News

MVSU Named Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for Fifth Consecutive Year

communications — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:51:33 +0000

MVSU Named Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for Fifth Consecutive Year

Tue, 09/09/2025 - 12:00

communications Wed, 09/10/2025 - 07:51

ITTA BENA, Miss. — 91�첥 (MVSU) has been named a Fulbright Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Institutional Leader for 2025 by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

This distinction recognizes HBCUs with exceptional engagement in the Fulbright Program, the nation’s flagship international academic exchange initiative. Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders encourage students, faculty, and administrators to participate in Fulbright exchanges while supporting visiting scholars and highlighting international engagement across campus.

MVSU has earned this honor for five consecutive years (2021–2025), joining a select group of institutions nationwide that consistently demonstrate a strong commitment to international education and exchange.

“This recognition is a testament to MVSU’s commitment to preparing students for success in a global society,” said Dr. Jerryl Briggs, Sr., President of MVSU. “Through programs like Fulbright, our students and faculty gain opportunities that broaden their perspectives, strengthen academic excellence, and elevate the University’s role on the international stage.”

Dr. Kathie Stromile Golden, provost and senior vice-president for academic affairs at MVSU and a Fulbright U.S. Scholar alumna, emphasized the program’s lasting impact. She noted that participation in Fulbright Programs “has enriched our Institution and the communities we serve.”

Dr. Lokesh Shivakumaraiah, Executive Director of International Programs and Special Assistant to the Provost, highlighted the importance of sustained engagement: “Our continuous engagement with the Fulbright Program allows MVSU to bring some of the best scholars from around the world to the Valley. It also helps our faculty and staff to apply for the Fulbright U.S. Scholars program to pursue research and academic collaborations with overseas institutions.”

For the 2025–26 academic year, MVSU proudly recognizes the following Fulbright recipients:

Mr. Abuther Alothman
Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant
Teaching Role: Arabic Instructor
Home Country: Iraq
Mr. Shubhrika Pansari
Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant
Teaching Role: Hindi Instructor
Home Country: India
Dr. Lokesh Shivakumaraiah
U.S. Fulbright Scholar — International Education Administrators, France
Title: Executive Director of International Programs and Special Assistant to the Provost

Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided nearly 450,000 participants from the United States and abroad the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research. Fulbrighters work across disciplines and cultures to tackle complex global challenges, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections.

Learn more about the Fulbright Program at https://fulbrightprogram.org.

MVSU to Celebrate the Life and Legacy of B.B. King with 11th Annual Symposium

communications — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 16:34:51 +0000

MVSU to Celebrate the Life and Legacy of B.B. King with 11th Annual Symposium

Wed, 09/03/2025 - 12:00

communications Wed, 09/03/2025 - 11:34

ITTA BENA, Miss. — 91�첥 will pay tribute to the “King of the Blues” this fall with the 11th Annual B.B. King Day Symposium, scheduled for Sept. 4, 2025, on the MVSU campus. The program, beginning at 9 a.m., is one of the signature events marking the 100th birthday of Riley B. King, the Delta native whose music and story continue to resonate around the globe.

The symposium is part of a series of centennial celebrations hosted throughout September across the Delta, including lectures, community festivals, and concerts at the B.B. King Museum and Historic Club Ebony in Indianola. This year’s observance carries added weight, as 2025 also marks 91�첥’s 75th anniversary, creating a rare opportunity to reflect on the shared heritage of the university and one of the state’s most celebrated cultural icons.

B.B. King was born in 1925 in Berclair, Mississippi, just a few miles from Indianola, and rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Known for his expressive guitar playing and soulful vocals, King brought Delta blues to international audiences, earning 15 Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

MVSU, located less than 30 miles from King’s hometown, has long recognized the importance of preserving and sharing his story. Over a decade ago, the B.B. King Day Symposium was launched as an academic and cultural forum where scholars, musicians, and community members could explore King’s influence on music, history, and society.

“B.B. King’s influence goes far beyond music—his story speaks to resilience, creativity, and the power of the Delta,” said Margaret Clark, symposium coordinator and Office Manager for Academic Affairs at MVSU. “We are proud to bring scholars, musicians, and community members together on our campus to celebrate his centennial and reflect on how his legacy continues to inspire new generations.”

