Alcorn State University was founded in 1871, making it the oldest public historically black land-grant institution in the United States. Alcorn has undergone numerous changes and expansions over the years, and it continues to produce notable alumni and scholars in more than fifty fields.

Succeeding against Great Odds covers nearly a quarter of a century since Josephine McCann Posey's first institutional history of Alcorn, Against Great Odds: The History of Alcorn State University. This new book briefly summarizes the first 123 years of Alcorn's history. The volume then explores the tenure of three interim and/or acting presidents, Drs. Rudolph E. Waters Sr. , Malvin A. Williams Sr. , and Norris A. Edney Sr. (with Edney serving twice), and permanent presidents, Drs. Clinton Bristow Jr. , George E. Ross, M. Christopher Brown II, and Alfred Rankins Jr. , who have all served since Against Great Odds was published in 1994. This comprehensive narrative shows the university confidently advancing in the twenty-first century, proud of its distinctive heritage and intent on overcoming obstacles to continue a long tradition of excellence.

Succeeding against Great Odds includes numerous appendices to document the illustrious history of Alcorn, its accomplishments, and particularly the people who have shaped the institution.