MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2020 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Butler, Frazier, Hopson, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jordan, Norwood, Simmons (12th), Thomas, Witherspoon, Simmons (13th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE PASSING OF FORMER ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY HISTORIAN AND ESTEEMED ADMINISTRATOR DR. JOSEPHINE MCCANN POSEY AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE TO HER SURVIVING FAMILY.
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of Josephine McCann Posey on January 15, 2020, a 1970 graduate of Alcorn State University who served as the Alcorn State University's Historian. Dr. Posey was a staple in the Alcorn State University Community who was seminal in shaping and telling the history of the university; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Posey authored two books on the university's history, Succeeding Against Great Odds: Alcorn State University in its Second Century and Against Great Odds: The History of Alcorn State University. She also authored the paperback, Pictorial History documenting the university and notable alumni, "Alcorn State University and the National Alumni Association." In her books, she detailed the history and significant contributions and accomplishments the university achieved over its 148 years of excellence and service; and
WHEREAS, in a career that spanned nearly 40 years, Dr. Posey dedicated her life to educating young people. She made her own mark on the university's history in 1984 when she became the first female to serve as the Dean of the School of Education and Psychology (a cabinet-level position at the time) and Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs in 2007. She also spent time as Special Assistant to the President at Alcorn, Professor, and Department Chairperson; and
WHEREAS, a native of Collins, Mississippi, Dr. Posey worked in the public school system for nine years in Yazoo, Covington and Washington Counties. She went on to teach at the university level at Alcorn, Mississippi Valley State University and Mississippi State University, where she earned a Doctor of Education Degree; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Posey received numerous honors, including being selected as a Fulbright Scholar in 1996, where she studied in China for six weeks. She also earned leadership, service, and research awards from Phi Delta Kappa, Outstanding Women of America, Distinguished Leadership Award and Outstanding University Faculty recognized by the Mississippi State Legislature, to name a few; and
WHEREAS, President Dr. Felecia M. Nave remembers Dr. Posey as a treasured and hard-working Alcornite who was committed to the betterment of the university. "Dr. Posey was a respected and recognizable Alcorn icon who everyone loved," said Dr. Nave. "She dedicated her time to promoting the greatness of her beloved alma mater to the world. The Alcorn community will dearly miss her commitment to the university and genuine spirit"; and
WHEREAS, we join Dr. Nave in paying tribute to the memory of a most public-spirited citizen of Mississippi who will be missed:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the passing of former Alcorn State University Historian and esteemed Administrator Dr. Josephine McCann Posey and express the sympathy of the Legislature to her surviving family.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Posey's family, forwarded to the President of Alcorn State University, Dr. Felecia M. Nave, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.