Our Mission

The John C. Stennis Institute of Government performs a threefold mission:

1. To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Mississippi state and local governments through basic and applied research, training, technical assistance, and service
2. To provide technical assistance and research for both rural development in Mississippi and regional activities in the Southeast
3. To promote civic education and citizen involvement in the political process

Our Vision

The Stennis Institute will be recognized at the local, state, and national levels as a leader and innovator in education, research, and training efforts that enhance government capacities to serve its constituents.

To be successful, the Institute must:

• Disseminate information and provide training on essential government functions to populations in Mississippi
• Lead in governance solutions and innovation
• Excel and adapt programs to form to its core mission
• Collaborate with the University, State, Nation, and International communities to address multidimensional and complex challenges
• Effectively brand and communicate the values of the Institute to current and future markets

History

Elected to the United States Senate in 1947 with the promise to “plow a straight furrow to the end of the row,” John C. Stennis recognized the need for an organization to assist governments with a wide range of issues and to better equip citizens to participate in the political process. In 1976, Senator Stennis set the mission parameters and ushered in the development of a policy research and assistance institute which was to bear his name as an acknowledgment to his service to the people of Mississippi. Created as a service and research arm of Mississippi State University, the Stennis Institute was established on February 9, 1976. Announcing its formation during a two-day Forum on Politics honoring U.S. Senators John Stennis and Margaret Chase Smith, MSU President William L. Giles outlined the Institute’s mission and goals. According to Giles, the Institute would seek to integrate research, service, and teaching activities to improve government in the state, as well as promote the training of students who seek careers in public service. 

Fifty years later, the Stennis Institute has remained true to that initial charge. By providing meaningful, applied research to state and local units of government, the Institute brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to bear on real-world issues. Through its executive development programs, training opportunities, and technical assistance programs, the Institute provides support for today’s policymakers from the courthouse to the classroom. And, by playing an active role in the development of tomorrow’s leaders, the Institute is working to ensure that Mississippi’s future remains strong.