SPRING 2016 // Volume 15 // No. 1
WWW.JSUMS.EDU
JSU Alum
Making News At CBS DeMarco Morgan Lands Dream Job Coach Hughes Takes Helm
JSU Launches School of Journalism and Media Studies
Alumni Light Up Stage, Screen
CONTENTS
SPRING 2016 Volume 15, No. 1
20 Homecoming: Let the good times roar 28 Meet JSU’s Apple Scholar 33 JSU receives $2.98 million grant
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CBS News Correspondent DeMarco Morgan reflects on his journey to his dream job and the JSU experiences and professors that made it possible.
The Mass Communication Department is elevated to the School of Journalism and Media Studies. The transformation makes it the first HBCU in Mississippi to provide such an offering.
Winning BET’s “Sunday Best” opened doors, including acting roles, for Dathan Thigpen. He discusses how JSU and his Tiger relatives influenced his career.
COVER STORY
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NEW SCHOOL, NEW NAME
SALVADOR DA BAHIA, BRAZIL - PASSPORT TO THE WORLD
ALUMNUS ENTERTAINER WINS BIG
JSU student Keiven Jamal Russey takes in the scenery in Salvador Da Bahia, Brazil. A documentary captures the excitement of students studying in Brazil and five other countries.
The Jacksonian is published biannually by the Jackson State University Office of University Communications. The U.S. Department of Education Title III program helps fund its production.
Executive Director of University Communications Dr. Karyn Hollingsworth (Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)
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Director of Public Relations
Philanthropist and music mogul CEO Kevin Liles delivered the fall 2015 undergraduate commencement address. Liles was president of Def Jam Records and has shaped the careers of many of the music industry’s biggest names.
FEATURED UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP
SPECIAL FEATURES
11 | JSU alumni light up stage and screen
Governor’s Award Mississippi honors TV, film and stage actress Tonea “Tommie” Stewart
14 | Comic Relief
From comedy to music, MPB broadcaster Cherita Brent makes headlines of her own
JSU GLOBAL
15 | Power of a Purse
Dr. Shonda Lawrence’s visit to Uganda inspires program to empower women
17 | East Meets West
JSU, China’s Nantong University work together to facilitate student, faculty exchanges
UNIVERSITY HIGHLIGHTS 18 | Meteorology Milestone
Program marks 40th anniversary by inducting key players into its inaugural Hall of Fame
CAMPUS TO COMMUNITY 23 | Downtown Expansion
JSU’s Downtown Campus, 101 Capitol St., opens; lobby named for longtime lawmaker
26 | MLK Convocation
Staff Contributors Charles A. Smith, chief photographer L.A. Warren, media relations specialist
Writers
STUDENT LIFE
5 | As JSU’s enrollment nears 10,000, President Meyers 29 | Meet Our First Gates Scholar announces new accommodations, buildings, and partnerships abroad
Olivia Goodheart
Adrienna Williams has her pick of schools, personal visit sells the aspiring physician on JSU
30 | White House taps JSU grad student as HBCU ambassador
Breyionna Flowers Sylvia Watley Jhadé Norris Alana Jackson Wesley Peterson Tammy Ramsdale
Photographers Spencer McClenty, social media director Anissa Hidouk, university photographer, student
FACULTY & STAFF
38 | JSU’s Luckett publishes ‘Dilemma of the White South’ 41 | Dr. Evelyn J. Leggette named provost, senior
vice president for Academic and Student Affairs
SPORTS
43 | Hughes era begins: 19th football coach takes helm 45 | Wheeler Brown appointed athletic director 46 | Sports Hall of Fame inducts 11 former standouts 47 | Javancy Jones recognized with other JSU star athletes
Contributing Photographers Deontae Williams Derrick L. Hicks Darek Ashley Justin Hardiman Clarke L. Smith Shonda K. Lawrence Kenyatta Stewart, JSU art professor Frank Wilson
University Communications 1400 John R. Lynch Street H.P. Jacobs Administration Tower Second Floor P.O. Box 17490, Jackson MS 39217 jsutoday@jsums.edu 601-979-2272
Editorial Consultant
IN BRIEF
Kathy Y. Times
50 | Dr. Francis Tuluri, Dr. Loretta Moore, Dr. Hungtao Yu, Dr. Timothy Turner
Graphic Design Exsail, LLC
ALUMNI IN ACTION
52 | JSU alumnae hold key leadership roles at JMAA
CLASS NOTES
53 | A roundup of alumni achievements
Juan Williams urges students to keep ‘eyes on the prize’
Facebook - Jackson State University Twitter and Instagram - @JacksonStateU
See related photo galleries at WWW.JSUMS.PHOTOSHELTER.COM
WWW.JSUMS.EDU Cover photo by Clarke L. Smith
Keep up with the latest news and events. Explore campus and course offerings.
University Leadership
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Jacksonians: It’s always a great time to be a Tiger, and this year is no exception. Our enrollment is a record-breaking 9,802. Our freshman class is the largest ever at 1,252 students and, within this class, we welcomed our first Gates Foundation Millennium Scholar. The university has added two new properties – University Pointe and Tiger Pointe – to help accommodate our burgeoning student population. Our new Downtown Campus, 101 Capitol Street, is open, and we celebrated the naming of the lobby in honor of longtime State Rep. Percy W. Watson with friends and supporters. The expansion of the engineering building is right on schedule and is expected to open in the summer of 2016. One of my favorite new places on our campus, the Circle of Humanity, is a thoughtful, student-led tribute to our diversity and our unity as a place where all are welcomed. Growth will always bring its challenges, and progress comes with a price. However, we are a family and I see the dedication of our alumni, the hard work of our staff, the tireless efforts of our faculty and the promise of our students each and every day. Our faculty and staff chose the 2015 theme, “One JSU Shaping the Global Citizen For The 21st Century: Pedagogy, Advising, Mentoring and Research.” The theme has set the stage for academic success at home and globally as we expand the Passport to the World study abroad program and work to strengthen other international relationships. Jacksonians, each and every one of you, inspire all of us to redouble our efforts to continue on this path together as we create the very best ONE JSU. We have much to celebrate and so much for which we are thankful. I appreciate the opportunity to serve you as president of Jackson State University, and I hope you join me in looking forward to the brightest of futures for our beloved university. Sincerely, Carolyn W. Meyers President
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Cover Story
‘ Jackson State Gave Me A Chance ’ DeMarco Morgan has covered some of the nation’s top stories and anchored CBS newscasts since he joined the network last November. (Photo by Clarke L. Smith)
CBS News’ DeMarco Morgan Says ‘Thank You’ to His Alma Mater
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As a young boy growing up in Tulsa, Okla., DeMarco Morgan had more than just a childhood curiosity of television news. He would run home to watch the evening news and sit so close to the television his mother would warn him about ruining his eyes. “I didn’t see anyone who looked like me, but I still wanted to do what they did,” said Morgan, who is a CBS News Correspondent in New York. “When I was in middle school, if someone was fighting on the playground, I’d play like I was a reporter covering the fight with a brush or soda bottle in my hand (as a microphone).” His curiosity was fueled by the coverage of the space
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shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986. Morgan was fixated on the news reports, despite being only in the second grade. He was too young to understand the magnitude of the event, but was in awe of the journalists he saw on the screen. “I remember being amazed at that little television set and how powerful it was,” he said. Morgan's mother, Joetta Morgan, nurtured his interest in television and encouraged him to speak publicly whenever possible. She also saw it as a way to help her son following the death of his father from a heart attack when he was 10. But despite his interest, Morgan admits he wasn't the best student. Though he graduated from Booker T. Washington high school in Tulsa, he failed English and scored a 13 on the ACT college entrance exam. “I did just enough and graduated at the bottom of my
Cover Story
Morgan anchored wall-to-wall coverage from the field after a tornado touched down in Adairsville, Ga., in 2013.
high school class,” he said. Of the nearly 10 colleges he applied to, Jackson State was the only one that accepted him. So, Morgan immersed himself in his mass communication studies. He worked on improving his diction and grammar, as well as learning how to produce news segments. It was the boost he needed. “Jackson State gave me so much confidence, which I still rely on today when I get discouraged,” he said. Morgan graduated with honors from JSU in 2001, then earned a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University in New York. He praised the “incredible” advantages and resources of Columbia, yet credited JSU with turning his life around. He also credited retired JSU professor Dr. Judy Alsobrooks Meredith, who spent countless hours providing counseling and feedback. “I knew DeMarco was special when I met him,” Meredith said. “Every minute he was not in class, he took advantage of the TV station that I developed at JSU. DeMarco anchored, reported and [did] whatever it took to get the newscast done. So, while I'm proud of him, I'm not at all surprised by his achievements.” Before joining CBS News in 2015, Morgan was an anchor for 11 Alive, the NBC affiliate in Atlanta, and had previously worked as a reporter and anchor in New York, Miami, Milwaukee and Jackson. Ellen Crooke, vice president of News and Information at 11 Alive, described Morgan as “a tenacious and aggressive reporter and an engaging and effective news anchor (who) makes it his
mission to be involved with the community he serves.” While in Atlanta, Morgan covered some of Georgia’s most important stories, earning a Southeastern Emmy nomination for best anchor. Morgan also covered national events, such as President Obama’s second inauguration and the first national rally held in the aftermath of the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. Among his most memorable interviews was one with actor, producer and playwright Tyler Perry, who spontaneously went into his “Madea” character during Morgan's live TV interview. “I lost it! And could barely bring it back,” Morgan said. He also has interviewed politicians including former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Africa's first elected female Head of State, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, co-winner of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize. Morgan said he was inspired by an interview with basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar about his battle with leukemia. “How someone so great could be dealt a blow in life beyond his control and still have hope, had me almost in tears. I learned how precious life truly is and how not to sweat the small stuff.” Speaking of tears, Morgan admits he has shed a few tears of joy since he started working at CBS. “I just couldn't believe I was at the network. There is not a day that goes by that I'm not thanking God for opening this door. I get to travel and do what I love - reporting stories on a national level.” Morgan also knew a trip overseas would help with his desire to be an international reporter. “I always knew that toward the end of my contract in Atlanta, I was going to go after a network job,” said Morgan. “So I traveled to jackson state university
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Cover Story
Morgan returned to JSU in April as keynote speaker at the School of Journalism and Media Studies 2016 awards banquet. (Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)
Europe and visited London and Paris so I could talk about traveling overseas in my interview. I wanted to show the network that I was serious about reporting and not just limited to assignments on U.S. soil. In my second month (at CBS) I was already putting my passport to use.” Morgan has anchored the presidential election coverage for CBS on its digital platform, CBSN, and was a fill-in anchor for “CBS This Morning Saturday.” Recently, he reported on the latest version of the SAT tests, which are designed to level the playing field for minorities and students who can’t afford expensive preparatory courses. It was a fitting assignment, considering his struggles in high school. Morgan has taught classes at JSU, Morehouse and Clark Atlanta universities. In recent years, he has returned to JSU to speak to incoming freshmen. He said he enjoys speaking to young people about
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his work and how they can prepare for successful careers in any field they choose. “I tell them the world doesn’t care about your excuses. I tell them your career starts now, not when you graduate, but now, so the people you hang with, the jobs that you have, all of the stuff you’re not supposed to be doing – all of that matters.” Morgan is also a dedicated mentor of students and younger journalists. “I have been notorious for giving out my cell number. There are hundreds of young people who have my number because I tell them if there is nobody you can call, call me,” he said. “I tell them you can do whatever you want to, but the challenge is to keep going when you hit the roadblocks—when you get those no’s. I tell them that every time I heard a ‘no,’ I always remembered that it only takes one ‘yes.’” Morgan's interest in community
involvement is as strong as his passion for journalism. He has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, 100 Black Men of America, Inc., the American Cancer Society, the board of managers for the YMCA and is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. In 2006, Morgan received the National Community Service Award from the National Association of Black Journalists. While he was at Columbia, he helped start a student chapter of NABJ. “I believe in giving back, especially to HBCUs and young people,” he said. One of his most memorable experiences was being invited to address JSU commencement in 2010. His mother sat proudly in the audience. “I had the opportunity that day to go back and say ‘thank you,’” he said. “I know for a fact, and there is no doubt, that I would not be where I am today had Jackson State not given me the chance.”
