C/O 2020 Spring Commencement Booklet by Jackson State University

GRADUATE/UNDERGRADUATE

spring commencement

saturday, may 8, 2021 | 6 P.m. veterans memorial stadium jackson, mississippi Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. President

Jackson State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Jackson State University.

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notations to guests WELCOME Welcome to the Jackson State University Spring 2021 Commencement Exercises. Commencement is an important event in the life of the University, its students, faculty, and staff. It is a joyous yet solemn event that represents the culmination of the graduates’ years of study. Thank you for joining us and for being a part of the celebration. Again, we welcome you!

PHOTOGRAPHS Only authorized working press and University photographers are permitted on the floor to take pictures during the commencement ceremony. A professional photographer will take pictures of each graduate. These pictures will be available for order and purchase. Family and friends of the graduates may take photographs after the ceremony.

special needs Ushers for individuals with disabilities Ushers for attendees with special needs will be available to assist individuals with requests throughout the ceremony. Accessible seating Accessible seating is reserved for guests who require special seating because of age, illness, or physical impairment. The accessible seating is marked with signage. Given the limited number of accessible seats that are available, please note that only one family member may accompany his or her person with disabilities. The rest of the family must sit in the stands. American Sign Language American Sign Language interpretation of the ceremony will be provided. Shuttle services Shuttle services will be available to transport individuals, with or without disabilities, throughout the Graduate Commencement Ceremony from the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center to parking lots. Shuttle services will also be available to transport individuals throughout the Undergraduate Ceremony from the Veterans Memorial Stadium to parking lots.

first aid First Aid services will be available through the Jackson State University Health Center during the Graduate Commencement Ceremony. American Medical Response will be available for assistance for the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.

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COMMENCEMENT ETIQUETTE OUT OF RESPECT FOR OTHER FAMILIES PRESENT PLEASE:

silence all devices hold all applause until prompted no air horns or noisemakers please take all pictures with your graduate after the ceremony please avoid walking during the ceremony & please remain seated until the end of the ceremony please wear a mask for the duration of the ceremony maintain 6 feet social distance jackson state university | 4

congratulatory messages 5 | 2020 spring commencement

Jackson State University Jackson, Mississippi 39217

Office Of The President

(601) 979-2323 Fax: (601) 979-2948

May 7, 2021 Dear Graduates, Today marks the culmination of your academic journey. On behalf of the entire Jackson State University family, I extend heartfelt congratulations. You rightfully deserve to revel in this moment. You all have victoriously navigated the rigors of pursuing a college degree. Despite unforeseen challenges, you are now here. This is my first in-person ceremony as your president. I am honored to share this day with all of you and witness the joy of your accomplishment. It is my hope that your time here has been transformative and given you the proper foundation to build successful futures. Now, as you enter the next phase of your journey, you are tasked with applying all you have learned here. Remember to be the pioneers, innovators and creatives who will advance our society. Enrich the lives of those you meet and inspire those from afar. Be a service to your communities in the same way you served the JSU community. I do not doubt that you will continue to speak out against injustice, stand for truth and fight for the ignored. You will be a reputable force in the world and ‘Thee’ example for generations of JSU students to follow. You now join our distinguished class of alumni and will carry on the JSU legacy. Always be champions of your ‘dear old college home’ and represent your alma mater with pride and dignity. Again, I wish you congratulations on this momentous and celebratory occasion. Sincerely,

Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. c/o 1999 12th President

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Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc. P.O. Box 17820 | Jackson, MS 39217 | www.jsunaa.org Phone 601.979.2281 Earlexia M. Norwood, M.D., President

Congratulations Class of 2021 on your Commencement and WELCOME TO THE JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. (JSUNAA)! On the behalf of over 50,000 Tiger alumni from all over the world, we are pleased to offer you the JSU alumni network of expertise, opportunities, and professional connections. Since 1877, JSU has been laying the foundation for your success. You will now add the practical life experiences that will transform you into a global leader. As you leave the campus of our "dear old college home," remember to stay connected by joining an alumni chapter near you. JSUNAA stands ready to support you however needed on the journey. Tiger Strong and Student Focused,

Earlexia M. Norwood, M.D. President, JSU National Alumni Association, Inc

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2020 combined Ceremony Commencement Speaker Jordan Jefferson is a class of 2020 graduate of Jackson State University. He holds an undergraduate degree in political science and is pursuing a master’s degree in public policy at Harvard University. Jefferson is currently the staff assistant to U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson. At JSU, Jefferson served as president and vice president of the Student Government Association. A student-athlete, he maintained a 3.9 GPA while playing wide receiver on the JSU Tigers football team and was named Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2019 and 2020. Jefferson was actively involved in a host of student organizations, including the NAACP JSU chapter and the DuBois-Harvey Honors College. He was also a McNair Scholar. Jefferson is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. His most prestigious honor to date is being named a Rhodes Scholar finalist in November 2019.

The former football player is also a professional dancer. Jefferson is wellversed in tap, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, ballet, modern and African dance styles. He learned the art of dance from his mother, Tiffany, a dance instructor. Jefferson has worked with dance greats like Judith Jamison and performed at Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry. Most recently, he performed during the halftime show of Super Bowl LV featuring Grammy Award winning artist The Weeknd.

Jordan Jefferson, ’20 2019-2020 SGA President

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A long-standing high achiever, Jefferson was valedictorian of his graduating class at Callaway High School. Jefferson says his future plans include running for mayor of Jackson.

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undergraduate commencement Order of exercises 6:00 P.M. Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. ’99 12th President, Jackson State University Presiding Officer Musical Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Crown Imperial”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .William Walton Arranged by Jay Bocook The University Symphonic Band Dr. Roderick Little, Director of Bands Platform Party Processional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alisa L. Mosley, Ph.D. Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs “Pomp and Circumstance, No. 1”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sir Edward Elgar The University Symphonic Band (Audience remains seated) Presentation of Colors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JSU Air Force and Army ROTC Joint Color Guard (Audience stands)

National Anthem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .“The Star-Spangled Banner” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Francis Scott Key Arranged by William W. Davis Led by Jabarrie Evans, Junior Music Education Major Mr. Jerry Smith, Department of Music Staff Accompanist (Audience remains seated) Invocation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Kevin Kosh Wesley Foundation

Greetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. President, Jackson State University Acknowledgments and Announcements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Brandi Newkirk-Turner Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Introduction of Commencement Speaker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Candis Pizzetta Interim Dean of Liberal Arts Commencement Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mr. Jordan Jefferson 2019-2020 Student Government Association President

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Presentation of Citations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. President, Jackson State University Recognition of Candidates for Commissioning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lt. Colonel Natasha Reed Air Force ROTC Lt. Colonel Steven Robinson Army ROTC Presentation of Deans of Colleges and Candidates for Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alisa L. Mosley, Ph.D. Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Fidelis Ikem, Dean Dr. Millard Juette Bingham, Interim Dean Dr. Girmay Berhie, Dean Dr. Candis Pizzetta, Interim Dean Dr. Wilbur L. Walters, Jr., Dean Dr. Preselfannie McDaniels, Dean

College of Business College of Education and Human Development College of Health Sciences College of Liberal Arts College of Science, Engineering, and Technology Graduate Studies

Conferring and Awarding of Degrees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. President, Jackson State University Induction of Graduates into the Jackson State University National Alumni Association. . . . .Dr. Earlexia M. Norwood ’ 84 President, Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc.

Alumni Pledge:

I hereby solemnly pledge unbroken allegiance to my Alma Mater in appreciation for the opportunity for development afforded me at Jackson State University. I pledge active membership in the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Incorporated, wherever I may be. Through association with my fellow alumni, I shall forever do my best to uphold the ideals and traditions of my Alma Mater. I pledge, as a person, to exemplify high ideals by rendering positive and dignified service to the community, the state, the nation, and the world, thus, living to bring honor and respect to my Alma Mater.

Closing Remarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. President, Jackson State University Alma Mater (Audience stands)

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“Jackson Fair”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T.D. Pawley Arranged by F. D. Hall Led by Jabarrie Evans, Junior Music Education Major University Symphonic Band (Audience stands) Jackson Fair, Jackson Dear Thee I love, my dear old college home Thee I love wherever I may roam Jackson Fair, Jackson Dear. Jackson Fair, Jackson Dear Thee I love thy colors rich and bright Thee I love, the blue and the white Jackson Fair, Jackson Dear. Refrain Hail, hail to thee, yes, hail to thee; Hail to the college of my heart, Hail, hail to thee, yes, hail to thee; Hail, to the college of my heart. *Hymn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “God Be With You” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .William Tomer Led by Jabarrie Evans, Junior Music Education Major Mr. Jerry Smith, Department of Music Staff Accompanist (Audience remains standing) God be with you till we meet again; By His counsel guide, uphold you. With His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again! God be with you till we meet again; Keep love’s banner floating o’er you; Smite death’s threat’ning wave before you; God be with you till we meet again! Refrain Till we meet, till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet, Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again! Amen (Audience remains standing) *Following the custom initiated by President Luther G. Barrett, the hymn “God Be With You” has been sung at all Jackson State University Commencements since 1911. Benediction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Kevin Kosh Wesley Foundation Awarding of Degrees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. President, Jackson State University Recessional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Coronation March From the Prophet”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Giacomo Meyerbeer Arranged by D. Eymann The University Symphonic Band (Audience remains seated) jackson state university | 13

graduate candidates for degrees

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2020 fall Graduate Candidates for Degrees Dr. Fidelis M. Ikem Dean, College of Business

Doctor of Philosophy BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION *Nero Edevbie, Pearl, MS

Dissertation: An Empirical Study of the Effect of Ethical Leadership on Employee Engagement, Employee Motivation and Employee Job Performance: A Cross Cultural Study Advisor: Dr. Palaniappan Thiagarajan

Brad Hardin, Oxford, MS

Dissertation: The Effects of Limitations of Auditor Liability and Key Audit Matter Disclosure on Investors’ Judgements and Decision Making Advisor: Dr. Wayne Nix

Dr. Roosevelt O. Shelton Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Development

Doctor of Philosophy EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION D’ante Ramone Benford, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: An Analysis of Factors that Impacted the Persistence of African American Baseball Players at a Division I HBCU in the Southeastern Region of the United States Advisor: Dr. Jeton McClinton

Warren D. Brown, Natchez, MS

Dissertation: The Influence of Teacher Self-Efficacy and Leadership Style on Students’ Academic Achievement Advisor: Dr. Chandar Lewis Dr. Ronald Walker

Anhua Feng, Nantong, China

Dissertation: Instructional Leadership and Its Relationship with Student Engagement at a University in Eastern China Advisor: Dr. Benjamin C. Ngwudike

Dorothy McNeal-Fluker, Meridian, MS

Dissertation: The Perceptions of Administrators and Teachers Regarding Administrator Collaboration with National Board-Certified Teachers in a Central Mississippi School District Advisor: Dr. Dorris Robinson-Gardner Dr. Jennifer Wallace 15 | 2020 spring commencement

Ryan Renaurd Tiere Martin, Port Gibson, MS

Dissertation: A Historical Perspective and the Educational Impact of Entrepreneurship on African American Students at a Historically Black University Advisor: Dr. Bettye Graves Dr. Dorris Robinson-Gardner

Lakeisha Nicholson-Jackson, Canton, MS Dissertation: The Attitude of African American STEM Majors Towards the Effectiveness of Peer Tutoring at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Advisor: Dr. Ronald Walker

*Jessika K. Jones, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: An Examination of the Factors that Affect International Students’ Academic, Social, and Psychological Adjustment at a Selected Historically Black College/University in the South Advisor: Dr. Carrine Bishop

Elquinton K. Oliphant, Pearl, MS

Dissertation: An Evaluation of the Effects of Testing Environments and Testing Accommodations for Secondary Education Students with Specific Learning Disabilities Advisor: Dr. Lou H. Sanders

Glenda W. Ross-Ball, Flora, MS

Dissertation: Preparedness: Freshmen’s Views of Transitioning from High School to College Advisor: Dr. Lou H. Sanders

*Jiabing Yin, Nantong, China

Dissertation: Assessment of Instructor Transformational Leadership and Student Engagement in Online Courses Advisor: Dr. Ronald Walker

Stephanie Y. York, Morton, MS

Dissertation: Teachers’ Perceptions of Victimization by Students in a Rural Public School District in a Southern State Advisor: Dr. Benjamin C. Ngwudike

*Li Zhai, Nantong, China

Dissertation: The Relationship between Faculty Leadership Styles and Student Satisfaction through a Quantitative Study in a Chinese College Advisor: Dr. Ronald Walker

*Jingkun Zhao, Jiangsu, China

Dissertation: Instructor Transformational Leadership: A New Paradigm for Promoting Students’ Motivation to Learn in Higher Education Advisor: Dr. Ronald Walker

URBAN HIGHER EDUCATION Tajudeen Olumuyiwa Babayeju, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Dissertation: The Perceived Impact of Language and Cultural Barriers on African International Students’ Persistence and Academic Achievement Advisor: Dr. Walter L. Crockett

