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Oakland Chapel on the campus of Alcorn State University

Key Information

The Literary Society Building on the campus of Alcorn State University

Alcorn State University (Alcorn State, ASU or Alcorn) is a public historically black land-grant university adjacent to Lorman, Mississippi. It was founded in 1871 and was the first black land grant college established in the United States. The university is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Alcorn State's athletic teams are known as the Braves and compete in the NCAA's Division I. All teams compete as members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

History

[edit]

Alcorn State University was the first black land grant college in the country. Mississippi's Reconstructionist legislature, dominated by Republicans sympathetic to the cause of educating the formerly enslaved, established the college on the site of Oakland College, a college that had gone defunct due to the Civil War.[9] Alcorn University started with what is recognized as three historic buildings.[10][11][12]

United States Senator Hiram R. Revels resigned his seat when he accepted the position as Alcorn's first president. The state legislature provided $50,000 in cash for ten successive years for the establishment and overall operations of the college. The state also granted Alcorn three-fifths of the proceeds earned from the sale of 30,000 acres (12,000 ha) of land scrip for agricultural or land grant colleges under federal legislation. The land was sold for $188,928 with Alcorn receiving a share of $113,400. This money was to be used solely to support the agricultural and mechanical components of the college, which Congress wanted to develop nationally. From its beginning, Alcorn State University was a land-grant college.[10] After a group of white Democrats known as Redeemers took over the legislature, Alcorn's appropriation was slashed by almost 90 percent, to $5,500 per year, and an all-white board of trustees was appointed.[9]

In 1878, the name Alcorn University was changed to Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College. The university's original 225 acres (0.91 km2) of land have been expanded to develop a 1,700 acres (6.9 km2) campus. The goals for the college set by the Mississippi legislature following the Reconstruction era emphasized training for blacks rather than academic education. The school, like other black schools during these years, was less a college than a vocational school intended to prepare students for the agricultural economy of the state and of most of their hometowns.

Levi J. Rowan

At first the school was exclusively for black males, but women were admitted in 1895. Alcorn began with eight faculty members in 1871. Today the faculty and staff number more than 500. The student body has grown from 179 mostly local male students to more than 2,933 students from all over the world.[13]

In 1974, Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College was renamed Alcorn State University, representing the development of its programs. Governor William L. Waller signed House Bill 298 granting university status to Alcorn and the other state-supported colleges. Alcorn had already become a more diversified university, with graduate programs. It provides an undergraduate education that enables students to continue their work in graduate and professional schools, engage in teaching, and enter other professions. It also provides graduate education to equip students for further training in specialized fields.

In 1994 Jay Searcy of the Philadelphia Inquirer said that except for its football team, Evers, and "an occasional Olympic athlete," "Alcorn rarely gets mentioned outside the state of Mississippi" although attention on the university increased after Steve McNair's athletic successes.[14]

In 2020, MacKenzie Scott donated $25 million to Alcorn State. Her 2020 donation is the second largest gift in Alcorn's history.[15]

Alcorn State is accredited, with seven schools and degree programs in more than 50 areas, including a nursing and a Master of Business Administration program. The facilities number approximately 80 modern structures with an approximate value of $71 million.[16]

On October 11, 2025, a shooting at the university during homecoming weekend killed one person and injured two others.[17] The gunman was soon after arrested and denied bond.[18] Also in October 2025, MacKenzie Scott donated an additional $42 million to Alcorn which is the largest gift in its history.[19]

Presidents

[edit]
Name Years[20][21] Interim
Hiram Rhodes Revels 1871–1882 No
John Houston Burrus 1882–1893 No
Wilson H. Reynolds 1893–1894 No
Thomas J. Calloway 1894–1896 No
Edward H. Triplett 1896–1899 No
William H. Lanier 1899–1905 No
Levi John Rowan 1905–1911 No
John Adams Martin 1911–1915 No
Levi John Rowan 1915–1934 No
Isiah S. Sanders, acting president 1934–1934 No
William Harrison Bell 1934–1944 No
Preston Sewell Bowles 1944–1945 No
William Harrison Pipes 1945–1949 No
Jesse R. Otis 1949–1957 No
John Dewey Boyd 1957–1969 No
Walter Washington 1969–1994 No
Rudolph E. Waters Sr. 1994–1995 Yes
Clinton Bristow Jr. 1995–2006 No
Malvin A. Williams Sr. 2006–2008 Yes
George E. Ross 2008–2010 No
Norris Allen Edney 2010–2011 Yes
M. Christopher Brown II 2011–2013 No
Norris Edney 2013–2014 Yes
Alfred Rankins, Jr. 2014–2018 No
Donzell Lee 2018–2019 Yes
Felecia M. Nave 2019–2023 No
Ontario Wooden 2023 Yes
Tracy M. Cook 2023– No[a]
  1. ^ Interim 2023–2024, then permanent 2024–

Academics

[edit]

Alcorn State is the second largest historically black college or university (HBCU) and the fifth largest university in Mississippi with an enrollment of approximately 3,700 undergraduate students and 600 graduate students. The university has seven schools, offering more than 50 different fields of study.

  • College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Business
  • School of Education and Psychology
  • School of Nursing

Alcorn State University consistently ranks among the top 25 HBCUs in the nation according to the annual U.S. News & World Report HBCU rankings.[22]

Alcorn State University is the only HBCU in Mississippi with a comprehensive nursing program, and the first institution in Mississippi and at an HBCU nationwide offering a STEM MBA.[23]

The Myrlie Evers-Williams Honors Program is available to highly motivated undergraduate students seeking to enhance their academic experience and leadership skills.[24]

Master of Business Administration (MBA) & STEM MBA programs

[edit]

Alcorn State University's School of Business offers a Traditional Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a general business management emphasis and a concentration in tourism and hospitality management, as well as a STEM Master of Business Administration program with four concentrations in accounting, healthcare management, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. Both programs are 30 hour credited and structured on an eight-week model, allowing students to complete their degree within one year. All classes are conducted online through Alcorn's learning management system, CANVAS. The MBA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), a global accrediting body for business degree programs.

Global programs

[edit]

Besides coordinating study-abroad opportunities, Global Programs brings worldwide perspectives to campus through exchange programs and special events.[25]

Pre-professional programs

[edit]

Alcorn offers pre-professional programs to better prepare students for a transition to specialized studies in the fields of law, engineering, nursing, physical therapy, medicine, pharmacy and dentistry.[26]

Accreditation

[edit]

Alcorn State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, Specialist's, and Doctorate degrees.

