Academics
At Mississippi Valley State University, students are trained to be critical thinkers, exceptional communicators, and service-oriented, engaged, and productive citizens. Educational opportunities abound, each designed to positively impact the quality of life for the Mississippi Delta region and beyond. The total undergraduate/graduate enrollment for MVSU is typically around 2,000 students, with Black students making up 95% of the population. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in nearly 20 majors through their colleges of Arts and Sciences, Professional Studies, and Education, as well as the MVSU Graduate School. There is also an Honors Program for qualifying students. Internships are encouraged and many MVSH students have interned with the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington D.C. Highly qualified faculty, academic support services, online learning options, and extended education courses are some of the ways that the University ensures a successful path to graduation.
Career
MVSU’s eight campus residences are home to about 1,000 students and have each been outfitted with a computer lab, cable services, and high-speed Internet connections to enhance in-room studying. The heart of the campus is the Jacob Aron Student Union, known as the school’s “living room.” Here, students can access services, conveniences, and amenities, socialize with other “Delta Devils,” and explore activities that meet every interest. Aspiring journalists and photographers can work on the Delvian yearbook or the Delta Devil Gazette. Students wishing to enhance their leadership skills can join the Student Government Association. Other organizations include English Club, Future Teachers of America, and the Trades and Industries Club.,p>MVSU has a robust Greek life with nine Greek-letter organizations and five non-Greek letter honor and service societies, along with numerous other groups such as theater, orchestra, band, and the Satin Dolls dance squad. The school’s marching band is called the “Mean Green Marching Machine” (and sometimes “The Mack of the SWAC” for Southwestern Athletic Conference). In 1965, they were the first African American band to participate in the Tournament of Roses parade. MVSU’s male and female teams participate at the NCAA Division I in the SWAC, across all the key sports from basketball and football to golf, tennis, track, and more.
Culture
The University has developed what they call “a lifelong resource” in their Career Services Center. The Center, which features a career library and lab, offers a variety of services, workshops, and support to current students as well as to alumni, including career assessment/counseling, post- baccalaureate planning, résumé and interview resources, mock interview prep, and internship opportunities. Beginning freshman year, students can engage in the Connect D.E.E.P. Four Year Strategic Career Plan, which helps them develop strategies to best position their career path. All students are encouraged to register with the Center to enjoy benefits such as on-campus recruitment alerts and scholarship postings, having their resumes forwarded to prospective employers, and receiving notifications about jobs, internships, and seasonal opportunities. Notable alumni include NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, rappers Cadillac Don & J Money, as well as three senators, two university presidents, and an Army Major General, among many others.