*Steven Brian Berryhill, Jr., Stone Mountain, GA

Dissertation: The Influence of Student-Faculty Relationships on STEM Undergraduate Students’ Self-Efficacy, Motivation, and Academic Achievement at an HBCU Advisor: Dr. Felix Okojie

Ebony Aleisha Beverly, Hattiesburg, MS

Dissertation: Perceptions of African-American Students on the Impact of Racial Issues Towards their Persistence at Select Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) in the Southeast Advisor: Dr. Felix Okojie

*Darryl Melvin Chambers II, Brooklyn, NY Dissertation: The Impact of Campus Climate on the Collegiate Experience of Sexual Minorities at a 4-year Institution Advisor: Dr. Felix Okojie

Thomas Donnell Graham, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: Disaster Preparedness Among College Students at a Historic Black University Advisor: Dr. Walter Brown

Nina M. Hill, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: Exploring the Undergraduate Persistence of African American Women in STEM at a Predominately White Institution through Tinto’s Lens Advisor: Dr. Walter A. Brown

*Etosha Monique Johnson, Cleveland, MS Dissertation: The Impact of Mental Health Counseling on Students’ Retention and Academic Success at Select Four-Year Institutions of Higher Education Advisor: Dr. Felix Okojie

*Yolanda Denise Jones-McElroy, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: Female Leaders’ Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Senior Level Leadership at Historically Black Colleges and Universities Advisor: Dr. Walter A. Brown

Kristie LaVee Kenney, Fort Valley, GA

Dissertation: Perceptions of Former AfricanAmerican Female Presidents at Historically Black Colleges and Universities on Their Departure Factors Advisor: Dr. Walter A. Brown * Summer 2020 Conferment

*Lauren Nicholas King, New Orleans, LA

Dissertation: Community College Administrators’ Perceptions of Organizational Culture Analyzed through the Competing Values Framework Advisor: Dr. Walter A. Brown

*Kristy Wagner Laster, Morton, MS

Dissertation: An Analysis of Non-Traditional Student Engagement at Four-Year Versus Two-Year Institutions Advisor: Dr. Walter A. Brown

*Tommie Mabry, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: The Effects of Childhood Adversities and Socioeconomic Background on the Persistence and Achievement of African-American Male Students in Pursuit of a Baccalaureate Degree Advisor: Dr. Felix Okojie

Shakela E. Banks, Tylertown, MS

Dissertation: Prevention Specialists’ Attitudes on Implementing an Evidence Based Drug Prevention Curriculum in Third Grade Classrooms in Central Mississippi Advisor: Dr. Tony Latiker

Tianping Liu, Nantong, Jiangsu

Dissertation: An Investigation of Gender Differences in Reading Achievements of Sixth Grade Students: From the Viewpoint of Metalinguistic Awareness Advisor: Dr. Tony Latiker Dr. Girmay Berhie Dean, College of Health Sciences School of Public Health; School of Social Work

Dissertation: The Impact of Social Media on College Choice Advisor: Dr. Felix Okojie

Doctor of Philosophy

Branndii Nicole Peterson, Little Rock, AR

SOCIAL WORK

*Justin Javarus Mathis, Clinton, MS

Dissertation: Leadership of African American Women in Middle to Senior Level Administrative Positions Through the Lens of the Social Dominance Theory Advisor: Dr. Walter A. Brown

Lakeisha D. Stewart, Fayette, MS

Dissertation: Sense of Belonging and AfricanAmerican Women’s Persistence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Advisor: Dr. Walter L. Crockett

*Arianna C. Stokes, Matteson, IL

Dissertation: Faculty Perceptions of Persistence Among African American Students Enrolled in Distance Education Courses at Community Colleges Advisor: Dr. Walter A. Brown

*Gina Marie Washington-Greenidge, Fleming Island, FL

Dissertation: Perceptions of Black Female StudentAthletes Towards Their Academic Achievement in Florida Advisor: Dr. Felix Okojie

Doctor of education EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Ameen Abdur-Rashied, Brandon, MS

Dissertation: Sixth Grade Music and Mathematics Teachers’ Perceptions Towards the Connection Between Music and Mathematics Education: A Pilot Case Study Advisor: Dr. Evornia Kincaid

* Summer 2020 Conferment

Tashinika McGee Crowley, Hollandale, MS Dissertation: Factors Influencing Low-Income Maternal Perceptions of Adolescent Obesity Advisor: Dr. Patrice Jenkins Dr. Isiah Marshall

Doctor of public health Rasaki Ayodeji Aranmolate, Hattiesburg, MS

Dissertation: The Association of Ghrelin and Adiponectin Multimers with Left Ventricular Mass in African-Americans: The Jackson Heart Study Advisor: Dr. Anthony Mawson

Jason R. Brown, Farmhaven, MS

Dissertation: The Association between Social Determinants of Health and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Findings from the Mississippi Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), 2009-2011 Advisor: Dr. Sophia S. Leggett

Verónica de Los Angeles Hernández Morales, Bogota, Columbia, South America Dissertation: Development of a Diabetes Type 2 Risk Score for African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study Advisor: Dr. Marinelle Payton

Dr. Candis Pizzetta Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts

Doctor of Philosophy CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY *Ronella D. Gollman, Sanford, FL

Dissertation: An Examination of the Effect of Racial Microaggressions on Doctoral Students’ Perceptions of Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Belongingness, and Academic Engagement While Attending Predominately White Institutions (PWIs) in Mississippi Advisor: Dr. Cheryl Moreland Dr. Debra Sue Pate

*Naome P. Kobayakawa, Starkville, MS

Dissertation: The Comparison of Two Performance Validity Tests in A Child Sample Advisor: Dr. Debra Sue Pate

*Jeremy M. Stromas, Pensacola, FL

Dissertation: Generational Differences Between African American Millennial and Baby Boomer Males: Factors That Impact Their Matriculation in Higher Education Advisor: Dr. Bryman Williams

PUBLIC POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION Pamela M. Confer, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: An Integrative Review of CrossCultural Literacy in Public Policy and Its Implications for Economic Development Advisor: Dr. Johnny B. Gilleylen

Angela Detrice Johnson, Port Gibson, MS Dissertation: A Comparative Analysis of County Health Outcomes and the Prevalence of Public Charities in Mississippi (2010-2018) Advisor: Dr. Johnny B. Gilleylen

*Anna Eatmon-Johnson, Vicksburg, MS Dissertation: Evaluating the Impact of the Universal Motorcycle Helmet Laws on Riders’ Fatalities Advisor: Dr. Johnny B. Gilleylen

Marilyn Johnson-Luckett, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: An Analysis of the Title X Contraception Access to Mississippi’s Low-Income Teens and the Introduction of the Affordable Care Act, 2008-2018 Advisor: Dr. Johnny B. Gilleylen

*Kia Monique Jones, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: The Role of Lipid Abnormalities in Predicting CVD in Participants with Chronic Disease: Findings from the Jackson Heart Study Advisor: Dr. Clifton Addison

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Udensi Kalu Udensi, Amukabi Amaokwe Item, Abia State, Nigeria

Dissertation: Findings on United States Asthma Prevalence, Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Other Factors after 2006 National Ambient Air Quality Standards Regulatory Implementation Advisor: Dr. Johnny B. Gilleylen

Dr. Wilbur L. Walters, Jr. Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Doctor of Philosophy COMPUTATIONAL AND DATA ENABLED SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Guojing Hu, China

Dissertation: Analysis of Mixed Human and Connected Autonomous Traffic Based on VissimPython Platform Advisor: Dr. Tor A. Kwembe

ENGINEERING John Ivoke, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Dissertation: Effect of Wet-Dry Cycles on Hydromechanical Properties of Expansive Yazoo Clay Advisor: Dr. Mohammad Sadik Khan

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE *Tanisha Renee Hinton, Chicago, IL

Dissertation: Therapeutic Mechanisms of Action of Vernonia Amygdalina on Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Advisor: Dr. Paul Tchounwou

Cristina Constanta Nica, Bucharest, Romania

Dissertation: Environmental Factors Influencing the Habitat of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation at the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Advisor: Dr. Paul Tchounwou

URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING Monica Sanae Lewis, Madison, MS

Dissertation: A Systemic Review on Younger Adults Living in Nursing Homes Transitioning to Home -and Community-based Services Advisor: Dr. Talya D. Thomas

Dr. Roosevelt O. Shelton Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Development

specialist in education EDUCATION Alexis Anderson, Jackson, MS Tashekia Renee Atkins, Hollandale, MS Quandra LeTedra Baker, Shaw, MS *Katherine Virginia Calhoun, Madison, MS *Maya Delandra Dezell, Greenwood, MS *Shaundra D. Dixon, Jackson, MS *Gabriel Ballard-Stewart, Jackson, MS Ava Lonshae Bibbs, N. Carrollton, MS Courtney E. Brown, Jackson, MS Carmen Yvette Carter, Raymond, MS Shameika A. Davis, Brandon, MS Lindsey Kay Fonville, Madison, MS *Latoya Y. Fuqua, Flora, MS Margaret Green-Blanchard, Jackson, MS *Tonia L. Griffin, Ridgeland, MS Kabreca N. Henderson, Tunica, MS Cindy Clorise Jacks, Carthage, MS Emily Julianne James, Rogersville, AL *Shurunda Johnson, Jackson, MS *Venus Jones, Jackson, MS *Brandie Tero Kohn, McComb, MS Kristy Wagner Laster, Morton, MS Latasha Nicole Mitchell, Durant MS *Swarna Lata Nittala, Jackson, MS Calithia L. Rainey, Canton, MS Keri Therese Saupitty, Jackson, MS Cassandra Renee Shelling, Madison, MS Tameki L. Smith, Coahoma, MS *Carmen Pinkney Taylor, Jackson, MS *Portia Moore, Jackson, MS *Khalilah Danielle Turner, Clinton, MS *Latasha M. Singleton, Jackson, MS Dr. Fidelis M. Ikem Dean, College of Business

master of business administration BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION *Makena Cheheba Alexander, Queens, NY *Courtney Berry Cannon, Walker Springs, AL *Rashad Teshaon Collier, Greenville,MS

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Victoria Renee Craft, Clinton, MS Asjiah Fulgham, Jackson, MS *Quinton Da’Sean Hale, Kilmichael, MS *Tiffany Michelle Hardge, Lisman, AL *Wanda C. Henyard, Vicksburg, MS *Jasmine Danielle Jones, Brandon, MS *Simone S. Jones, Jackson, MS *Kyle D. Kennedy, Jackson, MS *Jamel M. Lofton, Philadelphia, PA Ayanna Alexis Lynn, Indianola, MS Donnas M. McGee, Raymond, MS Lindsei Jai Roby, Raymond, MS Kelly Nicole Rozier, Chicago, IL *Tamika Nicole Shannon, Benton Harbor, MI *Taylor Smith, McComb, MS Justin Starks, Jackson, MS *Elsie Elizabeth Stoxstill, Jamestown, MS Brianeisha Dominique Williams, New Orleans, LA *Camisha Yarbrough, Moss Point, MS

master of Professional Accountancy ACCOUNTING Tina N. Carter-Sawyer, Jackson, MS Breonna Ra’Jean Dear, Jackson, MS DeLaka McDonald Dixon, Magee, MS Jori S. Hart, Canton, MS Matthew R. Joiner, Raymond, MS Taylor A. Robinson, Woodville, MS Seynabou Seck, Bronx, NY Kendall Jalyn de Verteuil, Jackson, MS Xiaohong Xu, Lianyungang, China Dr. Roosevelt Shelton Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Development

master of arts in teaching TEACHING Matalyn D. Evans, Brandon, MS Anslesia S. Little, Moss Point, MS *Yolanda Kay Grayson, Yazoo City, MS Crista Patrice Sturgis Lovette, Vicksburg, MS Shannon Shureal McDougle, Morton, MS Julian R. Morgan, Riverdale, MS

