Mississippi Valley State University students

Mississippi Valley State University students

Mississippi Valley State University

History

Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) opened in 1950 with 14 regular students and seven faculty members and the first president, Dr. J. H. White. The college offered a Bachelor of Science degree in 14 areas and provided Extension Services.

In 1964, the name was changed to Mississippi Valley State College and was authorized to offer Liberal Arts, Science, and Education degrees. Emphasis was also placed upon training in pre-professional and technical areas.

The second President, Dr. E. A. Boykins, took the helm in 1971. In 1974, Governor William A. Waller signed into law a bill granting university status to the Institution, which led to its name change to Mississippi Valley State University.

The University opened its Graduate Program in 1976. The third President, Dr. Joe L. Boyer, took office in 1982. Dr. William W. Sutton became the fourth President of the University in 1988. Dr. Lester C. Newman became the fifth president of Mississippi Valley State University.

Academic Merit

MVSU is primarily a regional public institution for the Delta region in Mississippi.

Undergraduate Majors include:

• Engineering Technology
• Criminal Justice
• Education
• Natural Sciences and Environmental Health
• Social Sciences
• Social Work
• Teacher Education
• Business Administration
• English
• Foreign
• Fine Arts
• Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
• Mass Communication
• Mathematics
• Computer and Information Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Environmental Health

This HBCU also offers Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, Environmental Health, and Teaching.

Campus Life

Mississippi Valley State University is located in Leflore County, one mile northeast of Itta Bena, adjacent to U.S. Highway 82 on 450 acres. In the heart of the Delta, the nearest small town is 5 miles away. Jackson is approximately 100 miles south and Memphis is 120 miles north.

The Delta Devils football team includes one notable alum, the all-time leading NFL receiver, Jerry Rice.

ADDRESS: 14000 Highway 82 West, Itta Bena, MS
PHONE: 662-254-9041
WEBSITE: https://www.mvsu.edu

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