Alcorn's teacher education program is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is accredited by the American Dietetics Association. The Associate of Science in Nursing degree, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, and the Master of Science in Nursing degree programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Alcorn State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, the National Association of Industrial Technology, and the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Locations

[edit]
Alcorn State University entrance sign

The main campus is located in Alcorn State University census-designated place,[27] an unincorporated area in Claiborne County, Mississippi. The campus is often referred to as "The Reservation".[28] It is 45 miles (72 km) south of Vicksburg,[14] 40 miles (64 km) north of Natchez, and 80 miles (130 km) southwest of Jackson.[29] It is near Lorman.

The Nursing School is located in Natchez, Mississippi. The university also has technology centers at the Thad Cochran Mississippi Center for Innovation and Technology (MCITy) in Vicksburg.

Campus housing

[edit]

Male residence halls include Medgar Wiley Evers Heritage Village Complex A and B, Hiram Revels Hall and Albert Lott Hall.[30] Female residence halls include Medgar Wiley Evers Heritage Village Complex buildings C and D, John Burrus Hall, Beulah Robinson Hall, and the Female Honors Residence Hall.[31] D Faculty housing, which is open to full time employees,[32] and their dependents, is zoned to the Claiborne County School District.[33] Port Gibson High School is the comprehensive high school of the district.

The county is in the district of Copiah–Lincoln Community College, and has been since 1967.[34]

Athletics

[edit]
Main article: Alcorn State Braves and Lady Braves
Alcorn athletics logo
See also: Alcorn State Braves football and Alcorn State Braves men's basketball

Alcorn State is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and participates in NCAA Division I FCS. Alcorn sponsors 15 athletic programs.[35]

Sounds of Dyn-O-mite

[edit]

Alcorn State University's marching band was founded in the 1960s; the band is known as the "Sounds of Dyn-O-mite" (SOD). Led by four or five drum majors, SOD has more than 190+ members. The band was invited to perform in the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.[36]

The "World Renowned Golden Girls" (GGs) is the danceline that has been featured with SOD since its inception. Founded in 1968, they are the first danceline (no twirling batons) featured with a HBCU marching band hence why they often refer to themselves as "The Mother of HBCU dancelines."[37]

Demographics

[edit]
Undergraduate demographics as of Fall 2023[38]
Race and ethnicity Total
Black 96%
 
White 2%
 
Hispanic 1%
 
International student 1%
 
Economic diversity
Low-income[a] 77%
 
Affluent[b] 23%
 
Alcorn State University CDP
Census-designated place
Alcorn State University CDP is located in Mississippi
Alcorn State University CDP
Alcorn State University CDP
Alcorn State University CDP is located in the United States
Alcorn State University CDP
Alcorn State University CDP
Coordinates: 31°52′49.65″N 91°8′26.42″W / 31.8804583°N 91.1406722°W / 31.8804583; -91.1406722
Country United States
State Mississippi
CountyClaiborne
Elevation
[39]
259 ft (79 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
1,120
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
GNIS feature ID2586580[39]

Alcorn State University CDP is a census-designated place (CDP) and the official name for an area covering the Alcorn State University campus, in Claiborne County, Mississippi, United States.

It first appeared as a CDP in the 2010 U.S. census.[40] The population at the 2020 census was 1,120.[41] while the Fall 2019 enrollment at Alcorn State University was 3,523.[42]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
20101,107—
20201,1201.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[43]
2010[40] 2020[44]

2020 census

[edit]
Alcorn State University CDP, Mississippi – racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop. 2010[40] Pop. 2020[44] % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 15 5 1.47% 0.45%
Black or African American alone (NH) 953 1,107 93.71% 98.84%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 1 0 0.10% 0.00%
Asian alone (NH) 12 0 1.18% 0.00%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 0 0 0.00% 0.00%
Some other race alone (NH) 1 1 0.10% 0.09%
Mixed race/multi-racial (NH) 16 1 1.57% 0.09%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 19 6 1.87% 0.54%
Total 1,107 1,120 100.00% 100.00%

Notable alumni

[edit]

Politics and activism

[edit]
Name Class year Notability Reference(s)
Albert Butler 1970 Mississippi State Senator [45]
Horace R. Cayton, Sr. c.1880s Journalist and politician, one of the first Black people to serve on county and state delegations in Seattle, Washington [46]
Jennifer Riley Collins 1987 Executive director of the Mississippi NAACP [47]
Katie G. Dorsett Member of the North Carolina Senate from the 28th district
Medgar Evers 1948 First NAACP field secretary and assassinated civil rights activist [48]
Cornelius J. Jones 1870s Attorney, voting rights activist, politician. Mississippi state legislator. One of the first African American attorneys to argue a case before the United States Supreme Court [49]
Ed Smith Former alderman of the 28th ward in Chicago, Illinois 1983–2010
Charles Tillman 1958 Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi [50]

Sports

[edit]
Name Class year Notability Reference(s)
Willie Alexander 1971 Former professional football player for the Houston Oilers
Emmanuel Arceneaux 2009 Current CFL and former NFL player
Donald Driver 1999 Former professional football player for the Green Bay Packers
Leslie Frazier 1980 Defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, former defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings, former special assistant coach with the Indianapolis Colts
Jimmie Giles 1977 Former professional football player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Louis Green 2002 Former NFL player for the Denver Broncos
Issiac Holt 1985 Former professional football player for the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys
Nate Hughes 2008 Former NFL player for the Detroit Lions
Iris Kyle 10-time overall Ms. Olympia professional bodybuilder
Garry Lewis Former professional football player for the Oakland Raiders
Milton Mack Former professional football player for the Detroit Lions
Fred McNair Former professional Canadian and arena football player, brother of Steve McNair, and head coach of Alcorn State Football
Steve McNair 1996 Former professional quarterback for the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens
Bryant Mix 1997 Former NFL player for the Houston Oilers
Elex Price 1973 Former professional football player for the New Orleans Saints
Frank Purnell Former professional football player for the Green Bay Packers
Lee Robinson 2009 Professional football player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos
Chad Slaughter 2000 Former professional football player for the Oakland Raiders
Torrance Small 1992 Former NFL player for the New Orleans Saints
Larry Smith 1980 Former NBA player and assistant coach in the NBA and WNBA
Charlie Spiller 2007 Former NFL player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jack Spinks 1952 Former professional football player for the New York Giants
John Thierry 1994 Former NFL player for the Chicago Bears
Cedric Tillman 1992 Former professional football player for the Denver Broncos
Dwayne White Former professional football player for the St. Louis Rams
Damien Wilson Linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, transferred out of Alcorn after his freshman season
Roynell Young 1980 Former professional football player for the Philadelphia Eagles

