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Congressional Daily Record
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Issued
July 30, 2026
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Download official Senate Record PDFReturn to issue context200 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND THE UNITED STATES
Mrs. HYDE-SMITH (for herself and Mr. Wicker) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
S. Res. 825
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.