Mississippi College becomes Mississippi Christian University
CLINTON, Miss. — The state’s oldest institution of higher learning, Mississippi College, has officially changed its name to Mississippi Christian University as of June 1.
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.
Longtime Okla. BCM director retires
By Carissa Jones
MIAMI, Okla. – Kimily Waldron, Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) Director at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, has announced her retirement at the end of May. Her devotion to collegiate ministry spans nearly four decades and eight different campuses across Oklahoma as well as seven years on campuses in Arizona and Mississippi.
Fellow BCM leaders, both current and former, gathered in early May to honor her at the annual BCM leadership retreat. A few colleagues gave speeches at the event sharing fun and meaningful stories while also paying tribute to her keen sense of humor. Each speaker noted Waldron’s deep love for the Lord and for her students. They spoke of her servant’s heart, her willingness to help anyone in need, and her perseverance. They applauded her consistent obedience to God over the years, through good times and bad.
Cris Lowery, former State BCM Director for Oklahoma Baptists, highlighted her ability to connect deeply with people. “Kimily sees the person that most people walk right by,” he said. “And she doesn’t just see them. She stops and talks to them, she becomes friends with them.”
Former student Staci Montgomery agrees. “I remember Kimily with great fondness. Her kindness and welcoming smile made the (then BSU) feel like a refuge on our campus,” she said. “Her life is marked by the joy of the Lord, and being around her was both refreshing and encouraging.”
Waldron’s nurturing nature has made a mark on many lives, even among her peers. “Kimily showed the love of Christ to all her students and colleagues by meeting them exactly where they were – offering a listening ear, compassion, and wise counsel,” said Pauline Boren, BCM Director at Oklahoma City University. “That was shown to me as a student, as a colleague, and even now as a friend. She has been a constant support with her words of encouragement, guidance, and prayer.
Cris Lowery, former State BCM Director for Oklahoma Baptists, highlighted her ability to connect deeply with people. “Kimily sees the person that most people walk right by,” he said. “And she doesn’t just see them. She stops and talks to them, she becomes friends with them.”
Former student Staci Montgomery agrees. “I remember Kimily with great fondness. Her kindness and welcoming smile made the (then BSU) feel like a refuge on our campus,” she said. “Her life is marked by the joy of the Lord, and being around her was both refreshing and encouraging.”
Waldron’s nurturing nature has made a mark on many lives, even among her peers. “Kimily showed the love of Christ to all her students and colleagues by meeting them exactly where they were – offering a listening ear, compassion, and wise counsel,” said Pauline Boren, BCM Director at Oklahoma City University. “That was shown to me as a student, as a colleague, and even now as a friend. She has been a constant support with her words of encouragement, guidance, and prayer.”
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