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The ranking, coming in at number 13 on the list, highlights the program’s unique ability to combine educational and scientific rigor with a flexible format designed to meet the needs of working adults.

“We attribute this consistent success to our refusal to compromise on academic standards while ensuring our delivery remains accessible,” said Dr. Marta Piva, interim chairperson and professor of biology. “Our curriculum is designed to provide the same level of scientific rigor found in our on-campus classrooms, but with the convenience that allows working professionals to advance their careers without pausing their lives.”

OnlineU noted that Alcorn State’s program offers a “résumé-ready experience,” distinguishing itself from other online offerings through its faculty-guided capstone course. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for leadership and research roles across a wide variety of fields, ranging from molecular to organismal and environmental biology.

“This ranking significantly increases our visibility by showcasing the program’s quality on both national and international levels,” said Piva. “It affirms that 91���� is a leader in STEM education, capable of producing graduates who are competitive in the global scientific community. Our degree program accommodates students with a wide variety of interests and is taught by expert faculty members dedicated to student success.”

First offered in 2014, the program has since grown into a leader in distance education among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It offers advanced coursework in specialized areas, including pharmacology, toxicology, immunology, environmental biology, invertebrate zoology, and histology. Beyond content knowledge, students are rigorously trained in the field’s practical skills, including crafting and presenting professional research proposals.

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Coleman’s presentations, scheduled from February through April, will highlight the storytelling power of quilting. Her work engages with historical figures such as Fannie Lou Hamer and literary works like A Raisin in the Sun, treating the quilt as a narrative text similar to a book.

“The quilt is an art form that sometimes serves as my TA,” said Coleman. “Several times over the years, I have entered the classroom with quilted works to demonstrate to my students what a quilt pattern is when we are discussing Alice Walker’s ‘Everyday Use’ or to show students the difference between a quilted quilt and a knotted quilt when we are discussing Susan Glaspell’s Trifles. These demonstrations allow me to move literature from the printed page to a realm of material culture.”

The series includes the following dates and locations:

• Saturday, Feb. 7, at 1 p.m.: “Quilting the Life of Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer: An American Icon,” Lincoln County Public Library, 100 South Jackson St., Brookhaven, Miss.

• Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m.: “Exploring the Shared Legacy of Tougaloo College and 91���� through Quilts,” 91���� J. D. Boyd Library, Medgar Wiley Evers Auditorium, Lorman, Miss.

• Saturday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m.: “Three Years in the Life of Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer: An American Catalyst for Change,” Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration, Natchez Convention Center, Tupelo Room, 211 Main St., Natchez, Miss.

• Wednesday, March 18, at 4 p.m.: “Three Years in the Life of Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer: An American Catalyst for Change,” Mississippi University for Women, Building TBA, 1100 College St., W-220, Columbus, Miss.

• Wednesday, April 8, at noon: “The Hansberry Family, Alcorn A. & M. College, and A Raisin in the Sun: The Curious Connections,” History Is Lunch Presentation, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, 222 North St., #2205, Jackson, Miss.

Coleman draws inspiration from the women in her family who practiced the art form, piecing together the documentaries of their own lives. She views quilting not only as a vintage craft but as a versatile, academically significant medium.

“Quilting is academically significant because, like a book, a quilt is a text,” said Coleman. “One can read it just as one reads a book by studying its patterns and their meanings, the choice of the colors within, the stitching in the quilt, the intended use of the quilt, and the level of expertise that the finished product reveals.”

One of her featured works, “Is This America?”, acknowledges the social activism of Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer and her efforts to secure voting rights. Coleman notes that she often includes the pinwheel pattern in her work to remind viewers to keep moving forward despite difficulties.

“I really do live by the mantra, ‘When life gives you scraps, make quilts,’” said Coleman.

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The kickoff event features Dr. Theresa Horne, vice president and community manager, and Christopher Barney, vice president and branch manager, for JPMorgan Chase & Co. The session will take place in the Brian K. Johnson Auditorium, followed immediately by a networking social in the School of Business Auditorium.

