Any member of the faculties of Alcorn A & M College, Jackson State College, and Mississippi Valley State College shall be eligible for leave of absence to pursue advanced academic training so as to elevate the scholastic qualifications of the faculties of these above-mentioned colleges, in line with the requirements of the several accrediting agencies.
In order to provide for the above leaves the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning shall have power to adopt rules and regulations regarding such leave. In no instance shall leave be granted unless there is a contract providing for continued service, after expiration of the leave, in the college where the faculty member is employed.
The board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning is hereby authorized to make payment of salary, or such part of salary as may be decided, of such faculty members who are under contract for academic leaves.