Lorenzo Smith, a sophomore mass communication broadcast journalism major from Natchez, Miss., and other students hone their media production skills in the JSUTV control room. The university’s new School of Journalism and Media Studies emphasizes myriad digital skills necessary in all media. (Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)
Jackson State launches School of Journalism and Media Studies
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by Sylvia T. Watley and Olivia S. Goodheart
nce again, Jackson State University has made history. Last November, it became the first historically black institution in the state of Mississippi to open a School of Journalism and Media Studies and the seventh HBCU out of 106 in the nation. “The School of Journalism and Media Studies will give our students the skills and the experiences they need to tell the stories that matter, to connect to audiences in meaningful ways and to take their places as producers, owners and leaders in this ever-evolving media communications industry,� said
JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers at the official opening last November. JSU has an accredited and highly respected mass communication academic program, two television stations, one radio station, one affiliate radio station, a weekly student newspaper, a student-produced magazine and access to an online weather facility. Only two other universities in the state, The University of Mississippi and the University of Southern Mississippi, have journalism or mass communication schools. The major focus of the school, located in the Mississippi e-Center@JSU, is to become a national leader in producing high jackson state university
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Dr. Elayne Hayes Anthony, dean of the School of Journalism and Media Studies
Standing at the JSU News Now set: Cory Davis, senior integrated marketing communications major from Clinton, Miss.; Eldria Coleman, junior media production major from Carthage, Miss.; Deirdra Harris Glover, senior multimedia journalism major from Jackson, Miss.; and Demi Washington, a senior majoring in mass communications from Atlanta. (Photos by Charles A. Smith/JSU)
quality multimedia journalists and mass communicators. “The School of Journalism and Media Studies at Jackson State University has been elevated to the national media stage,” said the school’s dean, Dr. Elayne Hayes Anthony. “It is our hope that students will be energized, that faculty will be motivated and the media community will wholeheartedly assist us on our journey toward communication excellence in all disciplines.” JSU media, which includes JSU TV, WJSU Radio, Tiger TV, The Blue & White Flash, Experience Magazine, and affiliate WeatherVision, are part of the school. In January, the Jackson State University School of Journalism and Media Studies and the Meek School of Journalism and New Media at the University of Mississippi entered into a partnership that will allow the two schools to exchange faculty, collaborate on research projects and enhance student learning in journalism and multimedia. The collaboration includes Jackson State and Ole Miss faculty teaching undergraduate courses for students at both universities, students from both schools participating in international travel and research and joint participation in annual media conferences sponsored by each university. During agreed upon academic terms, courses in a common classroom or other setting with a common instructor or instructors may be offered by both institutions in Jackson or in Oxford. They will be open to students at Jackson State University and the University of Mississippi. Ronnie Agnew, advisory board chair and executive director of Mississippi Public Broadcasting, said there is enthusiasm for the new J-School. “We have a great group of professionals on the School of Journalism and Media Studies Advisory Board who are excited about the opportunities ahead. We have the support of the administration, great leadership and vision for the school, a
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• Enrollment is approximately 250 undergraduates and 44 graduate students. • The school has three labs: video, design and journalism plus remote equipment that will allow students to complete multimedia projects. • Students write, edit and produce content for the closed-circuit and commercial television stations as well as participate in practicum experiences at the radio stations, and student publications. • The school consists of professional media managers; full-time faculty members with expertise in sequence areas of multimedia journalism, media production and integrated marketing; adjunct faculty who are current or former media practitioners; and 22 advisory board members.
dedicated and experienced faculty and talented students who are eager to learn.” Concentrations offered currently are integrated marketing, media production and multimedia journalism. Sequences to be added to the school will include sports media, advertising and public relations. New offerings will include a course in media literacy and social media. The JSU School of Journalism and Media Studies offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication and a Master of Science degree in Mass Communication.
Special Features
SHINING STARS JSU ALUMNI LIGHT UP STAGE AND SCREEN
Alumna receives Mississippi Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts by Olivia S. Goodheart Jackson State University alumna Tonea “Tommie” Stewart was honored with a Mississippi Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in a ceremony at Jackson’s Duling Hall in February. Stewart and four other honorees were selected by peers in the arts industry from 34 qualified nominations submitted by the public. She is best known for her role as “Aunt Etta Kibbe” on “In the Heat of the Night,” a TV role that required her to undergo 3½ hours of age makeup to transform her youthful features into those of an elderly woman. Memorably, she played “Old Cora” in an episode of “American Horror Story” on the FX Channel, which starred Angela Bassett and Kathy Bates. The acclaimed actress has been in big-screen productions, including “A Time to Kill” that earned her an NAACP Image Award nomination and in “Mississippi Burning.” During the ceremony, Stewart expressed gratitude to JSU: “The students and the faculty and the staff made me a queen, something I had never dreamed of becoming.” She also attributed her successful career to the mentorship of professor and famed writer Margaret Walker Alexander. Performed nationally and internationally Stewart has performed at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and in numerous stage productions in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South Korea. In 1969, she was the first African-American to direct or star in a play at Jackson’s New Stage Theatre, one of Mississippi’s most prestigious Equity Theatres. She has toured in professional presentations such as “A Member of the Wedding” and “A Raisin in the Sun.” Equally passionate about performing, as well as teaching theater arts, Stewart began her classroom career as a teaching assistant at Lanier High School and taught for more than 20 years at Jackson State University. The Greenwood native is a tenured faculty member and dean of visual and performing arts at Alabama State University in Montgomery.
Tonea Stewart
Skilled in the classroom and in the arts Stewart graduated from Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech and theatre and went on to study at The University of California at Santa Barbara, receiving a master’s degree in theatre arts. She was the first African-American woman to receive a doctorate in theatre arts from Florida State University. Further, she studied acting under well-known coaches such as Beah Richards, Frank Silvera and Joseph Papp. She is involved in many community programs such as TAPS: Theatre Arts and Performance School, Camp 3T: Teaching Through Theatre and summer performance and enrichment programs. Stewart also serves as the spokesperson for One Church, One Child of Alabama and Alabama Adult Foster Care. Other honorees include: Tom “Bones” Malone, a jazz musician/ arranger/producer; Claudia Cartee, clay artist; Scott Barretta, blues music historian and radio host; and Tig Notaro, comedian. Stewart has also received an Alabama Governor’s Arts Award.
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Special Features
Dathan Thigpen and Grammy-winning artist Tye Tribbett rocked the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center in a concert during JSU’s climactic ending to its homecoming festivities Oct. 25. (Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)
by L.A. Warren After graduating with a mass communications degree from Jackson State University, Dathan Thigpen spent part of his professional life reporting the news. He worked for local television stations in the capital city. Today, however, he is making news. The talented Jackson native, who now lives in Atlanta, catapulted to fame after being crowned the winner of BET’s Season 8 All-Star “Sunday Best.” Emotions ran high for the grand-prize winner in a contest in which millions of votes were cast. Through thunderous applause and a downpour of confetti, an emotional Thigpen thanked his family, JSU alma mater and his fans for their support.
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Winning on a national stage was also an epiphany. That’s because the impassioned singer, who venerates God and edifies believers through his lyrics, realized his mission is to further spread the Gospel around the globe. His music ministry already has taken him to Bulgaria, Poland, South America and Spain. For besting the competition, he earned a cash prize and a national recording contract with Grammy Award-winning artist Kirk Franklin. In late October, Thigpen returned to JSU for the finale of the university’s weeklong homecoming festivities, performing a duet with Grammy-winning singer Tye Tribbett in the Lee E. Williams
Special Features
Then, there were three: After votes were revealed, contestant Dathan Thigpen, center, was declared BET’s All-Star Season 8 “Sunday Best” winner over Zebulon Ellis, left, and Clifton Ross III. (Photo by BET)
Athletic and Assembly Center. Thigpen said returning to his JSU roots for such a special performance was “as natural as breathing because I bleed blue and white,” referring to the school's colors. His family also has a long history with JSU. He also served as an adjunct professor in JSU’s mass communications department. After moving to Atlanta to pursue an acting and television career, Thigpen appeared in “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Neighbors from Hell” and “Scary Movie 5.” His notable musical collaborations include working with singers Lalah Hathaway, Fred Hammond and Angie Stone. Thigpen speaks admirably about the city that gave him his start and the family that pushed him to greatness. “My mom attended JSU. My grandmother was Miss Jackson State College. My uncle was in the Sonic Boom (marching band),” he said. Other siblings and relatives are also alums. “It means the world to me that the university would
rally to support me.” He helped a Jackson choir composed of many JSU students earn an appearance on “Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots,” a prime-time television soap opera. As for his musical career, he was inspired by his talented parents – his mother directed the Mississippi Mass Choir and was nominated for a Grammy. This inspired Thigpen to minor in music and perform with the legendary JSU Sonic Boom and Mississippi Mass Choir. How much has life changed for the devout new “rock star” of Gospel? “Not much personally,” Thigpen said, who admits to adjusting to fans who instantly recognize him when he goes to the grocery store or mall. “I still feel that I’m in control,” said Thigpen. Despite having been separated from his wife “for some time now,” he said his focus beyond ministry is his family and two sons. The singer says it’s important for him to stay grounded because he wants to fulfill God’s mission. “This journey is truly a walk of allowing Him to lead me to do what he wants me to do. People are hurting and need a message of hope.” “My mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer almost two years ago,” he said. “After suffering, she was blessed with complete healing sometime last year. No remission. No cancer. I believe that God is
a healer. It means the world to me that God would think enough of me to honor my request to heal my mother. I rebuked cancer. If I sing that God is a healer, I’m obligated to believe in his power,” said the singer, who turned 35 in October. For young and old with ambitions similar to his, he said, “Keep pushing. You can do anything you want to do and become whatever you want to be.” He urged young people to not be discouraged, recounting that he was fired by WAPT-TV because he refused to work on his off day after having signed a contract to perform a concert. Undaunted, and to the surprise of this colleagues, he went to his job the next day. He continued to work for the next three months. He was terminated only after he took home the company van after a long camera shoot. Although he returned to work the following day with the vehicle, he said the manager falsely accused him of stealing it. Thigpen said the station that fired him for pursuing his passion ended up reporting on his eventual successes when he won the BET competition. “The moral of this story is that every successful person I’ve heard about who’s pursued dreams said the best thing they’ve done is never give up,” Thigpen said. “The sky is the limit. We have a current president who proved that. Even Oprah proved that.” jackson state university
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Special Features
COMIC RELIEF
MPB’s Cherita Brent tackles the news by day, tickles funny bone by night
JSU alumna Cherita Brent is the antithesis of bashful, but the seasoned broadcaster and entertainer says she's shy. The 28-year-old Jackson native can be heard regularly on Mississippi Public Broadcasting where she serves as a weekday host and producer. She covers everything from legal technology issues to events and attractions throughout the state. She's also a comedian, affectionately known onstage as “Rita B.” Although small in stature, her presence looms large onstage, never revealing any shyness. To many, she radiates an intoxicating vibe that leaves audiences spellbound. To others, she exudes a certain special quality. She’s a talented performer with a rich, distinctive voice made for radio and vocal entertainment. “Fear can stagnate you,” Brent said. “I’m glad God gave me the courage to go ahead and press forward with my career.” As a former sergeant in the 41st U.S. Army Band until 2014, Brent also knows how to take charge. She served as master of ceremonies for TEDx Jackson, an independently organized event that allows people to share presentations on topics about which they are passionate. Initially, Brent declined to serve as host. “TEDx was one of the greatest challenges of mine because a lot of intelligent people were present, and they can talk over your head,” she said. “I got a chance to play to a crowd that I wouldn’t typically meet in my regular nightclub comedy act.”
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Photo courtesy of Cherita Brent
by L.A. Warren
Brent peppered the TEDx audience with funny, anecdotal stories about average people. She calls it observational comedy because she regularly studies human behavior. Brent has worked for Mississippi Public Broadcasting, nearly four years. She honed her skills as a mass communications student and was an on-air personality at WJSU-FM (88.5) for three years. As a young girl, she began playing drums in her church and won numerous talent shows. At age 21, she embarked on a professional drumming career and appeared with an all-girl band, Calico Panache, on BET’s “106 and Park.” Today, she’s also a drummer and background vocalist for the Dexter Allen Band and founded Rita B. Entertainment, a media hub that encompasses music, radio and comedy services. Her “The Rita B. Show with Mr. Adams” airs on Blog Talk Radio. Brent was named Novice Comedienne of the Year in 2013 by the Power of the Mic Comedy Show: Pro Series and landed in the finals of the Shaquille O’Neal All-Star Comedy Competition in Arlington, Texas. She's constantly perfecting her craft, but says she avoids watching television and doesn't have one in her home. “TV distracts me,” she said, so instead, she watches Netflix on her computer. “It’s a cheaper option. If I’m not on Facebook or something, I’m writing jokes, watching comedies, just trying to learn. A lot of my balance comes from being disciplined enough to not waste a lot of time,” she said.
Photo by Justin Hardiman
JSU Global
The Power
Purse
of a
Women in the Ugandan village of Kasese use part of the proceeds from Jackson State University’s purse drive to create a school for orphans.
