Page 2 - Alcorn - The University Magazine: Spring, 2012

From the President
Dear Alcornites and friends,
Perhaps more than any other time of year on campus, the start of a new semester is a time of new beginnings and intense anticipation for what’s to come. Residence halls are full of eager students, classes and rooms have been chosen, and new friendships that will last a lifetime begin to form.
Last year was a good year and my first as an Alcornite — so full of new discoveries, new collaborations, new friends, and new beginnings.
Record enrollment, the dedication of the Medgar Wiley Evers Heritage Village, the renaming and dedication of Highway 552 in honor of Dr. Walter Washington, and the continuation of construction projects are just a few milestones accomplished in 2011, many of which are featured in this issue of Alcorn. You will also meet our inaugural class of 40 under 40 — 40 outstanding alumni who are making a difference in the lives of others.
Moving forward, we will continue to engage opportunities and pursue excellence while redefining what it means to be a great public land-grant institution. Yes, this is a new beginning for Alcorn State University. With your support, we will discover new and varied ways to do what we do best: teaching, research, and public engagement that is relevant in the lives of the people we serve.
In my travels around the state and nation, I have met scores of alumni, friends, and business leaders who believe in the value of an Alcorn education. Like you, they recognize that diversity and inclusivity matter just as much as making sure Alcorn remains connected to our communities while expanding beyond our borders. ese principles have guided us in the past and continue to guide our future.
Finally, thank you for celebrating my 40th birthday by supporting student scholarships. Your generosity is the foundation of the new Alcorn and our new beginning. Remember, our never-ending quest for excellence begins with private support from friends and alumni like you.
Always Alcorn,
M. Christopher Brown II
M. Christopher Brown II, Ph.D.