MS HR67

Commends the University of Southern Mississippi on its centennial anniversary on March 30, 2010, marking 100 years since the institution's founding.

University of Southern Mississippi was originally established as Mississippi Normal College through House Bill No. 204, introduced by State Representative Marshall McCullough, passed by the House on March 16, 1910, approved by the Senate, and signed into law by Governor Edmond Favor Noel on March 30, 1910.

Institution was established in Hattiesburg after local residents Dr. T.E. Ross, H.A. Camp, and A.A. Montague donated 120 acres of land, with the city and county selling bonds to fund the first campus buildings.

First classes began September 18, 1912 under President Dr. David Anderson Cook with the mission of training teachers; the institution evolved through name changes and expanded academic programs to become an internationally recognized university with over 125,000 alumni.

Directs copies of the resolution to be provided to the University's president and members of the Capitol Press Corps.