Jim Futral Addresses Mississippi College 190th Anniversary Event

Dr. Jim Futral

A longtime Baptist leader, Jim Futral will deliver Mississippi College Founder’s Day speech showcasing the Christian university’s 190^th anniversary.

Dr. Futral serves as executive director-treasurer of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board in Jackson. He will address hundreds of MC students at chapel at First Baptist Church Clinton on January 26. The program that Tuesday begins at 10:50 a.m. and the public is invited.

Founded in 1826, Mississippi College remains America’s 2^nd oldest Baptist college. Originally known as Hampstead Academy, MC battled major financial challenges, but kept its doors open during the Civil War and Great Depression.

MC saw enrollment on the Clinton campus rise dramatically following World War II as many soldiers returned home to get an education under the G.I. Bill.

Today, the institution enrolls 5,152 students, including more than 400 attending MC Law School in Jackson. In recent years, MC has enjoyed a construction renaissance, including a modern medical sciences building along College Street and new University Place residence halls.

MC leaders are delighted to welcome back Futral for the Founder’s Day program.

“Anytime we can put someone of the character and charisma of Dr. Jim Futral in front of our students, it is a good thing,” said Eric Pratt, vice president for Christian Development.

“To have him with us as we commemorate the 190^th anniversary of the charter of this school is a double honor,” Pratt added.

Futral has proven to be a gifted speaker at MC commencement programs and other noteworthy events in the life of the Baptist-affiliated university. The Mississippian received an honorary doctorate from Mississippi College in May 2014.

His Mississippi College roots run deep. His father, Rev. Guy Futral, was a 1951 MC graduate. Jim Futral is the former pastor of Broadmoor Baptist Church in Jackson. One of his three children, Rob Futral, is an MC alumnus serving as senior pastor at Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison.

Following the chapel program, students, faculty and staff will gather for coffee and cake on the Clinton campus. That day, MC family members are encouraged to come dressed in Blue and Gold clothing to celebrate the institution’s birthday.