Other fields

[edit]
Name Class year Notability Reference(s)
Joseph Dunbar Scientist [51]
Michael Clarke Duncan attended Actor
Alex Haley attended Author [52]
Adena Williams Loston 1973 President of St. Philip's College in San Antonio, Texas
Kimberly Morgan Miss Mississippi 2007
Alexander O'Neal attended Musician
Joseph Edison Walker 1903 President of Universal Life Insurance Company in Memphis, Tennessee

Notable faculty

[edit]
  • Melerson Guy Dunham – educator, lay minister, civil rights activist, and history; taught at Alcorn until her retirement in 1970; wrote the book Centennial History of Alcorn College[53][54]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alcorn State University

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alcorn State University is a public historically black located in . Founded on May 13, 1871, as Alcorn University to educate the descendants of formerly enslaved people, it holds the distinction of being the first land-grant historically black college or university . The university operates as a comprehensive institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees across schools of and applied sciences, and sciences, business, education and , and , with a focus on practical skills for global success. For the 2024-2025 academic year, enrollment reached 2,995 students, reflecting a 3.5% increase from the prior year and including students from 38 states and 16 countries. Alcorn's legacy includes notable alumni such as Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American to serve in the U.S. Congress, and it maintains land-grant programs emphasizing , , and amid Mississippi's rural context. While celebrated for its historical role in black higher education, the university has faced internal challenges, including leadership transitions and NCAA compliance issues in the past decade.

History

Founding and Early Development (1871–1900)

Alcorn University was established in 1871 by the state legislature during Reconstruction as the nation's first public land-grant college for , utilizing funds from the federal Morrill Act of 1862 allocated separately from white institutions. The legislature repurposed the former Oakland College campus—a Presbyterian for white males founded in 1828 and shuttered amid the Civil War—purchasing it for $40,000 along with 2,260 acres of adjoining land. Named for , the state's Reconstruction-era governor (1870–1871) who championed public education reforms including access for freedmen despite his prewar Confederate ties, the institution aimed to provide practical higher education to the formerly enslaved and their descendants. The legislature initially appropriated $50,000 annually in cash for , operations, and faculty salaries, enabling the erection of foundational buildings like dormitories and classrooms. Hiram Rhodes Revels, who had recently become the first African American U.S. Senator from (1870–1871), resigned his Senate seat to serve as the university's inaugural president from 1871 to 1882. Under Revels's leadership, the emphasized moral, intellectual, and industrial training, including , , and teacher preparation to foster self-sufficiency among students drawn primarily from rural . Enrollment began modestly with around 200 students by the mid-1870s, focusing on male education initially, though the institution admitted women in limited numbers shortly after opening; Revels prioritized fiscal prudence and infrastructure development, overseeing the establishment of farm demonstration plots and workshops aligned with land-grant mandates. In 1878, the rechartered the school as Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College, formalizing its emphasis on vocational sciences amid shifting post-Reconstruction politics that reduced state funding but did not halt operations. Succeeding Revels, John Houston Burrus presided from 1882 to 1893, expanding agricultural programs and introducing elements for teacher certification, while navigating budget constraints that limited growth to essential facilities. By 1900, under interim and subsequent leaders like Wilson H. Reynolds (1893–1894) and Thomas J. Calloway (1894–1910), the college had solidified its role in regional black education, graduating its first classes in practical trades despite economic challenges in the , with cumulative enrollment reaching several hundred amid a focus on applied disciplines over classical studies.

Expansion as a Land-Grant Institution (1900–1960s)

In the early , Alcorn State University, designated as Mississippi's land-grant institution for under the Second Morrill Act of 1890, directed proceeds from federal land sales toward bolstering its agricultural and mechanical arts curricula. In one such allocation, 30 acres of land were sold for $188,928, with Alcorn receiving three-fifths—or $113,400—exclusively for agricultural and mechanical programs, enabling infrastructure and instructional enhancements aligned with the land-grant mandate to promote practical education in farming, , and related fields. This funding supported the expansion of campus acreage from an initial 225 acres, laying the foundation for broader facilities dedicated to hands-on training in crop production, , and mechanical trades. By the 1920s, Alcorn integrated cooperative extension services into its land-grant framework following the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, with 1890 institutions like Alcorn initiating programs as early as 1921 to disseminate agricultural knowledge to rural black farmers through demonstrations, bulletins, and outreach on , , and . These efforts emphasized empirical improvements in farming yields and self-sufficiency, reflecting the institution's role in addressing post-Reconstruction economic challenges faced by southern African American communities amid and limited access to modern techniques. Enrollment and faculty numbers grew incrementally during this era, transitioning from the founding cohort of 179 students and eight instructors to a more robust operation, though precise figures for the remain sparse in archival records. Post-World War II expansion accelerated under successive administrations. In 1948, Alcorn A&M College attained "A" accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, affirming its academic standards in core land-grant disciplines. Jesse R. Otis, president from 1949 to 1957, oversaw infrastructural advancements, including the construction of the William H. Bell Dining Hall in 1951, which supported a growing student body pursuing degrees in , , and . John Dewey Boyd, who assumed the presidency in 1957 and served until 1969, continued this trajectory by prioritizing in applied sciences; the was later named in his honor, underscoring commitments to scholarly resources for land-grant in areas like and vocational training. These developments positioned Alcorn as a key provider of practical higher education, with size expanding toward 1,700 acres by the late 1960s to accommodate experimental farms and extension facilities.

Civil Rights Era and Modernization (1960s–Present)

During the , Alcorn State University experienced student-led protests reflecting broader national unrest over racial inequality and campus governance. Demonstrations often addressed administrative policies and local conditions, with students drawing inspiration from figures like alumnus , a 1952 graduate who advocated for desegregation as Mississippi field secretary for the until his assassination on June 12, 1963. On February 20, 1968, Mississippi state troopers used tear gas and clubs to suppress a student demonstration on campus, highlighting tensions between protesters and authorities. Oral histories from 1960s graduates document participation in activism, including boycotts and demands for faculty accountability, amid a pattern of unrest at HBCUs that pressured institutions to align with equality demands. In compliance with the , Alcorn initiated desegregation by admitting its first white students in 1966, marking a shift from its historically black enrollment amid Mississippi's broader higher education integration efforts. Despite these changes, the university retained its mission serving black students while opening to all races, consistent with patterns at other public HBCUs where voluntary enrollment dynamics preserved demographic majorities. The institution became a focal point in the 1975 Ayers v. Fordice lawsuit, filed on behalf of students alleging historical underfunding and segregationist policies; the case culminated in remedies including enhanced program duplication restrictions and funding to bolster HBCUs like Alcorn. A 2012 settlement distributed $245.8 million over 17 years to Alcorn, Jackson State, and Valley State to address disparities and support academic enhancements. Modernization accelerated in the 1970s with the renaming of Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College to Alcorn State University on April 1, 1974, via House Bill 298 signed by Governor William L. Waller, signifying expanded graduate and professional programs beyond its land-grant agricultural roots. infrastructure grew significantly, with the original 225 acres expanding to 1,700 acres and new facilities including dormitories, classrooms, and laboratories constructed to accommodate diversified curricula in arts, sciences, business, , and applied sciences. By the early , academic offerings had broadened, reflecting adaptation to contemporary educational demands while maintaining emphasis on and extension services in and . These developments positioned Alcorn as a resilient public institution, with enrollment stabilizing around 3,000 students by the , supported by ongoing federal land-grant funding and state investments.

