Millsaps College
Jackson, MS
Quick Facts
“Ad Excellentiam (Latin)”(In pursuit of excellence)
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Millsaps College
Millsaps: A historic private liberal arts college fostering excellence since 1890.
Nestled in the heart of Mississippi, Millsaps College stands as a distinguished private liberal arts institution with a rich history dating back to 1890. With an intimate student body of approximately 600, Millsaps offers a close-knit academic community where individualized attention and deep engagement are core to the learning experience. Guided by its Latin motto, "Ad Excellentiam" (To Excellence), the college is dedicated to preparing students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and leadership within a globally connected world.
At the very core of Millsaps' identity is its storied past, born from the vision and generosity of Confederate veteran Major Reuben Webster Millsaps. His foundational donation of land and $50,000, along with the leadership of first president William Belton Murrah and the fundraising efforts of Bishop Charles Betts Galloway, laid the groundwork for an institution committed to academic rigor and community service. Even today, the college maintains its affiliation with the United Methodist Church, preserving the values that inspired its inception.
Beyond its liberal arts foundation, Millsaps College boasts a unique place in national history. During World War II, it was selected as one of only 131 sites nationwide for the prestigious Navy V-12 College Training Program. From 1943 to 1945, Millsaps rigorously trained 873 Navy and Marine officer candidates, demonstrating its capacity for robust academic programming and national service. This legacy of dedication to critical education continues to shape its academic environment, encouraging students to pursue excellence in all their endeavors and contributing to a dynamic campus experience.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1890, boasting over a century of educational tradition.
- ✦Intimate learning environment with approximately 600 students.
- ✦Operates as a private liberal arts college, emphasizing a broad, foundational education.
- ✦Holds an endowment of $0.1 billion, contributing to institutional stability.
- ✦Played a crucial role in WWII, training 873 Navy and Marine officer candidates through the V-12 program (1943-1945).
- ✦Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, reflecting its founding principles.
- ✦Guided by the Latin motto "Ad Excellentiam" (To Excellence).
Timeline
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