Itta Bena, MS — Monday, June 24, 2024, marked a historic day at HBCU Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) with the unveiling of a new athletic logo, the groundbreaking for a new turf field project, and a ribbon cutting for a new Jumbotron. This day signified the beginning of a new era for MVSU Athletics while also closing a chapter with Athletic Director Hakim McClellan officially stepping down from his role at the HBCU.
Dr. Jerryl Briggs, Sr., President of MVSU, expressed his excitement about the new developments in the athletics department and extended his gratitude to McClellan for his significant contributions over his two years of service.
“We are thrilled with the progress of our athletic facilities and the advancements across the campus,” said Dr. Briggs. AD McClellan has done an exceptional job of keeping MVSU moving forward, and working alongside him has been an honor. We wish him the best in his future endeavors. When you love MVSU as he does, MVSU will always love you back.”
In light of McClellan’s departure, Dr. Briggs announced that Head Basketball Coach and MVSU alum George Ivory (‘88) will serve as the interim athletic director.
“I am confident that Coach Ivory will excel in this role, as he has demonstrated his dedication and expertise in the past. George has a wealth of experience and a deep passion for MVSU,” Dr. Briggs added.
Since stepping into the position, McClellan has been instrumental in elevating MVSU’s athletic profile. The groundbreaking for the turf field project and the ribbon cutting for the Jumbotron are testaments to his vision and leadership.
“We have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. I am grateful to Dr. Briggs for supporting my vision and ensuring its realization. This would not have been possible without the backing of the president’s office,” said McClellan.
Additionally, McClellan commissioned the MVSU Office of Communications and Marketing to design a new athletic logo. Donnell Maxie, Director of Communications and Marketing, Senior Graphic Designer John McCall, and MVSU alum D’Artagnan Winford (’02) collaborated to create the new logo.
“I am thankful to the Office of Communications and Marketing for their efforts in developing this new logo. Mr. Maxie has been on the phone and emails working on getting our marks registered and trademarked, while Mr. McCall and Mr. Winford did an outstanding job. I believe this new logo will inspire new energy in our student-athletes,” McClellan explained.
Under McClellan’s leadership, several significant projects and partnerships were realized for the HBCU, including a partnership with Kimbrough Trucking, a Black-owned business in Indianola, Mississippi, resulting in the donation of an 18-wheeler truck, upgraded the tennis courts, updated the track, enhanced the softball deck, upgraded the weight room, and installed new computers in the athletics academic lab. McClellan also initiated a stole ceremony for graduating student-athletes, created a student-athlete lounge, increased the Graduation Success Rate (GSR), improved Academic Progress Rates (APR), achieved the highest GPA in five years across all athletics, hung basketball championship banners, developed an app for university athletics, increased MVSU’s athletic social media presence, and launched Athletics Giving Tuesday.
Dr. Briggs also stated, “As MVSU Athletics embarks on this exciting new chapter, we eagerly anticipate our programs’ continued growth and success under new leadership. Moreover, we are thrilled to announce an increase of $1.2 million in scholarships for our student-athletes for the upcoming academic year. Truly, great things are happening at the Valley! Together, we are One Goal. One Team. One Valley. In Motion!”
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