The annual symposium has become a cornerstone of MVSU’s cultural calendar, drawing students, faculty, and guests from across the state. Past programs have featured panel discussions, performances, and reflections from musicians, historians, and cultural leaders. This year’s edition is expected to highlight King’s enduring impact while also tying into broader conversations about Mississippi’s role in shaping American music.

The symposium launches a packed schedule of events honoring King’s centennial. On Sept. 5, the Mississippi Blues Trail will unveil a new marker at the B.B. King Museum in Indianola. A Community Day Festival follows on Sept. 6, featuring live music, vendors, and activities for families. On Sept. 13, the museum will host an innovative “B.B. King Exclusive Hologram Experience” at Historic Club Ebony, offering audiences a new way to encounter King’s artistry.

The month-long celebration concludes Sept. 16 with a birthday observance at the museum, bringing together fans, musicians, and community members to honor what would have been King’s 100th birthday.

For MVSU, the B.B. King Day Symposium represents more than a single event—it extends the university’s mission to connect culture, education, and community. As the institution commemorates its own milestone of 75 years, university leaders say the symposium reflects the spirit of perseverance and creativity that defines both the Delta and its people.

“B.B. King’s journey reminds us that greatness can rise from the most challenging of circumstances,” Clark added. “That message continues to resonate with our students and with all who call the Mississippi Delta home.”

For more information about the B.B. King Day Symposium and related centennial events, visit bbkingmuseum.org.

91�첥 to Host 2025 Fall Convocation with Keynote Speaker Dr. Miskia L. Davis

communications — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 19:03:27 +0000

91�첥 to Host 2025 Fall Convocation with Keynote Speaker Dr. Miskia L. Davis

Thu, 08/21/2025 - 12:00

communications Thu, 08/21/2025 - 14:03

ITTA BENA, Miss. — 91�첥 (MVSU) is pleased to announce its 2025 Fall Convocation, scheduled for 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, in the Walter Roberts Auditorium of the H.G. Carpenter Building. This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Miskia L. Davis, Director of District and School Performance and Accountability for The Kirkland Group, an education consulting firm based in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

Dr. Davis, a native of the Mississippi Delta, is widely recognized as a transformative educational leader. She previously served as Superintendent of the Sunflower County Consolidated School District, where she led the district from years of chronic underperformance to sustained academic gains — including earning its first-ever “C” rating in 2019 and later achieving a “B,” the highest in the region.

Her leadership was marked by bold accountability measures, innovative teacher support systems, and a relentless focus on student success. Community celebrations, from parades to student recognition initiatives, helped shift the district culture from resignation to resilience, with the hashtag #WINNING becoming a mantra for progress.

A lifelong educator, Dr. Davis has served as teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent, developing a reputation for turning around struggling schools. As principal, she successfully raised Ruleville Middle School from an “F” to an “A” in just three years. Today, through her role with The Kirkland Group, she consults with districts statewide, sharing the proven strategies that brought meaningful change to Sunflower County.

Her educational journey includes a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Chemistry from Delta State University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from William Carey University. Beyond her credentials, Davis is driven by her personal story. Growing up in Drew, Mississippi, she experienced many of the same challenges her students face today. That background, she says, grounds her philosophy that relationships are the most powerful catalyst for change.

“To grow children, much like flowers, you must plant them in fertile ground and intentionally care for them daily,” Dr. Davis has shared.

MVSU President Dr. Jerryl Briggs, Sr., expressed excitement about her keynote.

“Dr. Davis’s story is about perseverance, leadership, and vision. She embodies the mission of 91�첥, empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential. We are honored to welcome her as our convocation speaker,” said Dr. Briggs.

The Fall Convocation is a longstanding MVSU tradition. It signals the beginning of the academic year and unites students, faculty, staff, and the broader community in reflection and inspiration.

The event is open to the public, and all members of the Delta community are invited to attend.