Used purses, collected in a drive organized by a Jackson State University professor, are a source of economic empowerment in the hands of women in the Ugandan village of Kasese. (Photos by Shonda K. Lawrence/JSU)
by Tammy Ramsdale Women understand the power of the purse string. But the donation of purses to poverty-stricken women living in a small village in Uganda is more than symbolic. During the past two years, proceeds from a purse drive have been used to build a small school for orphans and lay the foundation for a community center. The effort was started by a Jackson State University professor following a trip to the country in 2013. “I thought about what could be done right now for the women,” said Dr. Shonda Lawrence, associate professor and chair of JSU's Department of Undergraduate Social Work. “It just came to me to gather old purses and send them to Uganda so that the women could sell them at the market. I figured if a few women had as many old purses that they were not using as I did, maybe we would have enough to send.” Lawrence, along with Dr. Mario
Azevedo, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and Drs. Susie Spencer, Gwendolyn Prater and Mohammad Shahbazi, initially traveled to Uganda to present a paper at the International Scientific Conference of Public Health in East Africa. Discussions on collaborative efforts between Jackson State University and the conference’s host university, Mountains of the Moon, also were on the agenda. But it was Lawrence’s visits to several markets and small villages that sparked her imagination. “What I noticed first about the markets was that most of the items for sale were used items,” she said. Upon her return, Lawrence organized a used purse drive to benefit the women of Kasese. The Social Work Student Association, faculty and staff participated, collecting the purses over the course of one academic year. “We had boxes and boxes of purses to be shipped. The cost was astronomical. Luckily, a volunteer — an angel —
Dr. Ricardo Brown, dean of the College of Public Service, left, and Dr. Shonda Lawrence, chairman of the Department of Undergraduate Social Work, welcome the Rev. Dr. Kiiza Sibayirwa Tom and Chaplain Rev. Dr. William K. Ndishabandi of Uganda to Jackson State University in November. The men visited the School of Social Work and spoke with students. Tom, who envisions the creation of a social services agency in Kasese, said he is encouraged by JSU’s involvement and support.
contacted me and said she would be willing to take the purses with her when she traveled back to Uganda.” The women of Kasese kept some of the purses for themselves and took the remaining purses to market. Monies made from selling the purses were used, in turn, to purchase materials to make baskets to take to market. “It was just planting a small seed that has helped the women of Kasese become empowered,” Lawrence said. “What we considered trash has helped a whole village.” jackson state university
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JSU Global
Passport
TO THE
WORLD JSU’s documentary takes viewers on trips around the globe by Jhadé Norris
A captive audience at Jackson State University screened a 45-minute “Passport to the World” documentary that details the experiences of 73 students and faculty who traveled to six different countries last summer to study abroad. The film emphasizes the need for criticalthinking global leaders who can address societal problems through technological and other means. 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. Faculty and students are currently preparing for this year’s international adventures, including a new immersive study program in Cape Town, South Africa. President Carolyn W. Meyers, a staunch supporter of the JSU Global program, attended the screening in the Student
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Center theater, where she told students, “There are new worlds to explore and new people to meet.” She said the documentary “was very significant because it changes your perspective.” Priscilla Slade, special assistant to the provost for International Studies and Community Colleges, said, “JSU Passport to the World was designed to provide an academic experience that immerses students in cultural experiences that are discipline-specific and thought-provoking.” The JSU Passport to the World program conquers three major obstacles that prevent students from studying abroad: cost, curriculum and culture. In the documentary, students detailed the travel process from beginning to end. Some said that upon their arrival on foreign soil they did not know what to expect. Others said it was the first time they traveled by flight.
Shantwanza Hill, a junior forensic chemistry major from Glendora, Miss., studied in Rio de Janeiro. “Traveling abroad has impacted my life with amazing information, and now I know my life will never be the same. Overall, my trip was awesome, and I plan to study abroad next year,” said Hill, who is minoring in sociology. Cory Davis, a senior mass communication major from Clinton, studied in Shanghai, China, at East Normal China University. “Studying abroad really allowed me to be more open to meeting new people,” Davis said. “This experience has allowed me to view the world from a totally new perspective. I’m honored that I embarked on such an amazing opportunity.” For more information on studying abroad and the JSU Passport to the World program, visit www.jsums.edu/global.
JSU Global
JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers is joined by China’s Nantong University delegation. They include, left, Zhou Yiping, Chen Yujun, Wu Wenquan, Nantong President Cheng Chun, Ni Songshi and Ni Jianle, interpreter and vice director-vice dean of the International Office in the School of International Education. (Photo by Spencer L. McClenty/JSU)
East meets West: JSU, China’s Nantong University bridge cultures Nantong University, colloquially known in Chinese as Tong da, was established in 1912. It is in Nantong, Jiangsu province, China. It has 22,539 undergraduates, 770 post-graduates and 2,683 academic staff. by L.A. Warren Jackson State University President Carolyn W. Meyers welcomed her Chinese counterpart from Nantong University to sign a formal agreement of collaboration and celebrate their shared vision. Meyers said the partnership with Nantong President Cheng Chun materialized through JSU’s international program. After signing the memorandum of understanding, she described the joint opportunity with Nantong as “an excursion to a university
that mirrors us.” Through an interpreter, Cheng said, “In this current time, the globe is a village. The university should act as a very important road in globalization. As educational sectors, both institutions play a very important role.” Furthermore, Meyers said Nantong – whose motto is “Bridging China and the West; striving for the best” – is a university that, like JSU, is more than a century old. “It has the same commitment to excellence and the same beliefs that the world is a stage for our students today, and that this is part
of their preparation for changing the world. Students must experience other cultures,” she said. In addition to student exchanges, the joint effort will engage professors. “This collaboration is not the job of the two presidents alone. It will involve the educational departments and researchers of both universities,” Cheng said. “As we’ve escalated our international program, we want to guarantee opportunities for learning that go both ways and across all sectors of the universe. This ceremony is just the starting point for globalization.” jackson state university
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University Highlights
Meteorology Program celebrates 40th anniversary, establishes Hall of Fame by Alana Jackson
Generations of graduates from Jackson State University’s Department of Physics, Atmospheric Sciences and Geoscience celebrated last November the meteorology program’s 40th anniversary with a luncheon and other Shepherd commemorative events. The programs’ pioneers and pathfinders were honored for their dedication and forethought and were inducted into the JSU Meteorology Hall of Fame. The JSU atmospheric science program has produced one of every three African-Americans who hold B.S. degrees in meteorology in the nation. Thirty percent of African-American meteorologists employed by the National Weather Service are graduates of JSU. Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, host of The Weather Channel’s Sunday talk show, “Weather Geeks,” and former president of the American Meteorological Society, was one of the luncheon speakers. He challenged the audience to consider what the industry would look like if the meteorology program at Jackson State did not exist. “You always carry a badge with you; when you leave here you carry the badge of JSU’s atmospheric sciences program with you. Carry this badge with pride,” Shepherd said. He told students that meteorology programs have been closing at other institutions, making their degrees even more valuable. Deirdre Jones, director of the Office of Facilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service, spoke on the importance of women in STEM and challenged the audience to keep girls interested in STEM opportunities. “NOAA values women in technology; women play an integral role in STEM. Although women make up 50 percent of the civilian labor force, only 20 percent are represented in the National Weather Service (NWS) and only 12 percent are minorities,” she said.
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Dr. Richard Aló, dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology at JSU, said, “We actively seek bright, talented and dedicated students to meet the national priority of developing more STEM leaders.” The meteorology program trains students to be successful in operational, research and broadcast meteorology. “It was a pleasure honoring those trailblazers whose invaluable vision for this program has emphatically benefited our students today,” Aló added. Program steering committee chair and honoree Cindy Woods was one of the first graduates of the meteorology program. She said, “I am a proud graduate of this program, and I am honored and humbled to be recognized in the inaugural class of the JSU Meteorology Hall of Fame.” Woods serves as the chief of the Operations Division for NOAA’s NWS and said the conference was an extremely successful and rewarding experience. Dr. Mehri Fadavi, chair of the Physics, Atmospheric Sciences and Geoscience Department at JSU, expressed excitement for the celebration. “Our focus is on sustaining excellence in our meteorology programs by equipping our students for today’s opportunities,” she said. JSU is the only historically black college or university presently offering a degree in earth system science. According to NOAA’s Office of Education, the university is a leader in awarding doctoral and graduate degrees in environmental sciences. The fall event included workshops and professional development sessions for students and featured panels hosted by alumni. On hand were The Weather Channel’s former broadcaster Vivian Brown, Shepherd and JSU alumni employed by the federal government, state government and private industry. A professional broadcast panel featuring Yolanda Amadeo (WALB-TV10, Albany, Ga.), David Tillman (KTRK-TV13, Houston) and Ken South (WJTV-TV, Jackson, Miss.) was also held. For more photos and information about the meteorology program anniversary, visit: www.jsums.edu/science.
JSU Meteorology Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductees 2015 Each of the honorees was publicly acknowledged for their contributions to the JSU Meteorology Program and presented a plaque with the following citations: Patricia A. Brown Led the Way for Others to Follow First Person to Receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology from Jackson State University
Vivian Brown Meteorology Graduate For 30 Years of Outstanding Contributions to Broadcast Meteorology and Providing Extraordinary National Exposure to the JSU Meteorology Program
Dr. Keith W. Johnson Meteorology Professor First Professor, Mentor and Encourager of JSU Meteorology Students Dr. Lonzy J. Lewis Original Constructor of the JSU Meteorology Program First Meteorology Professor and Chair of the Department of Physics and Atmospheric Sciences
Dr. John A. Peoples Visionary of the JSU Meteorology Program Meteorology Program Pioneer Providing Executive Leadership and Support
Dr. Charlie J. Smith Architect of the JSU Meteorology Program Meteorology Program Pioneer Securing Initial Funding and Building Professional Partnerships
Cindy P. Woods Meteorology Graduate For Outstanding Performance and Leadership within the National Weather Service and Continuous Mentoring of Students and Graduates of the JSU Meteorology Program
University Highlights
Verizon and Liles support STEM education, entrepreneurship for young black males
Kevin Liles delivers commencement address by L.A. Warren Jackson State University celebrated its 2015 fall commencement with 989 students receiving degrees. The observances were held Dec. 11 in the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center, with music mogul Kevin Liles delivering the keynote address to 755 undergraduates, and Wendy B. Scott, dean of the Mississippi College School of Law, providing words of inspiration to 234 graduate students. To realize success, Liles urged graduates to “be yourself rather than anyone else.” Additionally, the founder and CEO of KWL Management, partner in the 300 Entertainment music label and founder of RSM Sports Management group, said, “never lose touch with humanity, and never stop learning. Ask how you can be of assistance to others and take that model everywhere you go.” Finally, he reminded graduates that their education does not stop after they cross the stage to receive their diplomas. Just like there should be a war on poverty “there should be a war on the lack of education,” Liles said. Jackson State University President Carolyn W. Meyers said, “Each commencement is special. All of these graduates have worked diligently to reach this goal. The Jackson State University family joins me in beaming with pride as we share in this milestone with our graduates and their families and friends. We look forward to celebrating future successes as they take on the task of making our world a better place for all.”
Liles (Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)
Seek significance and challenge in life’s work, MC dean advises grads by L.A. Warren Wendy B. Scott, the first African-American to serve as dean of the Mississippi College School of Law, delivered the keynote address at Jackson State University’s fall graduate commencement. Scott presented four key points: (1) “Never give yourself all the credit for your accomplishments”; (2) “Never underestimate your own abilities”; (3) “Know your history”; and (4) “Have the courage, commitment and compassion to work toward social and economic equality for all citizens.”
Scott (Photo by Anissa Hidouk/JSU)
Prior to giving the commencement address, Liles took an opportunity to connect with students from Blackburn Middle School as an extension of Verizon’s Minority Male Makers Program, on Thursday, Dec. 10. Dubbed “Entrepreneurs in the Making,” he engaged with the young men about STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, sharing best practices in turning innovative ideas into entrepreneurial ventures. Liles also gave tips and coached the group on developing and delivering a strong “elevator pitch.” Jackson State University was one of four institutions to partner with the Verizon Foundation to facilitate summer science intensive courses, giving students exposure to the latest in technology, including 3D design, app development, coding and more. The program, launched in the summer of 2015, pairs middle school student participants with college students for mentoring throughout the school year. The interdisciplinary program at JSU is jointly supported by the College of Education and Human Development and the College of Science, Engineering and Technology.
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Homecoming 2015 was filled with excitement and pageantry; tradition and touchstones; game day rivalry and gospel gratitude for our ‘dear old college home’ as memories were made and relationships renewed.
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Campus to Community
Gov. Phil Bryant, greeting Rep. Percy Watson’s wife, Barbara, was among dignitaries participating in the event.
(Photos by Charles A. Smith/JSU)
JSU Opens Downtown Campus by L.A. Warren Jackson State’s latest expansion, the downtown campus, opened with a grand ceremony shortly after the fall semester began. More than 200 state and local elected officials, civic leaders, JSU faculty, staff, students and supporters gathered in the facility’s Percy W. Watson Lobby at 101 Capitol Street on Sept. 3. The lobby was dedicated in honor of state Rep. Watson, chair of the House Ethics Committee, who helped JSU secure the structure for the $2 million university project. The JSU Downtown Campus houses the Department of Alumni and Constit-
uency Relations/Annual Giving, the Institute of Government, the Department of Public Policy and Administration, the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, the Mississippi Urban Research Center and the Mississippi Conference of Black Mayors. Watson, a longtime state representative from Hattiesburg, was pivotal in helping JSU secure the new building. The veteran lawmaker, with 36 years in government service, and his wife, Barbara, both attended the university. Watson expressed gratitude to JSU for giving him his start in politics. The school's legislative conference in1969,
2016 DOWNTOWN CAMPUS EVENTS Public Policy and Administration Meetings • 2016 Annual National Conference of Minority Public Administrators President’s Reception • 2016 Annual National Black Political Science Association Conference workshops • Mississippi Chapter of The American Society of Public Administration Monthly Meeting • JSU Athletics National Signing Day • Mississippi Black Mayors Association
Public Policy Administration Department Lecturers • Mississippi Speaker of the House, Philip Gunn • Mississippi Lt. Governor, Tate Reeves • Mississippi Commissioner of Public Safety, Marshall Fisher • Mississippi Public Broadcasting Chief Financial Officer, Paul Moore • Mississippi Legislative Budget Office Senior Budget Analyst, Howard Brown • Department of Finance and Administration Senior Budget Analyst, Priscilla Ware
he said, helped him learn the intricacies of government operations. “What we see here today is a result of working with all members of the Legislature: Black caucus, Democratic caucus, Republican caucus, all members of the Senate, all members of the House and the Governor’s Office.” he said. “And it took the leadership of Jackson State.” Dr. Ricardo Brown, dean of the College of Public Service, said the close proximity of the building to the seats of government has provided easy access for students to join sessions of the Jackson City Council, Hinds County Board of Supervisors and the state legislature with much higher frequency and involvement. “The current location has brought the students and faculty of Urban and Regional Planning and Public Policy and Administration closer to their areas of study and research making both student learning and faculty research more effective,” Brown said. “It helps us coordinate activities of the Institute of Government, the Mississippi Urban Research Center and the Jackson State Alumni and Constituent Relations with academic units.” The opening ceremony also highlighted the work of MAC & Associates, LLC, to resurrect the 52,000-square-foot structure. It was hired as the general contractor for the project. The company has been one of the top minorityowned firms in Jackson since 1996. jackson state university
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Campus to Community
Black History Month programs highlight past and present issues As an institution rich with history, Jackson State University observed Black History Month with a variety of informative and educational programs focused on past events as well as present-day concerns.
