W. H. Lanier

William Henry Lanier (c. 1855 – 1929), commonly known as W. H. Lanier, was an American academic administrator, and prominent educator in Mississippi during the late 19th century and early 20th century. He served as the 6th president of Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Alcorn State University) a historically black public university in Lorman, Mississippi.

Background William Henry Lanier was born into slavery in Autauga County, Alabama in September 1855 (some sources indicate 1851). In the 1870 U.S. Census, which was enumerated on July 6, 1870, his age was listed as 14. He would subsequently serve as head of the black schools in Yazoo City until 1911, when he was elected head of the black public schools in Jackson. As principal of Robertson High School, Lanier would serve as head of the black Jackson schools until his death in 1929.

While Lanier was generally well-liked by whites, many blacks despised him. Local media attributed this to "jealousy."

Lanier High School in Jackson, Mississippi is named after him.