Marlena J. Murphy, Richland, MS Taiquitha Tina Robins, Marks, MS Camechelle Stevens, Terry, MS Roscoe Denzel Spires, Jackson, MS *Jeremy Devon Stewart, Carthage, MS Kimberly Jenkins Suber, Columbus, MS Dahlia G. Trusty, Chicago, IL

master of science CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING Aleah Jalese Allen, Silver City, MS LaNique Shanese Ervin, Itta Bena, MS Bernesha LaDillia Esco, Canton, MS Jamie Evans-Gray, Jackson, MS Princess K. Hollins, Jackson, MS Shaki S. McLaurin, Forest, MS Kenneth Eugene Newsome, Jr., Chicago, IL *Frederick Alan O’Quinn, Port Gibson, MS Colette M. Rice, Vicksburg, MS Markeisha S. Robinson, Greenville, MS Talisa D. Sherman, Richland, MS REHABILITATION COUNSELING Melissa A. Cooper, Jackson, MS Kaitlin Kristine King, Chicago, IL Ruth Potter, Florence, MS La’Tunya Denise Smith, Hazlehurst, MS Baronica Evangeline Tarrance, Jackson, MS Kimla Williams, Canton, MS SPORT SCIENCE Kadajah Sharnece Babbitt, Shannon, MS Jamahd DaShun Dent, Vaughan, MS Jarrad L. Hayes, Baton Rouge, LA Niya Neshay Head, Tchula, MS Emily Nicole Kirk, Brighton, MS Carle Ollie, Jr., Jackson, MS Chelsea P. Williams, Greenville, MS Sharlandria Winston, Camden,MS

master of Science in Education

Kenya L Cawthorne, Shreveport, LA Sabrina Tieonna Colom-Wilson, Tiplersville, MS *Lindsey Durham, Morton, MS Lesia Daniel-Hollingshead, Clinton, MS *Kedra R. Gray, New Orleans, LA Shaquille Herbert, Jackson, MS *Thoreausa Horne, Brandon, MS *Lajuna Ivory, Greenwood, MS Terica L. Jackson, Earle, AR *Andrea LaTrice Jones, Jackson, MS *Teresa Dannette Johnson, Canton, MS Denise Lizana, Gulfport, MS Sheila Christine McDuffie, Miami, FL Shantie McFadden, Carthage, MS *Marcia R. Moore, Philadelphia, MS *Arrianna Morrison, Canton, MS *Lawana Nash-Woodard, Weir, MS Tamiko Latrice Richardson, Edwards, MS *Vivian Fleming Roby, Kosciusko, MS Brittany Shenae Rogers, Greenwood, MS *Kandice Nicole Smith, Hattiesburg, MS Ingrid I. Smith, Jackson, MS Tamara Smith, Jackson, MS Cameron T. Stringer, Jackson, MS Monique Thomas, Clarksdale, MS LaWanda Siobhan Trussell, Pearl, MS *Demetra R. Warren, Amite, LA Erica Precious Wilder, Kosciusko, MS Ahbre Williams, Rolling Fork, MS *Alexandria Alexis Williams, Byram, MS *Doris S. Williams, Lexington, MS HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, AND RECREATION Artomesia Michelle Martin, Brandon, MS READING EDUCATION Camellia L. Woods, Byram, MS CoSharalyn O’Harroll, Jackson, MS SPECIAL EDUCATION

Dr. Girmay Berhie Dean, College of Health Sciences School of Public Health; School of Social Work

master of PUBLIC HEALTH SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH Diamond DeShawn TaJanna Bowens, Crete, IL Alexis Symone Hynes, Indianola, MS Elizabeth Artia Khadijah Jones, Vicksburg, MS Oluwatomisin Alliyatt Kassim, Hampton, GA Tamari Anderson Mrema, Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Tanzania Porsha Mona Newell, Jackson, MS Loryn A. Payne, Olive Branch, MS Denita Shirel Preacely, Vicksburg, MS Tiffany Shanette Sanders, Byram, MS Lakeria B. Simpson, Flora, MS Lakeshia Unger, Jackson, MS

master of science COMMUNICATIVE DISORDERS *Taylor Autrey Clayton, Greenville, MS *Raven Lanae Dixon, Gulfport, MS

master of Social Work SOCIAL WORK Jasmine V. Coulston, Natchez, MS Gabriel L. Parson, Hazlehurst, MS

Debra L. Green, Greenwood, MS Antonio Djuan Magee, Jackson, MS Destiny Cherie McCullough, Milwaukee, WI Edith Arifuke Mobit, Yaounde, Cameroon Micheal Randolph Scott, Carthage, MS

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Kendra Michelle Anderson,Conehatta, MS *Angelia Raquel Ashford, McCool, MS Jerhonda Nicole Carter, Gulfport, MS * Summer 2020 Conferment

jackson state university | 18

Dr. Candis Pizzetta Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts

master of arts

Dr. Wilbur L. Walters, Jr Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology

master of arts

CRIMINOLOGY AND JUSTICE SERVICES

URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING

Sibyl Bibbs Baugh, Carrolton, MS Brooke Farabee Mapp, Jackson, MS

Tia Jackson, Lexington, MS

ENGLISH Laquana Brumfield, McComb, MS MUSIC EDUCATION *Dedrick D Parker, Baton Rouge, LA

master of Science

Vallimanalan Valliappan, Panneer Selvam, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India ENGINEERING *Garth Cahill, Durban, South Africa Henry Kini Chia, Bamenda, Cameroon *Chidiebere Maduka, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria *Adam Quintin Swanier, Gardena, CA

Thesis: Sorption and Degradation of Insecticides Imidacloprid and Dinotefuran in Agricultural Soils Advisor: Dr. Yadong Li

*Anthony Michael Wright, Jr., Chicago, IL

BIOLOGY

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

Cayla L. Harris, Milwaukee, WI

Charity La’Verne Thomas, Jackson, MS

Thesis: ‘Studying the Role of IGF2BP1 in Basal Cell Carcinoma Development

master of public MATHEMATICS Advisor: Dr. Felicite Noubissi *Elvis M. Robinson, Jackson, MS Policy and *Markie’Sha James, Jackson, MS Bioavailability of Depleted Uranium in U.S. Administration Thesis: Army Shooting Ranges master PUBLIC POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION Kyeisha T. Dennis, Canton, MS

master of Science Journalism and Media Studies Parkisha C. Davis, Jackson, MS

Project: ‘Have It Your Way’: New Media’s Fast-Food Approach to Church Advisor: Dr. Li-Jiang A. Chang

Alexus Hunter, Clarksdale, MS

Thesis: Stereotypes of Women’s Body Images in the Media Advisor: Dr. Li-Jiang A. Chang

LaKeisha S. Watson, Ypsilanti, MI

Project: The Glorification of Alcohol in the Media: Does it Really Matter? Advisor: Dr. Li-Jiang A. Chang

Advisor: Dr. Fengxiang X. Han

Javelyn D. Stubbs, Jackson, MS

Thesis: Vernonia Amygdalina Induces Cytotoxic Effects and Oxidate Stress in Acute Promyelolocytic Leukemia (HL-60) Cells Advisor: Dr. Clement Yedjou

*Tsige Gidey Gebretsadek, Jackson, MS Thesis: Effects of IGF2BP1 Inhibition on the Sensitivity of HCT116 Cells to Irinotecan Advisor: Dr. Felicite Noubissi

*Tekeydra Clay, Boyce, LA

Thesis: Vernonia Amygdalina Shows Promise for the Treatment of Acute Promyelolocytic Leukemia

of Science in Education TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION *Karen V. Dudley, Jackson, MS Letha Johnson Gray, Jackson, MS Litonya Na’ Shai Kirksey, St. Louis, MO Devonte Lee, Brandon, MS Alicia E. Taylor, Monticello, MS Sherree T. White, Gary, IN

*Cord M. Carter, Haworth, OK

master of Science in teaching

Kaelin Anthony Gates, Jackson, MS

SCIENCE AND MATH EDUCATION

Advisor: Dr. Clement Yedjou

CHEMISTRY

Thesis: Designing Graphene Oxide-Polydopamine Nanoparticles Composites for Pathogens and Toxic Metal Separation and Disinfection

Jamie Mariama Cavett, Jackson, MS

Advisor: Dr. Paresh C. Ray

Moeshia L. Harmon, Mobile, AL

Thesis: Non-Peptidic Inhibitors of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus’s Cysteine Protease Advisor: Dr. Ifedayo V. Ogungbe

COMPUTER SCIENCE Ronnal Boyd, Kosciusko, MS *Karandeep Singh Minhas, Punjab, India Shawndon Portis, Cuba, AL 19 | 2020 spring commencement

* Summer 2020 Conferment

jackson state university | 20

“Where you come from does not dictate where you will end up.” - Tommie “Tonea” Stewart, ’69 Dean of Visual and Performing Arts, Retired Alabama State University

21 | 2020 spring commencement

“There are plenty of spaces for you to insert yourself and your newly minted master’s degree or Ph.D. into this social landscape to deal with the challenges and opportunities.” - Dr. James T. Minor Former Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Postsecondary Education in the U.S. Department of Education

jackson state university | 22

2020 spring Graduate Candidates for Degrees Dr. Fidelis M. Ikem Dean, College of Business

Doctor of Philosophy BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Terrence Ladon Rash, Cleveland, MS

Dissertation: An Empirical Analysis of the Role of Altruism in Organizational Commitment and Turnover Intentions Advisor: Dr. Palaniappan Thiagarajan

Phylicia G. Taylor, Lauderhill, FL

Dissertation: The Effect of Subjective Well-Being and Workplace Characteristics on Millennial Employee Job Satisfaction Advisor: Dr. Palaniappan Thiagarajan Dr. Roosevelt O. Shelton Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Development

Doctor of Philosophy EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION Mark L. Anthony, Toomsuba, MS

Dissertation: Graduate Faculty Perceptions of University Leadership at Ivy League Colleges and Universities to Include Historically Black Colleges and Universities Advisor: Dr. Lou H. Sanders

Ivy Celeste Archie, Canton, MS

Dissertation: Teachers’ Perceptions of the Effects of High Stakes Assessments and Accountability on Lower Performing Schools Advisor: Dr. Barbara Howard Dr. Ingrad Smith

Rodney G. Denne’, New Orleans, LA

Dissertation: An Investigation of Staff Employee Perceptions of Training and Development and Job Satisfaction at an Urban Historically Black College and University in Mississippi Advisor: Dr. Carrine Bishop

Jasmine LuAllen-Hannah, Bolton, MS

Dissertation: Evaluating the Impact of Leadership on Teachers Administering the Alternate Assessment in Mississippi Advisor: Dr. Lou H. Sanders 23 | 2020 spring commencement

Jeremy K. Morris, Mound Bayou, MS

Dissertation: Perceptions of African American Teachers in a Select School District in Bolivar County, Mississippi: Obstacles and Catalysts to Becoming and Remaining Teachers Advisor: Dr. Sidney McLaurin Dr. Lou H. Sanders

Margaret Enowagbor Sanders, Kepelle, Cameroon

Dissertation: Principals’ Sources/Resources of Acquiring Current Knowledge of Special Education Law Advisor: Dr. Bettye Graves Dr. Ronald Walker

Stephanie Michelle Smith, Meridian, MS

Trashonda Campbell Dixon, Brandon, MS Dissertation: An Analysis of Kindergarten through 3rd Grade Literacy Coaching and Teacher Implementation of Literacy Instruction Advisor: Dr. Tracy Harris

Leontyne Henderson-Snell, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: Central Mississippi Early Childhood Educators’ Perceptions of the Mississippi Educator Professional Growth System Advisor: Dr. Tracy Harris

Ricardo Hill, Macon, MS

Dissertation: Perceptions of African-American Male Teacher Efficacy in Early Childhood Settings Advisor: Dr. Tony Latiker

Dissertation: School Counselors’ Perceptions of their Effectiveness in Dropout Prevention and their Role to Increase Student Achievement Advisor: Dr. Bettye Graves Dr. Dorris Robinson-Gardner

Whitney D. Perkins, Bolton, MS

Louise Rena Vaughn, Hazlehurst, MS

Bianca Marie Shelly, Mount Clemens, MI

Dissertation: Faculty Perceptions of the Efficacy of the Flipped Classroom in a University Setting Advisor: Dr. Benjamin Ngwudike

Lavell Williams, Clinton, MS

Dissertation: The Effect of Strength and Conditioning on Student-Athlete Leadership Development and Team Cohesion Advisor: Dr. Ronald Walker

Janieth F. Wilson-Adams, Ridgeland, MS

Dissertation: Students’ Awareness and Perceptions of Student Loan Indebtedness Advisor: Dr. Sidney McLaurin

URBAN HIGHER EDUCATION Shirley McDaniel Williams, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: Impact of the Accelerated Learning Program on Academic Success of First-Year Students Advisor: Dr. Nycole Campbell-Lewis

Dissertation: An Analysis of Head Start Teachers’ Preparation and Knowledge of the Speech and Language Referral Process Advisor: Dr. Tony Latiker Dissertation: Young Learners in a Homeschool Setting in Central Mississippi: Benefits and Challenges Advisor: Dr. Jianjin Yin

Alicia Nicole Tinsley, Hermanville, MS

Dissertation: Exploring the Relationship between Neighborhood Violence and Behavioral Problems in Head Start Students: A Pilot Study Advisor: Dr. Jianjin Yin

Sheena Taylor White, Ridgeland, MS

Dissertation: The Impact of Student Discipline and Administrative Support on Teacher Attrition among Early Childhood Educators Advisor: Dr. Tony Latiker Dr. Girmay Berhie Dean, College of Health Sciences School of Public Health; School of Social Work

Doctor of education

Doctor of Philosophy

eARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

SOCIAL WORK

Kanesha Bennett, Ridgeland, MS

Raymond Dewayne Adams, Monroe, LA

Dissertation: Parental Perceptions on Kindergarten Readiness in a Historically Black College and University-Based Preschool Program Advisor: Dr. Tony Latiker

Dissertation: The Effects of Mental Health, Social Networks, and Spirituality on PRCA Survivorship among Rural African-American Men: A Pilot Study Advisor: Dr. Belinda Davis Smith

