Alcorn’s Presidential inauguration to celebrate tradition, excellence and legacy
In celebration of its heritage, Alcorn will formally install Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr. as 19th President April 16-17 with a number of events.
The theme of the inauguration—We are Alcorn. Tradition. Excellence. Legacy. — salutes our proud traditions, reflects our commitment to academic excellence and recognizes our promise to insure our legacy for future generations.
“A presidential inauguration is a momentous occasion in the life of any university,” says Shundera Stallings, inaugural co-chair. “It is indeed a special occasion for the Alcorn family to witness one of our alumnus take the oath of office.”
The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning unanimously named Dr. Rankins president of Alcorn State University March 4, 2014. Dr. Rankins is only the fifth Alcorn graduate to be appointed president in the University’s 144-year history.
Inaugural activities will begin in Natchez, Miss., Thursday, April 16 with the Family First Luncheon and the Presidential Scholarship Gala will take place later that evening in Vicksburg, Miss. The cost to attend the Family First luncheon is $35 and the Presidential Scholarship Gala is $100 per guest. Guests may purchase a special package that includes tickets to both the luncheon and the gala for $125.
On Friday, April 17, the Alcorn family will gather in the historic Oakland Memorial Chapel for a breakfast prayer service prior to the investiture ceremony, where Dr. Rankins will be formally invested with the presidential instruments of office.
A native of Greenville, Miss., Dr. Rankins earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Alcorn State University and both his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Mississippi State University. Dr. Rankins and first lady, Juandalyn, have two children, Aftyn Elise and Alfred Elijah.
Abbreviated Schedule of Inaugural Events below:
Thursday, April 16
Family First Luncheon
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Alcorn’s Graduate Business
Program Building
Natchez, Miss.
Presidential Scholarship Gala
8 p.m. – until
Vicksburg Convention Center
Vicksburg, Miss.
Friday, April 17
Breakfast Prayer Service
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Oakland Memorial Chapel
Lorman, Miss.
Investiture Ceremony
2 p.m.
Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex
Lorman, Miss.
For more information about the inauguration or sponsorship opportunities, please call 601-877-6111. To rsvp and purchase tickets, visit alcorn.edu/inaugural.
-ALCORN-
Alcorn State University is a premier comprehensive land-grant university that develops diverse students into globally competitive leaders, and applies scientific research through collaborative partnerships that benefit the surrounding communities, state, nation and world.
