A bill would close 3 of Mississippi’s 8 universities, but lawmakers say it’s likely to die

JACKSON, Miss (AP) — A bill proposed in Mississippi would close three of the state’s eight public universities, but lawmakers in the House and Senate said Wednesday that it is unlikely to pass.

Under the proposal from Republican Sen. John Polk of Hattiesburg, the board that governs the eight schools would choose three to close by June 30, 2028. The bill does not specify which institutions would close but says the board would make the decision based on enrollment, federal aid, tuition rates, degree programs and local economic impact.

House Universities and Colleges Committee Chairman Donnie Scoggin, a Republican from Ellisville, said he had not studied Polk’s bill, but a study committee to evaluate those metrics would be a necessary prerequisite.

“I am not for closing any of the colleges at this time without having a whole lot more knowledge,” Scoggin told The Associated Press. “I would not support that without knowing a whole lot more.”

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Citing declining enrollment at several institutions,