A resolution commending Mississippi Christian University for 200 years of service to the State of Mississippi and the United States.

[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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