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Mississippi College announces name change, drops football program

By Kristopher White Nov 18, 2024 | 2:46 PM

CLINTON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi College (MC) Board of Trustees announced the college will change its name and drop its football program.

According to officials, the board approved an institutional name change from Mississippi College to Mississippi Christian University ahead of the institution’s 2026 bicentennial. They said planning for a name change and associated branding efforts will begin immediately, and the new name will take effect in 2026 to coincide with the bicentennial.

At the November 18 meeting, the Mississippi College Board of Trustees also approved:

  • A preliminary plan for academic reorganization.
  • A strategic realignment of the athletic department.

“These transformational and necessary changes are extremely important to the future of this institution. As we look ahead to the institution’s bicentennial in 2026, we want to ensure that MC will be a university recognized for academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ for another 200 years,” said Mississippi College President Blake Thompson.

The preliminary plan for academic reorganization elevates the Department of Christian Studies to an interdisciplinary unit that underscores the institution’s commitment to Christian education. A new structure will be implemented that consolidates the School of Christian Studies and the Arts with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the School of Education will be renamed to the School of Education and Human Science.

The realignment of athletics includes the discontinuation of the intercollegiate football program.

“Discontinuing our football program is a difficult decision. We acknowledge the program’s legacy and the deep connection to the many student-athletes, alumni and supporters of the football program. I want to emphasize that we will always consider them as part of our MC Family,” said MC Athletic Director Kenny Bizot. “We will support our current student-athletes as they seek to continue their education at MC as well as those who wish to transfer.”