* Summer 2020 Conferment

Doctor of public health Doctor of PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCE Philosophy

Dr. Wilbur L. Walters, Jr. Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology

LaVonne Denise Brown, Jacksonville, FL

Dissertation: Testing the Efficacy of an Intervention Based on the Behavior Change to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among a Sample of AfricanAmerican Women

CHEMISTRY

Ahfiya Johari Howard, Jackson, MS

Advisor: Dr. Paresh Chandra Ray

Advisor: Dr. Manoj Sharma

Dissertation: Compassion Fatigue and Compassion Satisfaction among Mental Health Professionals in Central Mississippi Advisor: Dr. Emeka Nwagwu

Sean Suzettte Lenard, Greenville, MS

Salma Begum, Madison, MS

Dissertation: Development of Theranostic NanoMaterials for Biological Detection and Targeted Therapy

Md. Mehedi Hasan Khan, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: Weak Interaction Energy and Reaction Pathways: A Computational Study Advisor: Dr. Jerzy Leszczynski

Dissertation: Factors Influencing Opioid Use and Misuse among College Students in Mississippi: Strategies for Informing Public Health Policy Advisor: Dr. Emeka Nwagwu

COMPUTATIONAL AND DATA ENABLED SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Fatoumatta Sisay, Banjul, The Gambia

Dissertation: Spectral Analysis of Node Associations in Complex Networks

Dissertation: A Multi-Level Analysis of Neighborhood SES, Stress, and Coronary Heart Disease among African Americans: Jackson Heart Study Advisor: Dr. Jung Lee

Jaelrbreiret Laurine Williams, Jackson, MS Dissertation: Using Multi Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change to Explain Fruits and Vegetables Consumption among African American Men in Barbershops in Mississippi Advisor: Dr. Manoj Sharma Dr. Candis Pizzetta Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts

Doctor of Philosophy PUBLIC POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION Christopher R. Roby, Shelby, MS

Dissertation: Impact of Program Cost-Sharing on Medical Treatment Adherence for Persons Living with HIV/Aids: Program Evaluation of Ryan White Part C Program Advisor: Dr. Chester Robinson

Mahzabin Akhter, Bangladesh

Advisor: Dr. Natarajan Meghanathan

Yohn Jairo Parra-Bautista, Bucaramanga City, Colombia

Dissertation: Sentiment Analysis of Consumer Complaints: An Examination of Lexicon-Based and Deep Learning Approaches Advisor: Dr. Ning-Ning Wang

Md Atiqur Rahman, Bangladesh

Dissertation: Application of Centrality Metrics for Complex Network Analysis Advisor: Dr. Natarajan Meghanathan

ENGINEERING Shihui Liu, China

Dissertation: Durability of MICP-Treated Geomaterials and Reinforcement Advisor: Dr. Farshad Amini

Junke Zhang, Henan Province-China

Dissertation: Modification of Industrial Byproducts by Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation for Beneficial Uses Advisor: Dr. Yadong Li

URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING Robbie Sue Sparkman Smith, Ridgeland, MS

Heather Ann Denné, Topeka, MS

Dissertation: Historic Preservation: The Case To Be Made for Mt. Olive Cemetery – A Pilot Study Advisor: Dr. Joan Marshall Wesley Dr. Roosevelt O. Shelton Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Development

specialist in education EDUCATION Gloria Adams, Brandon, MS Christy D. Atkinson, Jackson, MS Brenda Artis-Cleark, Clarksdale, MS Renessa K. Barton, Walnut Grove, MS Charna L. Bates, Brookhaven, MS Demetria Rena Blakes, Sharpsburg, GA Dionne Shida Bullock, Belzoni, MS Gretchen Flores-Carter, Natchez, MS Michelle Denise Chandler, Brandon, MS Kelsie Young Cruse, Pontotoc, MS Sandra Davenport, Mantee, MS Markita Davis, Cary, MS Ashleya R. Blair Edwards, Jackson, MS Sharon J. Elverton, Jackson, MS Tiffany Green, Jackson, MS Rosalyn K. Griffin, Clarksdale, MS Monica L. Harper, Belzoni, MS Bonnie J Hoppe-Colle, Foley, AL Markela S. Horton, Cary, MS Reann Dahlberg Hudson, Daphne, AL Deondra J. Jefferson, Hattiesburg, MS Jamie Nicole Lewis, Jackson, MS Avis Lloyd, Jackson, MS Monique L. Lucious, Houston, TX Shamekia K. Parker, Natchez, MS Millicent Smith Porter, Wesson, MS Brittany Rhodes-Parker, Jackson, MS Lachada Robie-Purnell, Carrollton, MS Denzel Reed, Jackson, MS Brittney Alicia Russell, Lexington, MS Tiffany Ross, Byram, MS Bridgette L. Thomas, Jackson, MS Kenneth Wayne White, Jr., Fayette, MS Christine Williams, Greenville, MS Kellye R. Woodard, Starkville, MS

Dissertation: The Impact of the Home Investment Partnership Program on African American Homeownership Rates: A Comparative Analysis of Four Funded Cities Advisor: Dr. Joan Marshall Wesley * Summer 2020 Conferment

jackson state university | 24

Dr. Fidelis M. Ikem Dean, College of Business

master of business administration BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION KaTina Evans-Gibbs, Jackson, MS Cynthia Richelle Jones, Jackson, MS Darnetia Raynelle Melvina Martin, Slidell, LA Alexis D. Stevenson, Vicksburg, MS Dr. Roosevelt Shelton Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Development

master of science CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING Whitney L. Blanchard, Jackson, MS LaPortia Franks Hence, Prairie, MS India Sade Johnson, Jackson, MS Ryshine Alasia Lucas, New Orleans, MS Lamarcus Lyles, Camden, MS Starece Nicole Westheimer, Richland, MS EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION Bethany Bridges, Ridgeland, MS Aralynn Brinee Davis, Lutcher, LA REHABILITATION COUNSELING Annitra Yvette Cotton, Louise, MS Kimberly LeKay Davis, Jackson, MS Ciesha Genous, Yazoo City, MS Gayla James Haymer, Yazoo City, MS Mary Louise Taylor Morris, Yazoo City, MS READING EDUCATION Shaneka Sha’ron Jones, Jackson, MS Xavia Johnson, Prince George, VA SCHOOL COUNSELING Japonica Brown, Mobile, AL Veronica Arlene Frizell, Durant, MS

* Summer 2020 Conferment

25 | 2020 spring commencement

master of arts in teaching TEACHING Tyesha Sha’Nique Bynum, Gautier, MS Sanchavia Shuntae Haymon, Pickens, MS Crystal Antionette Jones-Hughes, Jackson, MS Charla Johnson, Vicksburg, MS Comelia L. Walker, Canton, MS Rose Marie Williams, Jackson, MS

master of science SPORT SCIENCE David E. Brooks, Jackson, MS Juavon Brown, Baton Rouge, LA Latedra Christian, Ridgeland, MS LaShonda S. Cousin, Jackson, MS Raisa Anansu Ford, Vicksburg, MS Corbin Dwayne Jamison, Bolton, MS Brianna Johnelle May, Jackson MS Timothy Moffett, II, Kenner, LA Cameron B. Murray, Cisco, TX Cayla Diana Fox, Jackson, MS Javancy Jones, Canton, MS Kori Smith, Okolona, MS Tye’Reshina Q. M. Taylor, Canton, MS LaTedra Tenniqua Tierra D’Vonshey Christian, Jonestown, MS

master of Science in Education EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Ashley N. Adams, Jackson, MS Charo B. Graham, Hazlehurst, MS Rita Maureen Gray, Jackson, MS Keidra Lynette Hooks, Jackson, MS Raphael Svante McDonald, Jackson, MS Renada Nichols, Canton, MS Brittney Me’Chelle Shelby, Raymond, MS Leola Spann-Gibson, Macon, MS Constance S. Thompson-Riley, Laurel, MS Mary L. Tucker, Bolton, MS Vicki Adams-Gamble, Jackson, MS Phyllis Drakeford, Gulfport, MS Shetericia Elmore, Indianola, MS

Sharon Denise Johnson Freeman, Yazoo City, MS Danita Guinn, Milwaukee, WI Donika Mariva Hale, New Orleans, LA Tiffany Hobson-Thomas, Houlka, MS Kimberly Lashay Holmes, Brooksville, MS April D. Jackson, Anguilla, MS Takeia Jenkins, Miami, FL Latrisha C. Jones, Jackson, MS Shanea LaShay Joseph, Gulfport, MS LaKese’a Larry-Martin, Byram, MS Chervantis Lee, Magnolia, MS Sherette Michea Lee, McComb, MS Sigma Machelle McKenzie, Rosendale, MS Michael T. Mozee, Byram, MS Vanessa Cameron Nathaniel, McComb, MS Dianna M. Parker, Mendenhall, MS Pamala A. Parker, Philipp, MS Renata Preston, Collins, MS Tiffany N. Robertson, Magnolia, MS Andrea Smith, McComb, MS Rosie Ree Smith, Lexington, MS Mary L. Tucker, Bolton, MS Madessia L. Willis, Jackson, MS HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, AND RECREATION Veronica Roshunda Boose, Canton, MS Jeffrey Orlando Clark, Columbus, GA LaSonya F. Drake, Lexington, MS READING EDUCATION Kevin L. Harris, Jackson, MS Xavia Nicole Johnson, Prince George, VA Hope A. Robinson, Jackson, MS SECONDARY EDUCATION Dexter Lacareo Brim, Canton, MS PHYSICAL EDUCATION Jeffery Orlando Clark, Columbus, GA Dr. Girmay Berhie Dean, College of Health Sciences School of Public Health; School of Social Work

master of PUBLIC HEALTH PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCE Latoya Shada Brantley, Carthage, MS Alexis Sherise Brown, Madison, MS Nusrat Kabir, Ridgeland, MS Antonio Tremayne Lowell, McComb, MS

Hemalatha Sunchu, Ramachandrapuram, Hyderabad Amber Lashae Washington, Woodville, MS Obearia Williams, Ridgeland, MS April Danielle Whitehead, Port Gibson, MS Nastocia T. Bafford, Aberdeen, MS Briänna Brishé McField, Yazoo City, MS Jamey B. Morris, Jackson, MS Austine Uzobinma Onyia, Dangriga, Belize

master of Science

COMMUNICATIVE DISORDERS Shelby Louise Bourgeois, Biloxi, MS Mikayla N. Clouse, Mantachie, MS Hayden Claire Coleman, Madison, MS Ashton Diane Curtiss, Sardis, MS Natalie Brooke Daley, Carson, MS Paige Marinette Griffin, Houston, TX Morgan Aarionne Mays, Byram, MS Ashley Nicole McCallister, Algonquin, IL Najla Muhammad, Jackson, MS Marie Nasekos, Starkville, MS Lydia Carol Pittman, Brandon, MS Raeanna Bray Reynolds, Vancleave, MS Brianna Lynn Smith, Jackson, MS Myrah Elizabeth Taylor, Birmingham, MS

master of Social Work SOCIAL WORK Kazmin Elijahana Patricia Amerson, Byram, MS Breia S. Armstrong, Jackson, MS Tomeka Lafawn Bethea, Mendenhall, MS Kortney Bolton- Cooper, Bolton, MS Lamekia L. Bowman, Vicksburg, MS Jasmonique Shantel Boyd, Greenwood, MS Tecola M. Bradley, Clinton, MS Dominique Bullocks, Lexington, MS Cristal Washington-Browders, Natchez, MS Laquita Shuntia Butler, Jackson, MS Jessica L. Chapman, Jackson, MS Shirley T. Courts, Belzoni, MS Precious Victoria Jewel Crews, Winston-Salem, NC Kimberly Carr Cullum, Meridian, MS Felicia Renae Garner, Pearl, MS Jervarkia Latrissee Handy, Canton, MS * Summer 2020 Conferment

Anna Nicole Higginbottom, Iuka, MS Khadijah Jaunea Hubbard, Brandon, MS Erica Nicole Jenkins, Pearl, MS Chasidy Tiara Johnson, Clinton, MS Ashley Danielle Johnson, Vicksburg, MS Brenda Williams Johnson, Clinton, MS Sherlandria R Johnson, Clinton, MS Chris Mercedes Johnson, Moss Point, MS Jasmine Qwaunta Jones, Canton, MS JeFria Jones, Vicksburg, MS Shakeara Oneasha Matthews, New Orleans, LA Takia Mays, Hattiesburg, MS Louis De’Shaun McGowan, Bolton, MS Kawana McGowan, Fayette, MS Robin E McNeil, Meridian, MS Shenika Fields Montgomery, Byram, MS Sanetria B. Moore, Madison, MS Qu’Tashia Malika Muhammad, Chesterfield, VA Tiffany Roshell Paige, Jackson, MS Courtney Alexandria Poullard – Wright, Jackson, MS Precious Janay Rice, Winona, MS Jasmine Keirra Robb, Rosedale, MS Ciara Raquel Roy, Jackson, MS Lyser Nicole Selmon, Jackson, MS Wessie Sims, Jackson, MS Latise Johnson Strong, Byram, MS LaKeshia L. Sutton, Jackson, MS Sonya LaShann Taylor, Columbus, MS Jeffery L. Turner, Lake Providence, LA Mary Katherine Vaughn, Clinton, MS Gary Dwight Waller, Kiln, MS Shavondra Washington, Ruleville, MS D’Antwonique M. Watson, Jackson, MS Kelli Shanel Williams, Jackson, MS Zari Danielle Zanders, Greenville, MS Dr. Candis Pizzetta Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts

master of Science JOURNALISM AND MEDIA STUDIES Devonte J. Collins, Jackson, MS

Project: The Perceived Impact of Video Games on High School and College Students Advisor: Li-jing A. Chang

