Pictured from left are Kortney Haymore, Student Government Association president; Dr. William Bynum Jr., MVSU president; and Lance Gregory, Cannon Motor Company.
Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) was honored last night by the Greenwood Leflore Chamber of Commerce as Big Business of the Year during its 99th Annual Meeting. Each year, the Chamber recognizes outstanding businesses, volunteers and citizens for their success, dedication to excellence and leadership in the community.
"It is an outstanding honor for MVSU to be selected for this award," said Dr. William B. Bynum Jr., president. "We are truly living out the tenets of One Goal. One Team. One Valley. Without the awesome work of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff this community award would not have been possible. Our community presence has improved tremendously since my arrival. I want The Valley to continue these great works as we strive to improve the lives of those around us and continue to be community partners."
MVSU has been an active participant in the local community and beyond. Valley’s students have completed over 52,000 community service hours since October 2014. MVSU has sponsored and/or volunteered at Bikes, Blues, and Bayous, 300 Oaks, Greenville’s Dragon Boat Race and Viking Half Marathon along with tutoring students, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, providing water during the Flint, Mich. Water Crisis, volunteering and hosting Hope America’s Christmas for Children Giveaway for Mississippi residents, assisting during the United Way’s Day of Caring, among many other efforts.
Most recently, MVSU has been named to U.S. News & World Report Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Regional Universities South rankings; College Choices’ Most Affordable Business Schools, and ToBecomeaTeacher.org’s Best Teaching Colleges in Mississippi Listing. Valley’s students have won several honors throughout the nation and state.
MVSU has an internationally renowned choir and band. The choir has performed in Chicago, Cincinnati, Jackson, Memphis, New Orleans, Omaha, Seattle, St. Louis, and Vancouver. Overseas destinations have included Brazil and Italy. In March 2014, Valley Singers toured Boston and performed at Boston University, Old South Church, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, and Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. The Mean Green Marching Machine Band has performed at the Presidential Inauguration of Richard Nixon, Indianapolis 500, Rose Bowl Parades, National Olympic Sports Festival, Official Honor Band for President George H.W. Bush’s Visit to Mississippi, to name a few of its noteworthy performances.
Qualifications for the honor include a proven track record of success and positive contributions to the community in philanthropy or community support for activities and projects; along with being a Chamber member in good standing. Nominations were received from the local community for the award.
The Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1917, and is the area's largest and most influential business organization. The Chamber exists to provide support and resources to existing and new businesses through Chamber membership, to promote an enhanced quality of life in our community through events and programs, and to provide volunteerism opportunities and recognition.