Itta Bena, MS — Monday, June 24, 2024, marked a historic day at HBCU Mississippi Valley State College (MVSU) with the disclosing of a brand new athletic brand, the groundbreaking for a brand new turf discipline mission, and a ribbon chopping for a brand new Jumbotron. Today signified the start of a brand new period for MVSU Athletics whereas additionally closing a chapter with Athletic Director Hakim McClellan formally stepping down from his position on the HBCU.
Dr. Jerryl Briggs, Sr., President of MVSU, expressed his pleasure in regards to the new developments within the athletics division and prolonged his gratitude to McClellan for his vital contributions over his two years of service.
“We’re thrilled with the progress of our athletic services and the developments throughout the campus,” stated Dr. Briggs. AD McClellan has completed an distinctive job of holding MVSU shifting ahead, and dealing alongside him has been an honor. We want him the very best in his future endeavors. Whenever you love MVSU as he does, MVSU will at all times love you again.”
In mild of McClellan’s departure, Dr. Briggs introduced that Head Basketball Coach and MVSU alum George Ivory (‘88) will function the interim athletic director.
“I’m assured that Coach Ivory will excel on this position, as he has demonstrated his dedication and experience up to now. George has a wealth of expertise and a deep ardour for MVSU,” Dr. Briggs added.
Since moving into the place, McClellan has been instrumental in elevating MVSU’s athletic profile. The groundbreaking for the turf discipline mission and the ribbon chopping for the Jumbotron are testaments to his imaginative and prescient and management.
“We now have labored tirelessly to deliver this imaginative and prescient to life. I’m grateful to Dr. Briggs for supporting my imaginative and prescient and making certain its realization. This might not have been doable with out the backing of the president’s workplace,” stated McClellan.
Moreover, McClellan commissioned the MVSU Workplace of Communications and Advertising to design a brand new athletic brand. Donnell Maxie, Director of Communications and Advertising, Senior Graphic Designer John McCall, and MVSU alum D’Artagnan Winford (’02) collaborated to create the brand new brand.
“I’m grateful to the Workplace of Communications and Advertising for his or her efforts in creating this new brand. Mr. Maxie has been on the telephone and emails engaged on getting our marks registered and trademarked, whereas Mr. McCall and Mr. Winford did an excellent job. I consider this new brand will encourage new vitality in our student-athletes,” McClellan defined.
Below McClellan’s management, a number of vital tasks and partnerships had been realized for the HBCU, together with a partnership with Kimbrough Trucking, a Black-owned enterprise in Indianola, Mississippi, ensuing within the donation of an 18-wheeler truck, upgraded the tennis courts, up to date the monitor, enhanced the softball deck, upgraded the burden room, and put in new computer systems within the athletics tutorial lab. McClellan additionally initiated a stole ceremony for graduating student-athletes, created a student-athlete lounge, elevated the Commencement Success Price (GSR), improved Tutorial Progress Charges (APR), achieved the very best GPA in 5 years throughout all athletics, hung basketball championship banners, developed an app for college athletics, elevated MVSU’s athletic social media presence, and launched Athletics Giving Tuesday.
Dr. Briggs additionally said, “As MVSU Athletics embarks on this thrilling new chapter, we eagerly anticipate our packages’ continued development and success below new management. Furthermore, we’re thrilled to announce a rise of $1.2 million in scholarships for our student-athletes for the upcoming tutorial 12 months. Really, nice issues are taking place on the Valley! Collectively, we’re One Purpose. One Workforce. One Valley. In Movement!”
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