Cordarius D. Hill, Memphis, TN Project: Athletes and Concussions Advisor: Li-jing A. Chang

Jasmine Catherine Thomas, Atlanta, GA

Project: Broken Reflections: The Influence of Social Media on the Depiction of Women Advisor: Li-jing A. Chang

master of Music Education MUSIC EDUCATION Curtis Lurvell Luckett Jr., Jackson, MS Carroll L. McLaughlin, Jackson, MS

master of arts HISTORY Michael McKnight, Sr., Jackson, MS

Thesis: Ronald Reagan’s War on Drugs and its Effect on Minorities Advisor: Dr. Janice Brockley

Jason M. Gibson, Jackson, MS

Project: Student Activism and Organizing During Freedom Summer: An Examination of Mentorship and Organizing in Mississippi through Tougaloo College Advisor: Dr. Robert Luckett

Zachary Wolszon Gleaton, Dade City, FL Thesis: King Beef: The Florida Cattle Industry During the Civil War Advisor: Dr. Mark A. Bernhardt

master of public Policy and Administration PUBLIC POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION April Banks, Pinola, MS Gabrielle E. Brown, Edwards, MS Shikira P. Gray, Chicago, IL Derrick Hicks, Jackson, MS Shuretta R. Shippings, Edwards, MS Diandra Singleton, Bolton, MS Kathleen Smith, Jackson, MS

jackson state university | 26

Dr. Wilbur L. Walters, Jr. Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology

master of arts

URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING Glenn Greer, Jackson, MS Kirk J. Williams, Chicago, IL

master of Science BIOLOGY Deborah Kay Christy, Memphis, TN

Thesis: Apoptotic Effects in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Exposed to Aqueous Vernonia Amygdalina Extracts: Possible Synergy with Cisplatin and Cyclophosphamide Advisor: Dr. Tammi Taylor

MATHEMATICS William James Bradford, Jackson MS Charles Aaron Freeman, Jackson, MS Maricha Neal, Jackson, MS Willie James Perkins, Jr., Greenwood, MS TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION Keneshia LaShun Anderson, Jackson, MS Minnie Renee Bailey, Jackson, MS Talmadge D. Edwards, Brandon, MS Justin Jonta Ellis, Pickens, MS Jasmine Tiera Harris, Utica, MS Jamal Hawkins, Atlanta, GA Tracie T. Jefferson, Jackson, MS Ja’Morris Darrion Jenkins, Hazlehurst, MS Tara McKenzie, Raymond, MS Jackie A. Nash, Jackson, MS Cedric Marvin Nunaley, Jackson, MS Jalissa Denise Richmond, Memphis, TN

COMPUTER AND DATA ENABLED SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Ying Zhang, Tangshan, China COMPUTER SCIENCE Robbie Marchril Coleman, Jackson, MS Hitanshu Dave, Mumbai, Maharashtra Anthony Gomes, Dhaka, Bangladesh Quincy Jones, Terry, MS Raven Alexius Lawrence, Jackson, MS Zihao Liu, Nantong, Jiangsu, China Jabari Payton, Carthage, MS Nick Whitfield, Clinton, MS Ran Xu, Gongcheng, Guangxi, China Xuecen Zhang, Nantong, Jiangsu, China ENGINEERING Robert H. Huckaby, Wesson, MS Eric C. James, Pearl, MS Akil E. Muhammad, St. Louis, MO Daryl Jones, Jr., Jackson, MS

Thesis: Examining the Relevant Factors Needed to Create an Immersive Virtual Reality Environment Advisor: Dr. Shuang Tu

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT Jerome Bronson, Belzoni, MS Shuh-Marraka Vaneiqweya Chandler, Jackson, MS Keara L. Johnson, Bassfield, MS Vikita Nicole McIntyre, Pearl, MS 27 | 2020 spring commencement

* Summer 2020 Conferment

Candidates for Degrees The commencement program booklet contains the names of candidates for degrees. It is possible that a candidate listed in this publication may not have completed all degree requirements. Failure to remove the name of a person(s) listed in error does not obligate the University to grant the diploma. The student’s transcript is the official record of the University. Diplomas will be mailed to the student approximately 3 - 4 weeks after commencement at the address indicated on the graduation application. For additional information, students may contact the Department of the Registrar and Records at 601.979.2300.

jackson state university | 28

Honors and Awards GRADUATION WITH ACADEMIC DISTINCTION Graduation with academic distinction is based on an earned average of 3.20 or higher on a 4.00 scale for work completed at Jackson State University for all undergraduates degrees. Students who graduate within this grade-point average range are honored with the following: Summa Cum Laude Magna Cum laude Cum Laude

3.80 - 4.00 3.50 - 3.79 3.20 - 3.49

Graduates with academic distinction wear gold honor cords during the commencement exercises. Notes: A transfer student is eligible to be considered for honors provided: (1) the student has earned a minimum of 48 semester hours at Jackson State University prior to the semester of graduation; and (2) the student maintains a 3.20 or higher grade-point average for the coursework completed at Jackson State University. Students who already hold a baccalaureate degree are not eligible for this distinction.

††† Denotes Summa Cum Laude graduate †† Denotes Magna Cum Laude graduate † Denotes Cum Laude graduate

29 | 2020 spring commencement

W.E.B. Du BoisMaria Luisa Alvarez Harvey Honors College The W.E.B. Du Bois-Maria Luisa Alvarez Harvey Honors College (Du Bois-Harvey Honors College) is an enhanced collegiate experience that facilitates leadership development through self, community and global awareness; involvement in scholarship that fosters uniqueness and decision-making maturity; research-based inquiry and discovery of solutions to local, national and international dilemmas; and immersion of techonolgy usage. The Du Bois-Harvey Honors College offers members an opportunity to: • Follow a program of study at a pace commensuate with their ability • Increase intellectual interaction among their peers, professors, and advisory • Provide the opportunity for experiential learning and research Graduation requirements for Du Bois-Harvey Honors College members: • Complete 30 hours of Honors courses and/or contracts with one hour in an Honors Colloquium • Participate annually in honors community service projects • Participate in a minimum of four honors enrichment sessions, monthly meetings, or activities annually • Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

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31 | 2020 spring commencement

undergraduate candidates for degrees

jackson state university | 32

Dr. Fidelis M. Ikem Dean, College of Business

Bachelor of Business Administration ACCOUNTING *Mohammed Alghunaim, Jackson, MS † Asiah Simone Ford, Jackson, MS †† Moaid Abdulwahab J. Hawsawi, Yanbu, Saudi Arabia † Raquel Danielle Haynes, St. Louis, MO De’Marcus Hooker, Magee, MS Sterling Austin Willis Joiner, Terry, MS *Jacqueline Denise Stewart, Vicksburg, MS *Aaron M. Stokes, Jackson, MS Mallory Breland Swanier, Memphis, TN Elizabeth Maria Swedburg, Shreveport, LA Chrisheikianta Belinda Wickem, New Orleans, LA Daniel E. Yepez, Barquisimeto, Venezuela Mahyem Yisrael, Hermanville, MS

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION † Othman Hassan Othman Alsufyani, Ta’if, Saudi Arabia Mousa Ahmed Alzahrani, Clinton, MS † Aliyah Na’ima Atkins, Terry, MS † Amirhea C. Bishop, Madison, MS Jason Kenyatta Carr, Jackson, MS † Leigh A. Cole, Jackson, MS Sean-Micheal Dumas, Harvey, LA Rosemary Del Castillo Frith, Jackson, MS Eric M Hunter, Jackson, MS Jasmine Sharniqua Jackson, Jackson, MS †† Jakhyia Johnson, Richton Park, IL †† Jaylia Renee’ Kelly, Jackson, MS †† Lashandra Lorraine Lewis, Bogue Chitto, MS Ja’lyn R. McElroy, Jackson, MS Kendrick D. Paul, Baton Rouge, LA ††† Mekeshia R. Pierre, Jackson, MS Ashley Monee Robinson, Pearl, MS James Tompkins III, Clarksdale, MS † Sydney N. Walker, Bloomington, IL * Summer 2020 Conferment

33 | 2020 spring commencement

††† Jameria Raetrice Haley, Hermanville, MS *LaDarius Wiggins, Jackson, MS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP *Casey Michelle Oliver, Memphis, TN DeMarcus Mikail Akarai Oliver, Laurel, MS †Deja Simone’ Poullard, Jackson, MS Rajon D. Rich, Chicago, IL Jessica Richardson, Braxton, MS Joshua Isaiah Walker, Jackson, MS

FINANCE *Eilish McKenna Callender, Edwards, MS † Keirra Katrice Gates, Clarksdale, MS †† Matthew L. Harvey, Slidell, MS Don Jones Jr., New Orleans, LA ††† Kelani E. Luke, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Abdullah Mansoor, Bolton, MS

MANAGEMENT † Anquannette Shavon Harried, Vicksburg, MS Latoya Rena Holston, Itta Bena, MS †† Alexyah D. Jackson, Belzoni, MS Justin Mack, Chicago, IL Dominique Martin, Augusta, GA Anthony T. McDonald, Louin, MS †† Georgia Roby-Dent, Vicksburg, MS DeAndre Williams, Wetumpka, AL

MARKETING ††*Morgan Alicia Brunson, Chicago, IL † † † LaKara Lewis, Dallas TX LaSonya Walton, Jackson, MS Dr. Roosevelt O. Shelton Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Development

bachelor of science CHILDCARE AND FAMILY EDUCATION †† *Kandice Lanelle Ben, Philadelpia, MS *Demedria L. Brumfield, McComb, MS

†*Truenessa K Causey, Tylertown,MS Tavania M. Conerly, Jackson, MS †*Nakia Nicole Cooper, Terry, MS Alisha Chenelle Frazier, Byram, MS †Bria Ciara Grim, Florence, MS Paris Hopps, Chicago, IL Datraonna Tranece Horton, Jackson, MS †† Alexis Navatez Hunt, Forest, MS *Racquel Darshai Hyland, Vicksburg, MS De’Amber Jones, Jackson, MS Eva Latice Jones, Jackson, MS Alesia V. James, Lexington, MS Maudie D. Johnson, Magee, MS *Olympia B. Lee, Belzoni, MS ††† Ellen Francis McCray, Clarksdale, MS Sherida Lashay Miller, Jackson, MS *Victoria Elizabeth Morgan, Shannon, MS *Kayla LaDonna Nixon, Bay Springs, MS Jazlyn Dominique Odom, Jackson, MS Danel M. Paige, Jackson, MS †*Stephanie Johnson Player, Bossier City, LA ††Yowanda Reid, Clinton, MS †*Cressandra Ross, Biloxi, MS Catrinda Ryans, Forest, MS ††Autralius K Sanders, Canton, MS †Brittney Taylor, Tylertown, MS †Jessica Taylor, Ridgeland, MS ††LaShasta Taylor, Meridian, MS Stephanie Patrick Thomas, Canton, MS †Aaliyah Tillman, Atlanta, GA Natalie J. Young, Jackson, MS

HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND RECREATION Desmond Brassell, Memphis, TN Percy Brown, IV, Jackson, MS *Omar J. Conley, Jackson, MS †Kendre Edwards, Monroe, LA Todd Vanhoyt Jenkins, II, Pearl, MS Ja’Marquez Reese, Prentiss, MS *Anaiya Janan Dominique Saa, Los Angeles, CA ††Rikita Zoe Saunders, St. Louis, MO †Montavious Dwight Thornburg, Natchez, MS Jazlyn S. Towner, Chicago, IL Da’vontre Daquan Treadwell, Chicago, IL †Jada L Tubbs, Corinth, MS Patrick J. Wheelock, New Orleans, LA

college of business | COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

2020 fall Undergraduate Candidates for Degrees

PROFESSIONAL INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES †Raquel J. Braddy, Jackson, MS I’esha Brock, Newport News, VA Michelle Lynn Brown, Jackson, MS †† Robema Jeanette Carter, Terry, MS Jordan Deon Crump, Forest, MS †† *Stephen Vincent Davi, Jackson,MS †*Chandler Avery Dillard, Madison, MS Chris Felix, Batesville, MS Venetra Harper, Pickens, MS Millicent Harris, Jackson, MS ††Drusilla Breeon Hicks, Brandon, MS ††Tomika M. Hughes-Lewis, Magnolia, MS Shonda Cheretta Johnson, Jackson, MS *Ade’ Jones, Sr., Shelby, MS Crystal Arleene Phinisee Jones, Brandon, MS ††Courtney Copeland Mapp, Laurel, MS †Jason Carter McClinton, Jackson, MS ††† *Elizabeth Ann Price, Brandon, MS †Kendall LaRon Rhodes, Pelahatchie, MS Chotania LaKess Simmons, Jackson, MS †Equon Jaylin Smith, Dundee, FL †Danielle Renée Thomas, Vicksburg, MS Jaylyn Kentarius Williams, Greenville, MS Raheem Laterrius Wilson, Charleston, MS †LaToya Yamina Wise, Humble, TX Carol J. Woodson, Jackson, MS

