Mississippi College - Education, Excellence, and Expansion
Mississippi College was founded as the Hampstead Academy in Clinton, Mississippi on January 24, 1826. Three years later, after gaining the designation of collegiate ranking, the institution's name was changed to Mississippi College. Since 1850, the College has been affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention and governed by an elected board of trustees, making it the oldest institute of higher learning in the state.
During the first decade of its existence, Mississippi College was a coeducational institution. However, in 1850, the College decided to educate only male students. After three years of efforts to find a suitable campus for the remaining female constituency, the Central Female Institute (later renamed Hillman College) was founded in Clinton in 1853. Nearly a decade later, Mississippi College purchased and assimilated Hillman College, once again making the institution coeducational.
During the Civil War, the College fell on hard times. By the end of the conflict, much of its endowment had been dissipated, all of its students had disappeared, and many of its buildings had fallen into disrepair. Over the next half century, however, the College was saved from becoming defunct by a string of successful presidents. President Warren S. Webb (1873-1891) helped to sustain the College during the difficult times of the Reconstruction period. A few years later, President W.T. Lowery (1898-1911) was successful in increasing the endowment, saving the College from financial ruin.
During the administration of President J. W. Provine (1911-1932), the College saw even more growth. Dr. Provine presided over the completion of the Provine Science Building, Lowery Hall, Alumni Hall, Farr-Hall Hospital, Jennings Hall, Ratliff Hall, Chrestman Hall, and also raised funding for the endowment to more than $500,000. In addition, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) officially accredited the college in 1922 with an enrollment of more than 400 students.
As part of President D. M. Nelson's administration (1932-1957), the College effectively endured the harsh elements of the Depression. Another period of construction also followed Dr. Nelson's tenure in office. Not only were Lowery Hall, Ratliff Residence Hall, and the physical plant enhanced in appearance and size, but several new buildings were also erected, including the Nelson Hall Administration Building, Hederman-Gunter Residence Hall, and Mary Nelson Residence Hall. Plus, as previously stated, women were readmitted to the student body for the 1942 academic year.
Even more construction and growth accompanied Mississippi College's next president in office. Under the auspices of Dr. R. A. McLemore, the institution saw an increase in enrollment and the construction of the Leland Speed Library, the Aven Fine Arts Building, the B.C. Rogers Student Center, the Hederman Science Building, the Latimer-Webb Residence Hall, the Whittington Residence Hall, Self Hall, and the newly built president's residence at the Hendrick House.
Following Dr. McLamore's constructive tenure, the administration of Dr. Lewis Noble (1968-1993) saw vast improvements in enrollment and increased standards in faculty credentials. In addition, construction of the Cockcroft Hall for the School of Nursing and Department of Home Economics, A.E. Wood Coliseum, and the James Moody Adams Field House were all completed.
After the resignation of Dr. Noble in 1993, Dr. Rory Lee assumed the role of Acting President. The following year, Dr. Howell Todd launched his administration with a physical renovation of the entire campus. This resulted in the complete remodeling of most dormitories, classrooms, and administration buildings.
Since July 2002, Mississippi College has been presided over by Dr. Lee G. Joyce. In conjunction with a broad offering of new academic curricula, Dr. Royce has overseen the development of both the brand new Accelerated Degree and International Programs, setting the course for continued excellence and progress at Mississippi College. The online division of the college has also developed rapidly under the current presidency. Mississippi College now offers programs online.
To find out more, please visit our campus or visit us on the Web at www.elearnportal.com/mc. Take advantage of our Request for Free Information feature available on our portal.