Academics

Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

Alcorn State University provides undergraduate programs at the associate and bachelor's levels, encompassing 28 degree options primarily in agriculture, sciences, business, education, humanities, and health fields. These are delivered through five main academic units: the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education and Psychology, and School of Nursing. Bachelor's degrees dominate, with examples including the Bachelor of Science in Biology (CIP 260101), Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration (CIP 520201), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (CIP 513801), and Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management (CIP 010101). The Associate of Science in Nursing serves as an entry-level health program.
Degree TypeSelected Undergraduate Programs
AssociateASN in (CIP 513801)
Bachelor'sBS in (CIP 520301); BS in (CIP 010000); BS in (CIP 260101); BBA in (CIP 520201); BS in Chemistry (CIP 400501); BS in (CIP 110101); BS in (CIP 430104); BS in Elementary Education (CIP 131202); BA in English (CIP 230101); BS in (CIP 270101); BSN in (CIP 513801); BSW in (CIP 440701)
Among undergraduates, and rank as the most conferred majors, with 108 and 58 graduates respectively in recent data. Several programs, such as those in and , incorporate practical components like internships or certification preparation aligned with state requirements. At the graduate level, Alcorn offers 17 programs, including one , 14 master's degrees, one education specialist degree, and one doctoral degree, focused on advanced study in , sciences, , , liberal arts, and . Master's options include the in (CIP 260101), (CIP 520201), (CIP 513899), and in and Technology (CIP 299999). The (CIP 513818) represents the sole doctoral offering, emphasizing clinical leadership. The Education Specialist in Elementary (CIP 131202) targets advanced pedagogical training.
Degree TypeSelected Graduate Programs
Master'sMS in Biotechnology (CIP 261201); MBA in General Business Administration (CIP 520201); MSN in Nursing (CIP 513899); MS in Workforce Education Leadership (CIP 130407); MAT in Teaching (Alternate Route) (CIP 131206)
SpecialistEdS in Elementary Education (CIP 131202)
DoctoralDNP in Nursing Practice (CIP 513818)
Graduate programs often build on land-grant traditions, with emphases in applied sciences and ; several, including the MBA and options, are available online to expand access. Degree plans require advisor approval and progression monitoring via the university's student portal.

Schools and Departments

Alcorn State University structures its undergraduate and graduate instruction across five primary academic units: the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the and , and the . These units oversee specialized departments that deliver bachelor's, master's, and associate degrees aligned with the university's land-grant mission in , liberal , professional training, and health sciences. The College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences encompasses the Department of Agriculture, which focuses on crop production, animal sciences, and with hands-on training and research opportunities; the Department of Human Sciences, emphasizing human development, family science, , and ; and the Department of Advanced Technologies, offering programs in , computer networking, , and . This college also includes the Center of Biotechnology for applied research in and . The College of Arts and Sciences houses departments such as Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Physics, Fine Arts, and , and , providing foundational alongside pre-professional tracks in health sciences and computing. These programs emphasize empirical inquiry, with curricula integrating laboratory work, quantitative analysis, and interdisciplinary studies to prepare students for graduate study or entry-level careers. The School of Business administers bachelor's degrees in and , alongside master's options in general MBA and STEM-designated MBA programs, focusing on , , and organizational with from the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. The School of Education and Psychology coordinates teacher preparation, counseling, and psychological services training through departments dedicated to , , and behavioral sciences, ensuring alignment with state standards for K-12 educators. The School of Nursing delivers the and , utilizing simulation labs and clinical partnerships to train practitioners in patient-centered care, with emphasis on needs in . All units fall under the oversight of the provost and support university-wide general through the .

Accreditation, Rankings, and Research Focus

Alcorn State University holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes it to award associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees, with the most recent reaffirmation occurring in 2024. Specific programs maintain additional accreditations, including the School of Business by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), reaffirmed in June 2024; the Bachelor of Science in Nursing by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN); and teacher education programs by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). In U.S. News & World Report's 2026 rankings, released in September 2025, the university climbed to No. 45 among Regional Universities in the , advancing six positions from No. 51 the prior year, while also improving in categories for (up one spot to No. 25) and undergraduate programs (up five spots to No. 98). Niche's 2026 Best HBCU Schools list, published in September 2025, ranked Alcorn No. 2 nationally among 74 evaluated HBCUs, highlighting factors such as academics, value, and student life based on user reviews and data. These rankings reflect metrics including graduation rates, faculty resources, and peer assessments, though methodologies vary and emphasize regional performance over national scope given the university's public HBCU status. As a land-grant institution, Alcorn State University's research emphasizes applied sciences in , , conservation, and , aligning with its 1890 Morrill Act designation to support underserved rural communities. Key focus areas include , , , , entomology, biofuels, and within the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, alongside analysis for farmers and ranchers. Dedicated centers drive these efforts, such as the Center for Biotechnology and Genomics, which develops disease-resistant crops like sweet potatoes using ; the Center for Conservation Research, addressing erosion prediction, nutrient management, and soil conservation; and the Research Center, focused on preservation, economic viability, and . The Policy Research Center examines agriculture policy implications, economic integration, and demographic trends to inform equitable recommendations, while facilities like the Alcorn Experiment Station, Beef Research Project, and Swine Development Center support livestock and extension-oriented experiments. These initiatives prioritize practical outcomes over theoretical pursuits, funded partly through USDA partnerships, with collaborative plans emphasizing complementary research in food systems, natural resources, and community development through 2027.

