Nation’s Youngest HBCU President to be Inaugurated, Alcorn State University Alcorn State, MS (April 7, 2011) – Appointed at age 38, M. Christopher Brown II became the youngest president to lead the oldest historically black land-grant institution in the nation, Alcorn State University and is also the youngest HBCU president in the nation. Over 50 applicants applied to take the top post at Alcorn State University and at the end of the day the youngest applicant stood out. Co-chair of the Search Advisory Committee Percy O. Norwood says, “We were looking for the best fit for Alcorn State University and Dr. Brown is the perfect fit for our beloved institution. He is familiar with HBCUs and land-grant universities and Dr. Brown is a visionary and an authority on higher education policy – what more could we ask for.” “The students at Alcorn are pleased to have a president that understands us and who can communicate with us via Facebook, Twitter and up-to-date social mediums,” states graduating senior and Inaugural Committee member Justin Mathis. Prior to his selection as the 18th president of Alcorn, Dr. Brown served as the executive vice president and provost of the historic Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee where he held the rank of university professor. He previously served as dean of the College of Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, vice president for Programs and Administration at the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, director of Social Justice and Professional Development for the American Educational Research Association, as well as former executive director and chief research scientist of the Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute of the United Negro College Fund. Dr. Brown also held faculty appointments at The Pennsylvania State University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He earned a national reputation for his research and scholarly writing on education policy, governance/administration, and institutional contexts meriting him both the Association for the Study of Higher Education (2001) and American Educational Research Association (2002) early career research awards, as well as the 2007 Philip C. Chinn Book Award from the National Association for Multicultural Education, and the 2008 Association of Teacher Educators Distinguished Educator Award. Dr. Brown is the author/editor of fifteen books and monographs, as well as author/co-author of more than 100 journal articles, book chapters, and publications related to education and society. Dr. Brown has lectured and/or presented scholarship in various countries on six continents – Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. Dr. Brown received his Ph.D. in Higher Education with cognates in Public Administration and Political Science from The Pennsylvania State University. He has received research support from the Lumina Foundation, Spencer Foundation, AT&T Foundation, the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Sallie Mae Fund, as well as other foundations and corporations. As the youngest president in the state prepares for his inauguration as the 18th president of the oldest historically black land-grant institution in the nation, Alcorn State University looks forward to celebrating this historic occasion with you the weekend of April 15-17, 2011. See abbreviated agenda below: Friday, April 15, 2011 VICKSBURG CAMPUS CELEBRATION 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Symposium on the Future of Black Colleges in America 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. First Mother’s Luncheon 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Campus Tours (on your own) 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight “Home of the Braves” Concert Saturday, April 16, 2011 LORMAN CAMPUS CELEBRATION 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Ecumenical Prayer Service 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Alcorn Family Gospel Brunch
 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Presidential Investiture Ceremony 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Celebration Dinner (private, formal attire) 7:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight Purple and Gold Presidential Ball(formal attire) Sunday, April 17, 2011 NATCHEZ CELEBRATION 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Presidential Inauguration Worship Service 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. “A Taste of Natchez on the Bluffs” Reception For details on the inauguration, including schedule of events, sponsorship opportunities, to RSVP and purchase tickets, visit www.alcorn.edu/inaguration<http://www.alcorn.edu/inaguration> or call 601.877.6111. Dr. Blanche Sanders Dean Of University Libraries Alcorn State University J. D. Boyd Library 1000 ASU Drive #539 Alcorn State, MS 39096-7500 blanche@alcorn.edu (601) 877-6350 phone (601) 877-3885 fax Alcorn State University Mission Statement: Alcorn State University, a Historically Black College and University, is a comprehensive land-grant institution that celebrates a rich heritage with a diverse student and faculty population. The University emphasizes intellectual development and lifelong learning through the integration of diverse pedagogies, applied and basic research, cultural and professional programs, public service and outreach while providing access to globally competitive academic and research programs. Alcorn strives to prepare graduates who will be well-rounded future leaders of high character who will be competitive in the global marketplace of the 21st century. Vision Statement: Alcorn State University will become the premier comprehensive land-grant university that develops diverse students into globally-competitive leaders, and applies scientific research through collaborative partnerships which benefit the surrounding communities, state, nation and world.