Founded in 1871, Alcorn State was the nation’s first public land grant institution. And, for more than 140 years, the university has helped shape the lives of students who have studied there and recorded quite a history.

For Vicksburg native Dr. Josephine Posey, protecting and sharing is her responsibility. Posey is recognized as the university’s historian.

“I feel that spreading the University’s history is important because Alcorn has such a rich and distinctive history that has been shaped by scholarly young men and women who entered the halls of its greatness,” Posey said in a release announcing the unveiling of her second book, ‘Succeeding Against Great Odds: Alcorn State University in its Second Century.’ “Spreading this history enables others to know that struggles encountered throughout past decades were overcome with hard work, commitment and dedication in receiving a quality education.”

That book, which follow’s Posey’s first, “Against Great Odds: The History of Alcorn State University,” will be the focus of an event Tuesday at Alcorn’s Vicksburg campus at the Vicksburg Mall on Pemberton Boulevard.

The reception at the campus will be from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and the followed by a book signing and reading at Lorelei Books from 5:45 to 7 p.m. in downtown Vicksburg.

“We are always looking for opportunities to work with and support the education community, and as the nation’s first public land grant institution, Alcorn has a vital place in the U.S. education history,” Lorelei Books owner Kelle Barfield said.

“Dr. Posey is from Vicksburg so there is another connection there, and we just felt like timing-wise, with school starting back up, a new semester, with an event that will bring some ASU Brave fans together, alumni, give them a chance to interact with Dr. Posey and get an autographed copy. It was a perfect opportunity.”

In her new book, the release said, Posey narrates Alcorn’s ability to adapt to the technological age, proud heritage and ability to overcome obstacles in order to carry on its reputation of achieving excellence.

Posey began collecting historical data for the second Alcorn history book in July 2011.

“To pass this history down through generations, young people will know that with all of the complexities of society, they can still be successful and overcome barriers,” Posey said. “The history of our great institution should never be lost in the shuffle, but documented for the knowledge and betterment of generations to come.”

In addition to Tuesday’s reception and book signing, “Succeeding Against Great Odds: Alcorn State University in its Second Century” can be purchased at the University Press of Mississippi, located on 3825 Ridgewood Road in Jackson. To order online, visit www.upress.state.ms.us.

“The quality of books produced by University Press is of such a high caliber that I am, in particular, like sponsoring author events for books of local interest that are produced by University Press,” Barfield said.

In addition to Lorelei Books, the events are sponsored by the Vicksburg-Warren Chapter of the ASU National Alumni Association and the members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.