In addition to appropriations made by the Mississippi Legislature for the operation and support of the institute, the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning is authorized and empowered to receive contributions, donations, gifts, and grants of money and/or property, equipment, materials or manpower from persons, foundations, trust funds, corporations, organizations, and other sources, to be expended by said board in carrying out the objectives of this chapter.
Miss. Code § 57-23-11