Mississippi College Mourns Death of Leland Speed

The Mississippi College community is grieving the loss of our longtime board member and dear friend, Leland Speed. 

Leland’s contributions to MC were many. He served on our board of trustees for 42 years, making him the longest-serving board member in our university’s history.  At the time of his death, he served as Chair of the Mississippi College Foundation. His wise leadership, insightfulness, and generosity shaped MC in so many ways, from our stewardship of university resources to some of the landmark buildings on our campus. 

Leland was a brilliant real estate developer and business leader, and a visionary about the future of our state. He gave back to his community and the state that he loved, serving charitable and community organizations in Mississippi and nationwide. But most importantly, his Christian character and loving kindness exceeded his unrivaled success in the business and civic realms. 

Mississippi College, and our state of Mississippi, will miss Leland’s wisdom and guidance, but most of all, we will miss his friendship.  We pray for the peace and comfort of the entire Speed family.