The spring semester has just begun for many college students and come Tuesday, prospective college and graduate students from Washington County alike will be able to find out firsthand what Mississippi Valley State University is all about.
Beginning at 8:30 a.m., MVSU’s On The Road Tour will kick off at the Washington County Convention Center, 1040 S. Raceway Road.
The Greater Washington County Chapter of Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) Alumni Association has organized the event in an effort to bring “The Valley” to the doorsteps of those in Washington County and surrounding areas.
Robert L. Williams, vice president of the chapter, said this event allows many ambassadors of the university the chance to visit communities and let them see that MVSU is a viable option for those looking to further their education.
“It also serves to help reignite the alums in the area by hearing the updates and positive things going on to move Valley forward,” Williams said.
“Lastly, it gives current students the chance to come back to their hometowns and show how beneficial the university has been to their development.”
MVSU President Dr. Jerryl Briggs will be in attendance as well as NBA legend and MVSU Men’s head basketball coach Lindsey Hunter.
Expected to be both highly entertaining and informative, the MVSU Mean Green Marching Music Machine and Valley Singers will be at the event to render their musically satisfying sounds.
In addition, the MVSU cheer squad and student alumni association will be at the event to greet attendees.
The event will conclude at noon.
Community Development Chair Netty Seard said it’s gratifying to know they have members in the Washington County area who are willing to take an active interest in the school in which they received their formal education from.
“We have big plans to give back as Valley has so graciously given to us,” she said.
“As an alum of MVSU, I feel it is a part of my obligation to do everything I can to ensure the vitality of dear ole MVSU. Coming together with other like-minded alums in the Washington County area allows us to use this chapter as a vehicle to help sustain the university that has meant so much to so many,” Williams added.
After the previous alumni association ended last year, members were contacted by the National Alumni Association of MVSU seeking to bring the organization back to Washington County. After organizing and meeting among the members, the Greater Washington County Alumni Association for MVSU was formed in October 2019.
Chapter president Lavern Simpson said she is extremely happy to have formulated the Greater Washington County Alumni Association for MVSU.
The event is the association’s first event for recruitment and Simpson said it gives the association an opportunity to shake hands with other MVSU stakeholders and be active in MVSU’s national alumni association as well.
“I’m a graduate with my masters and my bachelors so anything that I can do to support MVSU, that’s what I’m willing to do and I felt there’s no greater way to do that than to organize a chapter here in Washington County that will move the university forward,” Simpson said.
