III 

117TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. RES. 216 

Recognizing the 150th anniversary of Alcorn State University, the oldest 

public historically Black land-grant university in the United States. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

MAY 13, 2021 

Mr. WICKER (for himself and Mrs. HYDE-SMITH) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 

and Forestry 

RESOLUTION 

Recognizing the 150th anniversary of Alcorn State University, the oldest public historically Black land-grant university in the United States. 

Whereas May 13, 2021, marks the 150th anniversary of 

Alcorn State University— 

(1) the oldest public historically Black land-grant 

university in the United States; and 

(2) the second-oldest State-supported university in 

the State of Mississippi; 

Whereas the university now known as Alcorn State University 

was founded on May 13, 1871, in Lorman, Mississippi, 

as a result of efforts in the State to educate the descendants of formerly enslaved individuals; 


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•SRES 216 IS 

Whereas Alcorn State University derives its name from the 

sitting Governor of Mississippi at the time of its founding, James L. Alcorn; 

Whereas Hiram R. Revels, following his time in civic life as 

a United States Senator for the State of Mississippi, the 

first African-American Senator in the history of the 

United States, served as the first president of Alcorn 

State University; 

Whereas Alcorn State University consistently ranks among 

the top 25 historically Black colleges and universities in 

the United States by U.S. News & World Report; 

Whereas Alcorn State University— 

(1) provides a valuable education in various programs of study, including agriculture, arts, sciences, business, and education; and 

(2) offers the only nursing program available at a 

historically Black college and university in the State of 

Mississippi; 

Whereas a residential living option on the campus of Alcorn 

State University, the Medgar Wiley Evers Heritage Village, pays tribute to Medgar Evers, the civil rights leader 

and 1952 graduate of Alcorn State University; 

Whereas Alcorn State University alumnus Steve McNair led 

a decorated career in the National Football League (referred to in this preamble as the ‘‘NFL’’), which began 

when he was drafted third overall in the 1995 NFL 

draft, the highest draft selection for an offensive player 

from a historically Black college and university in the 

history of the NFL; and 

Whereas the successes of Alcorn State University are tied to 

the dedicated leadership and faculty who devote their caVerDate Sep 11 2014 02:37 May 14, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR216.IS SR216

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•SRES 216 IS 

reers to preparing future generations for excellence in 

academics and athletics: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) recognizes the 150th anniversary of Alcorn 

3 State University, the oldest public historically Black 

4 land-grant university in the United States; and 

5 (2) celebrates the invaluable contributions of 

6 Alcorn State University to higher education in the 

7 United States. 

Æ 


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