Campus and Facilities

Main Campus in Lorman

The main campus of Alcorn State University occupies approximately 1,700 acres in rural , positioned seven miles west of the unincorporated community of Lorman and 17 miles southwest of Port Gibson. This expansive site, originally acquired as 225 acres in on the grounds of the defunct Oakland College—a short-lived institution for white students—has since grown through land acquisitions and development to support the university's role as a land-grant institution focused on , sciences, and liberal arts. The campus layout emphasizes a central academic core amid wooded and open areas, reflecting its historical roots in post-Civil War educational expansion for formerly enslaved individuals while accommodating modern infrastructure for over 3,000 students. Key academic and research facilities include the Biotechnology Research Center, dedicated to advanced biological and agricultural studies, and the Center for Ecology and Environmental Studies, which supports fieldwork in sustainable practices aligned with the university's 1890 land-grant mission. Administrative functions are housed in Bowles Hall, while specialized labs such as the Biological Research Lab and Agriculture Extension Facility provide hands-on training in STEM fields. The James L. Bolden Campus Union, a 67,000-square-foot multi-level hub completed in recent decades, integrates , dining options, and event spaces to foster amid the campus's dispersed layout. Athletic infrastructure anchors the southern portion of the campus, highlighted by the 22,500-seat Jack Spinks–Marino Casem Stadium, home to football and track events, and the adjacent Davey L. Whitney Complex, featuring Olympic-sized pools, weight training areas, and team facilities for and other sports. Historic structures like the Oakland Chapel (built circa 1838) and Literary Society Building preserve repurposed for university use, serving as venues for ceremonies and cultural events. Ongoing and renovations, managed by the Facilities Management department, ensure over 80 total buildings meet operational needs, though the remote location necessitates robust on-campus utilities for self-sufficiency.
The campus's rural setting, with its emphasis on green spaces and agricultural plots, underscores Alcorn's commitment to practical education, including demonstration farms integral to extension services since the early . Access via U.S. Route 61 facilitates connectivity to nearby urban centers like Vicksburg (40 miles north), yet the isolated environment has historically supported focused academic pursuits away from larger distractions.

Housing and Student Services

Alcorn State University mandates on-campus housing for full-time freshmen, with exemptions for military veterans with at least two years of service, married students living with spouses, or those granted special permission by the residence life office. The university operates eight residence halls, comprising traditional-style and modern apartment-style accommodations, including single-sex options for first-year students and co-residential facilities for upperclassmen. All halls feature air-conditioned rooms, computer labs, laundry facilities, vending machines, and limited wireless to support academic and daily needs. Female residence halls include John Burrus Hall and Complexes C and D, while male halls encompass Complexes A and B; suite-style units are available in the MWEH Village. Housing rates for the 2025-2026 academic year, which bundle room and mandatory meal plans, range from approximately $5,155 per semester in standard halls like John Burrus to higher amounts in premium options, reflecting variations in amenities and location. Residence life staff enforce policies aimed at fostering a supportive environment conducive to academic success, including rules on quiet hours, guest visits, and maintenance during periodic upgrades that may involve temporary relocations. Student services complement housing through the Division of , which oversees health, counseling, and dining operations. The Student Health and Well-Being Center, relocated to Rowan Hall in 2025 and reachable at 601-877-6460, provides including general treatments, lab work, and referrals, though dental services are unavailable and students are directed to external providers for specialized needs. Counseling services offer individual and group sessions, substance abuse prevention via the Alcorn Substance Abuse Prevention Program (ASAPP), and crisis referrals, with expanded support addressing both physical and psychological concerns amid rising student demands. Dining services integrate with housing meal plans, featuring campus cafeterias that accommodate dietary needs through mandatory participation for residents. Additional resources include 24/7 crisis hotlines like the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) for immediate support.

Extension and Satellite Locations

Alcorn State University operates satellite campuses in Natchez and Vicksburg, Mississippi, to extend instructional access beyond its primary Lorman location. The Natchez campus, located at 15 Campus Drive, primarily hosts the Cora S. Balmat School of Nursing, which delivers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs emphasizing competent and caring professional practice. Facilities there include the Natchez Library Learning Resource Center, providing print and non-print media on nursing and allied health topics to support student learning. Student services, such as access centers for academic advising and online resources, are also available to accommodate co-residential upperclassmen, including those from partnered institutions like Copiah-Lincoln Community College. The Vicksburg Expansion Center functions as an off-campus instructional site offering a range of programs tailored to local needs, including potential distance learning and community-focused initiatives. Situated in Warren County, it aligns with the university's broader outreach, incorporating extension services like agricultural training delivered from the local office at 1100-C Grove Street. Complementing these sites, the ASU Extension Program maintains field offices and specialized centers across 15 southwest Mississippi counties, including Copiah, Lincoln, Claiborne, Jefferson, Pike, Hinds, Warren, Lawrence, Adams, Wilkinson, Amite, and Walthall, to promote agricultural education and economic development. Administrative operations are based at the Extension & Research Complex on the Lorman campus (1000 ASU Drive #479), but outreach occurs via county agents, such as the Jefferson County office at 1257 S. Main Street in Fayette. Dedicated facilities include the Technology Transfer Center in Mound Bayou (Bolivar County) for sustainable horticulture, sweet potato production, and pest management demonstrations; the Vegetable Processing Center in Marks (Quitman County) for training in crop marketing and value-added processing; and the Preston Small Farm Incubator in Preston (Winston County) for alternative crops and greenhouse techniques. These efforts target rural empowerment through hands-on programs in crop rotation, entrepreneurship, and food processing.

Student Body and Demographics

Alcorn State University's total unduplicated enrollment reached 2,995 students in fall 2024, reflecting a 3.5% increase from 2,894 students in fall 2023. This growth included 720 new students, comprising 579 first-year freshmen and 141 transfers. Undergraduate enrollment stood at 2,532 students, with graduate enrollment at 463; full-time students numbered 2,240, while 755 were part-time. Over the prior decade, enrollment exhibited a general decline, particularly among undergraduates, which averaged 2,808 students annually but fell to around 2,432 in recent academic years. Undergraduate headcounts specifically decreased from 3,074 in fall 2019 to 2,933 in fall 2020, 2,775 in fall 2021, and 2,478 in fall 2022, per data. Graduate enrollment similarly trended downward by 145 students over the same 10-year period.
Fall YearUndergraduate EnrollmentTotal Enrollment (where available)
20193,074-
20202,933-
20212,775-
20222,478-
2023-2,894
20242,5322,995
The recent uptick in 2024 contrasts with the broader downward trajectory, potentially signaling stabilization amid efforts to attract new admits. In fall 2024, in-state undergraduates totaled 1,931 and out-of-state 601, with corresponding graduate figures of 376 and 87.

