eXperience Magazine 2016 Spring Edition

SPECIAL EDITON FOR 2016 JSU GRADUATES VOL. V ISSUE II

Life after college Students discuss post graduation plans

Choose JSU Grad School Students eXperience top-notch graduate education

It Goes Down in the DM The Pros and Cons of Online Dating

CAMPUS LIFE LIFE -- HEALTH HEALTH -- ACADEMICS ACADEMICS -- FASHIONFASHION- SPORTS SPORTS CAMPUS

2016 Spring Edition

What’s Inside 4 5

VOL. V ISSUE II

THE VOICES OF eXperience

A Letter from Managing Editor Orionna Brumfield A Letter from Associate Editor Ashton Nash

8

WHO WE ARE 7

A Look at the Demographics of JSU: Majors

CAMPUS LIFE

8 10 12 14

Circle of Humanity: A Flag for Every Country Turning Back the Hands of Time The Great Reveal 2015-2016 Year in Review

24 26

Livin’ by the Selfie It Goes Down in the DM

28 30 34 36 38 40 41 42 44 46 48 50

HEALTH & WELLNESS

ACADEMICS

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2016 Job Outlook for Graduates Life after College Choose JSU Graduate School Tiger Academic Spotlights: JSU’s Finest Farewell from Miss JSU and SGA President JSU Leadership JSU Highlights

ENTERTAINMENT/ FASHION

JSU Faces Evolution of Gospel Five Wardrobe Items all College Girls Need Five Wardrobe Items all College Guys Need Senior Timeline

44

SPORTS 54

JSU Bowling and Volleyball Champions

SPECIAL FEATURE 56

Race Relations

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The Voice of

Farewell fellow Tigers, this has truly been a great eXperience!!

My eXperiences at Jackson State University have been nothing less than amazing. In my previous letter posted in the fall issue of the eXperience Magazine, I discussed how quickly I became involved with my major along with other organizations. However, this letter is a little different because it means more to me. Time is winding down, and I’ll officially become a JSU alum in a few weeks! Our cover story, “Life after College, Now What?” describes the position I am in very well, but in a different way.

To be honest, I have skills that I have obtained as a mass communication major and partaking in opportunities related to my field, but I honestly cannot tell anyone what’s next. However, whatever it is, I know it’s going to be great.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am preparing for my future, but you never know what’s going to happen next. However, I’m going to be fine because I am graduating from a university full of people who took the time to care about me.

They invested their office hours, class lectures, and even unexpected hall occurrences, just to talk to me about being okay with Orionna.

I am so proud of one of my biggest accomplishments, a second issue of the eXperience magazine! I can’t wait to come back and look at this letter with a completed list of things I’ve aimed to do.

Without my eXperiences from Thee Jackson State University, I would not be as confident about my future. I truly appreciate each person, whether it was a student, teacher, faculty member, or administrator, because they all helped mold me into the confident woman I am today. All of these eXperiences, no matter how great or horrible, were worth it. I’m going to miss them all.

I will forever bleed blue and white, no matter where I go.

Until next time,

Orionna Brumfield 2015-2016 eXperience Magazine Managing Editor

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The Voice of

“In order to succeed we must first believe that we can.”

Greetings and salutations, my name is Ashton D. Nash, a senior mass communications major with a minor in speech communications from Chicago, Ill. I have been a part of Student Publications since my sophomore year, after taking Intro to News Reporting with Ms. Shannon Tatum. It was here that I grew to love telling stories in an innovative and creative way. I’ve learned so much about myself as a writer, student and a communicator. These past few years have been like a dream. Dreams are those detailed visions of the things we want most in life. Throughout my tenure here at Jackson State University, the support system I had was like a family. It was here at Thee Jackson State University that my creativity was nurtured and molded.

I would like to thank God first and foremost for everything that I have accomplished here. Also I would like to thank my parents for the love and support and for believing in me. I owe everything to my mother and father. I would also like to thank Taylor Bembery, who has been a mentor to me every since my senior year of high school. Also, thank you to Orionna Brumfield, who has helped me on this journey.

My friends are my rock and have helped me through everything here, so thank you guys for that!!

Creativity is something that Ms. Tatum and Ms. Thomas encouraged from all of the magazine staff writers. Because of their support, I have been able to write on various topics. To whom much is given, much is required. So I would like to thank Ms. Tatum and Ms. Thomas for the time they spent encouraging me, talking with me and affording me with opportunities but more importantly for being my family.

As this year comes to a close, I will never forget you two ladies who inspire me every day to go out and make a difference in the community and to continuously spread this amongst college women. Passion, hard work and dedication is why I am still here before you today. Joining the Blue & White Flash Staff and the eXperience Magazine was truly a life changing experience for me. It’s a bittersweet moment but as I enter this new phase of my life, I leave you guys with this: Do not be afraid of change because the secret to change is to focus on the outcome of building a better you.

I am so excited that you guys are picking up the senior/graduation issue of the eXperience magazine. This is truly a treasured issue to me because it truly embodies many of our best college moments at JSU. It is the epitome of our home.

Thank you guys and God Bless, Until We Meet Again!!

Ashton Nash 2016 eXperience Magazine Associate Editor

2016 Spring Edition

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eXperience Magazine Spring 2016 Staff

eXperience Staff

Jeremy Anderson Kendra Brown Cory Davis Deirdra Harris Glover Jorrie Jones William H. Kelly III

Guy King DeBorah Luckett Shane Savannah Jennifer Wiles Tierra Woods DaShawna Wright

Photography/Graphics William H. Kelly III Orionna Brumfield Chris Funches Charles A. Smith

School of Journalism and Media Studies Contributors Dr. Luis Almeida Ronza Anderson Aniecia Brewster

Breyionna Flowers Dwayne Joseph Jr. MC301-02 News Reporting

Production Staff Shannon Tatum Adviser/Production Editor & Manager Orionna Brumfield Managing Editor

Kierra Thomas Art Director/ Graphic Designer Ashton Nash Associate Editor

is an annual magazine written and edited by Jackson State University students with the counsel of an adviser.

Views expressed within do not necessarily represent the opinions of the administration, faculty/staff, student body, or the Board of Trustees State Institutions of Higher Learning. Articles, photographs and other materials in the eXperience Magazine cannot be republished without the expressed written permission of the editor, adviser and the Student Publications Board at Jackson State University. For additional information, contact JSU Student Publications.

For more information about joining the staff, submissions, advertising or additional copies, please call 601-979-2167 or send an email to eXperience.magazine@jsums.edu.

Student Publications School of Journalism and Media Studies Jackson State University JSU Post Office Box 18449 Jackson, MS 39217 Phone: 601-979-2167 Fax: 601-979-2876

WHOWEARE Keleigh Williams Psychology

Andrew Hackett Computer Science

Charles Davis Civil Engineering

Devin Allen Samantha Higgins Mass Communication Biology

TOP MAJORS

Chris Marshall Finance

Chadijah Craig Music Education

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 2,519 Top three departments:

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY 2,308 Top three departments:

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS 1,733

Elementary & Early Childhood Educ.- 1,201

Biology- 974

Sociology & Criminal Justice- 514

Interdisciplinary Studies- 429

Engineering- 703

Communications- 441

Health, Physical Education & Recreation- 356

Technology- 265

Psychology- 291

Top three departments:

From its humble beginnings in 1877, when founded as Natchez Seminary under the auspices of the American Baptist Home Mission Society of New York, Jackson State University has far exceeded its original goal of educating newly freed slaves to become ministers and teachers.

JSU has been designated by the Carnegie Foundation as a research-intensive university, offering more than 90 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs ranging from Art to Urban Studies.

Jackson State is still leading the cause to educate the teachers of the future with over 2500 of its total 9508 enrolled students in 2014, pursuing degrees in the College of Education and Human Development. But now the possibilities of future careers are limitless at JSU as this public institution of higher learning educates a diverse student population from Mississippi, most other states and many foreign countries by providing a broad range of baccalaureate programs and a variety in its six Colleges: Business; Education and Human Development; Liberal Arts; Lifelong Learning; Public Service; and Science, Engineering and Technology.

Several satellite campuses including: The Mississippi eCenter @ JSU, the Madison Campus, Downtown campus and Universities Center on Ridgewood Road in Jackson along with JSU Online, provide a wide range of students access to the learning process at Jackson State and its enhanced experiential learning in urban and rural areas throughout the city, state, nation, and global communities.

Jackson State is a learning community for highly capable, as well as capable but under prepared students who require a nurturing academic environment. This is who we are!

2016 Spring Edition

7

Campus Life

Circle of Humanity celebrates diversity and opportunity at Jackson State University:

A Flag for Every Country

by Cory L. Davis

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The eXperience Magazine

D

uring the 2015 fall semester, Jackson State University paid tribute to its diverse population of students with the Circle of Humanity, a display of 60 international flags representing the native countries of students currently enrolled at the University.

According to Shirley Harrison, assistant director of JSU Global/International Programs, Keonte Turner, JSU alum and 2014 SGA President, wanted to show unity and inclusion of the international community at Jackson State and plans were put in place to develop the Circle of Humanity.

JSU Global has been operating as a formal unit since 1992.

The office provides a variety of services to the international community both on and off campus. JSU presently has more than 500 international students, staff, and faculty.

The Circle of Humanity is just one of the ways JSU shows its appreciation for its international community.

“International Week, a five day event filled with educational and festive activities, commenced with the formal dedication of our Circle of Humanity on April 11, 2016. During the week, “I am very proud JSU Global invited the Consulate of it, especially General and former Korean because my Ambassador to participate in our Model United Nation. National, flag featured in state and local politicians are the front, so it supporters of our scholarship and makes me very awards banquet, which provides happy to see my at least four or more scholarships country...” to international and domestic students to assist with their education and study abroad, elementary and middle school students attend the Bazaar and members of local Links Chapters volunteer as judges,” said Harrison.

Since its humble beginnings in 1877 as Natchez Seminary, Jackson State has far exceeded its original goal of educating newly freed slaves to become ministers and teachers.

Now offering more than 90 bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree programs, many students, like Lotfi Eljai, came to Jackson State for the opportunity to obtain a diverse cultural and educational experience.

For Eljai, seeing the flag of Morocco wave proudly on the campus, serves as a reminder of home and motivation to take advantage of the educational opportunities available at JSU. “I am very proud of it, especially because my flag is featured in the front, so it makes me very happy to see my Dimitri (Dimo) Bein-Aimé is a senior business administration major from Haiti

Lotfi Eljai is a junior finance major from Morocco

country as I’m walking to the business department,” stated Eljai, who often encourages students to be more open to learning more about the geography of the world. “I’m surprised to hear when students think Morocco is in South America, sometimes . . . I usually have to explain to them or say it’s in Africa.”

Eljai, a junior finance major, found out about JSU while studying at a community college in Chicago, Ill. His Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society advisor shared scholarship information and other opportunities offered at JSU. “As I was looking for schools, I was very interested in coming to Jackson State because of the accreditations they have for their programs, and it was also an opportunity for me to play tennis here as a student athlete,” said Eljai.

Ilona Zaishliuk, a student who learned of JSU via its athletic programs, was ecstatic to see her country’s Ukrainian flag represented as well.

“It’s my favorite place; I have a lot of classes in the Liberal Arts building, so I enjoy seeing it,” said Zaishliuk. “I see a flag from Ukraine, I see an Irish flag, and I see a British flag which all relates to me . . . I even see a Russian flag, which does not necessary relate to me but still reminds me of the harsh situations of Ukraine.”

Zaishliuk, a sophomore dual major in mass communication and drama, came to Jackson State on a tennis scholarship “I saw it as an opportunity to take advantage of getting a great education and play the sport I love,” said Ilona.

She admits that at first, the experience of attending an HBCU and being around so many African-American people was odd.

“In the beginning, it was a bit of a cultural shock because back in my country, I usually do not see many people of color . . .Not that it is a bad thing, but there are not many AfricanAmerican people living in Ukraine,” stated Zaishliuk.

