SenateS.Res. 825119th Congress
A resolution commending Mississippi Christian University for 200 years of service to the State of Mississippi and the United States.
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[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 825 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]
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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 825
Commending Mississippi Christian University for 200 years of service to
the State of Mississippi and the United States.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
July 30, 2026
Mrs. Hyde-Smith (for herself and Mr. Wicker) submitted the following
resolution; which was considered and agreed to
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Commending Mississippi Christian University for 200 years of service to
the State of Mississippi and the United States.
Whereas, on January 24, 1826, the Mississippi Legislature passed, and Governor
David Holmes signed into law, an Act establishing Hampstead Academy in
Hinds County, Mississippi, making what is now Mississippi Christian
University the oldest institution of higher learning in Mississippi;
Whereas, in 1827, Hampstead Academy changed its name to ``Mississippi Academy,''
and, in 1830, the institution became ``Mississippi College,'' offering
degrees in arts, sciences, and languages;
Whereas, in 1831, Mississippi College became the first coeducational institution
of higher learning in the United States to grant degrees to women,
bestowing diplomas upon Alice Robinson and Catherine Hall;
Whereas, in 1850, Mississippi College became affiliated with the Mississippi
Baptist Convention, making it the second-oldest Baptist college in the
United States;
Whereas, in 1921, the Mississippi College athletic teams became known as the
Choctaws, paying homage to the Native American heritage of the region;
Whereas the formal graduate program of Mississippi College was established in
1950, followed by the addition of the School of Nursing in 1969 and the
School of Law in 1975;
Whereas, in 2003, the Mississippi College Foundation was established to
strengthen ongoing giving, which supports the vision of Mississippi
College and recognizes its academic excellence and commitment to the
cause of Christ;
Whereas, in 2005, the Tribal Council of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
passed a resolution supporting the continued use of the name ``Choctaw''
and related symbols by Mississippi College;
Whereas, in 2011, Mississippi College launched the first physician assistant
program in the State of Mississippi and awarded its first educational
leadership doctorate;
Whereas, in 2019, the Mississippi College Honors College was established and the
Edward McMillan Center for Education Abroad was launched;
Whereas, in 2022, the Leland Speed Scholarship program, named in honor of
longtime benefactor Leland Speed, was established, offering scholarships
for eligible Mississippi students and leading to a record-breaking class
of more than 1,000 new students in the fall of 2023;
Whereas, in 2023, the Gore Arts Complex, named in honor of renowned artist Dr.
Samuel Gore, was dedicated and became home to the art programs of
Mississippi College and the Institute for Southern Storytelling,
representing the latest chapter in a legacy of excellence in art
programs and of commitment to faith at Mississippi College;
Whereas, in 2026, Mississippi College celebrates its bicentennial anniversary;
Whereas, on June 1, 2026, Mississippi College was renamed ``Mississippi
Christian University,'' reflecting its longstanding commitment to the
State of Mississippi, its Christian mission, and its comprehensive
educational offerings;
Whereas, today, Mississippi Christian University remains dedicated to excellence
and innovation in teaching and learning, fostering scholarship, creative
activity, and professional development among its faculty, staff, and
students;
Whereas, today, Mississippi Christian University student-athletes compete in 17
sports in the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference, including men's
baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, and track and
field and women's basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball,
tennis, track and field, and volleyball;
Whereas, today, Mississippi Christian University continues to make a significant
economic impact in central Mississippi as one of the largest employers
in Clinton, Mississippi;
Whereas, throughout Mississippi Christian University history, its alumni,
including 4 Mississippi governors and numerous public officials at the
State and local levels, have made and continue to make an immeasurable
difference in their communities through their professions, public
service, and vocational ministry; and
Whereas, throughout its history, Mississippi Christian University has
contributed significantly to the educational, civic, and spiritual life
of the State of Mississippi and the United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) commends Mississippi Christian University on the
occasion of its bicentennial for 200 years of distinguished
service to the State of Mississippi and the United States;
(2) recognizes Mississippi Christian University for its
faith-based academic, community, and athletic excellence; and
(3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate
transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to--
(A) the President of Mississippi Christian
University, Dr. Blake Thompson; and
(B) the Interim Provost of Mississippi Christian
University, Dr. Stephanie Busbea.
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