“This spring’s lineup represents something truly special for our Alcorn family,” said 91���� School of Business Dean Antwon D. Woods, Ph.D. “We’ve intentionally curated a diverse range of voices—from the established excellence of JPMorgan Chase, to the creative innovation of Disney, to the entrepreneurial courage of The IX.”

Held on the first Thursday of each month, the series connects academic theory with business practice. The upcoming networking social allows students to discuss career opportunities directly with firm representatives.

“Each speaker brings a unique perspective on what it means to achieve success in today’s dynamic business environment,” said Woods. “Whether you’re a student mapping your career trajectory, an alumnus looking to pivot or advance, or a community member seeking inspiration, these conversations will challenge you to think bigger about your potential and your purpose.”

The event is open to the campus community. For information on upcoming speakers and registration, contact Anita Norman at 601-877-6457 or acnorman@alcorn.edu.

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The center, located in Eunice Powell Hall,  offers play-based learning, a developmentally appropriate curriculum, outdoor play and extracurricular activities. The facility provides a safe environment with experienced teachers focused on early childhood growth.

“This service aims to provide affordable, reliable support for our student parents, enabling them to remain fully engaged in their coursework while their children are cared for in a nurturing and secure environment,” said Geneiiah Weddington, director of the Child Development Learning Center.

Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. The center offers early drop-off at 7:45 a.m.

Parents may pick up applications at the CDLC or schedule a visit by contacting the director.

Strict late pick-up policies apply. A $25 late fee is assessed starting at 5:15 p.m., with an additional $5 for each 5-minute increment thereafter.

The new drop-in initiative provides short-term childcare options to help undergraduate students balance academic responsibilities.

To qualify, applicants must be enrolled as full-time undergraduate students and provide proof of enrollment. Parents must submit a completed application, a Mississippi Certificate of Immunization Compliance, a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate and a copy of the child’s Social Security card.

The fee structure for drop-in care is $25 for up to five days of care and $5 for each additional day.

For more information regarding open enrollment or the drop-in service, contact Geneiiah Weddington at 601-877-6255 or grweddington@alcorn.edu.

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Duke selected Meharry after receiving acceptances from multiple dental schools. He graduated magna cum laude with a 3.78 GPA. During his tenure at 91����, he earned President’s List and Dean’s List recognitions multiple times and received the Department of Biology Outstanding Senior Award.

“Managing demanding courses and internships while playing baseball was a challenge,” said Duke. “Acceptance is rewarding, especially entering a field with less than 3% Black representation.”

To prepare for dental school, Duke completed internships at the Yale School of Medicine and the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. He cited Alcorn State alumnus Dr. David Maxwell as a mentor who provided guidance regarding the dental school application process.

“I am the youngest of my siblings and the first to attend an HBCU,” said Duke. “Alcorn’s culture will stay with me throughout my dental career.”

While at Alcorn, Duke was a scholarship athlete on the baseball team and served as a representative for the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). He also served as a board member for the Gamma Pi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and held membership in the Alcorn State Biology Club and the Students in Dentistry organization.

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Taylor assumed her role in March 2019. She came to IIE from American University’s School of International Service, where she served as senior director of research. While at AU, she also led Summer Sisters, a State Department exchange program for young Pakistani women. Previously, she was director of research at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs.

The visit, organized by the Office of Global Programs, will introduce faculty and students to diverse study abroad and professional advancement opportunities offered through the Fulbright Program.

The presentations will be held in the Brian K. Johnson Auditorium, located within the Dr. Rudolph E. Waters Sr. Classroom Building. The sessions are scheduled as follows:

• Faculty Presentation: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Student Presentation: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Dr. Taylor’s visit deepens Alcorn’s commitment to expanding global perspectives through academic and cross-cultural dialogue. As a member of the IIE, 91���� has long participated in Fulbright initiatives, specifically the Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) program.

A primary focus of this academic year is the availability of language courses taught by resident Fulbright scholars. The Office of Global Programs is currently offering GP 101-001 (Portuguese) and GP 101-002 (Chinese), both of which are available for credit. These courses are led by FLTAs Filipe Machado of Brazil and Ju-Ting Hsiao of Taiwan.

The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 to foster mutual understanding between the United States and other nations. It serves as the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program, providing grants for research, teaching, and study in more than 150 countries.

