Alcorn State University will host its annual Founders’ Day Convocation on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the historic Oakland Memorial Chapel.

This year’s speaker will be Brian Crawford, president of Mission Mississippi, a Christian organization dedicated to reconciliation across racial and ethnic lines in businesses, schools, and churches in Mississippi and beyond.

“Against great odds, Alcorn State University has remained a giant in learning’s band for 153 years,” said The Reverend Dr. C. Edward Rhodes II, director of Religious and Spiritual Life and the Hiram Rhodes Revels Institute for Ethical Leadership. “This is a testament to the grace of God and the resilience of generations of Alcornites. Founders’ Day, then, is a special time to reflect on past victories and to be inspired to forge ahead into an even brighter future for America’s oldest land grant HBCU.”

Crawford’s background includes several accomplishments in technological and spiritual fields. The National Black Engineer of the Year Award Committee has twice recognized him as a “Modern Day Technology Leader.”

His professional career includes a 14-year tenure as a federal civilian with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District, where he served as the Leadership Development Program director. Notably, Crawford was appointed as both the youngest strategic planner in 2010 and the youngest Chief of Information Technology in 2012 in the district’s history.

Crawford’s career flourished at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, where he managed cybersecurity teams. In addition to his professional achievements, Crawford is also deeply committed to spiritual leadership. He founded City Light Church, an intentional multiethnic church in Vicksburg, Miss., reflecting his dedication to fostering diversity and unity in faith communities.

On April 1, 2023, he assumed the role of president of Mission Mississippi, succeeding Rev. Neddie Winters, an Alcorn State University alumnus and former ASU National Alumni Association president.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering from Mississippi State University.

Crawford’s leadership at Mission Mississippi continues the organization’s goal of encouraging and demonstrating grace in the Body of Christ across racial lines, providing practical evidence of the Gospel message throughout Mississippi communities.