John Martin Branson, III, Mississippi Valley State University- c/o 1985, Social Science
Name : John Martin Branson, III
HBCU : Mississippi Valley State University
Graduation Year : 1985
Major : Social Science
Minor : Social Science
Email : egyptian06@yahoo.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I claim two hometowns, having grown up equally in both of them Drew, MS and Prentiss, MS.
Returning for MVSU Homecoming 2017: It’s a Family Affair
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
For as long as l can remember, I’ve been pro-Black. So it was a given that if went to college at all, it’d be a HBCU.
Tony Haggie and l discussing our days at MVSU
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
The best years of my life were spent at Mississippi Valley State University. I wouldn’t trade the experience for nothing in the world. I’m a country boy. So imagine a boy from rural Mississippi attending a college with other blacks from different segments of life from across these United States of America. Plus, I wanted a sense of belonging. Mississippi Valley was small enough for me to feel ‘included’. I really shined during my years there.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
Attending my first collegiate homecoming at a HBCU, my first Southwestern Athletic Conference football game. Valley football was greatness personified. It was ‘The Era of Good Feeling’ at Mississippi Valley. I say that because the student body love was tight knit, the football team was the darling of college football - experiencing its glory days and l was into activities.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Mrs. Maxine Perryman Stewart - was The guiding light that dared us to dream and dream big. She made learning fun! I’ll never forget her,
Dr. David Wicks - was a stoic man, but I forged a bond with him that endured long after my Valley State. He said: Stay resolute and stay true to yourself, standby your convictions and NEVER, EVER give up. I still live by his logic.
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Mississippi Valley State University
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Students: 2,502
- Athletics: Mississippi Valley State University sports teams participate in NCAA Division I (I-AA for football) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Mississippi Valley State University offers, Basketball, Cross country, Golf, Track Baseball, Football, Tennis Soccer, Volleyball, Softball, and Bowling.
- Notable Alumni: Jerry Rice - 1985 - Former NFL wide receiver; member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame** Chris Epps - 1982 - Longest-serving commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Corrections** Corey Holmes - 2000 - Mayor of Metcalfe, Mississippi; former CFL running back**
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