Hip-hop activist David Banner co-leads Planet Deep South Colloquium
by Breyionna Nashay Flowers
Rapper, producer, actor and activist David Banner was one of the leaders of a panel discussion at a town hall-style forum at JSU during the 2016 “Planet Deep South Colloquium: Speculative Cultural Production and Africanisms in the American Black South.” In conjunction with Astro Blackness, the Feb. 25 event in the Dollye M.E. Robinson Liberal Arts Building was sponsored by the Fannie Lou Hamer Institute @ COFO and the Institute for Social Justice and Race. The three-day interdisciplinary colloquium was open to all scholars, artists and others who wanted to explore the intellectual and creative expression of African people. Discussions probed southern Black cultural production through a historical and speculative lens.
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David Banner – rapper, activist, producer, actor – participates in a town hall-style forum at the 2016 “Planet Deep South Colloquium” alongside Miss JSU Charence Higgins. (Photo by Anissa Hidouk/JSU)
Kiese Laymon, a writer, editor and associate professor of English and Africana Studies at Vassar College, was one of the featured panelists, along with Banner and student leaders. Laymon is also a Grisham writer-in-residence at the University of Mississippi, 2015-2016. The Deep South conversation broached the relevance of HBCUs in the future of black America. Session topics included Afro-Futurism and Southern Hip Hop; Afro-Futurism: A Multimedia Experience Featuring George Clinton; Sun Ra as an Afro-Futurist Prophet; Black Comics in the American South; and Afro-Futurism, Black Power, and Pan-Africanism.
Campus to Community
African-American Read-In encourages young readers, promotes authors The Department of English kicked off Black History Month with its 27th Annual African-American Read-In on Feb.1 in the Dollye M.E. Robinson Liberal Arts Building. The Read-In, held in conjunction with the National Council of Teachers of English, had a two-fold purpose: to encourage young African-Americans to read and to promote African-American authors. This year’s selected text was “The Autobiography of William Sanders Scarborough: An American Journey from Slavery to Scholarship.” Scarborough was the first professional classicist of African descent, and his work paved the way for many younger scholars of color. In 1881, he made history by publishing a Greek textbook with A.S. Barnes in New York City, proving to the world that Black people also had the ability to master classical languages.
His early years were spent in slavery in Macon, Ga., where he saw Mississippi statesman and Confederate president Jefferson Davis led through the streets of Macon as a prisoner of war. After earning a B.A. and M.A. from Oberlin College, he joined the faculty at Wilberforce as a professor of ancient languages. In addition, he was the first black member of the Modern Language Association, which has given a $1,000 book prize in his honor since 2001. From 1908-1920 he was president of Wilberforce University and steered the school through the turmoil and vagaries of World War I.
JSU publishes booklet of ‘Milestones in Democracy’ essays by JPS students by Olivia S. Goodheart
In celebration of Black History Month and the strong partnership with Jackson Public Schools and the City of Jackson, Jackson State University presented 1,700 copies of a special publication “Reflections From Our Students” to JPS superintendent Cedric Gray, members of the Board of Trustees and a standing-room only audience. “We are so delighted to join with Jackson Public Schools in this and other partnerships, and we know if our public schools are strong in preparing our students for the next level of their education then our colleges and universities are stronger as JSU’s Dr. Otha Burton and Dr. Evelyn J. Leggette present ‘Milestones in we prepare students for a more diverse and global Democracy’ book of essays to JPS Superintendent Dr. Cedric Gray. citizenry,” said Dr. Evelyn J. Leggette, JSU provost (Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU) and senior vice president for Academic and Student to give particular regard to the significance of the elections and to Affairs. She and Dr. Otha Burton, executive director consider the relevance of the voting to moving Jackson forward as of the JSU Institute of Government (IOG), presented the booklets a progressive city in the 21st century. at the JPS school board meeting Feb. 16. All JPS high school The assignment was the brainchild of Burton’s department, seniors will receive a copy of the booklet, which showcases their which sponsored a forum titled Milestones in Democracy: Thirty writing, analytical, critical-thinking and research skills. Years of a More Representative Government at the Jackson The publication includes essays written by high school seniors Convention Complex on Oct. 29. Several key figures shared their through their economics and U.S. government classes. The experiences as “firsts” when the more-representative form of students were challenged to provide opinions of the 1985 and government was implemented in Jackson. 1997 Jackson municipal elections. Furthermore, they were asked
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Campus to Community
(Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)
Renowned journalist Juan Williams urges students to keep ‘eyes on the prize’ by L.A. Warren
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ith his eyes still on the prize and using reflections from his best-selling book of the same name, national journalist and author Juan Williams gave a riveting speech at the 48th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Convocation at Jackson State University in January. “I walk in faith, and I believe Dr. King is alive. I feel (him) every day in my life,” said
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the Emmy Award-winning political analyst for Fox News and contributor to numerous publications, including the New York Times. Williams’ address focused on historical events and people who shaped the country’s civil rights movement. Martyred civil rights legend The event was sponsored by JSU’s Margaret Walker Center and was a prelude to the national MLK holiday celebrating the
legacy of the martyred civil rights legend. Williams, who has interviewed Presidents Barack Obama, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan, said references to his acclaimed “Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Years, 1954-1965” (Penguin Books) continues to surprise him today because “people always come back to the book.” Williams said the response to the book
Campus to Community
‘I walk in faith, and I believe Dr. King is alive. I feel (him) every day in my life.’ has “opened my mind to the idea of a talking book that’s constantly in conversation, not just in my head, but conversation with the readers, conversation with current events and conversation in terms of ongoing racial controversies in our country.” Dr. Robert Luckett, director of the Margaret Walker Center, agreed. “As a civil rights historian here at Jackson State, the book keeps talking to me, too. My work and own scholarship owe much to and stand on the shoulders of “Eyes on the Prize.” I will be using it this very semester as a touchstone for my students in my civil rights class. It will open channels of conversation for those students, and it will represent a living history.” Williams said he recently discovered a copy of his book had found a home in the White House library. In addition, while working as a correspondent for the Washington Post in South Africa covering Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, the book helped him to get an interview with the future president of that nation because Mandela had read “Eyes on the Prize,” which was published in 1987. “So, this book is alive for me as the author,” Williams said. “It’s alive in terms of today’s conversations about race in America
– new developments and controversies, election of the first African-American president, tragedies, shootings of Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, even disputes about history. Remember the time (the film) “Selma” came out and the controversies about how President (Lyndon B.) Johnson was depicted. In every case, people come back to the book – the history, the starting point for understanding the thinking and finding common ground about race in America today. Sometimes, it gets personal and uncomfortable.” The journalist told students that “this book is opening channels for you to have conversations to see what’s real and understand what you bring to the story, what you bring to the book and your preconceptions.” Williams dismissed the notion that the civil rights movement is over and that we are post-racial. “I don’t think so. … We have people talking about ‘I can’t breathe.’ ” He said the conversation moves from black lives matter to all lives matter. By living history, Williams said we learn that King is helping to “shape, influence and inspire us as we deal with the ongoing history of race in America.”
(Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)
President Meyers visits community colleges Jackson State University President Carolyn W. Meyers wowed a group of potential enrollees while celebrating the long-term relationship with President Clyde Muse of Hinds Community College, which makes up nearly 40 percent of JSU’s transfer student population. In October, Meyers made the first of several trips to two-year institutions. Meyers told those gathered at the Raymond campus that she and Muse share a commitment to “giving students the best educational experience possible – no modifiers, no qualifiers. Our goal is not focused on students just being good enough but rather being the best. We are dream-makers.” jackson state university
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by L.A. Warren Jackson State University computer-engineering major Taha Merghani, a junior, 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. This is his second distinguished honor since arriving at JSU. The Sudanese native is among an elite group of 30 students selected nationally to receive this award. Merghani credits JSU for having a major impact on his life by making college education a reality. The gifted student said, “JSU provided an academic scholarship and helped to produce amazing internship opportunities that I needed for my personal and professional growth.” The Apple HBCU Scholars Program is part of the Apple and Thurgood Marshall College Fund Diversity Initiative. As part of the partnership, Apple announced in March 2015 that it was making a $40-million, multiyear commitment, the largest and most comprehensive corporate investment ever given exclusively for students and faculty of four-year HBCUs. Merghani also was honored with a 2015 summer internship
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at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Before coming to the U.S., Merghani was ranked No. 1 of 400,000 students who took the standard high school examinations in Sudan in 2011. Merghani said he has long been fascinated by computers. “I chose to pursue a degree in computer engineering because I wanted to get in-depth knowledge of both hardware and software,” he said. “I have developed a passion for utilizing software to facilitate interaction between humans and computers through natural language.” The scholars program selected the 30 students from 47 HBCUs. The scholarship includes up to $25,000 for the students’ senior year; a summer internship; participation in a year-round program to prepare for post-graduation careers; and an opportunity to serve as ambassadors on their campuses to build awareness about the Apple and TMCF Diversity Initiative. In addition, the scholarship includes an invitation to attend TMCF’s Annual Leadership Institute and participation in the Apple HBCU Immersion Experience at Apple’s corporate headquarters in Cupertino, Calif.
Gates Scholar overcomes odds to pursue her dreams by L.A. Warren
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Adrienna Williams was in algebra class when she found out she was selected as a Gates Millennium scholar. Her mother had received a package at home and immediately contacted Williams by phone. “My mom started crying, and she called everybody,” Williams said. “People Williams in my classes were so happy for me. I started crying, too.” Williams, who graduated No. 2 from Yazoo City High School, was one of 1,000 Gates Millennium Scholars out of more than 57,000 students nationwide who applied last year.The program of the United Negro College Fund is financed by the Bill and Melinda Gates ( Ph o to b y C h arle Foundation. s A . S m ith /J S U) Williams, now a Jackson State University freshman biology major with ambitions of becoming a physician, said she was stunned to receive the honor, given her economic hardships, including growing up in Section 8 housing. “I went to a small high school in a small town. I’m just one little person in a competitive school. We all wanted to be No. 1. I thought others were better because I stutter sometimes,” she said. Williams said several of her mentors encouraged her to apply for the program, which required her to write eight essays on a designated topic. “My mom was a single parent without a college education. I’m the oldest of three children (she has a brother and sister). I knew what I wanted to do in life but didn’t know how I was going to accomplish it without money. I didn’t have the proper
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I knew that I wanted to be in the healthcare industry to care for people. resources to prepare for my journey. I knew that I wanted to be in the healthcare industry to care for people.” As a recipient, she’s eligible for renewable funds to attend any U.S. accredited college or university. Also, since she’s interested in studying medicine, those who pursue graduate studies in computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science may be eligible for fellowship funding through the master’s and doctoral levels. Williams chose JSU after an “impressive tour” from JSU Welcome Center guide Serita Griffith-Washington. “I fell in love with the school, thanks to the tour guide. After seeing the beauty of the campus, I wanted to put my money back into an HBCU. Some relatives wanted me to go elsewhere, but now they’re OK with my decision,” she said. Williams said while growing up poor was challenging, she’s thankful for the opportunity to pursue her dreams. “If you think, believe and achieve, you can do it. I’m doing just that,” she said, with tears in her eyes.
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Student Life
Grad student selected as ambassador for White House Initiative on HBCUs
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by L.A. Warren
ackson State University graduate student Nina Hill is among 83 students out of 450 applicants nationwide who will serve as an ambassador for the White House Initiative on HBCUs. “I’m absolutely thrilled,” said Hill, who is one of only five students selected to represent Mississippi. “This is a special honor for JSU and for me personally for the work I’ve done to help others. My role will be to serve as a point person to address any type of civil-rights conflicts by reaching out to superiors and informing them of various campus issues.” Hill will be expected to provide outreach and communication with her peers about the value of education. Using social media and relationships with community-based organizations, she also will share proven practices that support opportunities for all young people to reach their career potential. The Jackson native credits her selection to her involvement with the Golden Key
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International Honor Society at JSU for which serves as president. The chapter has been nationally recognized for community service and fundraisers. The White House correspondence inviting Hill’s participation read:
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We look forward to working
with you to advance President Barack Obama’s Executive Order 13532, Promoting Excellence, Innovation and
Sustainability at Historically
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Black Colleges and Universities. Ivory A. Toldson, acting executive director of the White House Initiative
on HBCUs, said, “The Obama administration is committed to promoting excellence, innovation and sustainability across our nation’s HBCUs. This year’s class of All-Stars has distinguished itself as exemplars of the talent that HBCUs cultivate. … We are confident these impressive students will help the White House Initiative on HBCUs meaningfully engage with students, showcase their talent and advance academic excellence at HBCUs.” Hill, a stellar student with a 3.9 GPA, is seeking her master’s degree in the Clinical Mental Health Program at JSU. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from JSU in 2011. She is an intern at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, assisting with its smoking-cessation program in its ACT Center for Tobacco Treatment, Education and Research. The HBCU All-Star induction ceremony for the 2015-2016 class was held Sept. 20-22 in Washington, D.C.