To request disability-related accommodations for these sessions, please contact the disability coordinator in advance at 601-877-6460 or email disabilityservices@alcorn.edu.

For more information regarding the presentations or global academic programs, contact the Office of Global Programs at 601-877-6533.

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The foundation will recognize Woods and the full 2026 class at the Mississippi’s 50 Under Fifty Top Urban Elite Professionals Gala, scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson, Miss.

The Legacy Network Foundation highlights innovators in business, education, healthcare and the arts. Its annual award honors African American professionals who demonstrate leadership in their industries and communities.

Selection committees chose Woods based on his work regarding business education transformation, graduate program expansion and the establishment of corporate partnerships with companies such as Altria and Wells Fargo.

“This honor represents the collective success of the students, faculty and staff I work alongside,” said Woods. “Our work extends beyond the classroom to shape futures and drive Mississippi forward. I am grateful for the opportunity to create economic opportunities for the next generation of business leaders.”

During his tenure, Woods oversaw the launch of several initiatives, including the Mississippi Small Business Development Center and the Wells Fargo Financial Education Center. He also directs the Center of Data Analytics and Informatics at MCity, a hub for workforce development in the region.

“I view my role not simply as an administrator, but as a champion for students who may be the first in their families to attend college,” said Woods. “I am inspired daily by their resilience, determination and dreams.”

Woods has served Alcorn State for three years. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in higher education and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Jackson State University. He earned a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science from Middle Tennessee State University. Additionally, he completed a Senior Executive Leadership certificate at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.

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Held in the James L. Bolden Campus Union Ballroom, the event featured a keynote address from Rev. Shirley Harrington of Jackson, Miss., who presented a $5,000 donation to the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. Dr. C.J. Rhodes, director of religious and spiritual life, designated the funds to the 91���� Gospel Choir.

“We are deeply grateful for Rev. Harrington’s investment in our students,” Rhodes said. “This gift to the Gospel Choir ensures that our students can continue to lift their voices and represent the university with excellence.”

Harrington, the minister of social justice at Cade Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, delivered a keynote address drawing from her book, “Grown@13.” She shared harrowing early memories of marching during the civil rights movement, describing the fear she felt upon being arrested. Due to overcrowding in local jails, she recalled being housed with other young women at the fairgrounds under inhumane conditions.

“We used straw and hay to try to cover the smell of animal waste and urine,” Harrington read. “They treated us like animals. I will never forget that.”

She urged the students in attendance to become “writers and keepers of knowledge,” ensuring that such history is never lost. Harrington, now 75, issued a direct charge to the next generation to pick up the mantle of leadership.

“We have overcome much, but there is still much to overcome. I’m too old to march,” Harrington said. “It is your time. The fight is not over. God and all his divine knowledge and understanding has a bright path for you.”

The observance began with a march starting at the Oakland Memorial Chapel steps, led by the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), the Student Government Association (SGA), and the Royal Court.

Reflecting on the role of student organizations in the fight for civil rights, NPHC President Taylar James, a senior biology major from Crystal Springs, Miss., noted that the march was about more than commemoration.

“We are reminded that his dream was never meant to live only in history, but was meant to be carried forward through action,” James said.

For more information, contact the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at 601-877-6444 or via email at chapel@alcorn.edu.

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The event marks a significant showcase for the university as the band joins a lineup of 10 elite historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in an indoor arena setting designed to amplify the musical precision and pageantry of HBCU band culture.

“This event presents a unique opportunity for our students to perform in an arena setting, intensifying the energy and connection with the audience,” said Dr. Everson, director of university bands. “We are honored to represent 91���� and showcase the excellence of the ‘Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite’ alongside such prestigious programs.”

Along with S.O.D, the battle will feature performances from institutions including Winston-Salem State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Johnson C. Smith University, South Carolina State University, Talladega College, Mississippi Valley State University, North Carolina Central University, Benedict College, & Hampton University.

This appearance follows the band’s recent selection for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, continuing a season of national recognition for the program.

Hosted by DJ Envy and Loren LoRosa, the event offers a platform for the band to display its signature sound and intricate marching drills to a broad audience of alumni, prospective students, and music enthusiasts.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit .

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