Alcorn State University celebrated its 154th Annual Founders’ Day Convocation on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in the Brian K. Waters Auditorium, focusing on the theme “Making Tomorrow’s Leaders Today: Transcendent Leadership at Alcorn.”
The ceremony reflected on the history of the nation’s first public, historically Black, land-grant institution, founded in 1871.
Dr. Donzell Lee of Jackson, Miss., the president of Tougaloo College and former interim president of Alcorn State University, served as the keynote speaker, encouraging the community to preserve the university’s enduring legacy. Lee, who previously served 46 years in various roles at Alcorn State, emphasized the institution’s vital role in higher education.
“Alcorn plays a vital role in the landscape of American higher education,” said Lee. “For 154 years, we’ve proudly celebrated a legacy of producing exceptional students, visionary leaders, and engaged citizens who continue to shape our communities and our nation.”
Lee’s extensive history with the university includes beginning his career as a music instructor in the Department of Fine Arts, later becoming department chair, where he oversaw the successful reaffirmation of accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music. His accomplishments also include his work as director of the Honors Curriculum, dean of Graduate Studies, and provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs.
One of his most significant achievements during his interim presidency was the initial approval of the university’s first doctoral degree, the Doctor of Nursing Practice, by the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Reflecting on his decades of service and the foundational work that has driven Alcorn State’s progress, Dr. Lee spoke about the responsibility to uphold the school’s heritage.
“It’s important to preserve this tradition,” added Lee. “Those outside of Alcorn may not always recognize the meaningful contributions we make, so it’s up to us to keep them visible and celebrated.”
The event also welcomed special guest speaker Wiley Jones, who committed 65 years as an Alcorn alumnus and retired vice president for Business and Finance. Jones encouraged attendees to continue supporting the university’s mission.
“Those beyond our campus community should understand that when they choose to invest in this institution, their support is put to meaningful use,” said Jones. “These resources directly contribute to impactful work and the development of exceptional talent.”
The 154th Founders’ Day Convocation served as a powerful reminder of Alcorn’s enduring legacy and its commitment to shaping future generations. As the university continues to honor its past and invest in its future, events like these reaffirm Alcorn’s role as a cornerstone of academic excellence, leadership, and community impact.
