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Mississippi College is a predominantly Baptist college located in Clinton, Mississippi . It is the oldest college in the state of Mississippi , and the 2nd oldest Baptist college in the U.S., second only to Furman University . The mascot is the Choctaw s, a reference to the Choctaw Indians that have a reservation in Mississippi. The school competes in the American Southwest Conference . Contrary to its name, Mississippi College holds university status. HISTORY Mississippi College, originally known as Hampstead Academy, received its first charter, signed by Governor David Holmes, on January 24, 1826. The name was changed to Mississippi Academy in 1827 at the request of the board of trustees. Three years later, on December 18, 1830, having become an institution of collegiate rank, the name was changed to Mississippi College. It was the third such institution in Mississippi, but as the other two institutions no longer exist, Mississippi College today has the distinction of being the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. Mississippi College, during its early years, was not church-related and was once offered to be 'the' State University. It has past affiliations with the community, the Methodists, the Presbyterians, back to the community and since 1850 it has been operated by the Mississippi Baptist Convention through an elected Board of Trustees. A private institution, the College in its early years was coeducational and in 1831, Mississippi College became the first such college in the U.S. to grant a degree to a woman. In 1850 the Female department was discontinued; and in 1853 a Central Female Institute, later renamed Hillman College, was established in Clinton. In 1942 Mississippi College purchased and absorbed Hillman College, and the institution was again coeducational. The Civil War caused Mississippi College to suffer: its endowment was destroyed, its student body disbanded, and its buildings deteriorated. Under the leadership of Dr. Warren S. Webb (1873-1891) the college stabilized. Provine Chapel with Belfry (1907) Under the administration of Dr. W. T. Lowrey (1898-1911), the endowment fund was renewed and the plant was greatly improved. The administration of Dr. J. W. Provine (1911-1932) was a fruitful period, seeing the completion of Provine Science Building (largely constructed in Dr. Lowrey's administration), and the construction of Lowrey Hall, Alumni Hall, Farr-Hall Hospital, Jennings Hall, Ratliff Hall and Crestman Hall. The endowment was increased to more than $500,000 and in 1922 the College was initially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The enrollment reached 400. During the twenty-five year administration of Dr. D. M. Nelson (1932-1957), the college successfully withstood the depression and emerged stronger. During World War II, women were once again admitted and the enrollment increased rapidly. The physical plant was expanded and Nelson Hall Administration Building, Hederman-Gunter Residence Hall and Mary Nelson Residence Hall were erected; Lowrey Hall and Ratliff Residence Hall were enlarged and improved. The College continued to grow under the administration of Dr. R. A. McLemore (1957-1968). Enrollment increased and the following buildings were constructed: Leland Speed Library, Aven Fine Arts Building (both of which were begun before Dr. Nelson retired), B. C. Rogers Student Center, Hederman Science Building, Latimer-Webb Residence Hall, Whittington Residence Hall, Self Hall and Hendrick House (President's home). The old cafeteria was converted into a women's gym; the Old Chapel (now Provine Hall) was restored; Ratliff and Crestman residence halls were renovated. Dr. Lewis Nobles's administration (1968-1993) saw continued growth in the areas of enrollment and quantity and qualifications of faculty. An addition to the library was made and the electronic media center emerged. Other construction included: Cockcroft Hall for the School of Nursing and Department of Home Economics, A. E. Wood Coliseum, and the James Moody Adams Field House. The Law School building in downtown Jackson was remodeled and was occupied by the School of Law in 1981. The Latimer House, a Victorian home, was dedicated in 1991. Unfortunately, Dr. Nobles's legacy was tarnished in its last years by the revelation of improprieties in the administration of athletic scholarships and mishandling of institutional funds. The first set of revelations resulted in the school having to surrender the NCAA Div. II National Championship in football and the second resulted in Dr. Nobles resigning the presidency while under criminal investigation. With the resignation of Dr. Nobles on August 3, 1993, Dr. Rory Lee, Vice President for Institutional Advancement was named Acting President, and ably served the college, maintaining student, staff and faculty morale during trying times. Dr. Howell Todd began his administration July, 1994, and began physical improvement to maintain and replicate the architectural character of the campus. Renovations and remodeling have transformed Nelson Hall, Alumni Hall, Jennings Hall and Jennings Annex, Self Hall, Farr Hall, and Latimer-Webb Residence Hall. Remodeling will soon be complete on B. C. Rogers Student Center, Hederman Science Building, Mary Nelson Residence Hall, and Hederman-Gunter Residence Hall. New construction included: The New Men's Residence Hall, The New Women's Residence Hall and the MC connector building between Self Hall and Hederman Science Building. The grounds have also undergone a make-over including The Piazza between Jennings and Alumni New parking lots have emerged and plans are underway for the ground floor of a parking garage. A 106,000 square foot (9,800 m²) Heathplex now stands in place of the old tennis courts; new tennis courts, baseball field and practice fields have been built. A campus-wide computer network has been installed to offer access to the Internet and act as a communication link for all administration, faculty, staff and students. In July 2002, Dr. Lee G. Royce began his administration as the 19th president of Mississippi College. INTERESTING FACTS
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