SPECIAL EDUCATION ††Angela Christina Drake-Sartin, Jackson, MS *Chasity Nicole Evans, Byram, MS Ashuntia Ravae Gullage, New Orleans, LA

bachelor of Science in Education ELEMENTARY EDUCATION ††Alexis Rose Henriquez, Rockledge, FL ††Christina Rounds, Florence, MS ††† Dawn Michelle Ruger, Madison, MS ††Desmond Jamal Smith, Atlanta, GA Jasmine Whitker, Jackson, MS

MATH EDUCATION Regine Harris, Memphis, TN

SOCIAL SCIENCE †Kashunna Quortia Fowler, Coahoma, MS

* Summer 2020 Conferment

bachelor of university studies University Studies †† Pamela Michelle Alston, Jackson, MS April Rose Blake, Jackson, MS ††† Malena Leverne Bowden, Jackson, MS *Larry Cardell Branch, McComb, MS †† *Carmen Sutton Britton, Brandon, MS Carlton Sentron Brown, Grenada, MS Timothy Allen Brown, Magee, MS †*Christopher Baker Burnham, Florence, MS Sheketric Patrice Burnside, Clarksdale, MS Beverly Curry-Coleman, Jackson, MS ††† Carolyn Trotter Collins, Yazoo, MS *Linda Inez Crook, Macon, MS †† Veronica Jean Dunning, Ridgeland, MS Nichole R White-Crowley, Jackson, MS *Christopher Green, Jackson, MS Pamela Rochelle Green, Jackson, MS *Tabitha Harris, Jackson, MS Koretta King-Jackson, Benton Harbor, MI Dietrich D. Lewis, Columbia, MS Stephen Llewelyn Lewis, Brandon, MS Pamela McNutt, Marks, MS Scott Morris, New Orleans, LA Jomiski LaDera Nelson, Forest, MS Amber A. Ray, Clinton, MS *Ava Denise Robinson, Utica, MS Etta N. Sanders, Greenwood, MS Brittney Sayles, Richland, MS Perella M. Fisher-Smith, Jackson, MS Sanita Stewart, Jackson, MS Dr. Girmay Berhie Dean, College of Health Sciences School of Public Health; School of Social Work

bachelor of science COMMUNICATIVE DISORDERS Erica De’Andra Bridges, Laurel, MS *Destiny Lewis, Jackson, MS

HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION

††Shaniya Symone Hart, Canton, MS Cassandra Leona Hunley, Tunica, MS ††Nneka Simoine Jenkins, Raymond, MS Yolanda R. Lewis, Vicksburg, MS Shaquanna Logan, Meridian, MS Sherail C. McCray, Ferriday, LA ††Ranika LaShae Minor, Vicksburg, MS ††Cavishia Andrena’ Roberson-Murray, Leland, MS ††Chelsea Singleton, Pearl, MS Felisha Monay Stringer-Haynes, Terry, MS Kourtney Williams, Vicksburg, MS

bachelor of social work SOCIAL WORK †Valencia Michelle Banks, Clinton, MS † Frensha Rena Branch, Canton, MS Lekita Shunya Burks, Byram, MS †Kayla M. Course, Jackson, MS †Ginger Denise Daniels, Jackson, MS †Sky Deanna Davenport, Pickens, MS Kaitlyn F. Dyson, Memphis, TN †Jaylan J. Earby, Morton, MS †† Rosemary Emmanuel, Jackson, MS Kimberly Nicole Fairley, Brandon, MS †Deontrevious Dawon Firley, Natchez, MS †Erica Marie Griffin, Jackson, MS †† Jabriah Halfacre, Starkville, MS † Lexas Hannah, Pearl, MS Easter Monique Hargrave, Jackson, MS †† Brandy Nicole Hicks, Jackson, MS Whitney Nicole Taylor, Jackson, MS †† Kejia D. Jackson, Wesson, MS Nettie R. Jamison, Bay Springs, MS †† A’Lexis Brianna Jenkins, Pearl, MS Marsha D. Lewis, Jackson, MS †Olivia Lashaun Morrison, Vicksburg, MS †Aaliyah Yasmeen Muhammad, Chicago, IL Qubilah A. Phillips, Canton, MS †† Kayla Kierra Pippins, Jackson, MS Madelyn Prukop, McAllen, TX †Faith M. Rice, Chicago, IL †Elyssa Hazelle Sanchez, San Antonio, TX †† Shontel Dynesha Smith, Jackson, MS Madison E. Stewart, Canton, MS A’kylah Traylor, Terry, MS Camille Yonick Tucker, Jackson, MS Kristian Alanna Turner, Meridian, MS

†††Camry Domonique O’Shay Blackmon, Jackson, MS Tiffany Edwards Blackwell, Brookhaven, MS Doncheree Alexandria Gray, Tuskegee, AL

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bachelor of arts ART Brandi Janae Knott, Jackson, MS Reginald Martin, Fernwood, MS †Jasmine Elease Miller, Jackson, MS †LaDarris Devantè Roshawn Ware, Jackson, MS Terrell Lee Watson, New Orleans, LA

ENGLISH Kaelyn Conley, Jacksonville, FL †*Raegan Jones, Ridgeland, MS April B. Myers, Brandon, MS Kyra Nicole Nealon, Leland, MS

bachelor of music education MUSIC EDUCATION †† Tyler C. Dennis, Houston, TX †Shaun D. McClinton, Chicago, IL †Louis Xavier Parker, Brookhaven, MS †† Kristian Tierre Simmons, Tuscaloosa, AL

bachelor of science CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

bachelor of music

†† Raljada Bell, Ofallon, IL ††† Wayne Julius Blake, Loganville, GA †† Mikia Nicole Booker, St. Louis, MO †† Aerial Simone Campbell, Evergreen, AL †† Demetria Conerly, McComb, MS †† Leah D. Cook, Quitman, MS †† Larrance Cotton, Byram, MS ††† *Kennis Winston Croom, Tuscaloosa, AL †La’Quisha L. Gatson, Madison, MS Tyler A. Hardin, Holly Springs, MS *Tomekia Danialle Horhn, Jackson, MS Nijah Jackson, Winona, MS †Robert F. T. Jackson, Terry, MS Derrick Terrell Jenkins, Brandon, MS Kyla Capriece Kidd, Country Club Hills, IL †† Roderick Dwayne Knight, Rolling Fork, MS †*Ieisha M. Lacey, Jackson, MS †Latoya Beatrice McDaniel, Brookhaven, MS Christien McIntosh, Jackson, MS †† Imonjé RoShelle Mignott, Jackson, MS †Justin Weatherly Moore, Louisville, MS †*Preanna Danielle Nickelson, Byram, MS †Janai T. Patterson, Memphis, TN †Gerlisa Marie Rodriguez, Forest, MS †Princess Amanda Williams, Clinton, MS

MUSIC PERFORMANCE

MASS COMMUNICATIONS

Raphael T. Barnes, Jr., Chicago, IL †Jaelin Simone Walker, Jackson, MS

*Darius C. Austin, Centreville, IL †† Aaliyah A. Bass Davis, Jackson, MS †Deja Simonne Davis, Atlanta, GA †Ariel Galloway, Decatur, GA SharCoria Me’Li Corin Harris, Jackson, MS †† Nyla Jebrea Kendrick, Terry, MS Kalin Evan Norman, New Orleans, LA †Kayla K. Sims, Clarksdale, MS †Quinesha Champagnie Smith, Byram, MS

HISTORY ††† Darius Breyon Grant, Brandon, MS †Ayana Mariah Jones, Philadelphia, MS

POLITICAL SCIENCE Taylor Akharume, Jackson, MS ††*Daria Alexandria Leon, Tallahassee. FL †Briana Natrece Maddox, Hattiesburg, MS Abok William Deng Madot, Denver, CO *Orlando R. Richmond, Jr., West Point, MS

SOCIOLOGY †Terri Demetrice Bell, Memphis, TN †Jennifer Le’Nora Granger, Greenville, MS

SPEECH *Danielle LeAnna Kincaid, Texarkana, TX

* Summer 2020 Conferment

35 | 2020 spring commencement

Michael Anthony White, Jr., Flora, MS Jennifer Jasmoné Wiles, New Orleans, MS

PSYCHOLOGY ShonTerrius CaDora Black, Carthage, MS †† Caitlyn Bouldin, Tupelo, MS †Aramis Catchings, Jackson, MS *April Regene Coleman, Jackson, MS K’Shawn Douglas, Chicago, IL LaJayla D. Elliott, Jackson, MS †Kelsey Gibbs, Los Angeles, CA Keona Latalia Hamilton, Jackson, MS Zahqweshea Aquarius Harris, Jackson, MS ††† Erica Holder, Madison, MS Tamera Lewis, Greenville, MS ††† Logan Estella Nave, Meridian, MS †† *Joseph Ross, Utica, MS Carlata Simmons, Jackson, MS Asiajamaica Franchester Rafaela Smith, Brandon, MS Amari S. Stewart, St. Louis, MO ††† Domonique M. Turner, Jackson, MS †† Charlonda Angi Rae Washington, Raleigh, NC †† *Brittany Woods, Columbus, MS Dr. Wilbur L. Walters, Jr. Dean, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology

bachelor of science BIOLOGY Dominicki Paulina Alexis, Jackson, MS Ke’Andre Austin, Jackson, MS Kaliyah Ball, Chicago, IL Jasmine Bond, St. Louis, MO *Janece D. Burns, Cleveland, OH †LaCori Samara Brent, Little Rock, AR †††Gloria Brown, Jackson, MS †Jah’Nyce Tiara Burse, Clinton, MS †*Corina Cepeda, New Orleans, LA Keyonia Course, Jackson, MS Cynthia Jonara Cox, Columbus, OH *Adjonea Shanta Dudley, New Orleans, LA Taylor Anne-Marie Encalarde, New Orleans, LA Carnesha Alexia Green, Wesson, MS †Derrick Gunn II, Chicago, IL Jayla Nikole Hall, East St. Louis, IL Naya Nyasa Huggins, Baton Rouge, LA Janeeka Rachael Ethel Ingram, New Orleans, LA *Taylor Malon Jackson, Rialto, CA Jazmyne Jimmerson, Jackson, MS

COLLEGE OF health sciences | college of liberal arts

Dr. Candis Pizzetta Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts

“JSU has been pushing forward in science and technology; the arts, education and so much more.” - Michelle Obama Former First Lady of the United States of America

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CHEMISTRY †Basha Brianna Adams, Chicago, IL †*Jsh’Lyssa Cain, Byram, MS †Javaris Ramone Hart, Conyers, GA Lauren M. Moore, Ruston, LA †Jillian Iman Pritchard, St. Louis, MO

CIVIL ENGINEERING Markquez S. Jackson, Jackson, MS Rashaad Antwan Jenkins, Baton Rouge, LA Jordan Johnson, Byram, MS Joshua Nathan Lacey, Little Rock, AR

COMPUTER ENGINEERING Kendrick Demond Bell, Hermanville, MS *Ankoma Cummings, Accokeek, MD Kevin Fitzgerald Garner, Jr., Jackson, MS †Lesley Fione Kitchens, Florence, MS Clairice Simone Magee, Sharon, MS Demarco Deshaun McDonald, Heidelburg, MS Janaurius D. Porter, Camden, MS Mark La’Patrick Rhodes, Jr., New Hebron, MS William Nowlin Smith, Jackson, MS Malerie Walk, Hattiesburg, MS * Summer 2020 Conferment 37 | 2020 spring commencement

Micah Andrew Webb, Olive Branch, MS

COMPUTER SCIENCE Démetrious Brown, Jackson, MS ††Jahelle Cato, Douglasville, GA †Nzefili M. Chukwuma, Clinton, MS †LaTamla Culley-Triggs, Jackson, MS Kaitlyn Noel Dent, Hattiesburg, MS †††Keilah I. Drake, Vicksburg, MS †††Vincent Kiprotich Langat, Kericho, Kenya Cambria Alexandria Roberts, Madison, MS †Eriana Thomas, Meridian, MS

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING †Ke’Jaun Leon-Wright, D’Iberville, MS Micah Andrew Webb, Olive Branch, MS

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY Hakeem Ali Abdelzaher, Jackson, MS Hannah Hulitt, Jackson, MS Jermey Patrick, Jackson, MS Calvin Wilson Younger, Flora, MS †Christopher C. Young, Jr., Brandon, MS

MATHEMATICS Tambria S. Golden, Arcola, MS Nia Charlean McClay, Chicago, IL

college of science, engineering & technology

Tyler Darnaé Johnson, Bossier City, LA *Courtney Andrea Lofton, Chicago,IL Kiandra Simone Kagler, Atlanta, GA †Benjamin Knott, Jackson, MS *Kyle-Jordan Lee, Jackson, MS Toni M. McCauley, Sikeston, MO †Jeffery Savohn McGee, Jr., Chicago, IL *Kitana M. McGee, Byram, MS Kenneth Earl Milton, Jr., Greenwood, MS Chakeus Mitchell, Jackson, MS Chiqueria L. Mitchell, Jackson, MS Brittany Olivia Moman, Jackson, MS Quashaine M. Morgan, Rose Hill, MS ††Chiamaka P Okoli, Jackson, MS †Jekhari Vershawn Ramsey, Jackson, MS *Kayla Noelle Richardson, Charlotte, NC Juanita Samone Lanita Sanders, Roxie, MS Bionka R Smith, Canton, MS ††Dajia D. Smith, Marianna, AR Mark A. Smith, Madison, MS Amani S. Stewart, St. Louis, MO Tiauna Roshae Terrell, Toomsuba, MS ††DaNisha Kevonne Thomas, Edwards, MS Darrielle Nicole Tobias, Monroe, LA Jessika Turner, Terry, MS Elizabeth Chinyere Ugoala, Chicago, IL Doris Lynette Walker, Jackson, MS Taylor S. Walker, Jackson, MS ††Kayla Olivia White, Terry, MS Allyson M. Williams, Meridian, MS

“JSU prepared me for the moments when I felt like throwing in the towel.”