91�첥 appoints Dr. Candace Carter Stevens Assistant Vice President of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

communications — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 18:46:19 +0000

91�첥 appoints Dr. Candace Carter Stevens Assistant Vice President of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

Thu, 08/21/2025 - 12:00

communications Thu, 08/21/2025 - 13:46

ITTA BENA, Miss. — 91�첥 has appointed Dr. Candace Carter Stevens as assistant vice president of institutional research and effectiveness.

Stevens transitions into the role after serving as an associate professor of mathematics in the Department of Mathematics, Computer and Information Sciences, and most recently as president of the Faculty Senate.

With nearly 25 years of experience in education—20 of them at MVSU—Stevens brings a strong background in academic culture, data-driven decision-making, and institutional accountability. Her expertise, combined with a passion for student achievement and educational equity, positions her to advance the university’s assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement goals.

A native of Cleveland, Mississippi, Stevens earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education, a master’s degree in mathematics from Jackson State University, and a doctorate in science education with a concentration in mathematics education from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has led and contributed to several federally funded STEM education projects, including NASA and the U.S. Department of Education initiatives, focusing on improving academic performance among underrepresented students and closing STEM education gaps in the Mississippi Delta.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to serve in this capacity,” Stevens said. “I am grateful to President Jerryl Briggs and Dr. Kathie Golden for their confidence in my leadership, Dr. Sharon Freeman for laying the foundation, and my family, colleagues, mentors, and students who have poured into my journey. I remain committed to advancing MVSU’s mission and fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and student success.”

Outside of academia, Stevens is recognized for her community outreach, faith-based programs, and educational initiatives that empower youth and promote equity.

MVSU’s Dr. Abigail Newsome Selected for Harvard’s Strategic Data Project Fellowship

communications — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:36:01 +0000

MVSU’s Dr. Abigail Newsome Selected for Harvard’s Strategic Data Project Fellowship

Thu, 07/17/2025 - 12:00

communications Thu, 07/17/2025 - 10:36

ITTA BENA, Miss. — Dr. Abigail Newsome, associate vice president for academic affairs at 91�첥, has been selected to join the inaugural cohort of the Strategic Data Project (SDP) Fellowship, representing MVSU in a prestigious national initiative aimed at strengthening data practices at Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).

The SDP Fellowship is an initiative of the Harvard University Center for Education Policy Research. It is supported by the Gates Foundation in collaboration with the United Negro College Fund, Complete College America, and Growing Inland Achievement. The fellowship enhances institutional capacity, strengthens data analytic skills, and promotes evidence-based solutions to improve student outcomes.

Newsome is one of 18 fellows selected nationwide for the new MSI Data Community of Practice and Fellowship. The 18-month program will combine in-person and virtual training, collaborative projects, and the development of public-facing resources to support student success in higher education.

“I am honored to represent 91�첥 in this groundbreaking fellowship,” Newsome said. “This opportunity will help us better leverage data to improve student outcomes and institutional effectiveness. It’s about using evidence to create equity and excellence in education.”

Fellows will attend an in-person orientation this July in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where they will begin setting goals related to data governance, student success analytics, data communication, and student voice. The cohort will conclude in September 2026.

“We couldn’t be more excited to serve and support MSI data leaders and their institutions as they harness evidence to improve student outcomes,” said Miriam Greenberg, senior director of the Strategic Data Project. “These fellows are poised to bring about powerful change not only within their campuses, but across the entire sector.”

To learn more about the Strategic Data Project and the MSI Data Community of Practice and Fellowship, visit https://sdp.cepr.harvard.edu/sdp-minority-serving-institution-msi-data-community-practice-and-fellowship.

The inaugural cohort includes:

Abigail Newsome, 91�첥 (Itta Bena, MS)
Alejandra Villalobos Melendez, The University of New Mexico-Taos (Ranchos de Taos, NM)
Charla Orozco, The University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM)
Christopher Crew, San Bernardino Community College District (San Bernardino, CA)
Daniel Sisco, Northampton Community College (Bethlehem, PA)
Gloria Davis, Texas Southern University (Houston, TX)
Mariana Rincon Osorio, Florida Memorial University (Miami Gardens, FL)
Marlin Hicks, Johnson C. Smith University, Incorporated (Charlotte, NC)
Rahat Khan, Claflin University (Orangeburg, SC)
Raquel Borges-Hernandez, University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus (Mayaguez, PR)
Samantha Petitt, Walla Walla Community College (Walla Walla, WA)
Sandra Ramawy, Lane College (Jackson, TN)
Sharmyne Evans, Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA)
Stephanie Mayberry, Kentucky State University (Frankfort, KY)
Tanner Carollo, California State University, San Bernardino (San Bernardino, CA)
Veronica Powell Shuford, Virginia State University (Petersburg, VA)
Yan Ma, University of California, Riverside (Riverside, CA)
Yasser Ismail, Southern University and A&M College (Baton Rouge, LA)

