Morgan Freeman, B.B. King to Chair Mississippi Valley Campaign

Black Issues in Higher Education, Dec 23, 1999

ITTA BENA, Miss. -- Mississippi Valley State University has tapped actor Morgan Freeman to serve as chairman for the historically Black institution's five-year, $25 million fundraising campaign. Blues legend B.B. King will be the campaign's honorary chairman.

"MVSU has a great story to tell about the good things that are happening at the ... university," the 62-year-old Freeman, who will serve as national spokesman for Mississippi Valley, said during a recent campus visit. "There is so much that needs to be done to provide students with the quality education that is needed to be successful in life."

The campaign, which began earlier this year, has already raised $2.5 million. Its funds will provide scholarships for students and academic programs, support for faculty and departmental chairs and improvements of campus facilities. Additionally, it will enable the university to enhance its outreach efforts to the public schools and provide support and assistance to help improve school district accreditation ratings.

"We hope the campaign will allow us to address such critical needs," said Dr. Lester C. Newman, president of the university. "The campaign signifies a new era in MVSU's history as the university establishes new relationships and forms partnerships that will ultimately improve the entire Delta region."