A manhunt is underway after a professor was shot dead at Delta State University.
Police want to speak to a fellow academic at the university who they've identified as their main suspect in the killing.
Officers are also investigating a possible link to the murder of a woman in a separate incident.
The campus in Cleveland, Mississippi is on lock-down.
The BBC reports that the professor has been identified as Ethan Schmidt, assistant professor of history, specialising in Native American and colonial history.
Hundreds of law enforcement from across the state are on campus.
— Delta State (@DeltaState) September 14, 2015
Police are clearing all buildings on campus to ensure safety of students and employees. No students involved.
— Delta State (@DeltaState) September 14, 2015
Classes will be cancelled today and tomorrow, including night classes. Counselors will be here tomorrow at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for groups.
— Delta State (@DeltaState) September 14, 2015
The office where Professor Schmidt was killed is situated inside the university's Jobe Hall building, police said.
Police helicopters reportedly circled the campus and officers swept buildings, which have now mostly been evacuated.
All campus buildings were locked from the inside and officials advised people to shelter as police cleared students from buildings on campus.
Around 3,500 students are enrolled at the university.
