IHL Board Approves $528K Lease for Alcorn State Student Housing During Renovations

The IHL Special Board of Trustees Meeting convened on July 18, 2025, to address key financial and operational matters concerning Mississippi Public Universities. The meeting commenced with a roll call, confirming the presence of all trustees.

The primary agenda item focused on a lease agreement proposed by Alcorn State University (ASU) to secure housing for students during the fall 2025 term. Due to ongoing renovations at the university's residential facilities, ASU requested to lease 52 hotel rooms from Magnolia Bluffs Casino LLC, located approximately 40 miles from the Lorman campus. The total cost of the lease is $528,000 for 123 days, starting on August 12, 2025, at a rate of $86 per room per night. ASU plans to provide shuttle services to transport students between the hotel and campus.

Brad Rowland, Associate Commissioner for Real Estate and Facilities, provided an update on the renovations at ASU, which are funded by federal HEERF funds. He noted that two residence halls, Burris and Robinson, are undergoing significant upgrades, with Robinson expected to reopen by October, allowing for approximately 200 beds to be available before the fall semester ends. Burris is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2026.

After discussing the lease proposal and the status of renovations, the board unanimously approved the lease agreement for ASU. Following this, the board moved into an executive session to discuss confidential matters.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the next scheduled board meeting on August 21, 2025, and a motion to adjourn, which was also unanimously passed. The meeting highlighted the board's commitment to addressing housing needs for students while managing ongoing facility upgrades.