Student Life
Chevan Baker, left, a senior computer engineering major from Kansas City, Mo., and Jann Butler, a senior computer engineering major from Pascagoula, Miss., were among four who helped develop a senior design project called the “smart mat” to determine the foot temperature of diabetics. (Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)
Preventing amputations: CSET seniors engineer a product for diabetics by L.A. Warren
Engineering students at Jackson State University have designed a “smart mat” that gauges the 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. Mississippi has one of the nation’s highest rates diabetes-related deaths in the nation, according to the Mississippi Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As part of their senior design project, JSU students in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology recently created the temperature-measuring device. For one group member, the “smart mat” project is personal. Jann Butler, a senior computer engineering student, said ulcers led to his aunt’s amputation. “As a result, we wanted to help other diabetic patients,” he said. “Upon research, we realized that a lot of them suffer foot ulcers, and we uncovered an issue with temperature. So, we developed a mat that diabetic patients could stand on to register the temperature of their feet. If there’s a four-degree difference between the two over a period of time, the lower one would be at greater risk of ulceration,” he said.
Butler, a native of Pascagoula, Miss., explained that a diabetic patient has abnormal (high) glucose levels in the blood, affecting its flow to the lower extremities. “This causes the foot to be colder than average,” he said. “By outputting temperature values, the patient can see which foot is more affected. Then, that information can be relayed to a physician.” Dr. Gordon Skelton, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and director of the graduate program for CDS&E (Computational Data-Enabled Sciences and Engineering), said this senior project, and others, sought solutions to real problems. “A lot of the issues related to diabetes end up being problems with neuropathy and a few other things, resulting in the loss of feeling in your feet,” Skelton said. “You don’t really know there’s an issue until you develop an ulceration, which could possibly lead to worsening conditions that result in amputation. The condition could even accelerate a second amputation that can significantly compromise a person’s ability to move around.” Skelton said the idea behind the smart mat was to realistically see if there was some means of collecting data for a doctor or jackson state university
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caregiver as an early warning. “Products such as these have real value,” he added. Each senior project takes two semesters to complete. Senior Design I is the theoretical phase; Senior Design II is the implementation phase. Developers of the smart mat say they encountered a few problems along the way. Although the smart mat is quite durable and can be placed on most surfaces, team member Chevan Baker said one issue was that the original temperature sensor pads produced erroneous values due to moisture, such as wet feet. He said the group eventually switched to a sturdier, efficient, waterproof sensor called the lily pad. Another issue occurred with formatting an accompanying Android app to display the data that was being collected. Baker, a computer engineering major from Kansas City, Mo., said the team eventually resolved that dilemma, too. The app, which is still being fully developed for access on other mobile devices, stores previous temperatures (Fahrenheit and Celsius) for future comparison. Butler, Baker and team members are engaged in ongoing discussions about modifications and placing the product on the market. Their other partners are Jordan Barber, a computer engineering native from Jackson, Miss., and Fred Harris, an electrical engineering native from Forest, Miss. The group says the
mat cost slightly less than $500 to produce. Among other products in this year’s slate of senior projects: Wireless pedometer: This device can be outfitted on running or dress shoes, for example. It measures the number of actual “foot strikes” and produces more accurate counts within a 90th percentile for users rather than current products on the market that calculate motion of any kind. Smart bag: This product involves placing a device on backpacks or other bags and is especially useful to students who leave behind or misplace items such as laptops or iPads. With RFID (radio frequency identification) circuitry and pressure sensors, users know if an item is missing from a bag based on weight. The device also has Bluetooth technology to alert users leaving a room that an item is missing. Automated RFID attendance: This device saves time and eliminates the need for professors, for example, to take roll. With a unique RFID tag, the electronic classroom attendance reader can determine each student’s name, when the person entered the room, whether the student left class early or whether the person was legitimately enrolled for a particular course. Also, it alerts the professor about the frequency of attendance. Of this year’s teams, Skelton said, “This was an excellent group of students who showed great promise for their engineering careers. They will make themselves and Jackson State University proud.”
JSU receives NSF grant to expand STEM opportunities to female faculty at other institutions Jackson State University has received a $749,273 grant from the National Science Foundation to expand its ADVANCE Women of Color Moore Summer Writing Retreat (SWR) to six other minority-serving institutions. The project will promote the scholarly activities of women of color faculty in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and the social and behavioral sciences. The funding will support the creation of a five-year learning network among JSU and Tennessee State University, Tougaloo College, the University of Texas Rio Grande
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Valley, Norfolk State University, Winston Salem State University and the University of the Virgin Islands. “Our SWR has helped JSU’s female STEM faculty make scholarly writing and publishing a priority. The program has helped create a more inclusive academic environment and community of scholars for the university,” said Dr. Loretta Moore, vice president for Research and Federal Relations. “This grant will allow us to expand that work to our partnering universities to create an environment for women STEM faculty to be successful there.” Moore worked with Dr. Evelyn Leggette, provost and senior vice president for
Academic and Student Affairs, and Deidre L. Wheaton, assistant professor of continuing education, on the grant proposal. Dr. Ala R. Qubbaj, vice provost for Faculty Affairs and Diversity at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), called the project an exciting partnership. “This is an excellent opportunity for our STEM women faculty to network with their peers at the partner institutions, receive coaching and guidance in successful writing and complete a writing project. As an ADVANCE institution, UTRGV is committed to increasing the representation and advancement of STEM women and to the retention and success of all our faculty. This partnership will be key in achieving those goals.”
Grants and Awards
JSU receives $2.98 million ‘First in the World’ grant for STEM students by Karyn S. Hollingsworth Jackson State University is the recipient of a $2.98 million “First in the World” (FITW) grant to promote and enhance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) experiences for students. The award was announced last September by then-U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in Washington, D.C. More than 300 applications were Tchounwou submitted for the FITW competition, which awarded $60 million to 17 colleges, universities and organizations. The grant supports post-secondary institutions’ efforts to develop new approaches to expand college access and improve student learning while reducing costs. The program began in 2014 as part of President Barack Obama’s agenda to increase postsecondary access and completion. All funded FITW projects address at least one of the following priorities: increasing college access and completion, increasing community college transfer rates, increasing STEM enrollment and completion and reducing time to completion. During the next four years, teams of JSU students and faculty will engage in multidisciplinary research, STEM workshops, course redesign and other activities accelerating discovery and innovation. Some 160 faculty and 1,280 students from various disciplines will be impacted. “This grant provides Jackson State University a unique opportunity to continue the great work we’ve begun in engaging more of
our students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers, who is also a mechanical engineer. “This project is an extension of our efforts in cyberlearning and quality and innovation in effective teaching. JSU is uniquely poised to lead in these areas because of our commitment to addressing challenges facing underrepresented students in all disciplines, especially STEM fields,” Meyers added. JSU was designated as an Apple Distinguished School for 2013-2015 and 2015-2017 for innovation, leadership and educational excellence. Its iPad initiative, funded by the Mississippi e-Center@JSU, provides iPads to all first-time, full-time freshmen, and the INNOVATE, CREATE and ENGAGE centers allow faculty and students to engage in formal and informal digital-learning opportunities. The FITW grant will help JSU stimulate student creativity and inquiry across disciplines, said Dr. Loretta Moore, vice president for Research and Federal Relations. “While the highest concentration of majors who participate in undergraduate research come from STEM, this project will afford students in all disciplines an opportunity to participate in research and other collaborative projects with faculty leads,” Moore said. “This project aims to improve teaching and learning and student engagement in multidisciplinary research, innovation, education and engagement experiences in STEM.” This award represents the culmination of months of work by JSU’s leadership, senior personnel and research development officers. The leadership team and steering committee included President Meyers, Dr. Moore and Dr. Evelyn Leggette, provost and senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs. Dr. Paul Tchounwou, associate dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, served as principal investigator and project director. Multidisciplinary team leaders include Dr. Barbara Graham, Dr. Aston Hamme II, Dr. Deidre Wheaton, Dr. Jacqueline Jackson, Dr. Robert Blaine, Dr. Wilbur Walters, Dr. Mehri Fadavi, Dr. Tor Kwembe, Dr. Hongtao Yu and Dr. Timothy Turner. U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (2nd Congressional District) said he’s thrilled that JSU received the grant to enhance STEM experiences. “This project will work to improve both teaching and learning in STEM disciplines and transform the institutional culture at JSU to stimulate enthusiasm about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. I am so very proud that JSU was one of only 17 institutions nationwide to receive the grant.”
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Grants and Awards
$1 million grant allows JSU to help special-needs population by L.A. Warren The Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation and Psychometric Services at Jackson State University has been awarded a nearly $1 million grant over a five-year period to assist in educating students to serve Mississippi’s special-needs population. A study by Cornell University shows that Mississippi consistently ranks in the Top 5 in the U.S. with the number of people with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration provides the award in increments of about $200,000 annually. The goal of the project is to train master’s level rehabilitation counselors, according to Dr. Frank L. Giles, a professor and director of the rehabilitation development program. Dr. Daniel Watkins, dean of the Acknowledging the grant from the U.S. Department of Education are Dr. Daniel Watkins, left, College of Education and Human JSU’s dean of the College of Education and Human Development; Dr. Loretta Moore, vice Development, credits department president of Research and Federal Relations; Dr. Frank Giles, a professor and director of the chair Dr. Dion F. Porter and Giles for rehabilitation development program; and Dr. Dion F. Porter, department chair of Counseling, their efforts to expand the long-term Rehabilitation and Psychometric Services. (Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU) training project. “We are excited for “We are so elated to receive this grant, which has been with the work that they have done because our department for many years. And we hope it will continue it will benefit many students. Rehabilitation counseling is a for many years,” Porter said. “It will benefit not only Jackson critical area to Jackson State University.” “It’s anticipated that the project will be five years,” said Giles. State University but also citizens with disabilities. We are By comparison, Alabama has five master’s-level programs, and proving that we are striving to provide the utmost service for the special-needs population.” that state has a similar disability demographic as Mississippi, Dr. Loretta Moore, JSU’s vice president of Research and which has only two master’s-level programs. “So, there is a Federal Relations, said, “Jackson State University continues to great need for the services here,” Giles said. impact the lives of one of our most vulnerable populations. As “The long-term training project involves working with an urban institution, it’s incumbent on our part to make sure people with various disabilities, including spinal cord injuries, we prepare students for critical roles in working with specialtraumatic brain injuries and chronic health concerns,” said needs individuals. We must make sure they can function Giles. “One of our partners is the Mississippi Department independently and contribute to the world without being of Rehabilitation Services, which provides a training site for excluded from mainstream society, particularly since one in our students. It also provides employment opportunities for five people in America suffer some type of disability – whether students once they complete their degree.” it’s physical or mental. This grant will allow us to continue The grant covers student tuition, stipends for books and making a difference.” other needs.
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Grants and Awards
Gift honors late professor Isaiah Madison, lead attorney in Ayers case
Carol Madison, other family members and friends of the late Rev. Dr. Isaiah Madison, join JSU faculty members in presenting a $25,000 check to the College of Liberal Arts. (Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)
by L.A. Warren Family and friends of the late Rev. Dr. Isaiah Madison, a former Jackson State University associate professor of political science, bestowed a $25,000 scholarship gift upon the College of Liberal Arts. The gift, presented during a September ceremony in the Dollye M.E. Robinson Liberal Arts Building, will double to $50,000 after matching funds from Title III, said Anthony L. Holloman, JSU’s former vice president for Institutional Advancement. Acknowledging efforts to assist young people, Holloman said, “It’s an honor and privilege that we are able to accept this gift in honor of Rev. Dr. Madison. It’s reflective of the kind of life he lived and the work he performed. It will live on in perpetuity here. Jackson State has always provided assistance to the underserved. And, today, it is even more critical that we do so because the United States is No. 12 overall in degree completion.”