SDP Overview: Based at the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University, the Strategic Data Project is transforming the use of data in education to improve student achievement. It provides premier professional development programs, research services, and valuable resources for schools, districts, and states. Partnering with SDP helps system leaders build internal capacity, uncover insight, and inform policy and strategic management decision-making.

About the Strategic Data Project Fellowship: The SDP Fellowship is an intensive capacity-building program that places new data strategists and trains existing talented data strategists in education agencies to have an immediate impact on policy decisions that affect student outcomes. It includes extensive training in measurement and analysis, leadership and change management, and education policy, and leverages SDP’s extensive network of experts, faculty, and more than 600 fellows trained across almost 300 partner organizations.

SWAC TV Debuts with MVSU vs. Southern Matchup

communications — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:55:31 +0000

SWAC TV Debuts with MVSU vs. Southern Matchup

Wed, 07/16/2025 - 12:00

communications Wed, 07/16/2025 - 11:55

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced its 2025 SWAC TV Football schedule, with the inaugural slate set to include 45 football games.

Mississippi Valley State will host the first SWAC TV broadcast of the season when the Delta Devils welcome defending SWAC West Division champion Southern to Itta Bena on Saturday, August 30 at 4 p.m. CST.

“The debut of SWAC TV is undoubtedly a game-changer for the Southwestern Athletic Conference,” said SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland. “For the first time in history, our fans and supporters will have a high-quality, technologically advanced streaming platform solely dedicated to broadcasting live events and delivering high-definition on-demand league content.”

SWAC TV will officially be available for download on Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Google Play, and Android TV. The free platform will feature preseason, regular season, and postseason live events across 18 league-sponsored sports while also offering unique feature content, sports talk shows, and podcasts.

“With over a century of profound history and even brighter days ahead, we look forward to effectively utilizing SWAC TV as a catalyst to tell the impactful stories and legacies both past and present that have helped shape the SWAC into what it is today, which is one of the premier athletic associations in the nation,” said McClelland.

The schedule of SWAC games is highlighted by several Classic match-ups, including the Labor Day Classic (Texas Southern vs. Prairie View A&M), the Shreveport Classic (Langston vs. Grambling State), the W.C. Gorden Classic (Tuskegee at Jackson State), and the State Fair Classic (Grambling State vs. Prairie View A&M).

The 2025 Turkey Day Classic featuring Tuskegee at Alabama State will conclude SWAC TV coverage on Thursday, Nov. 27 at 2 p.m. CST.

About SWAC TV
SWAC TV is the exclusive sports streaming platform of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, serving students, alumni, and fans in the U.S. with exclusive access to live league sports events each year, an unmatched library of on-demand replays and acclaimed original content, along with premium postseason events. Fans can download SWAC TV for free on Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Google Play, and Android TV. SWAC TV is also available online at SWAC TV.

About the SWAC
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.

The league's current championship competitions include men's Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, and Tennis.

Women’s competition is offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.

Follow the SWAC
For complete coverage of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, please follow the SWAC on social media at @TheSWAC (Twitter), @TheSWAC (Facebook), and @TheSWAC (Instagram) or visit the official home of the Southwestern Athletic Conference at www.swac.org.

MVSU Names Dr. Alecia Shields-Gadson as New Director of Athletics

communications — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 20:11:49 +0000

MVSU Names Dr. Alecia Shields-Gadson as New Director of Athletics

Mon, 07/14/2025 - 12:00

communications Mon, 07/14/2025 - 15:11

ITTA BENA, Miss.—91�첥 has named Dr. Alecia Shields-Gadson as its new Director of Athletics, effective Tuesday, July 15. With more than 25 years of experience in collegiate athletics leadership, Shields-Gadson brings a record of strategic innovation, competitive success, and student-athlete advocacy to the Delta Devils family.

