Mississippi College Timeline

Mississippi Legislature passes an act to establish Hampstead Academy in Hinds County, making it the oldest institution of higher learning in Mississippi and the second oldest Baptist college in the country.

Name change to Mississippi Academy

Name change to Mississippi College

MC becomes the first coeducational college in America to grant degrees to women. Two women graduated in 1831 – Alice Robinson and Catherine Hall.

Presbyterian Church receives control of Mississippi College

Mississippi Baptist Convention gains control of MC; the college discontinues classes for women.

Central Baptist Association establishes Central Female Institute, a sister institution to MC.

Provine Chapel is complete at a cost of $25,000.

Central Female Institute, still a sister institution to MC, changes its name to Hillman College.

The first intercollegiate athletic contests were in baseball.

Mississippi College landmarks like Jennings Hall opened in 1907, and it was considered among the most elegant residence halls in the South. Mississippi College plays its first intercollegiate football game. It’s a win 6-0 over Chamberlain Hunt Academy.

Athletic teams become known as the Choctaws

George H. Mackie writes Alma Mater

Mississippi College buys out Hillman College; MC becomes coeducational again.

Nelson Hall, administration building located in the center of campus, is formally named and dedicated in honor of esteemed physics professor and long-time president of the college.

Formal graduate program is established.

Nursing school added

School of Law added

Launches a $100 million capital campaign entitled “New Dawn,” the largest campaign in the school’s history.

New women's residence hall was built during the New Dawn campaign.

Launches an accelerated degree program for working adults

The Mississippi College Foundation is established to enhance the ongoing giving to the university. MC establishes an international center.

The tribal council of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians passes a resolution supporting Mississippi College’s use of the name “Choctaw” and related symbols.

Launches a $65 million capital campaign entitled “Growing the Vision” to boost student scholarships, the university’s endowment, enhance facilities and strengthen academic programs.

The construction of the Samuel Marshall Gore Galleries, a spacious, modern facility in which student and professional artists can display their works was made possible through “Growing the Vision.”

First scholarship banquet with keynote speaker Bob Dole to raise money for student scholarships

Launches state’s first physician assistant program.
Awards its first educational leadership doctorate to a Jackson elementary school principal.

Medical sciences building opened

Opens the first new residence halls in two decades.