Mississippi College - Historical Overview

Historical Overview

Mississippi College, originally known as Hampstead Academy, received its first charter, signed by Governor David Holmes, on January 24, 1826. The name was changed to Mississippi Academy in 1827 at the request of the Board of Trustees.

Three years later, on December 18, 1830, having become an institution of collegiate rank, the name was changed to Mississippi College. It was the third such institution in Mississippi, but as the other two institutions no longer exist, Mississippi College today has the distinction of being the oldest institution of higher learning in the state.

During its early years, Mississippi College was not church-related and was once offered to be "the" State University. It has past affiliations with the Methodist and Presbyterian church, but since 1850 it has been operated by the Mississippi Baptist Convention through an elected Board of Trustees.

A private institution, in 1831 Mississippi College became the first coeducational college in the U.S. to grant a degree to a woman. In 1850 the Female department was discontinued; and in 1853 a Central Female Institute, later renamed Hillman College, was established in Clinton. In 1942 Mississippi College purchased and absorbed Hillman College, and the institution was again coeducational.

The Civil War caused Mississippi College to suffer: its endowment was destroyed, its student body disbanded, and its buildings deteriorated. Under the leadership of Warren S. Webb (1873–1891) the college stabilized. Under the administration of W. T. Lowrey (1898–1911), the endowment fund was renewed and the plant was greatly improved.

The administration of J. W. Provine (1911–1932) was a fruitful period, seeing the completion of Provine Science Building (largely constructed in Lowrey's administration), and the construction of Lowrey Hall, Alumni Hall, Farr-Hall Hospital, Jennings Hall, Ratliff Hall and Crestman Hall. The endowment was increased to more than $500,000 and in 1922 the College was initially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The enrollment reached 400.

During the 25-year administration of D. M. Nelson (1932–1957), the college successfully withstood the Great Depression and emerged stronger. During World War II, women were once again admitted and the enrollment increased rapidly. The physical plant was expanded and Nelson Hall Administration Building, Hederman-Gunter Residence Hall and Mary Nelson Residence Hall were erected; Lowrey Hall and Ratliff Residence Hall were enlarged and improved.

In 1943, Mississippi College was one of 131 colleges and universities nationally that took part in the V-12 Navy College Training Program which offered students a path to a Navy commission.

The College continued to grow under the administration of R. A. McLemore (1957–1968). Enrollment increased and the following buildings were constructed: Leland Speed Library, Aven Fine Arts Building (both of which were begun before Nelson retired), B. C. Rogers Student Center, Hederman Science Building, Latimer-Webb Residence Hall, Whittington Residence Hall, Self Hall and Hendrick House (President's home). The old cafeteria was converted into a women's gym; the Old Chapel (now Provine Chapel) was restored; Ratliff and Crestman residence halls were renovated.

Lewis Nobles' administration (1968–1993) saw continued growth in the areas of enrollment and quantity and qualifications of faculty. An addition to the library was made and the electronic media center emerged. Other construction included: Cockcroft Hall for the School of Nursing and Department of Home Economics, A. E. Wood Coliseum, and the James Moody Adams Field House. The Law School building in downtown Jackson was remodeled and was occupied by the School of Law in 1981. The Latimer House, a Victorian home, was dedicated in 1991.

In 1981 Mississippi College began to absorb Clarke College, which had been founded in 1908 in Newton, Mississippi. The merger was complete by 1991.

Nobles' last years were marked by the revelation of improprieties in the administration of athletic scholarships and mishandling of institutional funds. The first set of revelations resulted in the school having to surrender the NCAA Division II National Championship in football and the second resulted in Nobles resigning the presidency while under criminal investigation. With the resignation of Nobles on August 3, 1993, Rory Lee, Vice President for Institutional Advancement was named Acting President, and ably served the college, maintaining student, staff, and faculty morale during trying times.

Howell Todd began his administration July 1994 and began physical improvement to maintain and replicate the architectural character of the campus. Renovations and remodeling have transformed Nelson Hall, Alumni Hall, Jennings Hall and Jennings Annex, Self Hall, Farr Hall, and Latimer-Webb Residence Hall. Remodeling will soon be complete on B. C. Rogers Student Center, Hederman Science Building, Mary Nelson Residence Hall, and Hederman-Gunter Residence Hall. New construction included: The New Men's Residence Hall, The New Women's Residence Hall and the MC connector building between Self Hall and Hederman Science Building. The grounds have also undergone a makeover, including The Piazza between Jennings and Alumni. New parking lots have emerged and plans are underway for the ground floor of a parking garage.

In September 1996, four Mississippi College students were killed on a rainy night in Jackson when their car skidded along Interstate 20, went over the guard rail and landed upside down on Valley Street below.

A 106,000-square-foot (9,800 m2) Healthplex now stands in place of the old tennis courts and football field. New tennis courts, a baseball, and softball field and practice fields have been built.

In July 2002, Lee G. Royce began his administration as the 19th president of Mississippi College.

In September 2008, Mississippi College announced a record enrollment of 4,847 making MC the fastest growing private university in the state for the fifth year in a row. This was the fourth straight year that MC's enrollment topped 4,000. Included in the 2008 class is Choctaw Indian Princess Tia Faye Anderson.