Mississippi Valley State University is a historically black university located in Itta Bena, Mississippi. The school was founded in 1950 as the Mississippi Vocational College. The college changed its name in 1964 to Mississippi Valley State College and was granted university status in 1974. The university is commonly referred to as MVSU or simply "The Valley".

MVSU's colors are kelly green and white and their nickname is the Delta Devils. MVSU sports teams participate in NCAA Division I (I-AA for football) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Famous alumni include NFL wide receiver and future Hall of Famer Jerry Rice.