Another chapter in Southwest Mississippi history will begin, ceremonially at least, this weekend.

Alcorn State University will mark two momentous occasions this weekend with a string of celebrations and festivities.

ASU’s 18th president will be inaugurated in celebrations beginning in Vicksburg today, continuing Saturday in Lorman and culminating on Sunday in Natchez.

In addition, Alcorn will celebrate 140 years of existence.

New ASU President M. Christopher Brown has already begun work, but this week’s events will bring some much-needed positive attention to ASU.

It must seem as if the university has had a revolving door installed at the president’s office since the unexpected death of President Clinton Bristow, who led Alcorn for 11 years.

Brown has said many changes are in store for the university. While change can be uncomfortable to some, change can also be refreshing. Brown is confident in his plans for making Alcorn better than ever.

Natchez and Adams County can be an excellent partner in those changes and in Alcorn’s growth. Expanding programs at the Natchez campus would help our area.

Although the drive to Lorman is a beautiful one, for many people, particularly those who work or who have family responsibilities, that drive is a roadblock to their ability to obtain a degree.

We’ve often said that education is the key to so many of society’s problems, and it’s the key to our community’s growth in the future. Changes in the works at Alcorn are exciting to us and potentially of great impact to our community.

But for this weekend, let’s celebrate the new president and the 140 years of history.