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.Ladies of MCMississippi 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 Chrestman 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.MC Football PlayerDuring 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 Resident Hall, Self
Hall and Hendrick House (President's home). The old cafeteria was converted into a women's gym; the Old Chapel (now Provine) was
restored; Ratliff and Chrestman residence halls were renovated.Dr. Lewis Nobles' 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.With the resignation of Dr. Nobles on August 3, 1993, Dr. Rory Lee, Vice President for Institutional Advancement was named
Acting President.Construction of the New Men's Residence HallDr. 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 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.