The Board of Trustees is the constitutional governing body of the State Institutions of Higher Learning. Because of changes to the legislation regarding the appointment of Board members, "after January 1, 2004, as vacancies occur, the twelve-member Board shall be appointed from each of the three Mississippi Supreme Court districts until there are four members from each Supreme Court district. The terms of office are reduced from twelve years to nine years. The terms are staggered so that all members appointed after 2012 will have a term of nine years." The Board Office, located in the Education and Research Center of Mississippi, is responsible for policy and financial oversight of the eight public institutions of higher learning. The Commissioner of Higher Education is responsible for assisting the Board in the administration of the Board's policies and bylaws. Divisions of the Commissioner's Office include academic and student affairs, construction and physical affairs, finance and administration, and research and planning. The Board oversees degree-credit courses, research and public service activities and programs at the eight public universities, including The University of Mississippi Medical Center, The Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, ten off-campus centers, and various other locations throughout the state. Available programs range from a variety of undergraduate disciplines to most professional fields. All eight universities offer master's level programs, six have programs at the education specialist level and five offer doctoral-level programs. Under the leadership of the Board of Trustees, the Institutions of Higher Learning provides guidance and management for the public universities in Mississippi. The Board oversees degree-credit courses at the eight universities, which include the University of Mississippi Medical Center, ten off-campus centers, and various other locations throughout the state. More than 70,000 students currently are pursuing academic degree credit in this system. Our goal is to create an academic environment which allows students to receive a quality education, one that will equip them to contribute to the workforce and to be responsible citizens, as well as enhance their overall quality of life. We strive to make educational opportunities accessible and affordable for all who choose a Mississippi university. The programs available at our universities range from a wide variety of undergraduate disciplines to most professional fields. All eight universities offer master's level programs. Six have programs at the education specialist level and five offer doctoral-level programs. At our Mississippi universities, students will find outstanding professors who are committed to their students and who provide quality instruction by employing state-of-the-art technology and resources. Each of our campuses is distinctive, attractive and welcoming-just the kind of place you might enjoy calling "home" as you pursue your education. We invite you to tour these Mississippi universities through the convenience of today's technology and also in person. If you are searching for an excellent educational experience, please contact one of Mississippi's eight public universities. Administrators, faculty and students on these campuses are eager to discuss how they can best help you fulfill your educational goals.