Shields-Gadson most recently served as Deputy Athletic Director at Alcorn State University, where she was responsible for strategic planning, executive consultation, and departmental oversight. Prior to her time at Alcorn, she served as Director of Athletics at Delaware State University, where she led 19 Division I varsity programs to historic achievements, including conference titles, national competition appearances, and a landmark $1 million private donation to support athletics.

Under her leadership at Delaware State, the university launched the nation’s first Division I women’s varsity wrestling program and underwent significant athletic facilities transformation. Her efforts also included successful Title IX equity planning, increased student-athlete academic support, and major conference alignments.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Alecia Shields-Gadson to 91�첥,” said MVSU President Dr. Jerryl Briggs, Sr. “Her extensive experience, transformational leadership, and proven track record in athletics administration will be instrumental as we continue to elevate MVSU Athletics and enhance the student-athlete experience. We look forward to the future under her direction.”

Shields-Gadson has held multiple leadership roles at institutions across the country, including Coppin State University and Alcorn State, where she began her career as head track and field coach and Senior Woman Administrator. She is a former NCAA Leadership Development Fellow and has served on numerous NCAA and conference committees, including the NCAA Division I Council and the Competition Oversight Committee.

In accepting the role, Shields-Gadson expressed her gratitude and her forward-looking vision for the program.

“I want to first thank President Dr. Jerryl Briggs, along with the search committee, for entrusting me with this opportunity to guide 91�첥 on the path to success as we begin the journey of blazing our own path,” Shields-Gadson said.

“My vision for MVSU Athletics is one of growth, excellence, and unwavering commitment to our most prized possessions—our student-athletes. The goals are focused on competitive success, sustainability, and expanding our footprint, while creating a supportive and enriching environment where student-athletes can thrive academically, athletically, and personally.”

Shields-Gadson holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Delaware State University, a Master of Science in Physical Education from Alcorn State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Southern University and A&M College.

She becomes the second woman to serve as Director of Athletics at MVSU and steps into the role with a strategic focus on excellence, equity, and student-centered leadership.

91�첥 also extends its appreciation to Collegiate Consulting, the national athletics consulting firm that assisted in the search process.

MVSU Names Dr. Ernie Troy Hughes as Vice President for University Advancement, Governmental Affairs, and External Relations

communications — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:25:28 +0000

MVSU Names Dr. Ernie Troy Hughes as Vice President for University Advancement, Governmental Affairs, and External Relations

Thu, 07/03/2025 - 12:00

communications Thu, 07/03/2025 - 10:25

ITTA BENA, Miss.— 91�첥 (MVSU) has appointed Dr. Ernie Troy Hughes as its new Vice President for University Advancement, Governmental Affairs, and External Relations. Hughes brings with him more than thirty years of leadership in philanthropy, community development, and higher education advancement.

Dr. Hughes began his new role on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, and is charged with leading MVSU’s strategic efforts in fundraising, alumni relations, governmental outreach, and external engagement.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Hughes to the MVSU family,” said MVSU President Dr. Jerryl Briggs. “His transformative leadership, national reach, and deep understanding of university advancement will be key as we continue to keep Valley in motion with purpose and vision.”

A Mississippi native and seasoned advancement executive, Dr. Hughes most recently served as Vice President for University Advancement at Truman State University in Missouri, where he led a $79 million foundation and increased philanthropic giving by more than 60 percent. His prior roles include senior leadership positions at Morehouse School of Medicine, Winona State University, and the Southern University System. He also developed the “Truman Rising” strategic plan, aligning academic and advancement goals in preparation for a major campaign.

Known for restructuring advancement offices for high impact, Dr. Hughes is a strategic thinker who connects innovation, storytelling, and donor engagement to drive results.

Dr. Hughes holds a Ph.D. in Human Resource Development from Louisiana State University, an MBA in Marketing, and a BBA in Finance from Mississippi State University. He has also completed leadership training at Harvard University, the U.S. Army War College, and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

His extensive career has included securing multimillion-dollar gifts, developing strategic corporate partnerships, overseeing complex bond-financed capital projects, and growing alumni giving and engagement.

