Mississippi College becomes Mississippi Christian University
Today (June 1, 2026), the state’s oldest institution of higher learning, Mississippi College, officially changes its name to Mississippi Christian University.
MC President Blake Thompson said the University’s new name is a strategic, forward-looking decision that better reflects the school’s Christian mission, academic scope and long-term vision. Fittingly, the change comes amid the University’s celebration of its 200th anniversary in 2026.
“In this bicentennial year for the University, we want to ensure that MC will be a university recognized for academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ for another 200 years,” Thompson said.
Discussions about a potential name change had been ongoing at MC for decades. Thompson said the shift to Mississippi Christian University emphasizes the school’s faith-based identity and university-level academic program offerings. It also allows the institution to maintain its beloved “MC” logo and moniker.
“We have been rooted deeply in this state for 200 years, and we will continue to serve Mississippi by prioritizing our students, maintaining our academic focus and striving to reflect the message of Christ,” Thompson said.
“‘Mississippi Christian University’ more fully reflects who we are and who we aspire to be.”
Thompson emphasized that the change will not affect the institution’s accreditation, academic programs or commitment to providing a high-quality education. Students, faculty and alumni will continue to benefit from the same rigorous coursework, vibrant campus life and strong community that has defined the institution for generations.
Marco Pineda, 2026-27 MC Student Government Association president, said he and his classmates are thrilled to be the first to have “Mississippi Christian University” printed on their diplomas.
“The name ‘Mississippi College’ is revered and will continue to be cherished and remembered across the state,” said the senior communication/journalism major from Oxford. “But I have often had to explain to those outside the campus community that MC is both a full-scale university and a Christian institution. I strongly believe the name ‘Mississippi Christian University’ provides immediate clarity to our identity as an institution.
“This renaming is ultimately about identity and a recommitment to that identity. Many students share the sentiment that it is a needed step forward that will help drive MC into the future. They are excited to be a part of this moment that will lead to an even stronger sense of commitment and affection for what ‘Mississippi Christian’ stands for.”
The Mississippi College School of Law will also adopt the name and become the Mississippi Christian University School of Law, but will remain known as the MC School of Law or, simply, MC Law.
Refreshed lettering on the University marquee sign at the Highway 80 and Springridge Road intersection is one of the first tangible signs of the name change. The banner at ‘The Gates’ to campus beckons visitors, “Welcome to Mississippi Christian University,” while more evidence of the new name will follow on campus in the coming weeks and months.
What hasn’t changed at MC or MC Law are the traditions, memories and people. The University remains committed to the success of its students, the integration of faith and learning throughout the educational process, and the preparation of the next generation of Christian leaders.
“We students are enrolled at a significant point in the life of the University,” Pineda said. “There is a shared excitement about being right in the middle of it all.”
For more information about the shift to Mississippi Christian University, visit mc.edu/introducing-mississippi-christian-university.
