Alcorn State University
Alcorn State, MS
Quick Facts
“"Service, Scholarship, Dignity" "Where Knowledge and Character Matter"”
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Alcorn State University
Alcorn State: The pioneering Black land-grant university forging futures since 1871.
Alcorn State University, a vibrant public historically Black land-grant research university, stands as a beacon of educational excellence adjacent to Lorman, Mississippi. As the first Black land-grant college established in the United States in 1871, Alcorn State holds a profound place in American history and continues to shape leaders with its commitment to "Service, Scholarship, Dignity" and where "Knowledge and Character Matter." Prospective students will find a welcoming community dedicated to fostering both intellectual growth and personal development.
From its inception, Alcorn State defied expectations, founded during the Reconstruction era on the site of Oakland College. Initially focusing on agricultural and mechanical training, the institution evolved dramatically over the decades. It transformed from Alcorn University to Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College, eventually earning its current university status in 1974. This evolution reflects a persistent dedication to expanding academic offerings and providing a comprehensive education, overcoming challenges to become the diverse, forward-thinking institution it is today.
Today, Alcorn State University offers a robust educational experience with undergraduate and graduate programs designed to equip students for successful careers, advanced graduate studies, and professional schools. With a student body of over 2,900 from around the globe, and a faculty and staff numbering over 500, students benefit from a supportive learning environment. The university's commitment to excellence is further bolstered by significant philanthropic support, including record-setting donations from MacKenzie Scott, signaling a bright future for its academic and research endeavors.
Beyond academics, Alcorn State boasts a dynamic student experience. The university's athletic teams, the Braves and Lady Braves, compete in NCAA Division I as proud members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), embodying the spirit of determination in their purple and gold colors. The beautiful 1,756-acre campus, along with additional campuses in Natchez and Vicksburg, offers a rich environment for learning, community engagement, and personal discovery, preparing graduates who truly make a difference in the world.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established on May 13, 1871, Alcorn State University holds the distinction of being the first Black land-grant college in the United States.
- ✦The university operates with a significant endowment, recorded at $21.3 million in 2021, augmented by a historic $42 million donation from MacKenzie Scott.
- ✦Boasts a diverse student body of 2,933 (Fall 2022), with over 500 faculty and staff, fostering a rich learning community.
- ✦Alcorn State's athletic teams, the Braves and Lady Braves, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
- ✦Offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, preparing students for advanced studies and diverse professional careers.
- ✦Guided by inspiring mottos: "Service, Scholarship, Dignity" and "Where Knowledge and Character Matter."
- ✦The main campus spans 1,756 acres, complemented by additional campuses in Natchez and Vicksburg.
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