Founded in 1866, Rust College is the oldest Historically Black College or University in Mississippi, the third-oldest institution of higher learning in the state, and one of the nation’s oldest HBCUs still in operation. From its beginning, the College has remained committed to educational opportunity, leadership development, spiritual growth, and service.
The History of
Rust College
Founded in 1866. Standing for education for more than 160 years.
RUST AT A GLANCE
FOUNDED
1866
LOCATION
Holly Springs, Mississippi
ORIGINAL LOCATION
Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church
ORIGINAL
SPONSORING
ORGANIZATION
Freedmen’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church
HISTORIC DISTINCTION
Oldest HBCU in Mississippi
INSTITUTIONAL TRADITION
Faith, Truth, Service, Scholarship, and Leadership
A SCHOOL FOUNDED IN FREEDOM
In 1866, the Freedmen’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church established a school in Holly Springs, Mississippi, in response to the urgent need for education for formerly enslaved people.
The school opened in Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of the Rev. Samuel Moses. Northern missionaries and local African Americans taught children and adults, beginning with instruction in reading, writing, arithmetic, and other foundational subjects.
From the beginning, the institution became a place where newly freed people could gain knowledge, strengthen their families, participate in civic life, and prepare to build stronger communities.
MORE THAN A CLASSROOM
The institution became a place of hope, dignity, and transformation—preparing individuals to build stronger families and communities.
The institution became a place of hope, dignity, and transformation—preparing individuals to build stronger families and communities.
BUILDING A PERMANENT HOME
In 1867, only one year after classes began, the first building was erected on the present-day campus.
Local African American carpenters, craftsmen, and builders—including James Wells, father of Ida B. Wells-Barnett—helped construct the building. Their labor reflected a determination to build and sustain institutions for future generations.
The permanent campus signaled that the school was becoming an enduring institution dedicated to education, faith, advancement, and service.
1867 The first building was erected on the present-day campus with the support and labor of local African American craftsmen and builders.
THE EVOLUTION OF THE COLLEGE'S NAME
1866
The School at Asbury Church
The institution began as a school established by the Freedmen’s Aid Society in Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church.
1870
Shaw University
Chartered as Shaw University in honor of the Rev. S. C. Shaw, whose $10,000 gift provided vital support in the institution’s early years.
1892
Rust University
The name changed to Rust University in honor of Rev. Richard S. Rust, a Methodist minister, educator, and leader in the Freedmen’s Aid Society.
1915
Rust College
The institution adopted the name Rust College, which has remained for more than a century and stands for opportunity, faith, leadership, and service.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM
✔ The first two students graduated from the college department in 1878.
✔ For many years, the College operated elementary, secondary, and collegiate programs simultaneously.
✔ The elementary division was discontinued in 1930.
✔ The high school division closed in 1953.
✔ The College then focused fully on its mission as an institution of higher education.
1878
The first two students graduated from the college department
The first two students graduated from the college department
PRESIDENTIAL ERAS
Guided by visionary leaders, Rust College has endured, grown, and continued its mission for more than 160 years.
1866–1876 — Rev. A. C. McDonald
1876–1885 — Rev. A. W. Hooper, D.D.
1885–1897 — Rev. Charles E. Libbey, D.D.
1897–1909 — Rev. W. W. Foster Jr.
1909–1915 — Rev. James T. Dockings, Ph.D.
1915–1920 — Rev. George Evans, D.D.
1920–1924 — Dr. Matthews S. Davage
First African American President
1924–1957 — Dr. Lee Marcus McCoy
First Rust Alumnus President
1957–1957 — Dr. Earnest A. Smith
(Class of 1937)
1967–1993 — Dr. William A. McMillan
1993–2020 — Dr. David L. Beckley
(Class of 1967)
2020–2023 — Dr. Ivy Taylor
2023–2025 — Dr. Robert M. Dixon
Interim President
2025–PRESENT — Dr. Johnny M. Moore
Thirteenth President
CURRENT LEADERSHIP
DR. JOHNNY M. MOORE
Thirteenth President of Rust College
Began his tenure on August 11, 2025.
An HBCU graduate, mathematics educator, and experienced higher education leader, Dr. Moore brings more than three decades of leadership experience to the College.
Honoring Our Legacy.
Building Our Future.
ROOTED IN FAITH
Rust College has maintained a historic relationship with the Methodist Church since its founding. The College remains related to The United Methodist Church and continues to encourage students to grow academically, professionally, spiritually, and ethically.
LEADERSHIP & SERVICE
Our alumni serve as teachers, ministers, physicians, attorneys, scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, public officials, and leaders in countless fields—strengthening communities in Mississippi, across the nation, and around the world.
STANDING FOR EDUCATION
Through Reconstruction, segregation, the civil rights movement, and changing times, Rust College has remained a beacon of hope and opportunity.
“For it stood for education, when it had to stand alone.”
— Rust College Alma Mater
MORE THAN 160 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
From a school in a church to one of America’s enduring HBCUs—Rust College continues to honor its legacy, educate future leaders, serve communities, and build a brighter future for generations yet to come.
