Located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) has a rich history of producing talented and influential individuals who have made a lasting impact in various fields. From sports and entertainment to politics and education, MVSU's notable alumni have demonstrated the university's commitment to excellence and its role in shaping the next generation of leaders.
Distinguished Alumni in Sports
MVSU has a strong athletic program, and its alumni have gone on to achieve great success in various sports. Some notable examples include:
- Jerry Rice, widely considered the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, who played for the MVSU Devils from 1981 to 1984.
- Deacon Jones, a legendary defensive end who played for the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, and Washington Redskins, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
- Willie Totten, a quarterback who played for the MVSU Devils from 1981 to 1984 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
Successful Alumni in Entertainment
MVSU has also produced talented individuals who have made a name for themselves in the entertainment industry. Some notable examples include:
- Morgan Freeman, the renowned actor, director, and narrator, who attended MVSU in the 1950s.
- Tiffany Haddish, the actress and comedian, who graduated from MVSU in 2007.
- Jimmie Gates, the journalist and author, who graduated from MVSU in 1977 and has written for several major newspapers, including The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Influential Alumni in Politics and Education
MVSU's alumni have also made significant contributions to politics and education. Some notable examples include:
- Henry J. Kirksey, the former mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, who graduated from MVSU in 1966.
- Myrlie Evers-Williams, the civil rights activist and former chair of the NAACP, who graduated from MVSU in 1968.
- Dr. Donna H. Oliver, the president of Mississippi Valley State University, who graduated from MVSU in 1975.
Gallery of MVSU Notable Alumni
FAQs
What is Mississippi Valley State University known for?
+Mississippi Valley State University is known for its strong athletic program, producing notable alumni in sports, entertainment, politics, and education.
Who is the most famous alumnus of MVSU?
+Jerry Rice, widely considered the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, is one of the most famous alumni of MVSU.
What is the mission of Mississippi Valley State University?
+The mission of MVSU is to provide high-quality educational programs, promote research and public service, and foster economic development in the Mississippi Delta region.
Mississippi Valley State University's notable alumni have made significant contributions to various fields, and their achievements serve as a testament to the university's commitment to excellence. As MVSU continues to produce talented and influential individuals, its legacy as a premier institution of higher learning will only continue to grow.