Alcorn State University Commemorates 153 years since its founding as the nation’s first and oldest public land-grant HBCU

May 13th marked 153 years since Alcorn State University was founded in 1871, as the nation’s first and oldest public land-grant Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Also, Alcorn State holds the distinction as the second-oldest state-supported institution of higher learning in Mississippi.

Alcorn State was founded in 1871 as a result of the people of Mississippi’s efforts to educate the descendants of formerly enslaved Africans. It was named in honor of the sitting governor of Mississippi, James L. Alcorn.

Alcorn is situated in Claiborne County, seven miles west of Lorman, 80 miles south of the capital city of Jackson, Mississippi, 45 miles south of Vicksburg, and 40 miles north of Natchez.

The site was originally occupied by Oakland College, a school established by Presbyterians in 1828; the state of Mississippi purchased the Oakland campus for $40,000 and named it Alcorn University.

Hiram R. Revels resigned his seat as a United State Senators to become the University’s first president. The state legislature provided $50,000 cash annually for the university’s first 10 years to support its establishment and overall operation.

In 1878, Alcorn University became Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College. The college was exclusively for males at first, but eventually women were admitted. And in 1972, Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College became Alcorn State University. Governor William L. Waller signed House Bill 298, granting the status.

Over the years, the student enrollment increased from 179 students to more than 3,200 students with varied ethnic backgrounds. And over the decades, known as the “college that excelled against great odds” has become one of the leading universities in the nation. Alcorn State University operates divisions with degree programs in more than 40 areas, including bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist degrees, and doctor of nursing practice (2019).

Let’s honor and celebrate 153 years of excellence, traditions, and commitment to education as one of the nation’s 101 HBCUs. To learn more about Alcorn State University, visit www.alcorn.edu.