Dear Members of the Millsaps College Family,
As Birmingham Southern College faces imminent closure, questions may understandably arise about the future of Millsaps. The loss of a close sister institution is tragic, and its absence will be keenly felt by our region and the higher education community as a whole.
However, in contrast to the misfortunes that beset BSC, be assured that Millsaps is financially sound and is operating from a position of strength, with every expectation of a bright future.
Our recent re-accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges yielded exemplary results, particularly in finance, control and sustainability. Over the past eight years, our audited financials have consistently shown a net average operating surplus of $1 million, a testament to our responsible fiscal management.
In response to the financial pressures facing many small private colleges, we have proactively facilitated significant growth in our resources, with our endowment increasing by approximately 40% over the past 13 years. Additionally, our commitment to enhancing campus facilities has been unwavering, with more than $26 million invested in construction and improvements over the past five years, all funded with philanthropic dollars, without accruing debt.
We are acutely aware of the challenges ahead, as exemplified by BSC, but we are approaching those obstacles strategically. We are making significant yet prudent investments in programs, facilities and other initiatives central to our future success. The Millsaps Board of Trustees is deeply engaged and prepared to take decisive action to secure Millsaps’ future.
There are many reasons for optimism: from our expanded recruitment efforts and enhanced presence in digital and traditional media to our Premier Scholarship Program and comprehensive student success initiatives, we are poised for continued growth and excellence.
We have broadened our academic offerings, developed innovative graduate programs, worked to enhance external relationships and invested in faculty support and development. We invite you to explore the details below.
As we navigate these turbulent times, we firmly believe Millsaps’ best days lie ahead. We draw strength from our rich legacy, and our potential to grow and prosper is boundless.
Sincerely,
John L. Lindsey
Keith Dunn
Millsaps College Academic and Campus Advancements
Six New Majors and Academic Programs for Today’s World
- New majors growing out of the Pathways program and focused on in-demand workforce development:
- Data Science
- Business Analytics
- Health and Exercise Science
- Public Health
- Computer Science
- User Experience Design
- Two new STEM-based graduate programs:
- MBA with Analytics
- MAcc with Analytics
Premier Scholarships
- Enhanced competition for the strongest students.
- Sixteen scholarships cover full-tuition and fees.
- Cohort curricular/co-curricular experience.
- Guaranteed support for experiential learning Major Experience (internship, study abroad, research, etc.)
- Committed to this program being fully funded and not financially affecting other students and their families.
- We have already received gifts to cover the first three years of this program.
- We are well on our way to achieving our goal of an additional $64 million in endowment funds to support this program in perpetuity through our Heritage Partners planned giving program.
Squarely Focused on Student Success
- We have developed a comprehensive student success program aimed at increasing retention and graduation rates.
- We have brought in two new student success coaches who are dedicated to helping students define and achieve academic, personal and professional goals.
- The CASE and Writing Centers have highly trained student consultants in nearly every academic discipline, ready to assist their peers.
- Creation of the McRee Center for Teaching and Learning with endowed support for a director of teaching and learning, on-campus programs for faculty development and funds for faculty to travel for continued education.
Five Years of Building & Improving
- Selby and Richard McRae Christion Center
- Yates Chapel
- Windgate Visual Arts Center
- Crenshaw Indoor Baseball/Softball practice facility
- Coach Montgomery Courts for men’s and women’s tennis
- Softball facilities
- Plans for a new state-of-the-art Athletic Field House and Gameday Plaza