- DeMarco Morgan CBS News Correspondent

jackson state university | 38

2020 spring Undergraduate Candidates for Degrees Bachelor of Business Administration ACCOUNTING †††Emmanuel Acheampong, Cypress, TX Kinard Markell Booker, Bentonia, MS ††Mekaya C. Brookshire, Edwards, MS ††Roxie Brown, Raleigh, MS ††William ShẽDon CarDA Foster, Cahokia, IL Kyesha Green Davis, Utica, MS Jonathan Haley, Brandon, MS ††Laterrica Harvey-Luckett, Canton, MS †Miracle Hunter, Clarksdale, MS †Quiana D. James, Ocean Springs, MS †Daysia Kennedy, Canton, MS Brittney M. Nelson, Yazoo City, MS †††Michelle A. Patton, Madison, MS †Wesley A. Reyes Padilla, Bayamon, Puerto Rico Meccah L. Robinson, Gulfport, MS DeVonta M. Russell, Jackson, MS Adrian Salazar, Charlotte, NC †Che’ J. Smith, II, Horn Lake, MS ††Kiera Kimani Spears, New Orleans, LA Dallas N. Thorn, Jackson, MS †††Tomas Torres Dowdall, Tucuman, Argentina

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Alanna R. Atkins, Brandon, MS Malcolm Butler, Aurora, IL Olivia Carter-Howard, Portland, OR Adarius Rashad Craft, Gulfport, MS Jamayah S. Harris, Jackson, MS Tonysha Hawthorne, Jackson, MS Jaylan S. Hibbler, Jackson, MS Aria House, Hazlehurst, MS Elizabeth Renee Jones, Detroit, MS Shanekia Nicole McEntee, Forest, MS †Holiness Jamal Redd, Madison, MS †Shaughnessy O. Rickmon, Peoria, IL Talia Sword, Byram, MS Shaquea CaTerra Antranese Williams, Clarksdale, MS * Summer 2020 Conferment

39 | 2020 spring commencement

ECONOMICS Zachary Carr, Jackson, MS †††Bismark Yeboah, Sunyani, Ghana

ENTREPRENEURSHIP DeRon Bullock, Jackson, MS Chanel Elyse Epps, Jonesboro, GA Deborah Haymon, Pickens, MS †††Myesha Landrews, McComb, MS Michaela Jordan Lee, Holbrook, AZ †††Gabrielle Adia Lyles, St. Louis, MO ††Nevaeh Mariah Pittman, Minneapolis, MN ††Angel Shelton, St. Louis, MO Errick L. Smith, Jackson, MS Derrick Lamont Smith, Jr., Jackson, MS †Ahmarey Jeremiah Stimley, Hattiesburg, MS Calyn Alyssa Stringfellow, Jackson, MS Harold Jaquand Wells, Fairburn, GA

FINANCE Charbonet Chantel Attaway, Indianola, MS ††Joshua Bailey, Coffeeville, MS ††Mekaya C. Brookshire, Edwards, MS †Brian Flatt, Dothan, AL †Ashton Clarence Jaymes Gage, Gulfport, MS †Euxephronesis E. Miller, Jackson, MS Che’ J. Smith, II, Horn Lake, MS

MANAGEMENT †††Gabrielle Simone Allen, Belton, MO †† Asia Allen, Chicago, IL †Ayriah Markeda Anderson, Biloxi, MS Shanekia K. Davis, Jackson, MS †† Ketravion Davis, Shelby, MS Omari Edward Dupree, Jackson, MS Madison Nicole Lockett, St. Louis, MO †††Imani Manyfield, Gary, IN

MARKETING Shacarla Shatutor Fields, Columbus, MS Justin T. Hardwick, Jackson, MS Taylor Rae Harrison, Aurora, CO †Fredrick Haywood, Jr., Mound Bayou, MS Elijah Escobar Hill, Atlanta, GA †Cameron Jamison, Byram, MS †Naysa Rhea Sylvia Lynch, St. Thomas, VI Atrael Porter, Jackson, MS †G’Von Wyche, Jr., Miami, FL

Dr. Roosevelt O. Shelton Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Development

bachelor of science CHILDCARE AND FAMILY EDUCATION Kiara Antionette Applewhite, Jackson, MS ††Pearl Latham Bailey, Jackson, MS Kimberly Monique Buckhalter, Jackson, MS †Madison L. Chambers, Clinton, MS †††Joseph L. Christmas, Crystal Springs, MS Tatianna Davis, Chicago, IL Jakarri Iman Donley, Greenwood, MS †††Jerilyn D. Fleming, Sharon, MS Kymberly Gater, Jackson, MS Sheandrea B. Harris, Plain Dealing, LA Ayana S. Harvey, Jackson, MS Bessie J. Henderson, Edwards, MS †Aleghsa Jamel Haywood, Mound Bayou, MS D’Avia D. Henry-Peyton, Jackson, MS Janice Latrice Honer, Jackson, MS Loriel Horne, Chicago, IL Kennedy Alexandra Johnson, Ellenwood, GA †Saletha Johnson, Brandon, MS †††Diamond T. Jones, South Holland, IL †Reneisha Kennedy, McComb, MS ††Lakeishia Lewis, Brandon, MS †Raven K. Lowe, Jackson, MS Chelsea A. McBounds, Jackson, MS Taneka Nicole Moore, Magnolia, MS Chastity R. Moore, Little Rock, AR Quarmekia Moore- Scott, Jackson, MS Na’shekia D. Mosley, Lena, MS Constance Alecia Rogers, Hazlehurst, MS Dapri E. Ross, Kenosha, WI †Sharon D. Smith, Jackson, MS Alex Jaymal Taylor, Jackson, MS Kawana Thigpen, Bay Springs, MS †††Dominique Lasha Thomas, Jackson, MS Andrea J. Tyler, Terry, MS Raven Wilson, Jackson, MS Jackye Walker, Plantersville, MS

college of business | COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Fidelis M. Ikem Dean, College of Business

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION †††Courtney Mashona Breann Burt, Brandon, MS ††Alia Lavelle Hall, Memphis, TN ††† Kiyah LaNiece Hillman, Madison, MS Ashley Dunaway Jackson, Brookhaven, MS †Kimberly Johnson, Hazlehurst, MS †Tisithia LaQuell Knotts, Jackson, MS Brandi Lashea Myers, Jackson, MS Apryll Arionne Porter, Jackson, MS †††Alliyah Refour, Greenville, MS †††Andrea Robinson, Jackson, MS Kristen Smith, Jackson, MS †††Ambria Wade, Memphis, TN ††Kahlil Nytrell Walker, Jackson, MS †Dalerikya Wesley-Freeman, Cleveland, MS †Nadia Alyse Williams, Dallas, TX

HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND RECREATION Marquett Allen, II, Jackson, MS Jordan Cordell Berry, Cedar Hill, TX Marneisha R. Hamer, Memphis, TN Jadarius Hicks, Jackson, MS †Tyler Jones, Columbus, MS Thomas M. Lee, Jackson, MS Kesean I. Stokes, Jackson, MS Kierra Nicole Taylor, Memphis, TN †Cristofer Ward, Brandon, MS LaDarius Dashawn Watkins, Byhalia, MS Devin Jerome Weathersby, Jackson, MS †Sumer Williams, Vivian, LA Lakon Armond Wilson, Hattiesburg, MS Keenen Young, East St. Louis, IL

PROFESSIONAL INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES Patrice KeWanna Adams, Yazoo City, MS ††Johnie L. Allen, Jr., Yazoo City, MS †Faith Anderson, Jackson, MS ††Denise Edison Ashford, Collins, MS Charia Monique Grace Baylor, Meridian, MS Kira V. Berry, McComb, MS Lillie P. Boykin, Jackson, MS Amanda Yolanda Dear-Jones, Clarksdale, MS †Matthew N. Furnace, Brandon, MS Sabrina Jackson Gray, Jackson, MS ††Anthony Becerra-Lopez, Las Vegas, NV †Penney L. Blackwell, Bogue Chitto, MS Tympestt Bryant, Jackson, MS Gregory Buchanan, Ridgeland, MS ††Nathaniel Matthew Carr, Ackerman, MS Edward E. Cook, Jackson, MS Dejohnessa L. Dixon, Lexington, MS Roland Junior Griffen, Aurora, IL * Summer 2020 Conferment

Alecia Antoinette Hackler, Jackson, MS Courtney La’ Shay Harris, Bentonia, MS Lamarrio Curtiss Mapp, Ludlow, MS Garnetta Martin, Clinton, MS ††Harry Colón Meléndez, Santa Isabel ††Jameka Etrice Moore, Clinton, MS †††Kevin Moses, Brandon, MS ††Monica Ray, Jackson, MS Graceyla Shelby-Wells, Jackson, MS Kevin L. Ward, Thibodaux, LA Kalasha Angelique Hughes, Memphis, TN Steven L. Ivy, Rolling Fork, MS Shnika Jackson, Georgetown, MS ††Harry Colón Meléndez, Santa Isabel †Freeman Jimison, Meridian, MS Kaisah Lucky, Brooklyn, MS JaLisa Nelson, Jackson, MS Christopher D. Prentiss, Vicksburg, MS Jasmine D. Redmon, Sacramento, CA Briana Danielle Roberts, Clinton, MS *Ava D. Robinson, Utica, MS Hunter Shelton, Owensboro, KY Alandria T Smith, Jackson, MS Kiara Shantrell Stimage, Utica, MS Joyce Stokes, Canton, MS †Brandon Valentin, Miami, FL Venjie Wallis Jr., Houma, LA

Lesaunia Chambers, Canton, MS A’nna Mechele Dunbar, West Bloomfield, MI Adrian Hawkins, Clinton, MS Bianca M. Knight, Rockford, IL Angelisa Marley, Ridgeland, MS Alexandria Nicole McDaniels-Harmon, Canton, MS Sherril Tate, Georgetown, MS Karnita Turner, Vicksburg, MS Katina Marchetta Williams, Jackson, MS India M. Preston Campbell, Jackson, MS Kimbly Dent, Jackson, MS Titus Ahmed Gilbert, Jackson, MS Kentrael Leon Goudy, Collins, MS Avia Jean Jackson, Philadelphia, MS Henry L. Jones, Jackson, MS Vivian C. Lewis, Jackson, MS Cordelia A Myers, Jackson, MS Pearlean Shelby, Clinton, MS †Justin Allen Waite, Pearl, MS KaShondra Tamika Williams,Canton, MS Tamiko Womack-Wilson, Jackson, MS †††Latacha Woods, Shreveport, LA

SPECIAL EDUCATION

bachelor of science

† Zenovia Bradley, Grandview, MO Carlee Meshona Dawn Griffiths, Sherwood Park, Alberta; Canada Kayla QueShell McLaurin, Brandon, MS †††Vanessa R. Watson, Jackson, MS †Bryan Wilson, North Little Rock, AR

bachelor of Science in Education SOCIAL SCIENCE †††Yasmin Jaketa McLaurin, Bay Springs, MS Gregory E. Smith, Jackson, MS La’Darius D. Smith, Greenville, MS Darrian DeVincio Wilson, Brookhaven, MS

bachelor of science University Studies Felicia L. Adams, Belzoni, MS Asline Marie Brown, Jackson, MS