For Dimitri (Dimo) Bein-Aimé, a senior business administration major who also found out about JSU by way of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, seeing the flag of his native Haiti brings mixed emotions.

“I see the flag of Haiti as the first black nation, and this often reminds me of my roots, and the struggles of Haiti. Those flags remind me that the world is one as a whole, despite our backgrounds, social class, or what country we come from, we are still in unity.”

The Circle of Humanity is located at the corner of Dalton and J.R. Lynch Streets across from the JSU Student Center on the lawn of the Dollye M.E. Robinson Liberal Arts building.

2015 Fall Edition

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g n i n r u T k the bac

f o s d n a h

e tim

A

s seniors make preparations for graduation and the transition from post-collegiate academia, many underclassmen are still struggling to adjust to college and campus life. Seniors, as they ponder the journey and eXperiences they too had to make socially and academically, are now in a position to help their fellow Tigers. “Don’t party too much, stay organized, practice good time management and become active in campus organizations” are just a few pieces of advice seniors give freshmen when thinking about what they did right and should have done better during their matriculation at Thee Jackson State University. They say hindsight is 20/20 and these seniors would like to leave a little sage advice to the underclassmen on what they should do to make the most of their college eXperience.

If I could turn back the hands of time, my advice to freshman would be…

Henry Washington, Business Administration, Jackson, Miss.

“My advice to incoming freshmen would be to try to do the best you can, because it’s going to matter in the long run, whether you realize it now, or not.”

Shatiaunna Banks, Accounting , Las Vegas, Nev. “My advice to incoming freshmen would be to take school seriously. There’s a lot of fun things to do in college, but just remember to take the classes seriously or else you will end up at a point where you are behind and can’t catch up.”

Carl “Ole School” Mitchell, Education Administration, Yazoo City, Miss.

“My advice to incoming freshmen would be to know your history. Research. Go look back at the stories that your parents tell, so that you can verify things when you get here, because you get the opportunity to see these things and more when you come to Jackson State.”

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The eXperience Magazine

Brittany Calhoun, Art, Jackson, Miss.

“My advice to incoming freshmen would be to understand what you aim to do as an adult and to choose your major wisely. Stay focused on your direction, it will save time and money.”

Kevin King, Social Work, Brookhaven, Miss.

“My advice to incoming freshmen would be to stick to who you are, what you do, and remember what you’re here for. I think incoming freshmen should know that they shouldn’t try to fit in.”

Alexis Butler, Social Work/Music Education (minor), Natchez, Miss.

“My advice to incoming freshmen would be to have fun. I was so concerned with trying to grow up and support myself and be independent, I feel like I missed being able to be a freshman and be kind of wild and free.”

My most memorable eXperience at JSU …

Kenneth Tyler, Professional Interdisciplinary Studies, Vicksburg, Miss.

“My most memorable eXperience at JSU was putting on that blue and white football jersey for the first time. It was an eXperience that words can’t even describe.”

La’Nique Ervin, Communicative Disorders, Itta Bena, Miss.

“My most memorable eXperience at JSU was when KeKe Palmer came to a panel discussion. It was breathtaking and rewarding to be in the presence of such a phenomenal woman. I had the pleasure of speaking with her for few minutes.”

Matrix McDaniel, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Belzoni, Miss.

“My most memorable eXperience here at JSU would probably be the experience I gained when I joined the JSU Global Program and ventured off to Shanghai, China. That was literally one of the most exciting and mind blowing eXperiences of my life.”

Adrian Barton, Pre Pharmacy, Forest, Miss.

“My most memorable eXperience here at Jackson State University is when I had the opportunity to travel with the MARC program to Texas for a conference. I really enjoyed myself and I learned a lot about my major of study and how to succeed after I graduate.”

Jonathan Coleman, Biology/Premed, Jackson, Miss.

“My most memorable eXperience while here at JSU would be the bonds I’ve made with the people and friends I’ve met.

These friendships that I’ve made will more than likely last a lifetime.”

Alonna Tipton, Psychology, Flint, Mich.

“My most memorable eXperience here at Jackson State University was Homecoming this school year. This year was my second one I attended since I been here; the first one was my sophomore year. This year, I enjoyed the football game, the hotspot, the whole week of Homecoming. I really enjoyed myself. I will never forget Homecoming 2015 here at JSU.”

2015 Fall Edition

11

The “coming out� ceremony for six Greek Pan-Hellenic organizations at Jackson State University was held on March 6, 2016 in the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center. The JSU chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (whose reveal was held earlier on the Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway), Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., revealed their new sorority and fraternity members to the anxious audience at the packed AAC. The new members stepped and strolled proudly as they were later showered with memorabilia and gifts from Greek sisters and brothers, family and friends.

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The eXperience Magazine

2016 Spring Edition

13

YEAR IN

REVIEW 2015-2016

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The eXperience Magazine

AUGUST

2015 Welcome Week More than 2000 freshmen students were welcomed to Jackson State University on Aug. 16, 2015 during the Freshmen Opening Convocation.

As the largest freshman class in JSU history, students were pinned during a ceremony reminiscent to the graduation they will attend as honorees four years in the future by faculty, staff and administrators adorned in academic regalia.

Activities were planned throughout the week to introduce the students to the many academic programs, services, and organizations available at Jackson State. Some of the activities included: move-in day activities, parent/family orientation, academic advisement, plaza festival, community service projects, talent show, movies and more.

2015 Fall Edition

15

Jackson State tackles housing issues As college enrollments continue to increase, JSU, like many other colleges and universities across the nation, is faced with challenges in providing housing to students in need.

Much attention was given to this issue in the local media in Jackson as some JSU students faced challenges. JSU is projected to have 10,000 students, its highest enrollment numbers in the history of the university, which university officials say contributed to the need for housing.

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The eXperience Magazine

Jackson State University is on a mission to produce technologically advanced, diverse, ethical global leaders who think critically and address societal problems.

The experiences of 73 students and faculty who traveled to six different countries this summer to study abroad were featured in the exciting documentary.

The four-week faculty-led excursions took students to Shanghai, China; Madrid, Spain; Paris; Salvador da

Bahia, Brazil; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and Rio de Janeiro.

Jackson State President Carolyn W. Meyers, a staunch supporter of the JSU Global program, was also in attendance at the documentary screening. “There are new worlds to explore new people to meet and I think the end of it [documentary] was very significant because it changes your perspective,� said President Meyers.

SEPTEMBER

Jackson State University goes global

Tigers pink out for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

OCTOBER

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual event in which citizens around the world host events ranging from forums to run/walks, to inform and remind people of the deadly disease.

Along with the bright pink fountains in front of the H.T. Sampson Library, clubs and organizations on campus, as well as student body leaders, hosted a plethora of events in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

with a concert in the Lee E. Williams 2015 Athletic Assembly Center (AAC) local artists and rapper K Home- featuring Camp. On Monday, Oct. 19, a foam hosted by DJ T-Money was held coming party on the lawn of John A. People’s building.

“Let the Good Times Roar”

JSU Homecoming Week 2015 started

The Homecoming Street Jam came next on Oct. 20 and included an array of campus organizations that set up booths alongside both sides of the street by the Walter Payton Recreation and Wellness Center. Wednesday, Oct. 21, offered a comedy show with Lav Luv, Yohance Collins and Sean Larkins in the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium.

Jackson State University celebrated its 138th Founders’ Day on Thursday, Oct. 22 and held the coronation of Miss JSU Charence Higgins later that evening. A Homecoming Day Party was held on Friday, Oct. 23. Saturday, Oct. 24 featured a parade on campus, followed by a matchup between the JSU Tigers and University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions. JSU defeated UAPB 37-3 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. Sunday Best Winner, Dathan Thigpen and gospel great Tye Tribbett electrified the stage to end Homecoming activities on Sunday, Oct. 25.

2015 Fall Edition

17

Domestic Violence Awareness

Jackson State University transitioned from pink to purple as the university prepared to promote domestic violence awareness across the campus.

According to NRCDV, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the “Day of Unity� held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national level.

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The eXperience Magazine

Jackson State University is the first historically black college or university in the state of Mississippi to open a School of Journalism and Media Studies. JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers made the official announcement Nov. 12 at the Mississippi e-Center@ JSU where the School is located.

Only two other universities

in Mississippi, The University of Mississippi and the University of Southern Mississippi, have a School of Journalism or Mass Communication.

Jackson State becomes the 7th out of 106 HBCUs in the nation (three private and three public universities) to house schools of journalism, media or communication.

NOVEMBER

School of Journalism Launching

DECEMBER

Fall Graduation 2015 Prominent music industry executive Kevin Liles, founder and CEO of KWL Management, partner in 300 Entertainment and founder of RSM Sports Management Group, spoke at Jackson State University’s fall 2015 undergraduate commencement.

The university recognized 382 undergraduate degree candidates and 160 summer graduates during the ceremony, which took place on Friday, Dec. 11, 2015, in the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center.

2016 Spring Edition

19

Remembering

the King – MLK Birthday Convocation “Dr. King is alive and talking to you about the dynamic reality of living history today,” said Juan Williams, keynote speaker at the 48th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Convocation celebration at Jackson State University.

Williams, author and political analyst, spoke to a packed audience on Jan. 15 at the event sponsored by the Margaret Walker Center at JSU.

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The eXperience Magazine

Jackson State University’s Director of Athletics Wheeler Brown announced the hiring of Tony Hughes as the football program’s 19th head coach during a press conference in the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center Hall of Fame Room.

“Today is a great day to be a Tiger,” Brown said. “Coach Hughes brings over 31 years of experience to the position, and we expect great things from

JANUARY

Tony Hughes named new JSU head football Coach

him and from our football program.”

Hughes, a Mississippi native, comes to Jackson State from Mississippi State University, where he spent seven seasons as a key member of the Bulldogs football coaching staff. Hughes is known as one of the top recruiting coordinators in the nation. In the spring of 2013, he was named assistant head coach.

JSU to make $600,000 in game against UNLV

FEBRUARY

The old saying, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” will not be the case on Sept. 1, 2016. The Jackson State University Tigers will take on the Tigers of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas in a historic meeting between the two universities.

A press conference was held on Feb. 8 to announce the tentative arrangements and schedule for the football game.

Commencement date changed to accommodate high profile speaker

On Feb. 23, JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers released a memo which read: “I am delighted to announce that Jackson State University’s 2016 Commencement Exercises will be moved up one week to accommodate the schedules of high profile speakers. This is an extraordinary move but reflects the prominence of the speakers. According to our best experts here this does

not affect accreditation or the awarding of degrees. I am not at liberty at this time to reveal the speaker but will let you know as soon as this liberty is granted.”

Dr. James T. Minor was announced as the Spring Graudate commencement speaker. It was later announced that the undergraduate commencement speaker was First Lady Michelle Obama.

2016 Spring Edition

21

Former President Bill Clinton visits JSU

On March 3, the first floor lobby of the Jackson State University Student Center was filled to capacity as the students, faculty, staff, and the Jackson community, hurriedly gathered to meet former President of the United States, Bill Clinton.

Clinton discussed issues that affect communities around the U.S. such as college debt, incarceration rates, and the Flint Michigan water crisis and how his wife and democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, will be fighting to put an end to these issues and much more.

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The eXperience Magazine

Black History Month festivities at Jackson State University ended with a historical bang on Feb. 29 with a special screening of WGN America series, “Underground”.

The screening, hosted by the Gamma Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., featured three of the

MARCH

Cast of “Underground” series visits JSU

cast members: Alano Miller, Amirah Vann, and Theodus Crane.

Immediately following the thrilling screening of the movie, the stars held a question and answer session as part of their Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) tour.

First Lady Michelle Obama to address JSU Class of 2016

APRIL

First Lady Michelle Obama will deliver the address at Jackson State University’s 139th Spring Commencement Ceremony. Mrs. Obama will address more than 800 graduates as well as their family and friends on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

JSU School of Journalism and Media Studies Hosts Conference

Jackson State University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies 2016 Conference, “Multimedia Platforms in the Digital Age,” featured national and state media professionals who shared their expertise and guided students into successful careers in communication.

