Video: MSU Turns 138 Years Old

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STARKVILLE, Miss.(WCBI)–In 1878 the legislature gave approval for Mississippi A & M College.

the university has gone Through name changes and major expansions.

Today [Monday]Mississippi State University celebrates 138 years.

Over the decades many MSU students and faculty members have come and gone from the institution of higher learning, having a rich historical legacy.

“The school actually did not go into operation until 1880 because buildings had to be built and all like that. And the first class was 134 students according to the records,” said Sammy McDavid/Retired-Public Affairs.

Now a retired faculty member, Sammy McDavid began his academic career as a freshman in 1966. He has watched the campus community grow. One thing has continued during his tenure on campus, construction projects.

“Probably one of the more dynamic ones is under construction behind George Hall. Which will be a classroom and laboratory building, but also will have a parking garage down in the basement area,” said Sammy McDavid.

Portions of the exterior of that project is expected to look like the famous Old Main Dorm that burned in 1959.

“My in-laws and others who witnessed it say it was a tremendous fire that just, something that will stick with you forever,” said Sammy McDavid.

MSU initially was an agricultural college but has evolved over the decades to a university promoting research with schools of engineering, architecture, business, education and veterinary medicine.

In addition, MSU boasts of having a solid sports program.

“An original member of the SEC Athletic Conference which is, I would certainly argue the dominant athletic conference in the United States and we’ve certainly benefited from that. Its helped give us the athletic program help give us national exposure,” said Sammy McDavid.

Exposure that should help MSU to endure for, maybe another 138 years.

About 20,000 students are enrolled at MSU.