Furthermore, Holloman said, “The only way we can achieve the president’s goal is to educate more black and brown people, and underserved populations. So, it takes scholarships to make this happen.” Aside from his work at JSU, Madison, who died March 1, 2012, at age 71, was the lead attorney in the high-profile Ayers case, which aimed to achieve parity among Mississippi’s institutions of higher learning. Dr. Mario J. Azevedo, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said the gift will make a difference in the lives of young people. “Because our emphasis is taking care of students, scholarships and grants are important. This gift fits in with the objectives of this college by making sure that students receive assistance. This is very meaningful to the College of Liberal Arts.” Former interim JSU President Dr. Leslie McLemore and political science professor Dr. Byron D’Andra Orey were credited for helping secure the donation. jackson state university
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College of Business announces endowment fund honoring former dean Cooley by L.A. Warren Jackson State University’s College of Business launched the William “Bill” Cooley Fund to honor the former business dean of the college’s years of service and acknowledge his continued support. Accolades and tributes were the order of the day at the “Breakfast of Champion” event, which underscored the establishment of the endowment. To date, the fund has raised more than $30,000. President Carolyn W. Meyers, offering her own contribution, encouraged attendees to continue their support. She said, “So many of us have stood on his Cooley shoulders, which have got to be sore.” As a result, Meyers presented a special gift – a sturdy pair of shoulder pads – to the delight of Cooley and the crowd. State Sen. John Horhn presided at the fete and described Cooley as a naturalborn leader. “He leads by inspiring others with invigorating energy. He cares about youths, making sure they put their best foot forward. This suggests the quality of his leadership. A lot of people rest on their laurels and hang on to their personal successes. Bill Cooley spreads it around,” Horhn said. Dr. Ramin Maysami, dean of JSU’s College of Business, offered gratitude for Cooley’s legacy and credited his predecessor for being instrumental in the college’s continued success. “He’s an honest man, and he tells you things the way they are. … We got AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation under Dr. Cooley, so now it’s our turn. We are among 5 percent of universities worldwide
Dr. Mary M. White, who worked with Cooley in the College of Business, was instrumental in helping to establish the endowment. (Photo by Justin Hardiman/JSU)
to be accredited by AACSB.” Cooley, a native of the Mississippi Delta and professor emeritus of management at JSU, is chairman emeritus of Systems Electro Coating, Systems Consultants Associates and Systems IT. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Tuskegee Institute. In addition, he served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force and is a decorated Vietnam War veteran, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Subsequently, Cooley earned a master’s degree from the University of North Dakota in industrial management and later accepted a teaching position at JSU. Also, he studied and taught management at Mississippi State University, where he earned a doctorate in business administration. While at JSU, Cooley founded Systems
Consulting Associates, which was recognized in 2003 by Inc. magazine as one of the Top 100 fastest-growing, inner-city companies in the U.S. In 2001, Cooley founded Systems Electro Coating, a tier-one supplier to Nissan North America Inc., in Canton, Miss. By the end of 2015, Systems Electro Coating was expected to be the sole provider of frames used in the manufacturing of all trucks and SUVs produced by Nissan in the nation. Since 2006, Systems has been among Black Enterprise’s Top 100 largest African-American companies in the U.S., ranking 32nd in 2014. The event was held Oct. 23, in the JSU Student Center following a “Coffee with the Champ” event held at The Penguin restaurant, a campus and community landmark business co-founded by Cooley.
E N D OW M E N T D O NAT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N JSU’s College of Business has received more than $30,000 in gifts and pledges for student scholarships and programs in support of the endowment. To make a contribution, contact Dr. Mary M. White at 601-979-2672 or Jean Walker at 601-979-2413. Gifts to the William “Bill” Cooley Fund may be mailed to the JSU Division of Institutional Advancement, 1400 John R. Lynch Street, P.O. Box 18660, Jackson, MS 39217
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University Pointe opens; engineering building expansion in progress With an influx in enrollment, Jackson State University last fall offered a new housing alternative to upper-class students. Located at the southwest corner of the main campus, University Pointe is JSU’s first-ever apartment facility on campus. It accommodates more than 500 residents and features fully furnished one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom suites. Although the location is conducive to walking, there is an optional shuttle service. As well, there is ample parking space. The newly renovated spaces include shared living and kitchen areas with amenities including free Wi-Fi connection, cable access, dishwashers, refrigerators and in-unit washers and JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers and CSET Dean Richard A. Aló joined dryers. University Pointe joins six other housing facilities on campus, legislators and other guests hoisting shovels during the groundbreaking ceremony for the CSET building expansion. (Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU) along with Tiger Plaza — a 240-bed residence across from the Mississippi Coliseum. again approved for new degree programs in late 2015. Also on campus a 24,000-square-foot, two-story wing is being State Speaker of the House Philip Gunn, during a added to the engineering building. Slated to open this summer, groundbreaking ceremony, commended JSU for its remarkable the wing will house classrooms, laboratories and faculty offices successes. As well, the legislator acknowledged the extraordinary to accommodate the university’s growth in teaching and research work of state Rep. Angela Cockerham, a JSU alum who helped activities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics secure funding for the facility. (STEM). Gunn said the expansion project “overlays perfectly for The College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) the future of America because engineering is a vital part of added undergraduate and doctoral programs in 2014 and was Mississippi.”
Lt. Gov. Reeves headlines JSU summit for National Board Certified Teachers Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves delivered the keynote address when JSU hosted a summit for Mississippi National Board Certified Teachers last August. The event included Reeves policymakers, National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT), school administrators and other leaders
from the education community. Professional sessions included topics on classroom innovation, building professional continuum in Mississippi, teacher attrition, leadership and engaging parents and students in the educational process. Other guests for the early sessions included Rep. John Moore, chair of the House Education Committee; Dr. Cerissa Neal, executive director of the Office of Educator Quality and Dr. Laurie Smith, education policy adviser to Gov. Phil Bryant.
Peggy Brookins of NBCT and the interim president and CEO of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards was the afternoon keynote speaker. Other participants included Dr. Cedric Gray, NBPTS board member and superintendent of Jackson Public Schools and Renee Moore of NBCT and a board member of NBPTS. The summit was sponsored by JSU’s College of Education and Human Development; School of Lifelong Learning and Summit for National Board Certified Teachers.
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Dilemma of the ‘White South’ exposed in new book Jackson State University has a rich history of faculty publishing scholarly work and contributing to the body of knowledge in various disciplines. Dr. Robert E. Luckett Jr., assistant professor of history and director of the Margaret Walker Center for the Study of the African-American Experience, explores the civil rights movement in his new book, “Joe T. Patterson and The White South’s Dilemma: Evolving Resistance to Black Advancement,” (University Press of Mississippi). It explores segregationist strategies for offsetting the advances of the movement and details how white resistance operated and adapted to the sweeping forces of racial change. Luckett, a Mississippi native, received his Ph.D. from the University of Georgia with a focus on civil rights movement history. His research has appeared in “The Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi” (University Press of Mississippi), as well as in numerous journal articles. His book chronicles Patterson's work as Mississippi’s attorney general from 1956 to 1969, leading the legal defense for Jim Crow in the state. Patterson was inaugurated for his first term two months before the launch of the Sovereignty Commission, which was established “to protect the sovereignty of Mississippi from encroachment thereon by the federal government.” The commission
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Dr. Robert E. Luckett Jr., assistant professor of history and director of the Margaret Walker Center for the Study of the African-American Experience at Jackson State University, is the author of “Joe T. Patterson and the White South’s Dilemma,” published by the University Press of Mississippi. (Photo by Frank Wilson)
also made manifest a century-old states’ rights ideology couched in the rhetoric of massive resistance. Despite the dubious legal foundations of that agenda, Patterson supported the organization’s mission from the start and served as an ex-officio leader on its board for the rest of his life. According to the book, Patterson was also a member of the segregationist Citizens’ Council and, in his own words, had “spent many hours and driven many miles advocating the basic principles for which the Citizens’ Councils were originally organized.” Few doubted his Jim Crow credentials until September 1962, when the University of Mississippi was integrated by James Meredith. Yet even after the Supreme Court decreed that Meredith must enter the university, Patterson opposed any further desegregation and despised the federal intervention at Ole Miss, the book explains.
Still, he faced a dilemma that confronted all white Southerners: how to maintain an artificially elevated position for whites in Southern society without resorting to violence or intimidation. Once the Supreme Court handed down its decision in Meredith v. Fair, the state attorney general walked a strategic tightrope, looking to temper the ruling’s impact without inciting the mob and without retreating any further. Patterson and others sought pragmatic answers to the dilemma of white Southerners, not in the name of civil rights but to offer a more durable version of white power. His finesse paved the way for future tactics employing duplicity and barely yielding social change while deferring many dreams. Joe T. Patterson and The White South’s Dilemma: Evolving Resistance to Black Advancement” by Robert E. Luckett Jr. (University Press of Mississippi, 304 pages), $65
The Golden Class of 1965 presents a check to Jackson State University President Carolyn W. Meyers and staff during Homecoming festivities in October. (Photo by Darek Ashley)
Golden Tigers Class of 1965 gives $100K to ‘dear old college home’ The Golden Class of 1965 proved it is just as relevant and current today as it was 50 years ago, dropping a sweet check for $100,000 into JSU’s coffers during Homecoming weekend 2015. President Carolyn W. Meyers acknowledged the group’s sacrifice and dedication for making such a significant investment in the university and helping to enable JSU to thrive for the rest of the 21st century. “Thank you for not just talking the talk but walking the walk,” Meyers said.
Explore JSU’s summer camps Every summer, more than 1,700 eager young minds attend one of the various summer camps offered at Jackson State University. Designed to meet the interests of campers of all ages, JSU offers more than 40 camps that engage attendees in academics, science, athletics, art and other popular programs. Each program falls under five categories: Academics/Arts/Activities; STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics); Sports-specific; Incoming Freshmen/Undergraduates; and Professional Development Camps for Teachers.
For many children, JSU Summer Camps can serve as a first step on the path to higher education as well as a way for children to make new friends, explore a new interest, learn new skills, get healthy and have fun. Now is the time to think about what activities are best for your child during the summer and where more interest can be explored. Teachers who want to update and expand their skills and knowledge may also want to register for a summer camp experience at JSU. For more information contact: Shannon L. Easter, Events/Summer Camp Coordinator Phone: 601-979-1732 Email: shannon.l.easter@jsums.edu
Faculty/Staff Notes Dr. Karyn S. Hollingsworth
Dr. Karyn S. Hollingsworth, JSU’s executive director of University Communications and Marketing, returned to familiar surroundings when she accepted the appointment last August. Among her previous positions, Hollingsworth served as assistant general manager of the Office of Public Relations Hollingsworth at Jackson State. Hollingsworth earned a Ph.D. in higher education and a Master of Arts degree in higher education from the University of Mississippi. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Memphis. She also has been director of communications for the Lee Business School at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she managed internal and external communications, marketing, media relations and advertising.
Dr. Mohammad Shahbazi
Dr. Mohammad Shahbazi has been named interim dean of the School of Public Health (Initiative) effective February 2016. Shahbazi has served previously as associate dean and chair in the College of Public Service. He succeeds Dr. Dorothy Browne, who joined the Division of Research and Federal Relations as a research Shahbazi development officer. Shahbazi has served Jackson State University for 16 years. Shahbazi is a tenured professor and has credentials in higher education with degrees in cultural anthropology, computer education and public health. His experiences include a solid record of publications, presentations and professional services on the local, state, national and international levels.
Dr. Kimberly Hilliard
Dr. Kimberly Hilliard, formerly executive director of the Office of Community Engagement, has been appointed executive assistant to the president for special initiatives. Hilliard has more than 28 years of experience in the areas of engineering, urban planning and community Hilliard development. As the executive director of the Office of Community Engagement, she provided leadership in connecting JSU with local and state agencies, community-based organizations and local residents and businesses. She obtained her Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning from Jackson State University in 2007 and has worked in various community-oriented roles for JSU since 2004. She holds several statewide and local board appointments. She will also retain oversight of the community engagement work for the university and serve as a member of President Carolyn Meyers’ leadership team.
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Association of Black Sociologists honors JSU’s Calhoun Dr. Thomas Calhoun, associate vice president for academic affairs at Jackson State University, is the recipient of the 2015 James E. Blackwell Founders Award from the Association of Black Sociologists. Calhoun The award recognizes Calhoun’s “lifetime achievements and his sustained contributions of more than 20 years to scholarship, teaching and professional service.” He was recently honored at the 2015 Association of Black Sociologists Annual Conference in Chicago. Calhoun was an educator for many years at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Following his stint at SIU, he joined the faculty of JSU, retiring as a professor of sociology and interim associate dean. Calhoun’s primary areas of research and teaching include deviance, qualitative methods and race and ethics relations.
Faculty and Staff Notes
JSU elevates Leggette to provost, senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Evelyn J. Leggette was appointed provost and senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs in October 2015. Prior to assuming her new role, Leggette was associate vice president for Academic Affairs and had been part of JSU ADVANCE’s implementation team. From 1990 until 2014, she served as the dean of Undergraduate Studies. She helped establish Undergraduate Leggette Studies, University College and the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors College and over the years has filled numerous key leadership roles throughout the university. She also is a full, tenured professor in the College of Education and Human Development. Most recently she served as senior lead for the “First in The World” grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Education. “I am pleased to have the opportunity to lead the Division
of Academic and Student Affairs as provost and senior vice president. As we continue to transform the teaching and learning environment,” Leggette said. “I look forward to supporting the academic units and the further development of our cutting-edge cyberlearning practices and new online degree programs, which are increasing access to higher education, enhancing learning outcomes and increasing enrollment, retention and graduation.” Leggette was tapped by the more than century-old College Board, a nonprofit organization designed to expand access to higher education, to participate in its HBCU Advisory Conference in 2015. She was also featured with President Carolyn W. Meyers and 22 other JSU professionals in the 2012 edition of “Who’s Who in Black Mississippi.” Leggette received her undergraduate degree in English from Rust College, her master’s degree in reading from the University of Southern Mississippi and her doctorate in curriculum, instruction and media reading from Southern Illinois University. She has completed post-doctoral work in English at JSU.