Diversity and Retention Rates

Alcorn State University maintains a student body characteristic of , with 95.1% of enrolled students identifying as Black or African American in 2023. Non-Black enrollment remains minimal, consisting of 2.14% White students, 0.622% Hispanic or Latino, 0.311% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, 0.173% American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.035% Asian, and smaller shares for two or more races or unknown categories.
Race/EthnicityPercentage (2023)
Black or African American95.1%
White2.14%
Hispanic or Latino0.622%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander0.311%
American Indian/Alaska Native0.173%
Asian0.035%
This racial composition reflects the institution's founding mission to serve African American students amid historical segregation, though total enrollment of approximately 2,894 includes representation from 36 states and 13 countries. Women constitute the majority, comprising about 72% of degrees awarded in 2023, consistent with enrollment patterns showing roughly two-thirds female undergraduates. Additionally, 34% of students are first-generation college attendees, highlighting socioeconomic diversity within the primarily African American cohort. Retention rates for full-time, first-time undergraduates stand at 79%, indicating moderate persistence from to year. The six-year graduation rate is 45%, with four-year completion at 38% and eight-year at 48%, below national averages for similar institutions but aligned with challenges faced by many HBCUs serving underrepresented populations. These figures draw from federal IPEDS data, which track cohort outcomes without adjusting for external factors like financial aid disruptions or regional economic conditions.

Athletics

Intercollegiate Sports Programs

Alcorn State University sponsors intercollegiate athletic programs for men's and women's teams, known as the Braves and Lady Braves, respectively, competing at the level within the (SWAC). The programs emphasize competitive participation across multiple disciplines, with football serving as a flagship sport in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Men's teams include , , cross country, football, , and . Women's teams comprise , cross country, , soccer, , , , and . These 14 varsity programs operate under the oversight of the Department of Athletics, directed since September 11, 2024, by E. D'Wayne Robinson, who succeeded previous leadership to maintain program integrity and visibility.
Men's SportsWomen's Sports
BaseballBasketball
BasketballCross Country
Cross CountryGolf
FootballSoccer
TennisSoftball
Track & FieldTennis
Track & Field
Volleyball
The athletics department supports student-athletes through services, e-sports initiatives, and staff resources focused on compliance and performance. SWAC affiliation provides opportunities for conference championships and postseason play, particularly in football and , where Alcorn teams regularly schedule non-conference opponents alongside divisional rivals.

Achievements and Conference Affiliation

Alcorn State University's athletic teams, known as the Braves, compete in the (SWAC), an conference primarily comprising , with football at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. The university joined the SWAC in 1963 and transitioned to the SWAC West Division in the 2021–22 academic year following conference realignment. In football, Alcorn State has secured 17 SWAC championships, the most recent in 2019 under coach Fred McNair, marking back-to-back titles with 2018 and contributing to four championships in six years (2014–2019). Earlier successes include the 1984 team's undefeated 9–0 season, which earned the SWAC title and a black college national championship, and the 2014 team's repeat as black college champions. The program's historical dominance is evidenced by additional titles in 1994, 1992, and multiple in the 1960s and 1950s. Men's basketball has achieved 12 regular-season SWAC titles and six tournament championships, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament six times with a 3–6 overall record. A notable period of success occurred in the early , when the Braves won three NCAA Tournament games across five appearances, a record unmatched by other HBCU programs until recent decades. Other sports have contributed to the athletic legacy, including women's basketball preseason All-SWAC honors in 2025 for players Nakia Cheatham and Kiarra Henderson, and perfect NCAA scores in 2023–24 for teams such as men's and women's cross country. The SWAC Hall of Fame includes several Alcorn figures, recognizing individual contributions to conference-level excellence.

Athletic Facilities and Support

Alcorn State University's primary athletic venue for football is the Jack Spinks–Marino Casem , a 22,500-seat multi-purpose facility located on the Lorman campus that includes dressing rooms, offices, and premium seating sections accommodating up to 153 guests on the home side. The stadium hosts intercollegiate games and other events, with recent enhancements to security protocols implemented in October 2025 following a shooting, including gates opening two hours prior to kickoff and enforcement of a clear bag policy limiting bags to 12 inches. Basketball and volleyball competitions occur at the Davey L. Whitney Complex, a 7,000-seat arena and center built in 1975 for $3.5 million, featuring an , classroom space, and support for multiple sports programs. Additional facilities include the Willie E. "Rat" McGowan Stadium for , Alcorn Complex, E.E. Simmons Gymnasium, ASU Track and Intramural Field, an athletic academic center, weight room, and fitness center, all maintained to support training and competition across programs in the . Athletic support is overseen by Director of Athletics E. D'Wayne Robinson, an alumnus appointed on September 11, 2024, with over 25 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics and academics. The department includes specialized roles such as Assistant Vice President for Athletic Compliance and Academic Services, held by Cyrus K. Russ since at least 2016, focusing on NCAA compliance, eligibility, and academic progress. The Student Athlete and Family Enhancement (S.A.F.E.) Center, opened on October 19, 2018, provides dedicated resources for athlete welfare, family engagement, and holistic development.

Cultural and Extracurricular Activities

Marching Band and Performing Arts

The Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite serves as Alcorn State University's , renowned for its high-stepping style and intricate drills characteristic of historically black college and university (HBCU) traditions. Founded and directed by Samuel S. Griffin, who led the ensemble from its inception until his retirement in December 2012, the band has maintained a legacy of dynamic performances emphasizing precision marching, brass-heavy arrangements, and rhythmic percussion. Under current Director of Bands Dr. Everson Martin, appointed in fall 2018, the program continues to administer wind ensembles, sections, and marching routines while arranging original music. The band has garnered national recognition, including selection as one of the top HBCU ensembles for the 2017 , highlighting its competitive standing among peer institutions. In 2025, the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite was chosen to perform at the in , marking a milestone that required efforts exceeding $500,000 for travel, equipment, and attire to accommodate approximately 200 members. Closely affiliated with the band, the Golden Girls dance team, established in July 1968 as the first featured auxiliary squad at an HBCU, performs synchronized routines featuring precise footwork and formations during halftime shows and exhibitions. Beyond the marching band, Alcorn's performing arts encompass theater, choral ensembles, and related programs housed within the Department of Fine Arts in the Joyce J. Bolden Fine Arts Building. The speech and theater emphasizes practical production experience alongside historical analysis of dramatic works, enabling students to stage plays and develop performance skills. The ASU Concert Choir, accessible via audition, focuses on challenging vocal that demands technical proficiency and interpretive depth, with regular performances including and honors recitals. Additional outlets include a stepping team that showcases rhythmic, percussive dance traditions rooted in HBCU culture.

