Mississippi State University dedicates plaza for first black student to attend the institution

Mississippi State University dedicates.

Key points

• Culture Eddie Pells, Associated Press, Eric Olson, Associated Press August 26, 2026.
• Other participants of the event included Vice President of Access, Opportunity and Success Ra'Sheda Forbes and MSU Student Association President Keegan Figueroa.
• Mississippi to receive almost $200 million over 10 years in "landmark" settlement with Meta.
• In recognition of those milestones, the former YMCA Plaza on the university campus was officially renamed the Holmes Plaza on August 21.
• State Board of Education hears update on Okolona School District's financial woes, latest statewide MAAP scores.

Mississippi State University dedicates plaza for first black student to attend the institution. By: Jeremy Pittari – August 27, 2026.

MSU President Mark E. Keenum, second from left, along with MSU Student Association President Keegan Figueroa; Vice President for Access, Opportunity and Success Ra'Sheda Forbes; and I'terrious Hunter, an MSU Promise Scholar and fraternity brother of Holmes. (Photo by Grace Cockrell / MSU).

Holmes Plaza on the MSU campus now recognizes the contributions and life of Dr. Richard E. Holmes.

To recognize the contributions and life of Mississippi State University's first black student, the ribbon was cut on a monument erected in the plaza on the Starkville campus that now bears his name.

Dr. Richard E. Holmes became the first black student to attend MSU back in the 1960s. He went on to provide healthcare in two states.

In recognition of those milestones, the former YMCA Plaza on the university campus was officially renamed the Holmes Plaza on August 21. A monument additionally now stands on the site in his honor.

"Holmes Plaza and the monument we are dedicating today ensures that Dr. Holmes' story is always remembered on our campus. And what an incredible story it is, " MSU President Mark Keenum remarked. "He was a true pioneer and courageous trailblazer when he became Mississippi State's first African American student on July 19, 1965."

Holmes was a member of MSU's Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. After graduating from the university, he went on to become a physician who provided health care in Mississippi and Alabama. He additionally worked in the MSU Longest Health Center for 30 years, according to the school.

Holmes Plaza now serves as "a place where everyone can find opportunity and belonging, " Keenum remarked.

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, I'terrious Hunter, a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, remarked he was honored to participate in the recognition of a fraternity brother. Hunter is additionally a MSU Promise Scholar.

Other participants of the event included Vice President of Access, Opportunity and Success Ra'Sheda Forbes and MSU Student Association President Keegan Figueroa. Regarding the Author(s).

Jeremy Pittari is a lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast. Born and raised in Slidell, La., he moved to South Mississippi in the early 90s. Jeremy earned an associate in arts from Pearl River Community College and went on to attend the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a bachelor's of arts in journalism. A week after Hurricane Katrina, he began an internship as a reporter with the community newspaper in Pearl River County. After graduation, he accepted a full-time position at that news outlet where he covered the recovery process post Katrina in Pearl River and Hancock Counties. For almost 17 years he wrote concerning local administration, education, law enforcement, crime, business and a variety of other topics. Email Jeremy: [email protected].

News Cass Rutledge August 25, 2026. Mississippi launches UPSKILL grant for adult education, training for in-demand careers.

For context, the grant will cover any remaining tuition and fees after other aid is applied and include an extra $500 annual stipend for books and other educational materials. More From This Author. News Frank Corder, Jeremy Pittari August 26, 2026.

Mississippi to receive almost $200 million over 10 years in "landmark" settlement with Meta. News Jeremy Pittari August 26, 2026.

MDOT announces "The Big Fix, " a multi-year project in the Jackson metro area. News Jeremy Pittari August 25, 2026.

Mississippi foster home focused on hard to place youth receives $3.4 million renovation grant. News Michelle L. Cost, Associated Press August 27, 2026.

U.S. Goals have shifted after 6 months of Iran war. The Strait of Hormuz is now a top concern. Education Jeremy Pittari August 24, 2026.

State Board of Education approves new math cut score, updated excused absence policy.

In practice, the Mississippi State Board of Education additionally heard an update on efforts to improve the ClassWallet system for teachers' classroom funds. News Jeremy Pittari August 21, 2026.

Chief Accountability Officer Dr. Paula Vanderford informed the State Board of Education that the most recent MAAP assessment does differ from prior years, adding that this year's testing should be considered a transition year. News Frank Corder August 27, 2026. Raytheon announces completion of $50 million expansion in Forest. News Magnolia Tribune August 27, 2026. Magnolia Mornings: August 27, 2026. News Jeremy Pittari August 26, 2026.

Miss. Dept. Of Education to hold statewide meetings to support parents boost literacy in K-3 children. Business Cass Rutledge August 20, 2026. Solero Technologies announces $14 million expansion in Water Valley. Business Frank Corder August 18, 2026. New Director coming to Port Pascagoula. Business Frank Corder August 18, 2026. Marathon Cheese expanding in Booneville, creating 39 jobs. Culture Alistair Begg August 27, 2026.

SEC joins Major Ten in banning pros from returning to college, including basketball players. Culture Susan Marquez August 26, 2026. 'Hamilton' sensation Leslie Odom Jr. To open MSU's Lyceum Series. Opinion Sid Salter August 26, 2026.

Supreme Court to rule on 2020 Census results that negatively impacted Mississippians. Opinion Roger Wicker August 21, 2026. Amtrak's Mardi Gras line boosts jobs, tourism. Opinion Sid Salter August 19, 2026.

Shades of Skynet? State's measured approach to AI policy development was wise plan.

Taken together, the developments around mississippi State University dedicates plaza for first black student to attend the point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.