As part of the Strategic Planning process, the mission and vision statements for the university have been revised. These statements were submitted and approved by the IHL Board (August 19, 2021)

Mission Statement

Alcorn State University is a public historically Black, comprehensive land-grant institution of higher education 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.

The University accomplishes its mission through high standards of academic excellence, by engaging in scholarly research and discovery, and providing public service and outreach that address real-world challenges and the economic needs of the Southwest Mississippi River region, State of Mississippi, the nation, and the world. Alcorn strategically extends its resources and expertise throughout the entire state through agriculture extension service, its Vicksburg and Natchez sites as well as its distance learning programs.

Alcorn State University is committed to its tradition of instilling among its students and alumni ideals of leadership, service, and institutional pride.

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.

Core Values

We recognize the importance higher education serves in advancing society and enriching individual lives. As members of the Alcorn State University community, we share a dedication and commitment to the following core values:

STUDENT-CENTERED

We acknowledge that our students and their success are our greatest source of inspiration and at the core of all that we do and value. We are committed to providing students with a nurturing environment that instills a lifetime passion for learning, character building, achievement and engaged service.

EXCELLENCE

We believe a commitment to excellence should guide all efforts we undertake. We continually strive to achieve excellence by using our knowledge and holding ourselves and our students to the highest standards. We welcome new challenges, creatively solve problems, and continuously reevaluate what is best for our students and the communities we serve.

INCLUSIVE

We affirm that all individuals have self-worth and an innate potential for learning. We embrace a diverse and globally inclusive campus that creates a nurturing environment for civil discourse, intellectual pursuits, creativity, and personal vitality.

INTEGRITY

We believe that accountability and transparency serve as the foundational pillars of integrity. While taking responsibility for our actions and owning our decisions, we are dedicated to using honesty, objectivity, and fairness to guide our interactions with each other and our stakeholders.

ENGAGED

We value relationships that thrive on effective communication and collaboration within our organization and beyond. We encourage students, faculty, staff, alumni and stakeholders to engage with others towards building stronger, healthier, economically viable programs and communities.

THE WAY FORWARD

With a focus on the future, a commitment to excellence, and dedication to helping diverse students learn and achieve success, Alcorn has embraced the following five strategic directions, goals and strategies that will move the institution towards greater excellence over the next five years. Each of the five goals have strategies with key performance indicators that will be used to evaluate success in achieving this plan.

A Student-Centered Approach to Success
Sustained quality and compassion, expanded worldview, students prepared to enter and succeed in the workforce.

Building an Inclusive and Engaged Community
Provide under-resourced Mississippi students pathways to higher education and social mobility.

Transformation through Innovation
“Value tradition while embracing innovation.” Areas include technology, processes, and infrastructure.

Meaningful Community Engagement and Partnerships
Foster partnerships with alumni, high schools, community colleges, and industry stakeholders.

Building a Sustainable and Resilient Enterprise
Create a solid foundation that enables the University to sustain itself in turbulent times.