Dana Brown takes helm as interim chief financial officer Jackson State University President Carolyn W. Meyers announced that Dana A. Brown will serve as the University’s interim chief financial officer. She will oversee a range of administrative and business operations that support the University’s academic mission. “Dana has proven to be an outstanding contributor to the fiscal strength of this institution, and I welcome her to her new role,” Meyers said. Brown, who assumed her position Aug. 1, said she will focus on creating a culture of fiscal understanding. She succeeds Michael Thomas, who served more than five years in the role. “I look forward to being consequential to the future of the University, and I’m excited to be a member of the Executive Cabinet. I believe President Meyers is leading us in a direction that will ensure the viability of the University for generations to come,” Brown said. Brown has more than 25 years of experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, investment and internal controls. Before joining JSU, Brown spent nearly eight years in private-sector operational positions handling financial
statements, budgeting, internal auditing and contract negotiations. During her 19-year career with JSU, she has been instrumental in identifying key operational metrics to measure the current progress of the University’s financial strength. She has worked to grow the University’s endowment over a 10-year span. In addition, she has served on several teams to improve Brown and expand housing capacity, as well as academic, technology and student facilities. The JSU alumna has a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and Master of Business Administration degree. She also earned certificate designations in treasury, cash and financial management. Brown also has been a National Association of College and University Business Officers presenter and served on task forces for the Treasury Institute of Higher Education.
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Faculty and Staff Notes
Former Red Cross CEO Hodge appointed interim vice president for Institutional Advancement
by L.A. Warren
Jackson State University’s Sandra L. Hodge has a long record of service that she brings to her new position as interim vice president for institutional advancement. In a previous position, she served as a regional CEO of the American Red Cross for the Mississippi Region. In her new position, Hodge is the chief development officer for the University and supervises Hodge alumni and constituent relations and university communications in addition to serving as the executive director for the JSU Development Foundation. Hodge is no stranger to JSU. From 1995 to 2001, she shared her talents with various campus departments, including psychology, spending a significant time in research and development, handling budgets and working as a grant and contract specialist. Most recently she served as special assistant to the president. Hodge also graduated from Jackson State University in 1997. Returning to the university is a calling that Hodge says she does not take lightly. When she was appointed to her previous
position as special assistant to the president last year, Hodge praised the president for enhancing the culture, campus environment and academic programs. “JSU has soared to another level. Dr. Meyers is extraordinary. I admire leaders who are trailblazers, tread their own paths and are innovative and cutting-edge. This spawned my interest to return.” Before coming to JSU, Hodge said working for a nonprofit was her biggest dream. “I thought serving as CEO was the pinnacle of my career because I provided leadership to strategic initiatives and helped promote the organization’s brand and vision. However, my new role will allow me to work with President Meyers to advance and execute the university’s mission.” “Because I’ve worked with HBCUs, I understand budgets and financial resources,” she said. “I’ve been a chief fund-raiser, and I have a network of donors and partners throughout the state. I hope to share these resources and assist with strategic initiatives, branding and the mission. Ultimately, the goal is to continue expanding the University’s ability to be proactive and leverage resources.” She also is interested in growing as a leader, administrator and educator, saying she desires to teach a course in nonprofit social entrepreneurship. “That will allow me to shape the minds of students in nonprofit management in a global society,” she said.
JSU names Lavalais associate athletics director Jackson State University has named Genese Lavalais as associate athletic director for academics/senior women administrator. Lavalais joined the JSU athletics staff on Oct. 14, 2014, as the assistant director of athletics for academics. She came to JSU from Grambling State University, where she served as the coordinator of academic enhancement before being Lavalais promoted to director of academic enhancement. While at GSU, she played an instrumental role in improving that institution’s 2012-13 academic progress rate (APR) scores. As the associate athletic director for academics, Lavalais’ responsibilities include oversight of the Athletic Academic Enhancement Center, which provides services to more than 320 student-athletes. Under her leadership, JSU student-ath-
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letes lead the SWAC in back-to-back years, having the most student-athletes to earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. In her role as senior women administrator, Lavalais will work to support and manage gender equity and Title IX plans, as well as serve as an advocate for both female and male student-athletes, coaches and staff members. Lavalais enters her sixth year of serving on the NCAA Region 6 Postgraduate Scholarship committee. She has also served as the chair of the Life Skills committee for the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics (N4A). Because of her dedication to the field, she was the 2014 recipient of the N4A Professional Promise award, reinforcing her position as a well-respected professional in athletics. Lavalais, a Marksville, La., native, graduated from Southern Arkansas University in 2004 and earned her master’s degree in sports administration from Grambling in 2007. As an undergraduate, she was a member of the women’s basketball team at Southern Arkansas. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Sports
The Hughes Era Begins Tony Hughes, in December, shared his excitement on being named JSU’s 19th head football coach. (Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)
by Wesley Peterson
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Jackson State University’s Director of Athletics Wheeler Brown has announced the hiring of Tony Hughes as the football program’s 19th head coach. “Coach Hughes brings over 31 years of experience to the position, and we expect great things from him and from our football program,” Brown said. 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 2015, 247Sports.com tabbed him as one of America’s top 10 recruiters after Mississippi State hauled in one of the nation’s top 16 classes, according to recruiting services. In the spring of 2013, he was named assistant head coach. According to Rivals.com, the 22 National Letters of Intent MSU received on 2015 Signing Day made up the Bulldogs’ best since 2003. Fifteen of the signees hailed from Mississippi. Local recruiting will be a top priority for Hughes at Jackson State. He
plans to focus on recruitment within a 150-mile radius of the university. “We will recruit players from the state of Mississippi and the local Jackson area,” Hughes said. “I believe that there are enough players in the state. If we recruit right and evaluate right, every year we will field a great football team.” “As soon as this press conference is over with, I’ll be on the phone making some calls to get us some football players in here.” Working formula: honesty and respect “I’m telling you right now that I don’t have a magic wand in my pocket. I don’t have a crystal ball. I can’t predict how many wins we will have, but I know hard work, discipline and toughness. I know that formula works. When we put those ingredients together as the basic foundation of our program – honesty, treating women with respect and not using drugs and weapons and not stealing from each other – you will see a team that you are very proud of.” He added, “With all of us working together, we can achieve jackson state university
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success as we move forward. I’m proud to be here today and excited to be here today.” In addition, Hughes has a knack for identifying players from Mississippi that go on to become NFL prospects. This is true of first-team All-American linebacker, Benardrick McKinney, who was once a two-star high school quarterback in Tunica before being drafted by the Houston Texans in 2015. While at Mississippi State, Hughes developed the Bulldogs’ safeties corps into one of the Southeastern Conference’s hardest-hitting units. Hughes is known for a hard-nosed defense. Following the 2014 Orange Bowl season, two of his safeties signed NFL free agent contracts, including his son, Jay – a testimony to his development of Mississippi’s talent at the Division I level. In 2006, Hughes was named one of the Top 25 college football recruiters in the nation by Rivals.com. His first two years at the University of Mississippi were spent tutoring defensive backs while spending quality time with tight ends. He spent two seasons at Louisiana Technical University and spent 10 years coaching at Hinds Community College in Raymond, Miss., where he served as the defensive coordinator and secondary coach. Hughes coached eight players who later went on to the NFL. Before working at Hinds, Hughes’ first full-time coaching position on the collegiate level was at the University of West Alabama, 1992-93. Hughes coached seven years in the Mississippi high school ranks, serving as offensive coordinator and running backs coach at Hattiesburg High School, 1988-91. He spent two seasons as the defensive secondary coach and boys track coach at South Natchez High School in 1986-87. His first high school coaching job was at Philadelphia High School in 1985. From the Marine Corps to the gridiron Hughes served his country in the United States Marine Corps, 1981-84, and received an honorable discharge. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Southern Mississippi in 1984, working with defensive backs.
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(Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)
He played football and ran track at Forest High School, 1974-76, and played defensive back at St. Paul’s College, 1976-77, and was a defensive back for the Southern Miss Eagles, 1977-78. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology in 1980. He is an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), serving as a member of the Mississippi FCA State Board of Directors in 1999; president of the Mississippi FCA Coaches Council in 1998; and vice president of the Mississippi FCA Coaches Council in 1997. Hughes is married to the former Marion McCaleb of Meridian, Miss., and the couple has two sons, Jamison and Jay. Jay had the prestigious honor of being the only SEC football player to represent the league at the 2015 NCAA Convention.
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Brown sheds interim title to become JSU’s new athletic director by Wesley Peterson Wheeler Brown, who served as Jackson State’s interim Director of Athletics since the first of October, was named the university’s full-time Director of Athletics. “I am blessed and grateful to be chosen for this position at such a historic institution as Jackson State University,” said Brown. “I thank the search committee, as well as Dr. (Carolyn W.) Meyers for this opportunity to lead the Division of Athletics.” Brown has more than two decades of athletics administration experience. Before coming to JSU, Brown served as the Associate Director of Athletics at Coppin State University, 2013-2015. He also served as Director of Athletics at his alma mater North Carolina A&T State University, 2007-2010, where under his leadership the Lady Aggies basketball team won the MEAC championship in 2009, as well as made an appearance at the NCAA Tournament. The Lady Aggies also posted wins over Wake Forest and UNC-Charlotte during the 2010 WNIT Tournament. Before Brown being named interim Director of Athletics at JSU, he served as the university’s Associate Athletic Director for Compliance. ‘Right person for the position’ “Our search committee did a tremendous job of selecting the right person for this position,” JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers said. “Wheeler Brown embraces the tradition of excellence at Jackson State, shares our values and has the ability to navigate the changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics.” Brown accepted his first collegiate athletics administration position in 1996, when he was named Assistant Athletics Director and assistant men’s basketball coach at Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia. Two years later, he was promoted to men’s head basketball coach. In 2001, Brown was named an Associate Athletics Director at Bowie State University. In 2002, he returned to the NCA&T Athletics Department. While at NCA&T, Brown was one
Brown
of 12 people, from an applicant pool of more than 300, to be accepted into the NCAA Fellows Program in 2008. The program (currently called the NCAA Pathway Program), which is sponsored by the NCAA, pairs minorities and women who aspire to become athletic directors at Division I programs with an executive mentor who is a Division I Athletic Director. A history of leadership In addition to completing the NCAA Fellows program, Brown also graduated from the Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minority Males in 2005. He also has been a member of the NCAA Athletic Certification Committee, which oversees the certification of every Division I athletics program. Brown began his professional career as a teacher and coach at C.L. Harper High School in Atlanta. After a four-year stay at Harper, he returned to the Baltimore area in 1983 and worked as a recreational therapist at a group home for adolescents before accepting the men’s head basketball coaching position at Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland, in 1987. Over a period of 11 seasons, he compiled a 191-110 record as a collegiate head coach. Brown is the only one of his three brothers to graduate high school. He credits his sister, Edna Parker, for inspiring him to attend college. She was the first in the family to earn a college education when she earned an undergraduate and graduate degree from Coppin State University in Baltimore. Brown played for the Aggies football team, 1974-78, and graduated from NCA&T in 1979 with a degree in health and physical education. Brown, a native of Baltimore, was part of NCA&T’s first MEAC football championship in 1975. He was an all-conference performer at offensive tackle for the Aggies and was inducted into the NCA&T Hall of Fame in 2003.
‘I am blessed and grateful to be chosen for this position at such a historic institution as Jackson State University.’
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Eleven former athletes honored, inducted into JSU Sports Hall of Fame Jackson State University inducted 11 former athletes during its 28th Sports Hall of Fame Banquet in October in the Student Center on the main campus. President Carolyn W. Meyers and former interim athletic director Robert Walker presented honorees with medallions commending their exemplary athletic achievements and for being notable ambassadors for the university. The 2015 inductees are:
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Willie “Doc” Barnes, supporter
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James Carl Marshall, baseball and football
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Radious Y. Guess, track and field
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James “Big Cat” Harvey Jr., football
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Tameika Hill-Brown, basketball
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Aubrey Stewart, track and field
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Michelle Houston, basketball
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Charles “Red Rooster” Williams, football
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Anna Eatmon-Johnson, basketball
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Deatrich Wendell Wise Sr., football
JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers and interim athletic director Robert Walker presented Sports Hall of Fame Inductees with their medallions and plaques. Charles Williams (Photos by Derek Ashley)
Louis Antonio McRae Sr., football (posthumously honored)
Deatrich Wendell Wise Sr.
Aubrey Stewart
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Michelle Houston
Tameika Hill-Brown
Sports
Lady Tiger SWAC champions enter NCAA volleyball bracket As SWAC champions, the Lady Tigers of Jackson State University faced No. 2 seed the Golden Gophers of the University of Minnesota on Dec. 4. in the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship. Their season came to an end in the first round with a 0-3 loss to the Big 10 champs.
Javancy Jones among JSU athletes earning recognition Jackson State University Defensive Back Javancy Jones was named to the defensive squad on the annual BOXTOROW All-America team, according to Boxtorow.com. Jones, who also was a nominee for the C Spire Conerly Trophy, finished the season as the national leader in tackles for loss with 25.5. He led the Tigers in tackles with 107 and posted 7.5 sacks. The Noxubee County native was named the SWAC Defensive Player of the Week twice last season (Nov. 10 and Nov. 30). In addition, Jones was named to the College Football Performance Awards watch list as well as to the All-SWAC defensive first team.
Cook, Porter earn distinction
Williams rushes for stellar season
Markus Cook and Robert Porter received second team honors. Cook was a key member to the offensive line that helped JSU running backs rush Cook Porter for 1,086 yards and seven touchdowns and quarterback pass for 3,003 yards and 20 touchdowns. Porter ended his stellar career at JSU with 40 tackles this season. He also had an interception and 11 pass breakups. He ranked second in the SWAC in passes defended.