The conference was held April 7-8, 2016 and opened with Federal Communications Commissioner Mignon L. Clyburn speaking about Information and Technology: The Key to Global Communication.” Commissioner Clyburn is considered a champion of consumers’ access to affordable communication technology and a

defender of the public interest and smart, targeted regulatory action when needed.

Other major speakers included Michael Wallace, ESPN NBA Reporter; Jerry Echols, Field Operation Manager with FOX News Channel, Washington, D.C. and JSU alumnus; and Marshall Ramsey, author and award-winning Editorial Cartoonist.

DeMarco Morgan, CBS News, New York and JSU alum, was the banquet keynote speaker. Morgan recounted his journey from JSU to becoming a national correspondent and an awardwinning journalist.

2016 Spring Edition

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Health & Wellness

he t y

b g in

Liv

Mirror, Mirror

on the wall, who’s the

porf ethtemtiest

By Kendra Brown &

M

aybe I should lose a few pounds?

Am I too skinny? Am I pretty?

Why can’t I get that six pack?

These are just a few of the body image questions many college students ask themselves on a daily basis. In a society where “selfies” are the norm, how these questions are answered can determine the mental and physical wellbeing of these students.

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According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), body image is how you see yourself when you look in the mirror or when you picture yourself in your mind. It encompasses: •What you believe about your own appearance (including your memories, assumptions, and generalizations).

• How you feel about your body, including your height,

The eXperience Magazine

shape, and weight.

•How you sense and control your body as you move. How you feel in your body, not just about your body.

Laquita Sims, Campus Resource Advocate at the Latasha Norman Center for Counseling, encourages students with issues concerning body image to visit the LNC office.

“A person begins forming perceptions

all?

DaShawna Wright

of body attractiveness, health, acceptability and functionality in early childhood. Body image refers to how people see themselves.

Distorted body image refers to an unrealistic view of how someone sees their body,” said Sims. “A person feeling depressed symptoms should definitely seek professional help to assess unrealistic beliefs about body image.”

Men and women both

face issues in dealing with perceived negative body images but statistics show that women suffer more negative physical and psychological issues.

In a study completed at Penn State Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), around 1,000 to 2,000 Penn State women and 50 to 200 men were surveyed about body image perceptions.

“The culture of thinness and fat phobia combined with the explosion of foods, the complexity of life issues and the intensity of developmental tasks make eating disorders and ‘body battling’ a serious problem on college campuses including Penn State,” said Mary Anne Knapp, clinical social worker for CAPS, in the study.

According to dosomething.org, an organization for young people and social change, low self esteem in adolescents can lead to eating disorders, early sexual activity, substance use and suicidal thoughts.

Jasmine Beals, a freshman biology major from Houston, Texas, believes body image should be determined by the individual.

“Society influences women that the perfect body is to be skinny or skinny with curves and that image is not always the best. Women try to fit this image and it often takes an unhealthy turn and it ruins the true beauty of the body,” said Beals.

“Now with my body, I do have curves but I also have some belly fat. I’m not happy about it, but I know with staying active and eating right I can get to a personal healthy body figure. Having the perfect body image is within your comfort zone, not society’s eyes.”

Kiana Deering, a junior biology/pre-physical therapy major from Lexington, Miss., has dealt with body image issues since high school.

“I feel that society thinks that the perfect body image is a girl with the perfect boobs, perfect butt and small waist. I am 5.2 feet tall and I weigh 115

pounds. Growing up, I was always ‘the skinny girl’. I used to cry because I was skinny,” recalls Deering. “I remember going prom shopping with my mom and no dress would fit. I cried in the dressing room and the employee at Joy Collection gave me fake boobs to wear,” she laughs. “But as I’ve gotten older, I have learned to love and cherish myself. I’m perfect in every way, flaws and all!”

When subjects like body image and eating disorders come up in conversations, usually females and not males, are thought to be the only victims. However, according to the NEDA, in the United States, 10 million men suffer from eating disorders.

Mark Braboy, a senior English major from Chicago, Ill., knows that he does not fit society’s norm for the ‘perfect’ body image, but feels he has learned to accept how he looks.

“It used to affect me real bad and it still does to an extent, but over time, I’ve learned how to work with what I got and accentuate the positives about myself rather than dwell on the negatives,” said Braboy.

In a world influenced by perfectly sculpted celebrities, Instagram models, and fashion magazines, how is it possible

to find those positive thoughts when your body resembles nothing like a model or what you see on TV? Jocelyn Nickson, a junior mathematics major from Jackson, Miss., said, “My positive body image comes from the Lord. Without knowing about his love for me and knowing that he made me perfect just the way I am, I would suffer from a lack of confidence.”

The Latasha Norman Center offers outreach services to JSU students dealing specifically with body image issues.

“The Center hosts classroom and residential hall monthly presentations that include information on women’s health and empowerment, distorted body image, coping with depression, self love and care, mental health, healthy eating, self esteem building and healthy relationships,” said Sims.

If you are a JSU student in need of help with depression because of low self esteem due to body image concerns or just want to talk to someone, contact the Latasha Norman Center at 601-979-0374. The LNC office is located on the second floor of the Student Center in Suite 2102.

2015 Fall Edition

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I

The Pros and Cons of Online Dating and how JSU students feel about sliding in DMs

By Jorrie C. Jones

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The eXperience Magazine

ts 7:15 a.m., you’re running late for a big meeting that you stayed up way past midnight to prepare for. However, you cannot face the big boss without your morning coffee.

Your name is called; you reach for your order and BAM! There he is. The perfect guy, the kind you see on a cover of a magazine or strolling down your newsfeed. You think to yourself, “how likely is this to happen in the 21st century when supposedly the entire world depends on social media to entertain the boring moments in their lives?”

Sounds more like a movie or a grandparent’s love story, right? Today, most trending topics are broadcasted through social media before ever appearing on TV. Topics like current news events, celebrity drama and conflict, and who’s dating who. So what exactly is dating in the new millennium? How do you even meet the ‘one’? Is the old school way of intimate conversation becoming obsolete and direct messaging (DM) someone becoming the

new norm?

According to pewresearch. org, nearly 90 percent of Americans are online and dating on the internet has increased in popularity, especially with the constant growth of social media. While there is nothing wrong with meeting and interacting with other people online, sometimes a person can easily be manipulated.

According to Prince Duren, an instructor in the Jackson State University Department of Speech & Theatre, online dating can be dangerous and have lasting consequences. In Duren’s 2016 play, “Caught in the Net”, some of these dangerous consequences are explored.

“I chose that topic (online dating) because of its social relevance. We live in time where we want everything instantaneous. I wanted to write a play that shed light on the dangers of online dating.

People don’t often take into account who they get to know via social media,” said Duren.

Duren believes that there needs to a healthy balance

between online and offline communication, but social media is still impacting relationships.

“I think its (online dating) a good idea as long as you are careful. The days of actually getting to know someone have faded. For some reason, college students are impatient in seemingly all aspects of life.

They get to know ‘enough’ about someone so as to not feel bad about engaging in any type of behavior with them,” added Duren.

JSU students had various opinions about whether social media is helping or hindering communication skills.

Are relationships getting stronger or weaker thanks to social media?

Alexandria King, a junior political science major from Holly Springs, Miss., believes social media can only damage relationships if you allow it.

“I honestly believe that social media only negatively affects your relationship if you and your partner have a

weak foundation on which you started the relationship, or if you two are weak minded, and simply let the people on social media ruin what y’all have,” said King.

She added: “I say meeting someone on social media can be a great thing simply because I met my man through social media. It turned out that we had went to school together in our head start and kindergarten days. Our families knew each other and our grandparents lived down the street from each other. So basically we reconnected through social media and have been together ever since. I guess it is all about a person’s mindset and how they choose to let social media affect their relationship.”

Do men and women still want the traditional way of dating or is social media the preference?

literally. I mean, I can interact with somebody and become perfectly comfortable with them in the comfort of my own space and when I see them in person it eliminates the awkwardness that would otherwise be there,” explained Knight. “For example, if I’m interested in someone, I can now easily slide in a DM and see if the interest is reciprocated without having to freak myself out by telling that person myself.”

Knight does admit that there are some drawbacks to dating via social media.

“Of course it has its cons.

Now meeting people is less special and more robotic.

But for people like me, the pros far outweigh the cons. I think as far as the old way of dating is concerned, I’m fine with establishing interest on social media first. Like I said, I’m an introvert. If you ask me to go up to a girl and tell her I’m interested, I’ll have to work up the courage to go talk to her, then one minor thing happens and I lose my courage vs. now, I can just say ‘hey, I’m interested in you but didn’t know how to approach you in person’ and we can go from there,” added Knight.

Quatasia Fantory, a junior healthcare administration major from Tampa, Fla., prefers the traditional methods of meeting and dating.

“I am totally against online dating. I would rather meet in person so I can ensure that they are who they say they are.

Nowadays with social media; it is very easy to just steal somebody else’s picture and call it their own,” said Fantory.

What are the Pros and Cons of online dating?

Jauan Knight, a sophomore

political science major from Jackson, Miss., prefers social media.

“Well for me, an introvert, social media is the bomb.com,

Ja’Kela Reese, a freshman chemistry major from Hazlehurst, Miss. said, “The pros of meeting someone via

social media is you are able to meet new people and interact with others. However, you never truly know who you’re talking to.

As far as helping or hindering, social media does more help the dating world than hindering it, but I do prefer the old school way of meeting people. I don’t feel comfortable finding someone to be in a long term relationship with online, but I will engage in a conversation with them.

I’ve never really reached out to anyone because I’m a reserved individual and pretty much keep to myself. Others reach out to me but I don’t respond much.”

Kierra Watkins, a junior biology/pre-medicine major from Jackson, Miss. believes social media is a great invention but can have too much power over individuals.

“When it comes to dating, it’s a 50/50 type of outcome.

Social media can give people the gateway to lie about themselves, so when it comes to trying to meet new people, that can be a downfall. A pro to social media for dating is that it gives the opportunity to try long distance relationships,” said Watkins.

Duren also pointed out the pros and cons of online dating.

“You can connect with people from all over, become exposed to different cultures, and further enhance your interpersonal skills. You are able to mask your inherent flaws. Cons are the obvious risk factors of someone not being who you think they are. Also, you aren’t able to fully get the face to face interaction that is essential to relationships. Social media dating affects our ability to communicate effectively,” said Duren.

Whatever dating method you prefer, when meeting anyone for the first time, a good practice is to meet that person in an open area and bring someone along.

Never meet someone for the first time with letting a friend or family member know your whereabouts.

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27

Academics

2016 Job outlook

UP for graduates

from last year

T

here is good news for 2016 college graduates. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the hiring outlook for college graduates continues to improve as employers plan to hire 11 percent more new college graduates from the Class of 2016 for their U.S. operations than they did from the Class of 2015.

And the good news doesn’t stop there, the NACE survey also found that the perception of the job market among employers is also climbing. This year, 42 percent of employers that participated in the survey characterized the job market for Class of 2016 graduates as very good or excellent. Just two years ago, only 18 percent of responding employers had the same lofty view of the job market for Class of 2014 graduates.

So what are JSU graduates doing to get those most sought after jobs?

“I’ve gone to a few conferences. One was a national conference, and I had a few interviews from there. A lot of the positions they were looking for are postgraduate, so I lot of them won’t get with me until after I graduate. I’ve also been doing a lot of searching on many job career websites such as Indeed and Career

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The eXperience Magazine

Builder. I’ve gotten a few calls back, but I’m still waiting on official offers,” said Khalal Walker, a senior from Fairfield, Calif.

Walker added: “I’m a computer science major, and there are a lot of people in my program, but I kind of want to be on the business side of it. I wouldn’t mind a business technology or business analyst type of job dealing with how processes work and once the code and program is done, it gets sent to me for business processing.”

