The IHL board on a special meeting approved a lease allowing Alcorn State University to use 52 rooms at the Magnolia Bluffs Hotel in Natchez to house students while on-campus residence halls are renovated. The agreement runs 123 days beginning Aug. 12, 2025, at a cost of $86 per room per night for a total contract value of $528,000.

Board staff said the lease is needed because Burris and Robinson residence halls on Alcorn’s Lorman campus are undergoing mechanical upgrades funded by HEERF (Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund) COVID-relief dollars. Trustee Stevenson moved to approve the item; Trustee Raider seconded the motion, and the board approved it by roll-call vote with all members present voting “aye.”

The lease authorizes Alcorn to operate a shuttle service between Natchez and the Lorman campus. According to the presentation, the Magnolia Bluffs Hotel is owned by Magnolia Bluffs Casino LLC but sits on a separate property about one mile from the casino and does not host gaming activities on the hotel premises. The university may terminate the agreement in whole or in part with 10 days’ notice.

Dr. Pierce presented the item and board staff said legal review found the agreement acceptable. "This lease is needed due to ongoing renovation of residential facilities at the Lorman campus," Dr. Pierce said in the presentation. Brad Rowland, associate commissioner for real estate and facilities, said, "Burris and Robinson Hall are currently undergoing renovations that involve upgrades to the mechanical equipment across both residence halls. These projects are funded by the HEERF funds." Rowland said Robinson is expected to be back online around October, restoring roughly 200 beds before the end of the fall term, while Burris is likely to be completed in the spring.

Board staff told trustees Alcorn reviewed proposals from three Natchez-area hotels and selected Magnolia Bluffs Hotel after considering price, suitability and services. Trustees asked about distance and transportation; staff said the hotel is about 40 miles from the Lorman campus and the university has a shuttle plan in place to transport students.

The lease covers temporary housing only; the board did not adopt any changes to Alcorn’s renovation plans during the meeting. The item concluded the finance and budget regular agenda.