John Mayo Pleasants Atkinson (January 10, 1817 – August 28, 1883) was the tenth President of Hampden–Sydney College from 1857 to 1883.

John M. P. Atkinson was born on January 10, 1817, at the Mansfield Plantation in Dinwiddie County, Virginia.

[2] Dr. Atkinson is credited with managing to keep the college solvent while upholding disciplinary and academic standards.

[4] In 1861, near the beginning of the American Civil War, Atkinson established the "Hampden–Sydney Boys" and served as their captain, Company G, 20th Virginia Regiment.

[4] The troop was assigned to Col. John Pegram's Brigade, Gen. Robert Garnett's command and fought in early battles including both Big Bethel and Rich Mountain.