Treyvian Durr, a senior criminal justice major from Magee, Miss., plans to continue his career in the military.

“I’m going to be an active duty commissioner in the United States Army. I plan to do this for 3-6 years, and I’m going to law school at the University of Ole Miss while I’m serving in the Army,” said Durr.

So what jobs are in high demand in 2016? According to CareerBuilder. com, technology and health care sector jobs continue to lead the field in providing job opportunities.

Registered nurses came in at No. 1 with a whopping 296,631 average monthly job postings.

Software developer positions are next with 114,921 average monthly job postings.

Some students have waited four or maybe even five years to get to this milestone in their lives called graduation, but are at a complete standstill on what’s next for them after this momentous occasion.

Graduates like Lisa Smith, do not have jobs lined up but have made plans to help in future career endeavors.

“In the near future, I plan on moving out of town with my Bachelor’s degree. I want to use the Bachelor’s

Top Occupations in Demand

degree to help pay for the Master’s.

[While I sit the summer out], I want to work at the Mississippi State Hospital in Whitfield, Miss. I do know some people in Whitfield, and then some of my relatives have mental issues, so I have compassion for [people with] illnesses because a lot of time they can’t help themselves because it is an illness. My heart goes out to them,” said Smith, a senior psychology from Jackson, Miss.

JSU Career Services Center offers different services and programs to prepare and assist students with the career development process and post graduation employment services such as: Tigers2Work, professional development seminars, career fairs, on-campus recruitment, resume and interview preparation and more.

Throughout the year, the staff at the Career Services Center offers students a wide range services; such as career coaching, to assist students in developing realistic and innovative career goals. Job search preparation is also offered to provide assistance with resume and cover letter writing, and the interview process. The center provides on-line career services that include Tigers2Work, TypeFocus, and Perfect Interview.

Congratulations to 2016 graduates who have are prepared to walk off the stage and into the career you have spent the last 4 or 5 years preparing for. However, if you still need help, contact the JSU Career Services Center at 601-979-2477 for assistance.

Source: CareerBuilder

2016 Spring Edition

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I

I have my degree,

now what?

By: Orionna Brumfield

t’s easy for seniors to plan how their dream life will be after college, but until graduate school acceptance letters roll in, job offers are made, or even their personal business moves are set… their dreams will not become a reality.

There are a plethora of students going straight into the job market right after graduation, but that’s not a bad decision. According to a 2016 National Association of College and Employer’s (NACE) Job Outlook survey, employers said they plan to hire 11 percent more college graduates for U.S. jobs this year. That’s up only one percent from the 2015 survey. Jackson State University is filled with graduating seniors who take life after college very seriously; this is how some of those are answering the question: I have my degree… now what?

“I plan to attend law school.”

Michael Gorden M

ichael Gorden, a senior from Stone Mountain, Ga., has always had a love for the law.

Influenced by his grandfather, Eddie Tucker, who he states is the oldest practicing lawyer in Mississippi, Gorden plans to continue the family tradition. To further realize his goal, he recently completed an internship with the Brunini Law Firm in Jackson and this reaffirmed his goal of becoming a lawyer.

“I got a lot of experience going to trials at the appellate level and other legal pursuits,” said Gorden.

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The eXperience Magazine

He took advantage of the opportunity and went beyond the internship requirements by learning the legal jargon, how to do case summaries, and legal memorandums. He also knew how to present a case to someone who sat in on the case.

Gorden has already been accepted to the Charlotte School of Law in Charlotte, N.C. but has applied to several other law schools.

“I’ve currently applied to Howard Law, Georgia State, Charlotte Law, University of Alabama, Mississippi

College, and Emory at Georgia.

Those are my six places and the application process has been very expensive,” said Gorden.

Gorden is no stranger to the political arena at Jackson State, serving as Freshman Class President and 2014-2015 Student Government Association Vice President. With a bright future ahead for the senior, he is waiting on scores from his second attempt on the LSAT before making a final decision as to where he will attend law school.

“I’m coming back to JSU to get my MBA.”

A’Kendra Lewis A

’Kendra Lewis is no stranger to the students, faculty, or administration at Jackson State University. As a graduating entrepreneurship major from Clinton, Miss., she has decided to expand her business, Royal Diadem Charm School.

“When it was time to prepare for graduation, at first I was really nervous, Dr. Hill, one of my former professors who are now my graduate advisor, was telling me about graduate school at Jackson State. Dr. Mary White has been pushing and asking me about graduate school as well. As an entrepreneur, you’re taught to

have multiple strings of revenue.

In order for me to start my own business, there are a lot of startup costs. In order for me to suffice my start-up costs, I decided to use my business background (obtained while pursuing my) Bachelor’s to get my Master’s, which will basically double my salary,” said Lewis.

Lewis’ GMAT was waived due to her high GPA, and she gets to attend graduate school on a full tuition scholarship with the opportunity to do assistantships to take care of life outside of school.

Lewis knows that obtaining her MBA will lead her directly into expanding Royal Diadem

Charm School. Right now, she’s the consultant, but her goal is to hire a team of people ready to coach young ladies on: pageants, etiquette classes, teaching different academies at high schools, and anything else related to the advancement of their clients is her goal.

“My long term goal for Royal Diadem is to have it as a physical building that will serve like a recreational purposes. Just like you send you students to sports practice after school, they can come after school to get social skills, social development, professional development, and personal development.”

2015 Fall Edition

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Chevan Baker C

hevan Baker, a senior computer engineering major from Kansas City, Mo., will be working after graduation. However, he does not want to work for a company, he wants to work for himself by starting his own business here in Jackson, Miss.

“Jackson is a great place. Primarily, I chose Jackson State just because of its value. I prize the university, and we have a lot of great things going on here… I love the town,” said Baker.

He comes from a family of business owners and entrepreneurs with his dad being one of his major influences. Jackson and his dad have had many conversations about his personal and business plans after college.

His business will accommodate other commercial and private businesses by making software products and providing additional services and resources for them.

“I want to do something that’s the best and we have a name for it.

People know if they want this done, they can come to our company. From there, I would like to spark someone by showing them, if I can do it, you can go out there and do the same thing or better” said Baker.

Baker hopes to continue the success he has already garnered while a student at JSU. He was a member of the group of engineering students who designed a “smart mat” that gauges foot temperature of diabetics to help thwart the danger

of lower extremity amputations – particularly in Mississippi, where the risk is greater, according to the CDC. Jackson and team members are in the process of placing the product on the market.

He’s even turned down an offer from Google to pursue his dreams of owning his own business.

“My dad guided me and what to say because I did not want to damage my reputation on what they have on file for me… From there, it raised my stock with the company.

My recruiter said, ‘We’re all for that, I want you to chase your dreams, but stay in contact with me. If you ever want to come to Google, you still can!’”

“I’m starting my own business.”

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“I am pursuing a graduate communications degree.”

Guy King G

uy King learned he had the ‘gift of gab’ at an early age and plans to continue his education to enhance his communication skills.

King, a senior mass communication major from Jackson, Miss., is in the process determining which of the schools he will attend from the offers he has received.

“In the field that I want to pursue, an advanced degree will set me apart from others with the same goals. After completing an internship with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, I knew that my ultimate goal is to become a communications director in the political arena. An advanced degree with further my efforts to achieve this goal,” said King.

King has spent much of his time at JSU participating in the political

process. He served as Academic Council Senator, President ProTempore of the Senate, Election Commissioner and Vice President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). His civic engagement while a student at Jackson State helped in his decisions to pursue a career in public affairs.

“As the SGA representative for the NAACP, I helped organize the ‘Hands Up/Walk Out” protest held on campus in support of the racial unrest in Ferguson, Mo. I also helped organize several voter registration drives while a student at JSU. These things and many more led me to this point in my life.

I want to and will serve the public,” said King.

King has already been accepted to

graduate program at Louisiana State University, Syracuse University, The Georgia Washington University and Northwestern University. He is painstakingly vetting all the programs to find the best fit for his future goals.

“Before attending grad school, I will complete another congressional internship with Senator Thad Cochran in Washington, D.C. After that, I feel that I will be ready to tackle this next phase in my life, grad school and achieve my goals of being a successful and well-rounded student of communications and public affairs professional,” King added.

King will make his final decision of where he plans to attend graduate school in early April.

Whatever path the 2016 graduating seniors at Jackson State plan to pursue, they are all motivated to succeed in the tradition of Tiger alumni. NACE predicts that this year’s college grads will be entering a job market eager to receive them, especially those with degrees in business, engineering and computer science, alternate options abound for students who also want to pursue advanced or specialty degrees.

So, if you still asking yourself the question, I have my degree, now what? It’s time to make those decisions!

2016 Spring Edition

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Students eXperience top-notch graduate education at Jackson State University

T

he decision to attend graduate school is one that should not be taken lightly. Where you attend is also a monumental decision.

While many associate the ‘Choose Jackson State, I did’ ad campaign with undergraduate studies, more than 2,300 students are currently choosing Jackson State University to pursue graduate degrees.

“I’m always proud to say I attend an HBCU. Jackson State has impacted my field of study because it has allowed me to have a level of confidence in a career path that is predominately maleoriented in terms of leadership and corporation. One thing people [graduate students] would like is more scholarship opportunities which I think

By Guy King

would be a great incentive for more people to pursue a level degree,” said Lynda Hasberry, a graduate student in the School of Journalism and Media Studies from Jackson, Miss.

According to Graduate School Dean Dorris R. Robinson Gardner, graduate support services are offered through the Graduate Student Association, programmatic graduate clubs and honor societies.

Fellowships, assistantships and tuitionwaivers are also offered at Jackson State’s diverse selection of graduate programs.

“More than 50 academic programs are taught by distinguished and terminally qualified faculty. Most faculty members are known in their fields of study, have significant

scholarly publications, national reputations, excellent professional experiences, and a sincere desire to assist students with success in graduate education,” said Dean Gardner.

Graduate students can conveniently take courses on the main campus or at any of the satellite campuses: Madison Campus, Universities Center or the Downtown location, depending on the degree program.

One of the newest perks for students majoring in the public policy and administration graduate program is its convenient location in JSU’s new downtown campus.

Students are blocks away from the Mississippi State Capitol and have access to all elected officials and governmental

events.

Dean Gardner further stated that JSU is constantly ranked as a top producer of students in graduate programs in education and the sciences.

“All programs are accredited and follow best practices in graduate education. Several new programs in engineering and our doctoral level program in computational data-enabled science and mathematics are highly sought after programs,” said Dean Gardner. “There is a strong mix of diversity with students from many international countries as well as domestic students clamoring for admissions.”

Willis Lyons, a Chicago, Ill. native and graduate biology student, chose Jackson State University to continue his

collegiate career because of his previous positive experience at the university.

“After receiving my undergraduate degree, I entered the workforce and after a few years of personal and economic dissatisfaction, I summoned up the courage and explored the resources to continue with my childhood dream of becoming a research doctor,” said Lyons.

JSU also offers many extracurricular activities and organizations for its graduate students to take part in, including the Graduate Student Association.

Nina Hill, the twiceelected President of Golden Key International Honor Society and a member of the Graduate Student Association has nothing but positive things to say about attending grad school at JSU. “I love JSU as a graduate school. The classes are small and personable. There are so many opportunities available to graduate students. I was awarded a $10,000 scholarship through Golden Key. As a graduate student, I also traveled to New Orleans, Boston, and San Diego for summits hosted by Golden Key International Honor Society,” said Hill, a Jackson, Miss. native and clinical mental health counseling major.

Dean Gardner wants all interested students to understand that graduate education is for serious students.

“Admission standards mirror those of other ‘high research activity universities’ requiring a 3.0 and above cumulative grade point average and satisfactory standardized test scores.

Optional admission may be granted for students with strong faculty recommendations for assisting in laboratories. International students must present satisfactory TOEFL, IELTS or

PET-A scores. All students must demonstrate proficiency in the English language,” added Dean Gardner.

If you are undecided on if you should attend graduate school after completing your undergraduate studies: According to topuniversities. com, these are the top reasons you should attend graduate school.