At MVSU, Dr. Hughes is already casting a bold vision for the future of giving.

“We are asking people to give through VALLEY—not just to VALLEY,” Dr. Hughes emphasized. “At 91�첥, we are redefining what giving means. We're not just asking for support; we’re inviting you to become part of a movement. When you give through Valley, your gift becomes an action item—an investment in a new Valley that reflects innovation, resilience, and relevance. You’re not giving to maintain the status quo but to ignite change.”

President Briggs added, “Dr. Hughes’s commitment to developing meaningful partnerships reflects the very essence of our mission. His vision will elevate MVSU’s external profile and drive transformational change on our campus.”

In addition to his fundraising expertise, Dr. Hughes is a Fulbright Scholar, Gallup-certified coach, and U.S. Army veteran. His work has helped secure multimillion-dollar gifts, launched new institutional initiatives, and developed entrepreneurial public-private partnerships to enhance student life.

A champion of community engagement and institutional innovation, Dr. Hughes said he is eager to connect with MVSU alumni, corporate partners, and governmental stakeholders to advance the university’s legacy and future.

91�첥 and Emmett Till Interpretive Center Announce Opening of the Powerful Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See Traveling Exhibit

communications — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 21:20:31 +0000

91�첥 and Emmett Till Interpretive Center Announce Opening of the Powerful Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See Traveling Exhibit

Thu, 06/26/2025 - 12:00

communications Thu, 06/26/2025 - 16:20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:

Donnell D. Maxie, 91�첥, (662) 254-3577, donell.maxie@mvsu.edu

Jason Thompson, Fahrenheit Creative Group, LLC, (601) 371-8003, jthompson@fcgworks.com

ITTA BENA, MS—91�첥 (MVSU) and the Emmett Till Interpretive Center (ETIC) are honored to announce that the powerful traveling exhibition Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See is open to the public weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the James Herbert White Library on the MVSU campus. This opening marks only the second time the acclaimed exhibit has been displayed in Mississippi, following its previous showing at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson in 2023.

The location of this exhibition, which is free to the public, holds particular historical significance, as 91�첥 is situated approximately 30 miles from Graball Landing on the Tallahatchie River, where 14-year-old Emmett Till's body was discovered in August 1955. The proximity to this tragic site adds profound meaning to the exhibit's presence at MVSU, which will be on display through September 21.

“This exhibition provides an invaluable educational opportunity for our students, faculty, and the broader community,” said Dr. Kathie Stromile Golden, Provost and Senior Vice-President for Academic Affairs at MVSU. “Having this powerful story told at our university, so close to where these tragic events unfolded, creates a unique opportunity for reflection, learning, and healing.”

Developed by the Till family in collaboration with the Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley Institute, the Emmett Till Interpretive Center, and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Let the World See invites visitors to bear witness to the painful history of racial violence while exploring the transformative actions of a grieving mother who refused to let her son's death be in vain.

A centerpiece of the exhibition is a bullet-riddled, vandalized historical marker that both commemorates a tragedy and illustrates the ongoing scourge of racism. Historic markers installed near the Tallahatchie River have been continually stolen, shot at, and vandalized. This damaged sign serves as a stark reminder that the fight against racial hatred continues today.

“We are thrilled about this opportunity to partner with 91�첥 to bring this exhibit to the Mississippi Delta, where the legacy of Emmett Louis Till and Mamie Till-Mobley continues to shape the way our communities heal,” said Patrick Weems, executive director of the Emmett Till Interpretive Center. “This experience will help people process past pain and imagine new ways of moving forward, which is a critical part of our work to promote restorative justice and foster community healing and understanding.”

Let the World See tells the heartbreaking yet inspiring story of how a mother's courage transformed unimaginable grief into a catalyst for the American Civil Rights Movement. When Emmett's body arrived in Chicago, his mother insisted on an open casket so the world could see the ugly face of hatred and racism.

