Alcorn State University

Alcorn State University stands as a beacon of progress and resilience, proudly holding the distinction of being the first black land-grant college established in the United States. Founded in 1871 during the Reconstruction era, this public historically black university, located adjacent to Lorman, Mississippi, was a pioneering institution dedicated to educating formerly enslaved individuals. Its establishment marked a crucial step in expanding access to higher education, setting a precedent for similar institutions nationwide and fostering a legacy of empowerment and opportunity.

From its earliest days, Alcorn State was shaped by visionary leaders, including United States Senator Hiram R. Revels, who famously resigned his Senate seat to become the university's first president. Initially supported by state funds and federal land-grant legislation, the university evolved from its early focus on agricultural and mechanical training to a comprehensive institution. Although facing challenges like funding cuts in its early history, Alcorn persevered, growing from a small all-male institution to one that welcomed women in 1895 and now boasts a vibrant, diverse student body of nearly 3,000 from around the globe.

Today, Alcorn State University embodies its mottoes, "Service, Scholarship, Dignity" and "Where Knowledge and Character Matter," by providing a robust educational experience. It prepares students not only for advanced studies in graduate and professional schools but also for impactful careers in teaching and various professions. As a land-grant research university and a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Alcorn continually diversifies its programs, offering both undergraduate and graduate education designed to equip students with specialized knowledge and critical skills for a dynamic world.

Beyond academics, the Alcorn experience is enriched by a spirited campus life, highlighted by its NCAA Division I athletic teams, the Braves and Lady Braves, who compete fiercely in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The university's growing prominence has attracted significant support, notably a transformative $25 million donation in 2020, followed by an additional $42 million from MacKenzie Scott, further solidifying its future. Alcorn State remains a vibrant hub where history, innovation, and community converge to shape future generations of leaders and change-makers.