When state higher ed boards talk about Flagship schools, they are referring to their land/sea grant schools, the ones that have the most direct financial ties/obligations to the state and therefore the duty to serve its populace. This is why state extension services operate out of those schools. In most cases, the Flagship enjoys a large enrollment (look at UGA, LSU, UK, UARK, UTENN, UF). But it is land grant status that makes you the flagship, not enrollment, popularity, or name for that matter. As much as you may want to argue it, U of Alabama, U of S. Carolina, UNC, U of Texas are not the flagship schools. Auburn, Clemson, NC State, and A&M are. They may or may not be the most popularly known, but that is a PR function, not a governmental one.
On a second note, the land grant system is also a little deceptive because land sales of college property to the state can actually classify a school as a partial land grant . Also, because of the politics of segregation, some minority schools were originally given land grant status. For both reasons, Alcorn State University describes itself as the<span class="st"> oldest public historically black land grant institution in the United States</span>. You'll see something like that in most states.
In review, your comment about OM being the Flagship is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have
ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent post were you
even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought.
Everyone in this thread is now dumber for having listened to it. I award
you no credibility, and may God have mercy on your soul. (Yes I plagiarized that from Billy Madison).
If you want the title of Flagship, stand at the back of the line behind State and Alcorn.
