Myrlie Evers-Williams Honors Program

“May the inherent dignity and inalienable rights of
every woman, man, boy and girl be honored.”
-Myrlie Evers Williams

INTRODUCTION

The Myrlie Evers-Williams Honors Program at Alcorn State University has a celebrated history of excellence, bringing together students and faculty with exceptional intellectual commitment and ability in an atmosphere that stimulates scholarship, leadership, and creativity. Given the many challenges and changes in higher education instigated by the global pandemic, Alcorn believes innovating the Honors Program can secure its continued relevance in a post-COVID 19 educational marketplace.

In keeping with Alcorn’s refreshed vision and mission, the Honors Curriculum Program has become the Myrlie Evers-Williams Honors Program as part of its effort to attract and retain high academic performing scholars, and to assist them in being consequential ethical leaders.

Renaming the program after Myrlie Evers-Williams accents a fusion of Alcorn’s agriculture legacy and Evers-Williams’ legacy of civil rights advocacy. Though Mrs. Evers-Williams is not an Alcorn alumna, the Vicksburg native did attend Alcorn where she met and fell in love with Medgar Evers, the towering NAACP field secretary whose voting rights advocacy is globally renowned. According to naacp.org, “Mrs. Evers-Williams was an honor student at Alcorn A & M College[.]” It further notes, “A leading civil rights activist, Myrlie Evers-Williams held prominent roles in the public and private sector including chair of NAACP’s board of directors from 1995 to 1998. A phenomenal woman of great strength and courage, her dedication to civil rights and equality is exemplified by her activism and ability to link together business, government, and social issues to further human rights and equality.” After a long career in public service, she was appointed Alcorn scholar-in-residence in 2013.

UNIVERSITY VISION STATEMENT

Alcorn State University will achieve preeminence through transformative teaching and research excellence, collaborative partnerships, and innovative practices so our communities thrive and our diverse students have unlimited opportunities to engage and lead in a globally competitive world.

UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT

Alcorn State University is a public historically Black comprehensive land-grant institution of higher learning that provides access and opportunity for diverse students to excel intellectually, build character, and overcome barriers so they can become productive leaders who make meaningful contributions to society. Enhancing its historic strengths in agriculture, education, and nursing, Alcorn State offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including fine arts, business, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and STEM.

HONORS PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT

As an interdisciplinary, liberal arts program rooted in Alcorn’s historic mission, the Myrlie Evers-Williams Honors Program cultivates intellectually curious and socially conscious scholars for a lifetime of justice advocacy and servant leadership.

HONORS PROGRAM VISION STATEMENT

The Myrlie Evers-Williams Honors Program will provide a uniquely life-changing academic and extracurricular experience for scholars who will help solve enduring, complex social issues.

SIX PILLARS (OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES)

Based on the six pillars of Oakland Chapel, the Myrlie Evers-Williams Honors Program commits to ensuring that every participating scholar is cultivated in the following:

• Critical reasoning
• Creative problem solving
• Communication skills
• Character development
• Collaborative practices
• Compassionate service

SIX PILLARS (OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES)

• A liberal arts curriculum that focuses on civil, human rights and justice advocacy
• Smaller, discussion based classes that foster critical and creative thinking across disciplines
• Prioritized special scholarship, internship, and study abroad opportunities
• Leadership and career development that prepares students for graduate studies and career placement after graduation