Explore MC’s timeline.
Discover the milestones that mark MC's history of striving to be a university recognized for academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ.
1826
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.
1827
Hampstead Academy changes its name to Mississippi Academy.
1830
Name change to Mississippi College.
1831
MC becomes the first coeducational college in America to grant degrees to women. Two women graduated in 1831 – Alice Robinson and Catherine Hall.
1842
Presbyterian Church receives control of Mississippi College.
1850
Mississippi Baptist Convention gains control of MC; the college discontinues classes for women.
1853
Central Baptist Association establishes Central Female Institute, a sister institution to MC.
1860
Provine Chapel is completed at a cost of $25,000.
1891
Central Female Institute changes its name to Hillman College.
1905
The first intercollegiate athletic contests were in baseball.
1907
Jennings Hall opens; MC plays its first intercollegiate football game, winning 6–0.
1921
Athletic teams become known as the Choctaws.
1927
George H. Mackie writes the Alma Mater.
1942
MC buys out Hillman College; the institution becomes coeducational again.
1948
Nelson Hall, the administration building, is formally dedicated.
1950
Formal graduate program is established.
1969
Nursing school is added.
1975
School of Law is added.
1996
Launches a $100 million capital campaign entitled "New Dawn," the largest campaign in the school's history. A new women's residence hall is built during the campaign.
2002
Launches an accelerated degree program for working adults.
2003
The Mississippi College Foundation is established to enhance ongoing giving; MC establishes an international center.
2005
The tribal council of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians passes a resolution supporting MC's use of the name "Choctaw" and related symbols.
2006
Launches a $65 million capital campaign entitled "Growing the Vision" to boost student scholarships, enhance facilities and strengthen academic programs. Gore Galleries is constructed.
2008
First scholarship banquet held with keynote speaker Bob Dole to raise money for student scholarships.
2011
Launches the state's first physician assistant program and awards its first educational leadership doctorate.
2013
Medical sciences building opened.
2015
Opens the first new residence halls in two decades.
2019
Honors College established; Edward McMillan Center for Education Abroad launched.
2020
Alumni Hall renovations completed, which added a new Visitor's Center, Chick-fil-A, Einstein Bros. Bagels, as well as office, study, and meeting spaces.
2022
Speed Scholarship program launched in honor of longtime benefactor Leland Speed, offering full tuition for eligible Mississippi students; led to a record-breaking class of over 1,000 new students in fall 2023.
2023
Gore Arts Complex opened; home to one of the state's only arts education programs and the new Institute for Southern Storytelling.
2024
Law School renovations began in downtown Jackson; the first major update to facilities in over 20 years.
