Nov. 18, 2024 – Mississippi College trustees Monday announced it has voted to change the school’s name to Mississippi Christian University. Another important part of the trustees vote is the discontinuation of its intercollegiate football program.
The decision “underscores MC’s status as a comprehensive university and allow the institution to retain its MC logo and identity.”
Planning for a name change and associated branding efforts will begin immediately, and the new name will take effect in 2026 to coincide with the bicentennial.
“These transformational and necessary changes are extremely important to the future of this institution,” said Mississippi College President Blake Thompson. As we look ahead to the institution’s bicentennial in 2026, we want to ensure that MC will be a university recognized for academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ for another 200 years.”
The decision to end the football program was made to allow MC to be more committed to its other 17 athletic programs. Mississippi College competes at the NCAA Division II level.
“Discontinuing our football program is a difficult decision, said athletic director Kenny Bizot. “We acknowledge the program’s legacy and the deep connection to the many student-athletes, alumni and supporters of the football program. I want to emphasize that we will always consider them as part of our MC Family.”
Scholarships for current football players will be honored at Mississippi College.
The announcement of the changes was made on the school’s website Monday.
Shock and disappointment were expressed when news came out about the football program. Coach Mike Kershaw had this reaction on social media:
State Rep. Trey Lamar (R-Senatobia) said, as a football Choctaw football player, he needed a better explanation of the decision’s reasoning:
Heartbroken. As a former Choctaw football player, I know I speak for thousands who demand a better explanation than this. What a poor effort of explaining such a major decision that affects so many & guts the future of this historic football program. https://t.co/VxzmVX3YHs