1.

To invest in your future: Although it’s not strictly necessary to have a firm view of your future career before applying to graduate school, it certainly helps. This is because grad school often acts as the academic version of professional training, enabling students to graduate with all the right knowledge in all the right places, ready to jump straight into their desired careers.

the qualification itself, the most important reasons to go to grad school may be more for the professional skills you’ll gain, the personal development you’ll undergo and the valuable connections you’ll make with fellow graduate students, academics and industry experts.

4.

To pursue your interests in more depth: Although most undergraduate degrees allow students the opportunity to study modules and classes of personal interest, a graduate degree does this to a much greater extent. In order to get the most out of your graduate degree, you will be expected to conduct personal research alongside set study topics, in order to develop your thoughts and ideas regarding something that deeply interests you.

5.

To increase your financial prospects: Better financial prospects is a popular answer to the question “Why go to graduate school?” – though it may not necessarily be the most important factor.

Even so, a graduate degree has been found to improve the financial prospects of workers, compared to someone holding just a bachelor’s degree.

If you are still unsure about choosing JSU to continue your academic career, Dean Gardner stated that the campus culture supports a nurturing environment for first-time entering graduate students.

2.

To get noticed in today’s job market: More people than ever are attending graduate school today, and because of this an undergraduate degree alone can sometimes fail to get you noticed alongside equally or more highly qualified candidates.

3.

To get more than a qualification: Whereas much of the worth of an undergraduate degree is in

2016 Spring Edition

35

TIGER ACADEMIC SPOTLIGHTS:

JSU’s finest By: Orionna Brumfield

Meet

Tiffany Holland She is a graduating senior majoring in finance from Coldwater, Miss.

Holland is very active in many organizations on campus and particularly proud of her accomplishments within the Golden Key International Honour Society, where she serves as treasurer. Golden Key is the world’s largest collegiate honor society. Membership into the Golden Key is by invitation only and applies to the top 15% of college and university sophomores, juniors and seniors, as well as top-performing graduate students in all fields of study, based solely on their academic achievements.

Her involvement does not stop there however, Holland is also a SGA Academic Council Senator, and Women’s Council of Philanthropy Student Ambassador. Along with these responsibilities, she’s an active member of Beta Gamma Sigma and Alpha Lambda Delta. She has also been recognized in Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges & Universities.

Not only is she active in school, but she serves as an INROADS student ambassador, and she recently accepted a position with FedEx Services as Associate Business Applications Analyst.

Holland accomplished all of this while maintaining a 3.9 GPA!

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The eXperience Magazine

Meet

Eroncia Berry She is a graduating senior majoring in business administration from Greensboro, N.C. Berry, who many will recognize as a standout player on the JSU soccer team, is also an active member of many honor societies and campus organizations at Jackson State University, including: Golden Key International Honour Society, Chi Alpha Sigma (collegiate athletics honor society), Beta Gamma Sigma (international business society), W.E.B. Du Bois Honors College, Pre-Law Society, Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges & Universities. Berry has also been honored as an Arthur Ashe scholar.

Berry, who plans to be an attorney one day, also assisted in chartering Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity at Jackson State. While staying active in school organizations, she did not forget to plan for life after college. She’s been accepted at the University of Baltimore School of Law starting fall 2016. Berry also obtained a minor in Spanish and studied abroad this past summer in Costa Rica for a month. Berry has proven to be a well rounded student accomplishing goals in both academics and athletics, all while maintaining a 3.9 GPA!

For many Jackson State University students, excelling in academics is the key to future success. These students are tenaciously pursuing degrees while also participating in student organizations, becoming campus leaders, and maintaining a 3.2 or higher GPA. Many of these students believe that organization, time management, and taking advantage of campus resources are key factors in helping with the success they have achieved during their matriculation at Thee Jackson State University.

Meet

Meet

La’Curtis Powell He is a freshman criminal justice major from Jackson, Miss.

When Powell first got to college, he found it hard balancing SGA, work study, and being a full time student at Jackson State. To solve the issue, he started making to-do lists and work schedules for the day so he could become more efficient.

Powell was elected Mr. Freshman 2015-2016 by his peers and plans to use his title to promote the importance of community service. As his freshman year comes to an end, he is now up to par with how the college system works and how to balance everything. Powell’s ultimate goal is to make a great impact at Jackson State Univeristy. He wakes up every morning with a smile on his face and with a positive attitude ready to work because he knows people look up to him as a student leader. He’s glad he chose Jackson State University to make this impact. Powell has started his path to success while maintaining a 3.2 GPA, and he looks forward to joining many campus organizations and honor societies during his matriculation at Thee Jackson State University!

Meet

DeAngelo Riddle He is a sophomore electrical engineering major from Jackson, Miss.

Nina Hill She is a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in clinical mental health counseling.

Hill has always been known for her academic prowess at Jackson State. She serves as a two-time president of Golden Key International Honour Society. Along with her academics, she is also maintaining an internship through her graduate program, and she works a part time job. One of Hill’s biggest accomplishments is receiving recognition as a HBCU All-Star for Jackson State. She is one of the 83 representatives chosen out of the 450 applicants to provide students on campus with outreach opportunities and academic encouragement to make sure they reach their goals. Along with being the president of JSU’s chapter of Golden Key, she serves as CoSM, council of student members, which requires her to oversee other Golden Key chapters in Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Mississippi. She definitely represents the Golden Key’s mission, to enable members to realize their potential through the advance of academics, leadership, and service. All of this has been accomplished while she maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her

Riddle has maintained a great balance between extracurricular activities and academics in the two years he has been a student at Jackson State University. He’s involved in several organizations including: W.E.B. Du Bois Honors College, NSBE, and TROOPS. He was also elected Mr. Sophomore 2015-2016 by his peers. Riddle stated that his main focus at JSU is his education because he knows that his education will play a significant role and is the golden ticket to success. He also wants to be a positive role model for his male counterparts at Jackson State. He has balanced everything in college by strategizing everything for the next day. Riddle also loves to have fun outside of college, but his grades are top priority. He has successfully completed his sophomore year while maintaining a 3.7 GPA!

2016 Spring Edition

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from Miss JSU, Charence Higgins On April 13, 2015, I sat in a room filled to maximum capacity and held my breath awaiting the results of what had been a strenuous election season. There were people rooting for me, cheering me on, but even amongst all the noise, the only clear thing I heard was my heartbeat pounding in my chest as I awaited the announcement of Miss JSU. When my name was called, I instantly felt the magnitude of what the next year would mean for my university and for me.

In 1,342 days, I have joined 11 organizations, held 9 leadership positions, earned 5 crowns, and completed 2 majors, and yet in all of this, my purpose was never for myself. I realized that I have the power to help make someone’s life better—to introduce grade school students to college, to inspire people to tap into their potential, to represent the school that educated four generations of my family, and to show the world why Thee I Love is more than a song.

I decided what I wanted my greatness to be about and set about fulfilling that. No L.I.M.I.T.S. became the embodiment of the greatness I longed for on our campus. It is our duty as men and women of color to proceed as though the limits of our abilities do not exist.

Limits, like fear, are often an illusion, so I made it my mission as Miss Jackson State University to eliminate that illusion in order that every person who even has thoughts of stepping onto the campus of Jackson State University feels the vibrations of No L.I.M.I.T.S. pulsating through the campus. My platform, No L.I.M.I.T.S. is an acronym for No Losing Insight on my Intelligence, Talent, and Service.

Each project that I have accomplished this year has been the fulfillment of one of these principles: from Tiger Connections Mentoring Network, Love Letters to Universities, the Little Miss JSU Pageant, down to each forum, speaking engagement, and service project.

To the next Miss Jackson State University, remember that your crown is only an external representation of your internal designation.

You were designed for the role that you are stepping into, so never lose sight of your purpose. The title means nothing without tenacity.

May you accomplish every goal you set out to achieve and may you be the caged bird that sings.

To my student body, it’s hard to see the picture when you’re inside the frame but my prayer is that I have created an image that you are proud to call your own. The position has never been about me but the university I stand for. It has everything to do with helping every student feel that they can push the boundaries and seize the future.

Aristotle stated that in order to maintain balance you must move forward. Thus, I am doing just that. In the fall of 2016, I will be attending graduate school to receive my M.F.A. in Performance and continue the legacy of the incredible 75 Queens who paved the way for me.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent and serve you, the students of Jackson State University. It has truly been my greatest pleasure.

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from Mr SGA President, Rashad Moore It has been a pleasure to be able to work collectively with many of you to ensure that our campus is given “Moore” than the expected. It has been an esteemed honor and utmost privilege of being able to serve as the 70th Student Government Association President here at Thee Jackson State University.

As SGA President, it was my duty to uplift, govern, lead, and inspire each and every one of you to achieve new heights. It was also my responsibility to present reliable leadership, be an effective voice for all of the student body, unify our student population, increase our school pride, emphasize the importance of career readiness, and professional development, while assisting to connect the campus with the surrounding community of Jackson, Miss. These responsibilities have played a pivotal role in my platform, “Time for Moore”, which focuses on: Moore Innovative and Effective Leadership. We should continue to aspire to be the blueprint for other HBCU’s and universities to mold themselves after.

We must continue to target our mindsets on building plans larger than terms. Throughout this year, we as the SGA, have embarked on building these plans by first amending our constitution in a more progressive way with the intention of placing guidelines of what SGA should be about.

Moore Philanthropic Service: As students, we are in need of at least 120 hours of community service to graduate. With the assistance of the different entities throughout our campus, and the collaborations with other prestigious organizations off campus, we are well on our way to achieving our community service goals. I hope that we continue to provide “Moore” solutions to helping and engaging in our communities.

Moore Student Activism and Inclusion: We saw “Moore involvement” than ever before. From spearheading the reactivation of our beloved Baby Tigers, to the establishment of The “Tiger Den”, which has been a prime example of “Moore” student inclusion from numerous athletic entities through JSU. As well as the SGA Street Team promotions, it has been a must to keep our peers involved in our offered engagements. I ask that we continue to collectively strengthen the trust amongst one another, and this will assist in student’s excellence as a collective whole.

Moore Elevation of the Collegiate Experience: Providing opportunities for our undergraduate students to enhance their networking by obtaining internships and other job opportunities is a must. Your experience in undergrad more than likely dictates how you will give as alumni. We all should be in support of our Alumni Associations by joining and by giving to the “10 for 10 Challenge”.

In closing, my plea is that we as a student body continue to take pride in our university, our peers, and what is right for the collective whole. Ultimately, we must voice the opinions of progression, instead of discord. Each student here at Jackson State University is a leader and must work with every ounce within you to make your our organizations and campus as a whole better for years to come. Continue to let your beacons of leadership shine bright, and embrace it. Allow your leadership to be the tool that engulfs, inspires, and transcends positivity. Be the influencer who conveys others to see the true leadership potential within those who may not see it in themselves.

Thank you for your hard work! Thank you for your dedication! Thank you for your service! And thank you for your trust in me.

Always remember, “The Level at which you prepare, will be the Level at which you will Propel.”

Thank You, God Bless You, and God Bless Jackson State University!

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JSU L EADERSHIP

JSU P RESIDENT

Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers, Ph.D., is the 10th president of Jackson State University and a professor of civil and

environmental engineering.

Under Dr. Meyers’ leadership, Jackson State University earned a 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and national accreditations in business, teacher education and engineering as well as full certification by the NCAA. Dr. Meyers also pushed Jackson State University enrollment to an all-time high of close to 10,000, increased fundraising tenfold, and positioned the university to become a national model for educating the underserved and achieving global recognition for excellence in education, research and service.

Dr. Meyers brought to Jackson State University more than 30 years of academic and administrative leadership experience in higher education, serving most recently as President of Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. She served as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where she was a tenured professor of mechanical engineering and Dean of the College of Engineering. Dr. Meyers also was a tenured faculty member at the Georgia Institute of Technology and was the first Associate Dean for Research in its College of Engineering.