Student Organizations and Traditions

Alcorn State University supports over 60 registered student organizations, spanning academic, professional, honor, cultural, religious, and service categories, to foster leadership, scholarship, and campus involvement. These groups include discipline-specific entities such as the and Club, focused on topics, and the Student in the and , which promotes for future educators. Professional societies in the School of Business, like those emphasizing financial investments and , provide networking and practical training opportunities. Honor societies such as Golden Key International Honour Society, established on campus in 2013, recognize academic excellence among high-achieving students, alongside Mortar Board and Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society. Cultural and performing arts organizations include the ASU Concert Choir and Gospel Choir, which perform at university events and promote musical heritage. The Student Government Association functions as the central student governance body, advocating for student interests on university committees, coordinating annual elections, and organizing extracurricular planning, including services to address campus needs. Greek life comprises eight chapters of the (NPHC), emphasizing lifelong commitments to brotherhood and sisterhood through scholarship, philanthropy, and leadership; these include Fraternity (Delta Kappa Chapter, chartered 1950), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (Delta Epsilon Chapter, chartered 1949), and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority (Zeta Chapter, chartered 1945). Members contribute thousands of dollars annually to charities via service initiatives and engage in campus-wide activities to build community ties. Key traditions revolve around fostering "Alcorn pride," with annual serving as a cornerstone event that unites students, , and organizations in celebratory activities; the 2025 iteration, themed , spans October 6–11 and features a , homecoming court coronation, and a football game at Jack Spinks . Greek organizations prominently participate in Homecoming, including step shows and processions, reinforcing historical campus spirit dating to the university's founding as a historically Black land-grant institution. Additional events like Braves Fest, planned by the , highlight student-led traditions of fellowship and loyalty.

Administration and Governance

Board of Trustees and Leadership

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) serves as the constitutional for Alcorn State University and 's other seven , overseeing policy, budgets, and appointments including university presidents. Composed of 12 members appointed by the governor—with four from each of the state's three districts—for nine-year terms subject to confirmation, the board ensures statewide coordination of higher education while maintaining institutional autonomy. As of 2025, Gee Ogletree holds the position of board president, installed on June 2, 2025, with Dr. Steven Cunningham serving as vice president. At the university level, leadership is headed by President Dr. Tracy M. Cook, Ed.D., the 21st president, appointed by the IHL Board effective April 1, 2024, following a search process initiated after the prior president's departure. Cook, previously holding administrative roles in higher education, has emphasized enrollment growth, program enhancement in STEM and , and operational efficiency in his tenure. The president's cabinet provides executive support, including Provost and for Academic Affairs Dr. Joyce Buckner-Brown, for and Enrollment Management Mr. Elvin Parker, and for Business and Finance Dr. Edward Rice II, among others appointed in 2024 to address administrative priorities. This structure aligns with Mississippi's constitutional framework under Article 8, Section 213-A, vesting the IHL Board with authority to promote efficiency and prevent duplication across institutions, while university presidents execute day-to-day operations under board-approved policies. Recent board actions, such as Cook's appointment and cabinet approvals, reflect efforts to stabilize amid prior transitions, including the 2023 interim period following Dr. Felecia Nave's tenure.

Presidents and Key Administrators

Alcorn State University's first president was Hiram Rhodes Revels, who served from 1871 to 1882 after resigning his position as the first African American U.S. Senator from . Revels focused on establishing the institution as a land-grant college emphasizing and mechanical arts for freedmen. He was succeeded by John Houston Burrus (1882–1893), an alumnus and educator who expanded academic programs. Early subsequent presidents included Wilson H. Reynolds, Thomas J. Callaway, Edward H. Triplett, William H. Lanier, and Levi J. Rowan, who navigated the university through Reconstruction-era challenges and state funding fluctuations while maintaining its mission as a public HBCU. The institution has had 21 presidents in total over its 150-year , with leadership transitions often reflecting broader shifts in Mississippi's higher education policy for Black institutions. Among modern presidents, held the longest tenure, serving from 1969 to 1994 and overseeing significant campus expansions and accreditation advancements. Clinton Bristow Jr. led from 1995 to 2006, emphasizing faculty development and enrollment growth. Alfred Rankins Jr. served as the 19th president from 2014 to 2018, focusing on strategic planning and partnerships. Felecia M. Nave became the first female president, appointed in 2019. The current president, Tracy M. Cook (Ed.D.), the 21st in university history, assumed office on April 1, 2024, following an interim role since July 2023; an alumnus with over 25 years at Alcorn, Cook prioritizes academic excellence, improvements, and engagement. Key administrators under President Cook include the President's Cabinet, comprising Joyce Buckner-Brown as provost and for academic affairs, responsible for oversight and affairs; Elvin Parker as for business and finance; Edward Rice II in administrative roles; Maxine Greenleaf handling communications; Marcus Ward for ; and Earl D'wayne for operations. These positions support , with the provost playing a central role in academic policy execution.

Challenges and Controversies

State Funding Shortfalls and Disputes

In September 2023, the U.S. Department of Education notified officials of significant underfunding at Alcorn State University, the state's 1890 land-grant historically black college and university (HBCU), estimating a shortfall of $257,807,216 in federal agricultural funds over the preceding 30 years. This disparity arose because federal funds designated for 1890 institutions like Alcorn were disproportionately allocated to , the 1862 land-grant institution, with Alcorn receiving only about 7.8% of the intended share despite statutory requirements for equitable distribution based on enrollment and land-grant formulas. acknowledged the figure in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education , attributing the shortfall to historical allocation practices but disputing claims of intentional . The underfunding stems from longstanding disputes over compliance with the Second Morrill Act of 1890, which mandates separate funding streams for HBCUs to support agricultural and mechanical education programs, compounded by state-level decisions that favored predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Critics, including HBCU advocates, argue this reflects systemic inequities persisting from desegregation-era policies, as evidenced in prior litigation like the Ayers settlement (1990s–2000s), which addressed broader HBCU underfunding in but did not fully resolve agricultural fund disparities. In response to federal pressure, committed to remedial measures, though specifics on repayment or formula adjustments remain under negotiation as of 2024. These shortfalls have contributed to operational strains at Alcorn, including inadequate compensation and program limitations, exacerbating brain drain and enrollment challenges compared to better-resourced peers. A partial remedy came in June 2022 via a settlement with the Institutions of , allocating approximately $300,000 in unspent HBCU funds to Alcorn, though this represented a of the identified gap. Broader state funding for higher education institutions declined to $451.8 million in 2025, down from $477.2 million the prior year, further pressuring HBCUs amid competing priorities. Ongoing federal scrutiny, including Biden administration guidance to 16 states on HBCU underfunding, underscores the dispute's national implications for land-grant equity.

