Mississippi Code Title 57. Planning, Research and Development § 57-55-17

(1) The Mississippi Urban Research Center, hereinafter referred to as the MURC, is hereby established under the management and control of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. The principal officers of the MURC shall be located at Jackson State University and shall be under the direction of the president of the university subject to the governance of the board of trustees. The president shall appoint a director of the MURC who shall recommend to the president necessary professional and administrative staff of the center, all subject to the approval of the board of trustees.

(2) It shall be the function of the urban research center to conduct basic and applied research into urban problems and public policy and to make available the results of this research to private groups, public bodies and public officials. They may offer consultations and general advisory services concerning urban problems and their solutions. According to the policies of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and with its approval, they may conduct instructional and training programs for those who are working in or expect to make careers in urban public service. Such training programs may be conducted by Jackson State University either in its own name or by agreement and cooperation with other public and private organizations. The MURC personnel shall cooperate fully with the various departments of the state government, with the colleges and universities of the state, with the University Research Center, with the Mississippi Department of Economic Development, and with other research and development agencies in an effort to fully effectuate the purpose of this section. All state agencies and departments are hereby authorized and directed to give the MURC and its personnel their full cooperation in every possible manner.