Dr. Meyers earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Howard University, a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and a doctorate in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and completed post-doctoral work at Harvard University. She is a fellow in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

JSU P RESIDENTIAL C ABINET Dr. Evelyn J. Leggette serves as the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Matthew Taylor serves as the General Counsel Dr. Deborah F. Dent serves as the Vice Presdient for the Division of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

Dr. William E. McHenry serves as the Executive Director for the Mississippi e-Center Sandra Hodge serves as the Interim Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dr. Kimberly Hilliard serves as the Executive Assistant to President for Special Initiatives Dr. Nicole Edwards Evans serves as the Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Loretta A. Moore serves as Vice President for Research and Federal Relations Dana A. Brown serves as the Interim Vice President for Business and Finance Wheeler Brown serves as the Director of Athletics

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JSU H IGHLIGHTS Once again, Jackson State harvests acclaim as Apple Distinguished School Jackson State has earned its second consecutive designation as an Apple Distinguished School, which is awarded biennially.

The honor praises the institution for incorporating technology into its curriculum.

Dr. Robert Blaine, dean of Undergraduate Studies and CyberLearning at JSU

“We are delighted to be recognized again as an Apple Distinguished School for 2015-2017. Once again, JSU is deemed a national exemplar for innovation, leadership and education excellence,” said Dr. Robert Blaine, dean of Undergraduate Studies and CyberLearning at JSU.

Junior computer engineering major earns internship, $25,000 Apple scholarship Jackson State University junior computer engineering major Taha Merghani has been awarded a one-year college scholarship totaling up to $25,000 and a summer internship as part of the Apple HBCU Scholars Program – his second distinguished honor since arriving at JSU. The Sudanese native is among an elite group of only 30 students selected nationally to receive this award.

Merghani credits JSU for having a major impact in his life by “making college education a reality for me.” The gifted student said, “JSU provided an academic scholarship and helped to produce amazing internship opportunities that I needed for Taha Merghani my personal and professional growth.”

JSU Meteorology Program celebrates 40th Meyers receives Coretta Scott King Award anniversary; establishes Hall of Fame President Carolyn W. Meyers

President Carolyn W. Meyers

The number 40 represents a generation. In November a generation of graduates from Jackson State University’s Department of Physics, Atmospheric Sciences and Geoscience celebrated the meteorology program’s 40th anniversary. To underscore the significance and impact of that program, consider these numbers: Nationally, the JSU atmospheric science program has produced one of every three African-Americans who hold B.S. degrees in meteorology. Fully 30 percent of African-American meteorologists employed by the National Weather Service are graduates of JSU.

received the Coretta Scott King Award during the 2016 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration. The event, themed “Living the Dream of Dr. King: United and Strong,” was held Monday, Jan. 18, in the Student enter on the main campus.

JSU’s bicycle donation makes Christmas a ‘wheel’ delight for area youth, Salvation Army Christmas became much jollier for tots and teens when Jackson State University rolled out a fleet of bicycles to be delivered to the city’s youth.

President Carolyn W. Meyers and Ken Chapman

President Carolyn W. Meyers and her staff presented the Salvation Army of Jackson with nearly 60 bicycles for foster children and other needy youngsters.

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JFAC

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Entertainment/Fashion

The Evolution of

Music By: DeBorah C. Luckett

Turn Up! Turn Up! Turn Up!...for Jesus Christ?

R

ebecca and her mom are headed to church on a Sunday morning.

On the way, Rebecca’s mom turns on to the gospel radio station. However, what was on the radio does not appeal to Rebecca, who quickly slips on her headphones. Her mom, overhearing the fast-paced beat and lyrics indignantly exclaims, “Why are you listening to that devil music before church?” Rebecca responds, “Its gospel rap, mom. I am just turning up for Jesus!”

In modern times, gospel music artists have added one unusual component to their songs- rap. Yes, rap and hip-hop are taking Christian praise and worship music to another level. Along with holding up holy hands to the

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sky when listening to gospel, a new generation of fans is also pumping it out towards the sky more and more to “dope” Christian rap beats.

Musical artists like Lecrae, Mali Music, Tye Tribbett, Kirk Franklin, TobyMac, Erica Campbell, and Uncle Reese are just a few of the forerunners for this evolution in gospel music.

Their exhilarating beats and lyrics are hyping crowds along with praising the Lord. With their influence, many other gospel artists are now applying more up-tempo instrumentals and less traditional pianos and tambourines.

Although this new form of gospel is appealing to some, other traditional Christians believe the music is too secular.

So does the old adage about the world and the church remaining

separate still apply in the 21st century?

The debate about this issue ranges from arguments that in order to bring the new millennium of listeners to the Word, the music has to appeal to the generation to traditionalists who believe many of the current contemporary gospel artists and rappers are just trying to make a buck and achieve worldly fame.

Contemporary Gospel Rapper, TobyMac, in a PBS’ Religion & Ethics Newsweekly article stated that, “Jesus didn’t hang out in the church.

He hung out with the people, where they were. And that’s to me where Christian music should be.”

This ideology is easily reflected in today’s time because some of today’s gospel songs can be played on the local secular stations and even in the club. This allows gospel to meet the people where they are- true indeedbut is it a good thing?

To some Jackson State University students, the change in gospel music is causing more youth to seek Jesus because it helps them realize that Jesus accepts them even in their present secular state.

Desmond Harris, a freshman business major from Jackson, Miss., and Malik Nelson, a freshman biology/pre-med major from Detroit, Mich., weighed in on the issue.

“I think that these artists mold the music just for the younger generation. I can relate to the messages of the songs,” said Harris.

Nelson agreed.

I think it is kind of like what Paul said in 1st Corinthians 9 where he said that ‘I had

to become as the Jews in order to minister to the Jews’ even though he wasn’t a Jew. In relation to gospel rap, people tend to respond more to a song than to a message,” said Nelson.

Some students do however believe some gospel music is becoming too secular.

In early September, during the Faith Forum, RUF partnered with JSU Health Services and hosted a pre-service fellowship where they served pizza and played gospel rap. Some of the students new to RUF, liked the music so much they wanted to ‘twerk’ to it not realizing they were listening to gospel music.

Brianna Gould, a freshman biology/pre-nursing major from Jackson, Miss., was one of the students who did not immediately recognize the music being played as gospel music.

“I could not tell the difference between the gospel rap and the regular rap. It makes more sense to me now because I was wondering why they were playing rap at a Christian event,” said Gould.

Some believe that finding the message in gospel rap can be challenging. To H.B. Charles, Jr., Pastor-Teacher at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Fla., this confusion could easily be avoided with a separation.

“The Lord does not want us to show the world that we are regular people just like everyone else. The world already knows that! That’s why they don’t respect the church. We need to be different,” said Charles.

However, Kirk Franklin, a popular gospel artist, has stated that his rap collaborations are just an effort to draw from as many art forms and individuals as possible to deliver inspiring gospel music.

Charity Greenfield,

a freshman computer engineering major from Jackson, Miss., agrees with Franklin. “Music is constantly evolving in each genre.

Therefore, it is just the time for gospel music to transform.”

In this evolution of gospel music, some believe that some gospel artists are using the genre to build a younger fan-base for the purpose of making money and staying relevant. One of the songs garnering a lot of criticism for this is Erica Campbell’s “I Luh God.” In the song Campbell raps, “I luh God. You don’t luh God. What’s wrong with chu?”

Although these lyrics are catchy, they are far from the ‘I cried my last tear yesterday’ Erica Campbell lyrics. And the image displayed in the video is totally opposite from the image most know Campbell for in her association with her original traditional gospel duo Mary Mary. But with almost 900,000 views on YouTube and social media buzzing, the

song is definitely putting money into her pockets.

“Although this song sounds good, it is nothing like Erica Campbell’s old music when she was in Mary Mary. In fact, I believe that she is just trying to redeem her career because she knows that she is fading behind the next generation of gospel singers,” said Jessica Woodberry, a freshman computer engineering major from Yazoo, Miss.

Evolution is a natural occurrence and the controversy pertaining to the hip-hop influences on gospel music is sure to continue. If you are a fan of the ‘hip-hopnotized’ gospel music, continue to support your preference, if you love traditional gospel music, there are still plenty of artists in the industry making this music as well. Only time will tell if rap and hip-hop gospel is just a phase. But keep in mind, they said the same thing about secular rap and hip-hop in the early 80s, and the genre is still here and stronger than ever.

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4.

2.

1.

5.

3.

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T

o my fellow Tiger fashionista’s, it’s time to spill the tea on building the wardrobe that will transcend and transform you for any occasion. These additions to your wardrobe are geared towards making sure that when you walk in, all eyes are on you and exclamations of ‘Yaasss!’ and ‘Yasss SLAAAYYY!” fill the room.

The challenge for most college students when transforming the wardrobe of course is always the budget. But if you take my advice and invest in these items, you won’t have to worry about the quantity of items in your wardrobe; it’s the quality that counts hunties! So let’s begin by finding the five musthaves for every fashionista’s wardrobe.

1.

Little Black Dress

Face it ladies, the musthave item in every woman’s wardrobe is the little black dress (LBD). This was established decades ago and no tea, no shade but I know your mother told you to get one. Well, as hard as it is to believe, she was right! The LBD can transform your look for almost any occasion. Add a statement necklace and pumps and you are ready for a formal or semi-formal event. Add a tailored blazer and you are ready for an interview. You can even add sneakers or flats for a casual kick-back. The key is finding a LBD that is tasteful and classic and letting your accessories do the rest. So if you really want to ‘give them life’ and feel fabulous, add this item to your wardrobe.

2.

Blazers

I know, I know, you are having visions of parochial school and plaid pleated skirts, but just listen and learn. Truth be told, every woman needs a blazer in her wardrobe to add pizzazz to almost any outfit. I suggest a black blazer, because of course, black goes with everything, but if you can come up with the coins, a neutral color like taupe or tan is also a good look.

A blazer can create a chic and polished professional look when added to the right skirt or slacks. Blazers can also dress up a simple dress (including the LBD) or even your favorite pair of jeans. But what many of you don’t know is that a good fitting blazer can also add the illusion of a smaller waist. I’m not trying to drag anybody, but some of us could definitely use a little help in that area. Just make sure it’s the right fit, according to a Forbes Woman article, follow these tips when choosing the right blazer: • It should be fitted across the shoulders, but not stretched taut.

• The hem should skim your hipbone.

• The sleeves should hit mid-thumb when your arms are straight in front of you.

3.

Closed-Toe Classic Pumps

I know you 10 inch stiletto wearing girls are cringing, but listen up; I’m

serving you some fashion realness! Those classic 3-4.5 inch pumps whether they are black or nude, are always useful for work and interviews and can go with anything in your closet.

From work or straight to those night outs with the squad, classic pumps are fashion forward and comfortable. The classic closed-toe pump also goes hand in hand with that other staple item, the LBD. From day to night, these are a must have.

4.

Well-fitting Bra

Let’s get personal ladies.

If there is one thing every woman needs, it’s a wellfitting bra. To be honest, many of you don’t know that you are even wearing the wrong size. According to an article on The Breast Chronicles.com, 60-80 percent of women are wearing the wrong-size bra. Most department stores and all specialty lingerie stores will gladly size you at no cost.

Once you know the right size, you can avoid these embarrasing occurrences: over-spilling your cups; sagging because of lack of support; too tight straps digging in your shoulders; and the straps constantly falling off the shoulders.

More importantly, a wellfitting bra just makes your clothes fit and look better.

Also, be sure to have neutral colored bras in your wardrobe. Its alright to have colorful, patterned undergarments, but in some instances, you do not want these colors to be seen through light colored clothing.

5.

Tights/Stockings

Okay, I know this one is sure to make the millennials salty, but let’s talk tights. Every woman needs a pair of stockings or tights in her wardrobe.

Attending career fairs, interviews and business functions with short dresses and no hosiery is low-key tacky and inappropriate.

Especially when it’s cold outside.

