"Mississippi Valley State University controls the dreams of the poor people of the Delta. This institution must continue to serve the dreams," said Dr. Wesley McClure, president of Lane College in Jackson, Tenn.
McClure was the keynote speaker at MVSU Founder's Week convocation held at the H.G. Carpenter Auditorium Thursday morning.
The late Dr. James Herbert White, founder of MVSU, was the president of Lane College before he came to Itta Bena to start the university in 1950.
McClure said White was successful at starting the school because of his intellect and political acumen.
McClure cited the progress that White made at Lane College after he became president of MClure's alma mater.
At Lane, White pushed learning languages, and the importance of mastering English.
White also stressed the importance of having skilled librarians at the school.
Within one year of assuming the presidency, McClure said, the college improved its rating by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
McClure said it was very important to White to receive the best rating and he accomplished this, by changing Lane College's B rating to an A.
"People thought he was crazy to leave Lane College for Itta Bena to build something from nothing in a cotton field," said McClure.
But White was a dreamer, said McClure, and he could turn vision into reality.
MVSU began in 1946 as an act of Legislature that created the Mississippi Vocational College. The school was started four years later.
"A pregnant idea might stay on a shelf for years before a dreamer can seize it," said McClure.
He said Lane College knew what a great man White was, and he personally understands better why White came to Itta Bena. "There is a part of him at my alma mater, and there is a part of him here that cannot be ignored," said McClure.
"This institution of higher learning reflects the people who it serves. It is hard for poor people to make progress in the area of education," McClure observed. "There has to be an MVSU. There must always be a place like this in the Delta."
"You must do what it takes to preserve this university. This is the time for fighting. Stand in defense of the poor and those who cannot find their way," said McClure.
McClure said MVSU has reached another milestone with its 55th anniversary.
"Despite the challenges and obstacles in MVSU's way, the school has found a way to thrive," said McClure.
The university's "obligations are very critical to this region of the state. I pray that people will continue to support this school's efforts."
The convocation was dedicated to two men with years of service to MVSU.
Dr. Arthur Kinnard Jr. served as associate professor of history for 19 years until he retired in 1995. "I have received other awards before, but this one means the most to me. I'm on a mountaintop, I'm grateful," he said.
Elmore "Elmo" Proctor Jr. began as assistant grounds supervisor in 1970 and retired as pure water technician. "I never thought I would have an opportunity like this, he said.
He urged the students to never lose their curiosity. "Learning is an ongoing process. Until the mind ceases you can forever learn," said Proctor.
McClure did a fantastic job connecting the two schools, said Dr. Lester C. Newman, president of MVSU. "He highlighted the work that White had done. It takes a very strong visionary person, and we certainly owe a lot to Dr. White," said Newman.
