History

Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU), nestled in Itta Bena, Mississippi, has cultivated a rich history and profound impact on higher education since its establishment.

Founding and Early Years

In 1946, the Mississippi Legislature authorized the creation of Mississippi Vocational College, aiming to train teachers for rural and elementary schools and provide vocational training. The institution commenced operations in the summer of 1950, enrolling 205 in-service teachers. The 1950-51 academic year welcomed 14 regular students and seven faculty members, offering Bachelor of Science degrees in 14 areas and extension services.

Evolution and Expansion

1964: Renamed Mississippi Valley State College, it gained authorization to offer liberal arts degrees alongside science and education degrees.
1974: Achieved university status, becoming Mississippi Valley State University, signifying its growth and broader academic scope.

Leadership Milestones

Dr. James Herbert White: The founding president from 1950 to 1971, he was instrumental in the university’s early development.
Dr. Earnest A. Boykins: Assumed presidency in July 1971, leading up to the institution’s elevation to university status in 1974.
Dr. Donna H. Oliver: In 2009, became the first female president, bringing new perspectives to the institution.
Dr. Jerryl Briggs, Sr.: Unanimously selected as the eighth president on October 19, 2017, he continues to lead MVSU with a focus on innovation and growth.

Academic Growth

Over the decades, MVSU has expanded its academic offerings:
1976: Introduced its first master’s degree programs, now offering advanced degrees in areas like environmental health, elementary education, criminal justice, business administration, special education, rural public policy, and the Master of Arts in Teaching.

Cultural and Community Impact

MVSU’s influence extends beyond academics:

Athletics: The university’s sports teams, notably the Delta Devils football team, have fostered school spirit and community engagement.

Alumni: Graduates have made significant contributions across various fields, reflecting the university’s commitment to producing impactful leaders.

From its humble beginnings in 1950, Mississippi Valley State University has evolved into a dynamic institution, continually adapting to meet the educational needs of its students and the broader community.

Itta Bena, MS (October 19, 2024) – The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils (0-7, 0-3) put up a valiant effort in their homecoming game but ultimately fell to the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (1-6, 1-2) at Rice-Totten Stadium, with a final score of 20-10.

The Delta Devils struck first, as kicker Marko Jovisic connected on a 45-yard field goal, giving MVSU an early 3-0 advantage.

However, the Wildcats responded in the second quarter with quarterback Luke Sprague’s 1-yard touchdown run and a 34-yard touchdown pass to Lorenzo Jenkins, pushing Bethune-Cookman to a 14-3 halftime lead. Despite the defeat, MVSU played with determination in front of a crowd of 9,321 fans, showcasing their effort on homecoming night.

The Delta Devils showed flashes of resilience but will need to regroup as they continue their pursuit of their first win of the season.