“We encourage youth summer programs and schools to visit the exhibit to learn more about this important part of our shared history on a campus that is shaping the next generation of leaders,” said Dr. Golden. The exhibit, which is recommended for ages ten and up, serves as both a memorial to Emmett Till's life and a call to action for contemporary audiences. Through compelling storytelling, artifacts, and interactive elements, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how Mamie Till-Mobley's brave decision to share her grief publicly sparked a movement that changed the nation.

This exhibition’s tour to MVSU was made possible by a generous donation from the Maddox Foundation. This project was made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom, the Maddox Foundation in Hernando, MS, the Institute for Museum and Library Services [MH-249226-OMS-21], and the Historic Preservation Fund administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior [15.904]. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is proud to partner with Riley Children’s Health, Old National Bank, Ice Miller LLP, and the Heritage Group.

For more information about the exhibit, contact the Emmett Till Interpretive Center at (662) 351-3791 or visit www.emmett-till.org/exhibit-at-mvsu. Media inquiries should be directed to info@emmett-till.org.

###

About the Emmett Till Interpretive Center
Established in 2006, the Emmett Till Interpretive Center is committed to accurately portraying the history and legacy of the 1955 Emmett Louis Till tragedy by promoting racial healing and reconciliation through museum interpretation, public education, memorialization, historic preservation, and community development initiatives.

About 91�첥
Founded in 1950, MVSU is a Historically Black University committed to academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and preparing students for leadership and service in a global society. 91�첥 continues to be a beacon of higher education, vibrant spirit, and artistic distinction. MVSU invites you to the family. Learn more at www.mvsu.edu.

About the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
We ignite joy, wonder, and curiosity by creating powerful learning experiences for children and adults. For more information about The Children's Museum, visit childrensmuseum.org and follow us @childrensmuseum on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

MVSU Communications Team Wins multiple Awards at 2025 CPRAM Conference

communications — Thu, 22 May 2025 19:23:59 +0000

MVSU Communications Team Wins multiple Awards at 2025 CPRAM Conference

Thu, 05/22/2025 - 12:00

communications Thu, 05/22/2025 - 14:23

LaTunya Evans, Communications Specialist

STARKVILLE, Miss. — 91�첥’s Communications and Marketing Office took center stage at the 2025 College Public Relations Association of Mississippi (CPRAM) Conference, earning 19 awards across 10 categories for outstanding work in higher education marketing and communications.

Held May 19-21 at The Mill at Mississippi State University, the annual conference spotlights outstanding public relations, marketing, and communications work across Mississippi’s colleges and universities. MVSU’s showing included two first-place awards, four second-place wins, and a host of third-place honors spanning visual design, video production, photography, and integrated campaigns.

“These awards are a testament to the creative synergy within our team and our shared commitment to telling the Valley story with excellence,” said Donell Maxie, MVSU’s Director of Communications and Marketing. “We are intentional about our messaging, strategic in our planning, and passionate about representing MVSU with integrity and vision.”

Award Highlights
First Place

Justice Williams – Single Piece Artwork – Sports
Donell Maxie & John McCall II – Sports Promo/Hype Video

Second Place

LaTunya Evans – Student Life Photo
Karrington Stockstill – Sports Promo Video
Donell Maxie – Sports Photo
Maxie & McCall – Brochure

Third Place

Williams – Single Piece Artwork – Sports
Maxie & McCall – Wildcard Print
Evans, Williams & Stockstill – PR/Marketing & Branding Campaign
Evans, Williams, Stockstill, Maxie & McCall – Graduate School Commercial

The MVSU Communications and Marketing team is housed within the Division of University Advancement and consists of Maxie; John McCall II, senior graphic designer; LaTunya Evans, communications specialist; Justice Williams, associate graphic designer; and Karrington Stockstill, project coordinator and social media manager.

Maxie also highlighted the professional enrichment provided by the conference.

“Beyond the awards, CPRAM is an invaluable platform for learning,” he said. “We return each year not only with awards, but with new strategies, fresh ideas, and renewed inspiration to amplify the Valley brand.”

Maxie was re-elected to the CPRAM Board as a four-year college and university representative. He has served in this leadership role for the past three years, helping guide strategic planning, programming, and professional development efforts for higher education communicators across the state.