seeks to employ and retain faculty who are dedicated to teaching/learning and advising students, who support and engage in scholarship and creative activities that advance knowledge, and who seek to continue their own professional development, and it is with great pride that we recognize the legacy and contributions of a great university which has brought honor to the entire State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate the Bicentennial Celebration of the founding of Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi, and extend to the students, alumni, faculty, and administration our best wishes on this auspicious occasion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Blake Thompson, 20th President of Mississippi College, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of Mississippi College and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.