Leadership and Internal Management Issues

In 2021, students and faculty at Alcorn State University protested against President Felecia Nave's leadership, citing ineffective communication, lack of transparency, and inadequate response to campus crises such as the February 2021 , during which students lacked food and timely university intervention for several days. Faculty reported increased workloads, with teaching loads raised from four to five courses per semester without additional compensation, contributing to low morale and canceled classes. Persistent complaints included neglected campus infrastructure, such as unreliable WiFi, outdated technology, mold and mildew in dormitories, water leaks in academic buildings, and dilapidated athletic facilities like a moldy pool and broken locker rooms that prompted Southwestern Athletic Conference coaches to restrict team use. A February 2022 report by the alumni group Alcornites for Change documented 69 resignations or retirements among administrators, faculty, and staff between May and October 2021, attributing these to leadership failures that strained operations and exacerbated enrollment declines, with freshman numbers falling from 1,286 in 2017 to 641 in 2021. The report alleged financial mismanagement, including budget reductions for 14 academic departments and the nursing program in fiscal year 2021-2022, alongside delays in releasing a required strategic plan originally due in April 2021. An alumni survey cited in the report indicated 80% dissatisfaction with the administration's responsiveness. These internal challenges reflected broader management issues, including uneven resource allocation favoring administrative offices over academics. Nave's tenure ended on April 20, 2023, when the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board terminated her contract "for the board’s convenience" without specifying cause, following years of protests and calls for resignation. She received entitlement to the remainder of her $300,000 annual salary and was required to vacate on-campus housing within 30 days. Ontario Wooden served as interim president but departed after two months in June 2023 to focus on family matters. Earlier, in December 2013, President M. Christopher Brown II resigned amid a state investigation into university purchasing practices prompted by whistleblower complaints. The probe revealed $89,000 spent on furniture and renovations for the president's residence without competitive bidding, in violation of state laws, and $67,000 of bond funds diverted to unauthorized projects at the Vicksburg campus. Additional scrutiny involved a vendor, Average Joe Entertainment, which received $85,000 in fees from $631,300 in event expenditures, linked through Brown's aide Jeremy Mason. These incidents highlighted recurring patterns of oversight lapses in fiscal and under multiple administrations.

Enrollment and Operational Challenges

Alcorn State University's total enrollment stood at 2,995 students in fall 2024, reflecting a 3.5% increase from 2,894 in the prior year, with 2,532 undergraduates and 463 graduate students. Over the preceding decade, undergraduate enrollment averaged 2,808 students annually, though it dipped to around 2,432 in recent years before the latest uptick, amid broader pressures on historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) such as demographic shifts and competition from other institutions. Prior to this recovery, enrollment had declined for three consecutive years leading into 2021, contributing to student-led calls for presidential resignation over perceived ineffective leadership in addressing retention and recruitment. Operational challenges at Alcorn State stem primarily from chronic state underfunding, with a U.S. Department of Agriculture assessment determining that the university received $257,807,216 less than its entitled share of federal agricultural funds over the past 30 years, much of which was redirected to . This disparity has resulted in inadequate facilities, limited research opportunities, and poor staff remuneration, fostering internal brain drain as faculty seek better-resourced positions elsewhere. Despite efforts like a 2022 strategic plan aimed at transformative excellence, faculty critiques highlighted its failure to substantively tackle these fiscal and infrastructural deficits, exacerbating operational inefficiencies. These funding shortfalls have compounded enrollment vulnerabilities by constraining program quality and campus maintenance, though recent grants—such as a $1.5 million Delta Regional Authority award in 2025 for water and sewer improvements—offer targeted relief. Alcorn maintains from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, with program-specific reaffirmations in areas like as recently as June 2024, indicating no imminent threats to operational viability from regulatory lapses. Nonetheless, the persistent gap relative to peer land-grant institutions underscores causal links between resource inequities and sustained challenges in attracting and retaining students and talent.

Notable People

Alumni in Politics and Public Service

Charles Evers, who earned a B.S. from Alcorn State University in 1950, served as the first Black mayor of , from 1969 to 1981, marking the first such election in the state since Reconstruction, and as field secretary for the Mississippi branch of the following his brother Medgar's assassination. Albert Butler, recipient of a B.Ed. in and history from Alcorn State University in 1970, represented District 37 as a Democrat from 2010 to 2024, focusing on and issues during his tenure. LaKeshia Myers, who obtained a B.A. in from Alcorn State University in 2006, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly's 12th District in 2018 as a Democrat, serving until 2023 when she ran for state senate, with legislative priorities including and . Medgar Evers, alumnus with a B.S. in from Alcorn State University in 1952, held the role of field secretary for the NAACP's branch from 1954 until his assassination in 1963, organizing drives and civil rights protests amid widespread segregation.

Alumni in Sports and Entertainment

Alcorn State University has produced prominent alumni in professional , with and standing out for their collegiate and NFL achievements. McNair, who played for the Braves from 1992 to 1994, set the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) record for total offense at 16,823 yards, earning (SWAC) Offensive Player of the Year honors each season and leading Alcorn to consecutive SWAC titles. He was selected third overall in the by the (later ), where he played 13 seasons, accumulating 31,304 passing yards, 3,590 rushing yards, and earning three selections along with co-MVP honors in the 2003 season. , a who graduated from Alcorn in 1999 after recording 1,933 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns over four seasons, was drafted by the in the seventh round of the . Driver spent his entire 14-year career with the Packers, amassing 743 receptions for 10,137 yards, winning in 2011, and retiring as the franchise's all-time leader in receptions (later surpassed). In entertainment, , who played forward on the Alcorn State basketball team during the 1983-1984 season with averages of 1.9 points and limited minutes as a walk-on, left the university to support his family but later pursued acting. achieved acclaim for his role as John Coffey in the 1999 film The Green Mile, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best , and appeared in over 40 films including (1998) and (2000) before his death in 2012. , who attended Alcorn State from 1972 to 1973 while playing linebacker on the football team, transitioned to a music career after relocating to , becoming an R&B with hits like "If You Were Here Tonight" (), which peaked at number one on the R&B chart, and albums such as () that sold over a million copies. His discography includes collaborations with producers , yielding multiple Grammy nominations and enduring popularity in the genre.

Notable Faculty and Contributors

Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American to serve in the United States Senate (1870–1871), became the inaugural president of Alcorn State University upon its founding in 1871, holding the position until 1873. In this role, Revels focused on establishing academic programs and infrastructure for the newly created public college for freedmen, drawing on his background as a minister and educator in multiple states. Levi J. Rowan, an 1893 alumnus of Alcorn, served as an English instructor for twelve years before becoming the first graduate to lead the institution as president from 1905 to 1911 and again from 1916 until his death on June 28, 1934. During his tenure, Rowan oversaw significant expansion, including improvements in facilities and enrollment growth, contributing to the university's development as a key center for African American higher education in . Other contributors include early presidents like John Houston Burrus (1873–1875), who advanced , though less documented achievements distinguish them compared to Revels and Rowan. In recent years, faculty such as Dr. Alex D. W. Acholonu, a recognized among Mississippi's top medical and educators in 2013, have received accolades for teaching and research excellence.

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