Mississippi Valley State University (MSVU) celebrated its 75th Founder’s Day under the theme, “A Celebration of Service: A Legacy Unveiled.” A whole week of events, honoring the institution’s enduring legacy, commitment to service, and the pioneers who came before, was concluded at the J.H. White Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Gala on Friday, April 11. 

While at the gala, in a spirit of gratitude and acknowledgment, a representative from MSVU presented Michael Joe Cannon, Owner of Cannon Motors of Mississippi, with the prestigious Founders Award. “I’m incredibly humbled to have received the award. To be recognized by an institution with such a rich legacy of excellence, service and impact means more than words can express,” Michael Joe said.

MSVU was established in 1950 with the express purpose of training teachers for rural and elementary schools and to provide vocational training. Since then, the school has expanded a couple of times and now offers a number of undergraduate and graduate programs. In addition, MVSU has a median undergraduate tuition of $7,394, far below the national average of $23,996. The school’s commitment to educating the community and improving lives through imparting knowledge and skills is second to none. 

Under Michael Joe’s leadership, Cannon Motors has been a huge supporter of the university for many years. “We know that it’s a vital part of our community and we need it to succeed because when it succeeds, we do as well,” Michael Joe stated. Support for MSVU is shown in several ways, such as yearly fundraisers to raise money to support the MSVU athletic program and providing the university president with a car to drive. 

“Cannon Motors has had the benefit of some brilliant MVSU interns, but more importantly, a lot of the folks who work at the school are our customers and have been our customers for years,” Michael Joe said. “Not only are they customers, but they are friends. We have been blessed in many ways by MVSU.”

For Michael Joe, as is the case with car dealers in Mississippi and across the country, giving back is a way of life. “Car dealers are some of the most giving people in their communities. There are many different ways we show support,” Michael Joe said. “I’m proud to be a new car dealer and to represent the profession. This award is a true reflection of the generosity of car dealers: It’s not all about taking. You have to give back to the community.”