And know, stockings/tights come in all shades and textures and can make a boring plain outfit look amazing! Stockings and tights also add in body contouring, eliminating some of those rolls, cellulite and other flaws you don’t want on display. Also, pumps with no stockings are really not cute ladies.

Your feet sweat and make a squeaky noise that draws unwanted attention. So if you are going for that professional, classy look, make sure you add hose to your list of must-haves for the wardrobe.

These are just what I feel are the most important five items to start with.

There are some honorable mentions you may want to consider when the funds are available: a. Simple black kneelength skirt b. White blouse or white button down shirt c. Accessories (pearls, scarves, diamond studs, watch, etc.) d. Great fitting jeans e. Leather handbag in black or tan Setting the foundation of your wardrobe is important and allows the opportunity to add other items to create a more fun wardrobe that reflects your personality.

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5

wardrobe items every college guy need

Story and Photos by William H. Kelly III

The transition from high school to college requires students to adapt to a new lifestyle of responsibility, work overload, and most of all, an entirely new wardrobe. As a college student, it is wise to develop a fresh, professional, yet versatile, wardrobe. While this may be a simple task for some, there are many of us who need a little extra help shopping and styling on a day to day basis. Listed are the top five items needed in the wardrobe of the fashion forward college man to prepare for the casual, business casual, and business professional atmosphere.

1. Suits-

One of the first steps of becoming a (grown) man is to purchase a suit, an experience that can either be thrilling or frustrating. You can never go wrong with a plain black suit. Black is a neutral color that blends well with a variety of different colors and patterns, which makes it easy to wear on multiple occasions, even in the same week. To ensure that you look as smooth as butter, purchase a slim suit and get it tailored. This will give you a classic, professional look that is useful for any event.

While black is versatile and

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wonderful to begin your dapper lifestyle, further in your college career, a grey and navy blue suit will also be of importance.

You’ll definitely need this for interviews, events that require business professional attire, and so much more.

2. Slacks & Chinos- There are many

ways to transform your closet with the right style and colored pant. Chinos and slacks should also be slim fitted but not too tight that it limits your movement and sitting

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down. The color chinos in your closet is strictly based on your preference and color coordination skill.

Slacks, aside from your suit pants, should consist of black and a slim, smooth khaki.

Refrain from purchasing too many pants with patterns. It is perfectly fine to have a pair or two, but I suggest purchasing more solid colored pants so that you can wear them more often. The slacks, chinos, and khakis will be needed to either tone down your outfit or make it stand out, finishing your casual or business casual persona.

3. Blazers & Oxfords - Blazers and

oxfords, better known as button-ups/downs, are another very beneficial aspect of any males’ wardrobe. The selection of button-downs in a man’s wardrobe will map out the outfit from head to toe. You will want to start with a solid white or black button down, considering they are versatile. The more button-downs you have to choose from, the better; plaid, patterned, solid colored, and more.

The most convenient aspect is that you can wear them

without a suit jacket or blazer. A blazer can be applied to almost any outfit, if done correctly. If you happen to be someone who prefers jeans over chinos, don’t fret, you can still put use to that blazer. Purchase blazers based on simplicity, design and patterns, and the season. Bright, fluorescent, cool colored blazers will be more pleasing to eyes in the spring and summer while darker, relaxed, warm colors will look better in the fall and winter.

The most common and useful blazer is navy blue, especially at Jackson State.

2 4. Shoes- We can not forget about a strong, crisp, clean shoe to make your outfit dapper and dripping sauce everywhere you walk.

There are different types of shoes that you can pick from including a dress shoe and loafer. The most convenient and common dress shoes are black and brown. You will need AT LEAST one of each to coordinate with the different suits, pants, accessories, and more. The same judgment applies to loafers, which can be worn both casually and professionally, in some occasions. In most instances, it is proper to wear a dress shoe, rather than a loafer, in business professional settings. Shoes are the first thing people generally look at when evaluating someone, a person’s shoes can either make or break an outfit.

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5. AccessoriesFinally, the seemingly smallest piece of an outfit and yet most impactful, are the accessories. These can range from a simple belt, watches, suspenders, tie clips, and lapel pins. While all of these accessories are great contributions to dressing dapperly, a belt is by far the most important. Without a belt, there is no need in putting on slacks, blazers, suits, jeans, or any outfit in general.

Another highly important feature is tie clips. Tie clips are needed to hold your neckties in place but they can also be used to add your own unique style.

When wearing suspenders, which are usually more casual, you will not need a belt. A watch really gives you a mature, professional look that can truly set an outfit off. Lapel pins come in a variety of shapes, colors, and styles. While a lapel pin looks marvelous when applied to a suit jacket or blazer, they are not considered to be very professional.

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Applying these five categories will improve your chances of appearing more professional, which will open more job opportunities, and also transform your outfits from “Can you take this picture for us?” to “Can we take a picture with you?” in the blink of an eye.

Some of the most popular stores to purchase these items listed include Cole Haan, H&M, Belk, JC Penny, Aldo, and even a few thrift stores depending on your location.

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R O I SEN E N I L E M I T 2012 2013

JSU Celebrates Scholar Athletes at Breakfast of Champions

JSU Division of Athletics held its first annual Breakfast of Champions event to honor its scholar student-athletes who earned at least a 3.0 grade point average through the summer of 2012. A total of 84 Tigers and Lady Tigers were recognized.

OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS OF THE YEAR Hurricane Isaac forces campus closure Miss JSU Sarah Brown implements her Molding the Minds mentorship program Michael Teasley, first White JSU NAACP president, dies Hurricane Sandy strands JSU students in New York Capitol City Classic becomes Magnolia Soul Bowl New trial ordered for man convicted in 2007 slaying of Latasha Norman JSU Tiger Volleyball team wins 2nd straight SWAC Championship President Barack Hussein Obama wins second term as United States President JSU announces opening of Madison campus location Susan Taylor, Essence Editor Emeritus, speaks at Women’s Emphasis Week program Basketball coach Tevester Anderson retires as Men’s Tiger Basketball Coach Wayne Brent named new Men’s Tiger Basketball Coach Christopher Cathey elected 2013-2014 SGA President and Deja Knight elected 2013-2014 Miss JSU Housing renovations begin for Alexander Hall and Stewart Hall to be demolished Community Service Civic Engaged Learning renames center to honor Alice V. Harden Terrorists bomb Boston Marathon

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JSU Lady Tigers soccer team win the 2013 SWAC Soccer Championship

2013 2014

The JSU Lady Tigers soccer team defeat the Alabama State University Lady Hornets 1-0 and win the 2013 SWAC Soccer Championship on Sunday, Nov. 10.

Several Lady Tigers were named to the All-Tournament Team.

OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS OF THE YEAR Tiger Plaza opens downtown as demand for housing increases at Jackson State UPS Store opens to provide products and services to JSU students Homecoming week activities marred by Grambling football game forfeiture JSU seeks legal action against Grambling State University for game cancellation Deja Knight crowned the 2013-2014 Miss JSU during Homecoming coronation LNC holds “Paint the City Purple” forum to bring awareness to domestic violence prevention JSU Tiger Soccer team wins 2013 SWAC Championship JSU football team makes it to SWAC Championship final but loses to Southern Jaguars JSU hires NFL and Big 12 Conference coach Harold Jackson to lead Tiger Football Starbucks franchise store opens in the H.T. Sampson Library Apple store opens in the Jackson State University Student Center Affordable Care Act mandates that all have insurance by March 1st JSU 2014 graduates required to have 120 hours of community service Mayor of Jackson, Chokwe Lumumba dies, Tony Yarber wins special election Anissa Butler wins Miss JSU and Keonte Turner chosen to lead SGA as president 2016 Spring Edition

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2014 2015

JSU students participate in ‘Hands up/Walk out’

Approximately one hundred Jackson State University students gathered on Dec. 1 to participate in the “Hands Up/Walk Out” rally and silently protest the non-indictment of Officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo.

OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS OF THE YEAR Hail Mary Pass wins JSU vs Florida A&M University game Constitution Day depicts journey from oppression Homecoming Street Jam features Rae Sremmurd The Ivy Brothers face off in JSU vs MVSU matchup Students speak out to get to-go boxes back in dining hall Former NOLA mayor Marc Morial speaks at fall commencement CIA Fair featuring Ty-Licia Hooker, shows students how they can serve JSU students get easier access to studying abroad with Passport to the World program Shabazz and Evers-Everett honor their fathers at forum JSU Students react to Sigma Alpha Epsilon video JSU student attend commemoration of Selma March Residential students required to have insurance Spring Break burglars hit the JSU Palisades Jackson State students hold sit-in protest in Heritage Dining Hall Rashad Moore chosen as SGA President & Charence Higgins as Miss JSU

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Three-year enrollment growth at JSU tops universities statewide; JSU now fourth-largest HBCU nationwide

2015 2016

Enrollment has grown by 10.8 percent (9,802 students) at Jackson State University over the past three years, the largest increase of any state-assisted college or university, according to figures released by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL).

OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS OF THE YEAR White supremacist Dylann Roof arrested for hate crime at Charleston’s historic Emanuel AME Church Supreme Court landmark decision allows same-sex couples to marry nationwide Vester Lee Flanagan, a disgruntled former news anchor, shoots two of his former colleagues Pope Francis makes historic visit to United States Former Olympian Bruce Jenner has sex change operation to become a woman, Caitlyn Jenner JSU relieves head coach Harold Jackson of his duties and hires Tony Hughes JSU alum Dathan Thigpen wins BET’s “Sunday Best” competition Incumbent Governor Phil Bryant wins Mississippi gubernatorial election Front runners Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders battle for the Democratic presidential nomination Front runners Donald Trump and Ted Cruz battle for Republican presidential nomination University of Missouri students stage mass protest over racial incidents at university 129 killed and 350 people are wounded in terrorist attack in Paris African-American actors boycott Academy Awards for lack of nominations for the second year in a row Lead contamination of the water in Flint, Mich. leads to health issues Legislature and citizens clash over Mississippi flag issue 2016 Spring Edition

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Sports

Bowling Team brings home first

SWAC Championship title

T

he Jackson State women’s bowling team has made history after defeating Prairie View A&M 4-2 in the championship match at the SWAC Tournament on March 27, at the International Training and Research Center.

The Lady Tigers went undefeated (7-0) after the first two days of competition to score a spot in the championship match.

Jackson State dropped its first game of the tournament, falling 1-4 to Prairie View (156, 128, 174, 210, 169 to 202, 203, 169, 211, 178) in the first match of the day.

The Lady Tigers rebounded in match 11 and defeated the Panthers 4-2 (195, 168, 216, 181, 170, 278 to 181, 160, 162, 211, 184, 224) to claim the 2016 SWAC Championship Title.

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JSU swept the first three games in the second match, but allowed the Lady Panthers to take the fourth by a difference of 30 pins and the fifth by 14.

The sixth game opened with each team throwing strikes – a total of six before breaking the streak. Both teams would continue the game tied until the top of the sixth frame when Briana Reid rolled a strike to pull the Lady Tigers ahead by two pins.

The Lady Tigers would finish the tournament with a 4-2 win with a game six score of 278. That score was the highest of the entire championship game.

Junior bowler, Briana Reid scored Most Valuable Bowler after leaving only one frame open out of 11 games. She was the only bowler on the team to remain

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clean the entire second match.

Jackson State won its second consecutive regular season crown after finishing the Southwestern Athletic Conference East Round Up in first place with a 19-4 season record.

This was head coach Michael Boykins’ second Conference title in his three years at the University.

Laura Uzzel, a junior biology/ pre-med major from Newark, N.J. and championship team member said, “It was a great feeling winning back to back regular season championships.

I’ve watched us grow as a team both on and off the lanes and each year we’ve gotten better with time.

We worked hard and deserved it.”

Michelle Walker, a freshman psychology major from Chicago, Ill., said she was excited about

being able to be a part of the championship team and looks forward to next season.