Daniel Williams posted two straight 100-plus receiving yard games to open the season. He finished the year with 54 receptions for 802 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged 14.9 yards per catch and 72.9 yards per game. Williams
Deising is top kicker in SWAC Ryan Deising, a first team place kicker, finished the 2015 season going 16-21 in field goals and 24-28 in extra point kicks. He led the Tigers in scoring with 72 points. He is ranked first in the SWAC and seventh in the nation in field goals per game and 25th in the nation in field-goal percentage.
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Tiger Fund makes $100,000 gift to JSU Athletics The Tiger Fund, which is composed of Jackson State University alumni and corporate partners, presented a check for $100,000 to the school for its athletics program during the 2015 football season. Since the Tiger Fund’s inception, more than $500,000 has been given to Jackson State to fund facility renovations, locker room upgrades, travel, supplemental equipment, technology and recruitment activities. Every championship ring won by a student-athlete since 2006 has been paid for by the Tiger Fund, according to Robert Cook, the organization’s president. “There are a number of things that the operating budget for JSU Athletics just does not cover. We step in and provide the dedicated and sustained giving that athletics can rely upon and budget for each year. I am pleased to say that we have never turned down a request or been unable to meet a requested need from JSU Athletics,” added Cook, an alumnus of the university. Robert Walker, former JSU interim director of athletics also commended the Tiger Fund donors. “This is the largest single donation that we’ve received in athletics since I’ve been here. It comes at a time of great need and is consistent with the commitment and spirit of the Tiger Fund to improve the overall condition of JSU Athletics. We appreciate the organization, and its donation. Every penny will be spent to benefit JSU students.” The mission of the Tiger Fund is to provide a foundation upon
The Tiger Fund presents a $100,000 check to JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers and administrators for the university’s athletics programs during the 2015 football season. (Photo by Charles Smith/JSU)
which JSU can build and maintain student athletic programs that are able to compete at the highest levels of national competition. Its vision is to provide substantial and continuous financial support while creating a fund in which at least 100 people or organizations contribute $1,000 per year to support JSU Athletics. The Tiger Fund was organized in 2006. It works cooperatively with the JSU Development Foundation. Membership in the Tiger Fund is open to all supporters. The organization meets the last Friday of every month in the Tiger Den/JSU Sports Hall of Fame Room.
1M+ views, national industry award-winner The viral “JSU Uptown Funk 2015” video, produced by the University Communications’ social media team at Jackson State University, won honorable mention in two categories in a national media competition. The video placed in the Digital Marketing Campaign and Best Video categories at the 2015 PR News Digital PR Awards. Produced by Spencer McClenty, Kentrice Rush, Ashton Hall and Kari Thomas, the video was recognized at an awards luncheon Nov. 9 at Yale Club in New York City. It was the only video from a college or university so honored by the prestigious organization. Along with JSU, other finalists included ESPN, ExxonMobil, Liberty Mutual Insurance, MasterCard, Pizza Hut and Southwest Airlines. In a single day, the JSU video received
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more than 100,000 views. To date, it has grown to more than 1,000,000 views. Featuring vocals by recording artist Bruno Mars, the global sensation of the original “Uptown Funk” includes a shout-out to “Jackson, Mississippi.” Social media director McClenty expressed excitement over the massive interest and praise generated by the video and award. “One of our goals for this video was to demonstrate that JSU not only offers the
highest quality education for our students, but we also provide the most enjoyable college experience in the country. We’re ecstatic about the national exposure for our efforts.” JSU’s version of the video highlights the campus environment, faculty and staff and spotlights the Sonic Boom’s J5 drum majors.
Online
Search “JSU Uptown Funk 2015” on YouTube to experience “Uptown Funk “– JSU style!
Fun and learning happens every summer at Jackson State University’s summer camps. For more information, visit www.jsums.edu/summercamps
call 601-979-7141
INBRIEF Dr. Loretta A. Moore recognized for her ‘inspiring work’ in STEM Dr. Loretta A. Moore, vice president of Research and Federal Relations at Jackson State University, is among 100 women selected for the 2015 “Inspiring Women in STEM Award” by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The honor is being presented as a tribute for the inspiring work of women in the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Moore was nominated by JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers and was featured in the September STEM edition of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
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JSU technology professor Dr. Francis Tuluri attends White House conference Jackson State University technology professor Dr. Francis Tuluri was invited to join a nationally selected panel last September to discuss opportunities and best practices to improve learning for future STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) leaders. Tuluri The Equity and Access in STEM: P-20 Educational Opportunities at HBCUs panel was sponsored by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. It was part of the 2015 National HBCU Week Conference, HBCUs Innovators for Future Success: STEM, Partnerships and Entrepreneurship. “We are experiencing a shortage of STEM workers, and the need for those workers from diverse backgrounds grows daily,” said Dr. Richard Aló, dean
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of the JSU College of Science, Engineering and Technology. “Dr. Francis Tuluri has been an integral part of assisting JSU in meeting this need, and we are proud that he is a part of the systemic conversation surrounding HBCU student’s emergence into STEM arenas.” Tuluri was selected for his dedication to educational equity for African-American students as a program coordinator for JSU's UNITE, a pre-collegiate, academic summer program for high school students from historically unrepresented and underserved groups in STEM. According to the U.S. Department of Education, “The Initiative is a cross-agency effort aimed at identifying evidence-based practices that improve student achievement and developing a national network that shares these best practices.” JSU’s nationally recognized STEM programs are at the forefront of
innovation, receiving the 2015 Campus Technology Innovators award in the Teaching and Learning category last July. Tuluri’s work helps to prepare students to pursue college-level studies and, ultimately, careers in engineering and related STEM fields. As an advocate for these underrepresented students in STEM, Tuluri believes “HBCUs must be promoted in response to equity and access of technological education and opportunity for students within their respective communities.” Tuluri has spent more than 30 years teaching physics, engineering and technology courses on both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Additionally, he conducts research in materials science, energy and computer modeling simulations in the United States and overseas. In the past five years, he has received funding to broaden participation of K-12 students to pursue STEM disciplines.
In Brief
Yu receives HBCU Pioneer Award at National Chemistry Conference Jackson State University professor Hongtao Yu, chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, received the HBCU Pioneer Award from the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE), at its recent conference. The award is given annually to Yu distinguished leadership in student recruitment, graduation and exceptional research. Yu was celebrated for his guidance of the department to national achievements including: • A top-three producer of African-American chemists at all academic levels • A top 100 chemistry department in federal funding • Leading chemistry department in publishing, averaging seven peer-reviewed papers per faculty per year
“Dr. Yu’s dedication and enthusiasm about our students’ success is evidence of exemplary service not only to Jackson State University but also to the field of chemistry as well,” said Dr. Richard Aló, dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology at JSU. “We understand the importance of engaging students of color in today’s STEM fields, and we are proud that Dr. Yu is being honored for his hard work.” Yu, who joined the JSU faculty in 1996, is engaged in research focused on chemical toxicology, organic chemistry, photochemistry, environmental chemistry and biochemistry. Among the courses he teaches are organic chemistry, special topics in biochemistry (photochemistry and photobiology) and introduction to scientific research. “Receiving the HBCU Pioneer Award is a true testament to the hard-working, world-class faculty and staff of Jackson State University’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the strong leadership of the university’s administration over an extended period of time,” Yu said. “I also attribute this award to two former department chairs, Drs. Richard Sullivan and James Perkins, for their outstanding leadership and unparalleled vision.”
Turner takes reins as CSET’s new biology chair The College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) welcomes alumnus Dr. Timothy Turner as its new chairman of biology. Turner, who earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from JSU in 1981, began his new role July 1, 2015. “Dr. Turner’s passion is in Turner alignment with our mission to develop students who are forwardlooking and learner-centered through intellectually stimulating educational experiences,” said Dr. Richard Aló, dean of CSET. “This will help them reach the highest levels of academic attainment and growth. We are happy to have Dr. Turner join our team.” Previously, Turner worked for Tuskegee University, where he served six years as deputy director of Research and Training for its National Center
for Bioethics in Research and Health Care. He also was program director of the Center for Biomedical Research/Research Centers in Minority Institutions for five years. He was lead principal investigator for Morehouse School of Medicine/Tuskegee University/University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center Partnership for 11 years. The historically significant National Center for Bioethics was established in 1999 after President Clinton apologized for an untreated 40-year syphilis study by the U.S. Public Health Service on African-American men in Macon County, Ala. “My desire to serve in this position is simple: I want to give back to the university and department what was given to me,” Turner said. “Jackson State
University and its biology department are responsible for building the foundation leading to all of my subsequent career and personal successes in life. In order to build the biology program in terms of curriculum and research, we need to establish and build collaborations and partnerships with a variety of institutions. This will allow us to expand our capacity and capabilities and positively affect our students, faculty, staff and community.” Turner received a doctorate in endocrinology/tumor biology from the University of California, Berkeley. In addition, he has more than 30 years of field experience and is a distinguished researcher and scholar. Turner’s wife, Dr. Rita Harvey-Turner, is also a JSU alum. She is chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System in Tuskegee and Montgomery, Ala. jackson state university
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Alumni in Action
Pridgen
Frazier
JSU alumnae hold key leadership roles at Jackson Municipal Airport Authority Dr. Rosie L. T. Pridgen, a Jackson State University alumna, is the new chairwoman of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) Board of Commissioners. “The Board of Commissioners, under the leadership of chairman LaWanda Harris and co-chairman Vernon Hartley, had a very productive 2014-2015 year . . . I look forward to working with fellow commissioners, CEO Newman, JMAA staff, the community and other partners to help ensure that we strategically plan and work to make Hawkins Field and Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport key players in community and economic development,” Pridgen said.
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“Dr. Pridgen is a proactive results-oriented member of the JMAA Board of Commissioners,” said JMAA chief executive officer Carl D. Newman, A.A.E. “Chairman Pridgen has a depth of experience in management and planning for large public organizations and is well-suited to the role of Chairman, providing governance and direction for JMAA.” Jackson State alumna Jean Frazier also has joined JMAA as director of business development, marketing and communications. Frazier most recently served as state relations coordinator in the Division of Institutional Advancement at JSU. Frazier previously held the position of director of public relations for the university.
classnotes ’15
Yolanda Jones
recently received her doctorate in Urban Higher Education from JSU. She is director of the Comprehensive Counseling Center at Mississippi Valley State University.
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Valencia Annik Payne
is the Owner and CEO of Rn4students Education With A Twist and creation of the App, Rn4students. Her company provides nursing information that is fun, animated and informative to help nursing students pass their NCLEX, HESI, and ATI. Payne earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from JSU and was a Navy registered nurse from 2008-2012. She is a Certified Google App Developer, (Healthcare Apps).
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Errick Simmons is the
new mayor of Greenville. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in economics from JSU, and a master’s in economics and juris doctorate degree from Howard University. He is a member of the Mississippi Bar Association; Magnolia Bar Association; American Bar Association; Association of Trial Lawyers of American and Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association.
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Dallas Reed,
vice president of student development and campus life at Berkeley College in New York, was recently recognized by the YWCA-NYC at the 42nd Academy of Women’s Leaders Salute Luncheon. Reed received her Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education from JSU. YWCA-NYC is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
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Aubrey Thagard,
an accomplished government executive, is the new Neighborhood Service Department director in Fort Worth, Texas. The agency administers grant-based housing, community development and human services programs aimed at improving neighborhoods. Thagard has a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning.
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Class Notes
’66
Miller Taylor
has published a new book, “The More Things Change.” It’s a sequel to his first novel, “A Lady and Her Man.” The newer publication tells a gripping story of two high school sweethearts and their struggle to turn their romance into a lifetime commitment. Both books are available on Amazon.com. Taylor has been a member of the Greater Washington, D.C.-area chapter of the JSU Alumni Association for 35 years.
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Klarissa Hardy,
a chemistry graduate, received a $660,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to further her research at Lipscomb University in Nashville to help those suffering from adverse effects of anti-cancer drugs. The award is reportedly the largest grant received by Lipscomb. The grant will further her research on lapatinib, a drug that causes liver damage in some patients.
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Eric Jefferson
has earned credentials from the American Institute of Certified Planners. It’s the only national organization that verifies professional planners in the nation. Jefferson is director of planning and development for the City of Jackson. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Mississippi State University and his Master of Arts degree in Urban and Regional Planning from JSU. He was recently elected as the central regional representative for the Mississippi chapter of the American Planning Association.
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’01
Laphonza Butler
is president of Service Employees International Union Local 2015, representing 300,000 long-term care workers throughout California (in-home caregivers and nursing home workers). In her previous role as a division director, Butler was responsible for the strategic direction of more than 250,000 janitors, security officers, window cleaners and food service workers throughout the country. She was also instrumental in reaching collective bargaining agreements on behalf of 20,000 security officers in nine major cities throughout the U.S.
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Carlyn Hicks
is a recipient of the National Child Advocacy Award from the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. She is a senior staff attorney and director of the Parent Representation Program for Mission First Legal Aid Clinic in Jackson. The clinic offers legal services through a partnership between Mississippi College School of Law and First Baptist Church Jackson.
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Dr. Justin Turner
is CEO of TurnerCare, LLC and serves as medical director of St. Joseph’s Hospice Agency and Camellia Home Health Agency. Among the youngest owners of a medical practice in Mississippi, Turner advises JSU students about careers in health care. He has served on the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) 2014 Notable Alumni Panels and participated in its Summer Bridge program.
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