Alcorn State University, the oldest land-grant historically black college or university in the country, is a finalist for nine awards to be given by the Center for HBCU Media Advocacy Inc., the university has announced.

The center recognizes the impact of HBCUs on American culture.

“We are very proud that Alcorn is being recognized for its scholarship and leadership,” Alcorn President Dr. M. Christopher Brown II said in a prepared release. “It is not just because we are an HBCU, it is because we are relevant, innovators and leaders in our field of scholarship making a real difference in the global economy.”

The college, south of Vicksburg at Lorman, is competing in the categories of:

• Best Research Center — The Center for Ecology and Natural Resources.

• Best Fine Arts Program.

• National Alumni Association of the Year.

• Male Alumni of the Year — Dr. Shelby R. Wilkes.

• Female Coach of the Year — Tonya Edwards, women’s basketball coach.

• Best HBCU Choir — ASU Concert Choir.

• Best Alumni Publication — Alcorn, the university’s magazine.

• Male President/Chancellor of the Year — Dr. M. Christopher Brown II.

• HBCU of the Year

Mississippi has two other public Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Jackson State in the state’s capital and Mississippi Valley State in Itta Bena. Jackson State received one nomination this year from the Center for HBCU Media Advocacy, for Best Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Program. Valley State received no nominations.

More than 1,300 schools were considered in making the nominations, said Clara Ross Stamps, ASU associate vice president for marketing. Winners will be selected by a panel of HBCU presidents and chancellors, and will be announced at an awards ceremony April 20 at Bowie State University in Maryland.

In 2010, ASU received one nomination, Stamps said.

Alcorn was established in 1871 on 225 acres of land with eight faculty members and 179 students, all men. It now encompasses 1,700 acres, with about 500 faculty and staff serving 3,000 men and women students from the U.S. and around the world.

Alcorn State is fully accredited with seven schools and degree programs in more than 50 areas, including nursing. The facilities have increased from three historic buildings to approximately 80 buildings collectively valued at $71 million. Also, satellite classes are offered in Natchez and in Vicksburg.

Brown is the school’s 18th president, and he was sworn in in April.