“I expect next season to be even better than this season as we all continue to grow and develop as student athletes, learning new aspects of our sport as well as solidifying the aspects we already know,” said Walker.

Jackson State collected an overall win/loss average of 194.4.

Briana Reid, a junior biology pre med major from Linden, N.J., said, “Winning regular season champions again, I feel that it was very well deserved. We all worked extremely hard to get to this point, and as far as the next season I hope to continue to build on our success.”

Aniecia Brewster contributed to this story by JSU Athletics.

Fab 5 leads Lady Tigers Volleyball team to SWAC Championship

F

ormer NBA player Michael Jordan once said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”

From watching this year’s Lady Tigers Volleyball team, the one word that would describe them would be teamwork.

The 2015-2016 season did not start off as well as Coach Rose Washington would have liked. There were multiple injuries and fresh faces on the court.

According to Coach Washington, “Our blessing is that it happened early, and it gave some players the opportunity to play and get the confidence that they will need for the duration for the year.”

The team’s road to being the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) champions was far from easy.

They started the season against some stiff competition, such as Mississippi State, Louisiana Tech, and more. However, the non-conference season prepared the Lady Tigers for

By: Ronza Anderson, Jr.

anything that might come their way.

Keirsten Howard, a senior setter and art and studio major from Austin, Texas, was one of the five seniors that helped propel the Tigers to their third SWAC Championship in five years.

“We started off the preseason trying to form a gel and chemistry, which was easy off the court and natural on the court, because we all had one common goal which made it easy,” said Howard.

One of the key factors was senior leadership. This year’s group of seniors refers to themselves as the Fab Five.

They are called the Fab Five because they all came in at the same time and had promised their coach that they would win four SWAC titles.

Another key to success for this year’s team was home court advantage. In SWAC play, the Lady Tigers won 8 out of their 9 home games.

Jasmine Knight, a senior outside hitter and biology major from Belle Rose, La. stated,

“The crowd was crazy, it was unlike any other year. Honestly props goes to the football team and other students that supported us by making signs, and even mimicking us during our volleyball games, it was just real exciting to see that we had true support even through the rough patches.”

Coach Washington also credits the Tiger fans with giving the team the encouragement and momentum to succeed.

“The crowd was awesome, we had great support.

I cannot thank them enough for coming out and the girls really performed. I told my girls, its show time. The students have really caught on to volleyball and they understand the exciting moments and when to cheer and what the game is all about,” said Coach Washington.

Towards the end of the season it became bittersweet for the seniors.

Howard said, “This year was amazing, I would say it is one of the best year’s we have ever had as far as being a unit,

it was very memorable.”

Knight also believes this was the best year of her career.

“Being that it was my senior year, I was more so on leadership and setting an example for the younger girls so they know what to do when we leave,” said Knight.

After winning the SWAC Volleyball Championship, the Fab Five played their last game in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Volleyball Tournament where they got the chance to travel to Minneapolis, Minn. to face off against the University of Minnesota. Even though the outcome was not in favor the Lady Tigers, no one can take away the multiple accolades that they received.

“Despite losing six girls, I have some very good freshman that I expect to do well next season, and I also have four juniors that are expected to help. We are looking to have another exciting year, because we have to go defend our championship,” said Coach Washington.

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Special Feature

: IN AMERICA Has the dream been realized or does the struggle for civil rights continue?

According to Rasmussen Reports, a company that engages in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information, 50 percent of American adults think race relations in America are getting worse. This is up from 44 percent in 2015. Jackson State University students explored this topic with a look into issues that are contributing to the state of race relations in this country.

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The eXperience Magazine

#BlackLivesMatter vs #AllLivesMatter Police killings of AfricanAmericans, the Black Lives Matter vs. All Lives Matter debate, the mass shooting that occurred in South Carolina at the Emanuel AfricanAmerican Episcopal church on June 17 and other events have many pondering the state of race relations in the United States.

Julian Venable, a junior biology/pre-medicine major from Jackson, Miss., believes that until all races learn to respect each other, racism will still exist.

“I feel like it’s just judging a book by its cover. You feel intimidated by somebody because of their race but you don’t even know them,” said Venable. “You just assume they are going to do something before they actually do it.”

Jasmine Jackson, a junior political science major from Little Rock, Ark., believes that African-American history is often neglected by its own people and society as a whole and may be a contributor to racial polarization.

“In order to talk about race without offending people is

to discuss it as a concept that was created by man. We cannot be offended by something we created that is now embedded in us and our everyday lives. As a society we are divided into two groups as it pertains to racial tension. These two groups are those who are oblivious to the racial tension or those who are extremely concerned and effected by the tension,” said Jackson.

Jackson also weighed in on the Black Lives vs. All Lives Matter movement and stated black lives are just the current priority.

“As humans, we all know that everyone’s life is precious.

However, it is not everyone who is being targeted. As of now, black lives are being taken; therefore, the Black Lives Matter movement is very relevant.

As we, the African-American community, unite to assess and plan to alleviate the issues of our community, we will begin to understand that black on black crime must cease,” said Jackson.

While many believe that the focus should just be on the issues affecting black lives, there are some who feel that all lives should be accounted for.

“I think all lives matter and I think the Black Lives Matter Movement has been a really big controversy, but all lives should matter versus just one. Crime

isn’t only happening in the black world; it’s happening in other races but they don’t bring it to light as much,” said Alexandra Astorga, a junior biology major from Covina, Calif.

Will America come together to overcome these polarizing issues and people, or will the downward spiral of race relations continue? Only time will tell.

The stars and bars of Mississippi The Mississippi State flag is the last state flag to bear the “Stars and Bars” of the Battle Flag of the Confederacy and while some want this reminder of a state marred by racial prejudice removed, others are fighting to keep the flag as it is.

Recent events across the country have brought racial tension, and the state flag, to the political and ideological forefront.

In Mississippi multiple bills have been filed regarding flag legislation.

Senator John Horhn (D-Jackson) has presented legislation to remove Confederate symbols from the state flag. Senator Derrick Simmons (D-Greenville)

has introduced a bill that would revert the state flag back to the “Magnolia Flag” of 1861, commissioned by the Secessionist Convention.

In a joint statement with Senator David Parker (R-Olive Branch), Simmons said, “For too long we have engaged in endless debates between heritage and hate. We believe we should find a compromise that embraces history and healing. We look forward to working together in the legislature on a better way to represent Mississippi with our official flag.”

Several Mississippi cities have stopped flying the state flag and five public universities—Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University, University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Mississippi—have removed the state flag.

Some lawmakers feel universities have gone too far. At an Oct. 2015 Hattiesburg press conference, Gov. Phil Bryant said, “I don’t think they have any legal authority whatsoever to determine what the state flag is and where it flies, particularly over public buildings.”

Flag supporters held a rally at the Capitol on Jan. 19, one day after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday observance.

Rev. Ray Peacock, a pastor at Barrontown Baptist Church,

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told those assembled “We’re in a war, whether you know it or not. The legislature and our enemies have drawn the battle lines.”

If not battle lines, there are ideological lines.

“It’s not just a flag… symbols mean a lot and the flags we choose to fly over our institutions mean something. I can’t pledge allegiance to (that flag),” said Bryan Eason from the coalition One Flag For All. U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (RMS) believes the current flag gives others a false impression about Mississippi and her people.

“After reflection and prayer, I now believe our state flag should be put in a museum and replaced by one that is more unifying to all Mississippians,” said Wicker in a June 2015 statement.

Vo t e r s w i l l have the opportunity to settle this debate at the polls in November 2016. There are three proposed constitutional amendments proposed.

Initiatives 54 and 58 are constitutional amendments that would ensure that the current flag remains the official State Flag of Mississippi.

Initiative 55 would alter the Mississippi constitution so that any state flag could not contain or reference the Confederate battle flag or the Confederacy.

Racism and Entertainment The recent uproar over what some call the “White-out In Hollywood”, because no blacks were nominated for the 2016 Academy Awards, has fueled a discussion on the struggle for African-Americans in the film industry.

Some actors decided to boycott the 88th Academy Awards when the Oscars revealed their list for the top four categories, Best Actor and Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, only white actors and actresses were selected for these positions.

Winning the coveted Oscar at the Academy Awards ceremony symbolizes great cinematic achievements in the movie industry. Some believe that Academy’s failure to even nominate blacks is an affront to the many talented AfricanAmerican actors and actresses and the movies they appeared in during the awards cycle. Movies like Will Smith’s “Concussion”, Michael B. Jordan’s “Creed”, and Ice Cube’s “Straight Outta Compton”, were just a few of the movies some felt deserved recognition.

Danielle Hunt, a junior biology major from Jackson, Miss. believes the lack of black nominees should be addressed.

“I don’t think that’s right!

There needs to be variety within the Oscars. BET has white nominees,” said Hunt.

Other award shows such as The Golden Globes, Tony Awards, and the Emmy awards have given awards to many minorities.

La Curtis Powell, a freshman

criminal justice major from Jackson, Miss., believes that the racial makeup of the Academy judges will continue to overlook AfricanAmericans.

“It’s wrong. The committee is all white. The only time blacks are nominated is if they are playing roles as slaves or whores,” said Powell.

On Jan. 21, in a unanimous vote, the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences approved a sweeping series of substantive changes designed to make the Academy’s membership, its governing bodies, and its voting members significantly more diverse. The Board’s goal is to commit to doubling the number of women and diverse members of the Academy by 2020, according to www. oscars.org.

“The Academy is going to lead and not wait for the industry to catch up,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “These new measures regarding governance and voting will have an immediate impact and begin the process of significantly changing our membership composition.”

Race and Voting With the Nov. 8 presidential elections around the corner, and the Republican and Democratic nominations taking place on July 18, it’s time to narrow the candidates down and choose a presidential candidate to support.

Research shows that race is a determining factor in choosing a candidate to support. During the 2008 presidential elections according to The New York Times, the 2008 surge in black voters nearly erased the racial gap. For the first time, young

black voters had the highest turnout in the 2008 presidential elections, compared with other ethnic groups.

The share of voters in all minority groups increased from the 2004 elections while remaining largely unchanged for white voters. As a result, the election produced the nation’s first black president, President Barack Obama.

Jackson State University has over 9,500 undergraduate students and its own voting precinct, however, according to Hinds County Election Commission Clerk Connie Cochran, there are only 1,991 students registered at the precinct. Many of those are inactive voters because they may have graduated or no longer attend the university.

Students at Jackson State were asked if they believe race plays a factor in voting.

Courtney Thomas, a sophomore biomedical engineering major from Jackson, Miss. made it clear that race is not an important factor in who he votes for.

“I mean whether he’s black or white, if I don’t agree with what he’s saying, I’m not going to vote for him,” said Thomas.

However, Statistics on voting numbers by race show that race has affected previous elections.

According to the Huffington Post, the 2012 voter turnout was roughly 58 percent, down from the 62 percent in 2008, and 60 percent in 2004. While blacks make up 12 percent of the share of eligible voters, they represented 13 percent of the total 2012 votes cast, according to exit polling.

MC 301-02 Students Ashli Coggins, Alexandria Galtney, Maya Parker, William H Kelly III, Sierra Carrington, Ramon Davis, Oneshia Jones, Tenia McBride, Tyvarrus Lindsey, Deirdra Glover: Ronza Anderson, My’Una Jones, Nicholas Thornton: Kendra Brown, Ashli Coggins, Kennedy Jones, Xavier Manning, and Moses Everette contributed to this article.

eXperience -1a: direct observation of or participation in events as a basis of knowledge b: the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation.

2a. practical knowledge, skill or practice derived from direct observation or participation in events or in a particular activity b: the length of such participation (has 10 years in the job) 3a: the conscious events that make up an individual’s life b: the events that make the conscious past of a community or nation or mankind generally 4: something personally encountered, undergone, or lived through 5: the act or purpose of directly perceiving events or reality

Student Publications School of Journalism and Media Studies Jackson State University JSU Post Office Box 18449 Jackson, Mississippi 39217 Phone: 601-979-2167 • Fax 601-979-2876