Dr. Girmay Berhie Dean, College of Health Sciences School of Public Health; School of Social Work

COMMUNICATIVE DISORDERS †††Teandra Brielle Averett, Jackson, MS †††Christina M. Beall, Jackson, MS Meah Foxworth, Jackson, MS †Taniya Morgan Gaines, Brandon, MS †Jaylin Henry, Jackson, MS LaQuasha Hopson, Quitman, MS †Ebonie Janae Hyche, Jackson, MS †Kyra Capris Johnson, Jackson, MS Kiara K. Jorden, Carrollton, MS Tamara L. Kidd, Bolton, MS Megan Noel Lewis, Brandon, MS Dameron Lindsey, Bassfield, MS Marley D’Shay McDuffie, Raymond, MS †Lexxus Patrick, Kosciusko, MS ††Lashaun S. Ramsey, Ridgeland, MS †††Kelsey Ronesia Ransom, Flora, MS Sierra Sebastiana Smith, Loganville, GA Jayda Stone, Jackson, MS †Raven A.Thomas, Clinton, MS †Terrance Thurman, Lithonia, GA †Octavia Shonta Walker, Brandon, MS †Alondria C. Washington, Lexington, MS Brittany R. Watkins, Jackson, MS jackson state university | 40

HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION †Brittany Allen, New Hebron, MS †Matrica Lashawn Anderson-Belton, Hazlehurst, MS Lileshia Benson, Clarksdale, MS Fo’Taysha Kimya Berry, Mendenhall, MS †††Beverly Boddie, Cleveland, MS Erica Brent, Canton, MS ††Daphyne Pace Cain, Canton, MS Chiquita L. Campbell, Jackson, MS Jalisa Shanay Carr, Jackson, MS Alycia Keundra Fields, Gluckstadt, MS Kashalen Sharda Graham, Heidelberg, MS †Jasmine Hamlin, Memphis, TN ††Briana Danielle Hardge, Chicago, IL Azia B Hill, Yazoo City, MS Jada D. Hilliard, Hazlehurst, MS Jasmine Danyell Hilton, Quitman, MS ††Anna Jackson, Memphis, TN †Jemessia Johnson, Jackson, MS †Nickie Johnson, Canton, MS ††Danielle Nicole Kitchens, Pearl, MS †††Christal Lynn Lewis, Edwards, MS ††Summer Korean Mallard, McComb, MS Bennetta Pierce Mason, Jackson, MS Eddie Maxon, Jr., Shelby, MS ††La’Deidra Ann McGowan, Jackson, MS Jasmine McGriggs, Jackson, MS Anna L McMullen-Carr, Ackerman, OH †ChaQuayla Moore, Jackson, MS Pamela D. Polk, Jackson, MS Darius Rogers, Lumberton, MS Denitta L. Singleton, Inverness, MS Portia N. Snell, Byram, MS ††Shemieka Burns Spencer, Canton, MS Carlyn Monique Stewart, Cleveland, OH †Cassandra Taylor, Brandon, MS Sean C. Taylor, St. Louis, MO Felicia Ware,Greenwood, MS †Brandy Nicole Watson, Morton, MS Catrina Williams, Sharon, MS Karee Shanice Wilson, Jackson, MS †††Shameka S. Winston, Canton, MS

bachelor of social work SOCIAL WORK †††Jalen J. Anderson, Jackson, MS ††Aliyah Lashawn Armour, Flint, MI Likeba Ishae Bentley, Jackson, MS * Summer 2020 Conferment 41 | 2020 spring commencement

†Rickerya L. Brown, Jackson, MS Jessica S. Campbell, Starkville, MS Catherine Elizabeth Ann Cannon, Chicago, IL Chasity Nichole Carter, Edwards, MS †Brandi Tyrean Pittman-Cooper, Lena, MS Kimberlee Course, Jackson, MS Dericka Lashone Dotson, Carlisle, MS Tsdkeyah MeShawnda Handy, Canton, MS †Keiana S. Henley, Southaven, MS †Khrystal Dawn Horne, Jackson, MS †Briana Hudson, St. Louis, MO Quintoria Ingram, Bentonia, MS †Corine Jefferson, Lexington, MS La’Teisha M. Jones, Hazlehurst,MS †Cynthia Annette Jones, Jackson, MS †April R Jordan, Jackson, MS Davida Kilpatrick, Greenwood, MS Julissa Lopez, Kansas City, MO †Fredericka L Luckett, Canton, MS Ykeisha Renee Shalice McGee, Jackson, MS Kristie Denise Page, Pickens, MS Taylor Jacquelle Payne, Indianapolis, IN Joaquin Cartez Phillips, Byhalia, MS †LaPeaches Latrice Pollard, Edwards, MS †Candace Alexia Reed, Lorman, MS Jalen Juwan Rhodes, Jackson, MS Sasha Ridley, New Orleans, LA Terry Smith Jr., Jackson, MS Demeria Shavon Travis, Canton, MS †††Jessica Lynn Trotter, Chicago, IL Torri Tachea’ Walton, Batesville, MS †Glendolin Watson, Port Gibson, MS Raven O Williams, Greenville, MS Hayley Lacora Wolfe, Crystal Springs, MS LaNedra R. Woodard, Yazoo City, MS Dr. Candis Pizzetta Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts

bachelor of arts ART

††O’Nika LaShan Grant, Brandon, MS †Ashley Grant, Atlanta, GA ††Tyrus Hamilton, Jackson, MS †††Zipporah S. Jones, Byram, MS ††Karissa D. Patrick, Jackson, MS Jamaurea Myeshay Smith, Greenville, MS Dearron Stewart, Lena, MS

ENGLISH AND MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE ††Jeremy P. Grishby, Jackson, MS

HISTORY Abreya Chantanece Dukes, Chicago, IL Justin Josiah Walker, Jackson, MS

JOURNALISM AND MEDIA STUDIES †Dierius Rashad Abby, Vicksburg, MS Gabrick LaHughie Adams-Owens, Jackson, MS †Devin T. Allen, Jackson, MS ††Kristiana Allen, Kosciusko, MS †Zahriah Balentine, St. Louis, MO †Kambui Muata El-Jamah Bomani, New Orleans, LA Anyaah K. Copeland, Corinth, MS †Kayla Llexandra Cross, Collins, MS Tyler D. Culpepper, Memphis, TN Lequarius Funchess, Jackson, MS FaDerrick Kenyon Green, Jackson, MS Dwayne L. Jenkins, St. Louis, MO Evan Paul Jones, Jackson, MS Kelvin K. Jones, Carthage, MS ††Alexia Patrice Lee, Jackson, MS †††Leonard D. Moore, Benton, MS ††Anesha S. Prince, Columbus, GA †††Cianna Hope Reeves, Terry, MS RaShaunda Jaquel Ridle, Michigan City, IN Jasmine Sanders, Canton, MS Treasure Ashley-Nico Thigpen, Cincinnati, OH †Demetris DeShawn Valentine, Vicksburg, MS †Kendrick Whitehead, Greenwood, MS

POLITICAL SCIENCE

ENGLISH

†Ananda Seline’ Collins, Jackson, MS †Torin Johari Davis, Cincinnati, OH ††Jahniah J. Grimsley, Winterhaven, FL †††Jordan McKenzie Jefferson, Jackson, MS Keith D. Jones, Jr., Chicago, IL ††Jasmine Briana King, Vicksburg, MS †Maria A. Sepulveda Meneses, Ridgeland, MS ††Amarna Muhammad, Chicago, IL ††Jabria Michal Pearson, Freeport, IL ††Le’Ana Alexandria Rhett, Atlanta, GA

†Alexis Cain, Canton, MS

SOCIOLOGY

†LesTrina Reneé Bailey, Memphis, TN Taylor Copper, Lithonia, GA Timberly Nicole Jones, Canton, MS †Violet Belle Kirk, Aurora, IL ††Rajavion Lekendre Mackabee, Brookhaven, MS Deja Jenise McDowell, East St.Louis, IL ††Dipannita Saha, Jackson, MS

COLLEGE OF health sciences | college of liberal arts

Mariyah B Williams, Jackson, MS †Keiann Williams, Evanston, IL

Katrice Shante’ Bennett, Jackson, MS Christopher Joseph Harris, Jacksonville, FL Jasma Lashun Jobe, Camden, MS †Laquarius Cantrell Moorehead, Yazoo City, MS Blake Isaiah Morehouse, St. Louis, MO ††Gaybriel J. Payton, Hattiesburg, MS †Daniel Roman, Flowood, MS DeAndre Kemon Stevenson, Byhalia, MS Asia Symone Thompson, Chicago, IL Clarissa Mona Thompson, McComb, MS

SPEECH ††DeAndrea M. Frank, Jackson, MS Oni Briah Jones, Chicago, IL †JoeOnna Rowena Kidio, San Diego, FL †††Ivory Dannielle Lowe, Hattiesburg, MS Syderrick D. Maiten, Greenville, MS

bachelor of music MUSIC PERFORMANCE Jailon Kevaughn Davis, Tuscaloosa, AL †Keitra Briana Wilson, Jackson, MS

bachelor of music education MUSIC EDUCATION †D’angelo Rafa’El Fluellen, Dallas, TX †Terrence Alexander Sotillio, Bedford, OH

bachelor of science CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES Alex Bernard Altman, Stonewall, MS ††Natasha Arrington, Taylorsville, MS †Brooke Boechler, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada †††Markus DeShawn Brooks, Bloomington, IL †Jacari A. Brown, Greenville, MS Amber LaShay Campbell, Clinton, MS ††Destiny Alexus Cameron, Forney, TX ††Chelsea Rayjean Cleveland, Carthage, MS Debbie Carr Conerly, McComb, MS Patrick J. Dent, Jackson, MS Nicholas Antwan Fenderson, Bay Springs, MS †Tiara Louise Foote, Florence, MS

O’Necia Lashea Ford, El Dorado, AR ††Quiaira Ahlesee Holloway, Little Rock, AR Teanna I. Howard, Hernando, MS David Hubbard, Clinton, MS ††Jabaris Deangelo Jefferson, Port Gibson, MS ††Triniti Lorenne Johnson, Joliet, IL ††Racheal Lawrence Keys, Lexington, MS Jacob Martin, Jackson, MS Charles Edward Moffett, III, Gulfport, MS Robert C. Molden, Chicago, IL Chrishtian Joy Lucille Netterville, Natchez, MS Michael J. Nickols, Jackson, MS Tekevia Rhodes, Jackson, MS Leroy Roddy, III, Zachary, LA Brittany Michelle Rogers, Clinton, MS Ebony J Ross, Brookhaven, MS ††Timothy Elijah Sander, Richland, MS †Raterius Nikita Shegog, Memphis, TN Keyonna Thornton, McComb, MS Jalin J. Thompson, Jackson, MS †††Ariel L’mya Wade, Memphis, TN Alisha Wallace, Clinton, MS Adrienne Bridges Williams, Jackson, MS

PSYCHOLOGY ††Shameelah Jazzmeen Abdullah, Minneapolis, MN Nikosha Selese Anderson, Jackson, MS Jonathan Anderson, Baton Rouge, LA Akeiala Bailey, Chicago, IL †Courtney Simone Catchings, Canton, MS Tia Symone’ Coleman, Weir, MS Taliah Cooper, Chicago, IL †††Jaida Vashawn Culp, Memphis, TN ††Latisha Shanee Dolford, Houston, TX Selina A. Drummond, Brooklyn, NY Khaliya Elnise Ervin, Park Forest, IL Taylor Briana Fry, Natchez, MS †Kayla Rine Gambrell, Tampa, FL †Kimberly E. Griffith, Pascagoula, MS †Aliyah A. Hakeem, Chicago, IL Natalie L. Henderson, Jackson, MS †Jazzlyn Majorie Reena January, Vicksburg, MS †E’ssence S. McNabb, Chicago, IL KhyEssence Nataya Paxton, Jackson, MS Audrick Jamal Robinson, Cleveland, MS Austin Todd Stidham, Jackson, MS Patti Elizabeth Vance, Flora, MS

SPEECH Jayla Monique Lomax, Jackson, MS ††Helena Starr Vah, Jackson, MS

Dr. Wilbur L. Walters, Jr. Dean, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology

bachelor of science BIOLOGY †Tenoa Alex, Jr., Baton Rouge, LA Jameisha Kierra Anderson, Anquillla, MS Markeya K. Austin, Greenville, MS †††Sierra MaShun Barnes, Itica, MS ††Taylor Paige Battle, Hanover, MD LaCora Nichole Bogard, Memphis, TN Ke’Ashanti Bolden, Chicago, IL ††Grant E. Broadway, Little Rock, AR Daphanie Bryant, Jackson, MS ††Alexandra Gabrielle Burney, Vancouver, Canada Cardeana Marie Burton, Portland, OR ††Treasure LiAnn Carpenter, Washington, DC †Davell M. Carter, Memphis, TN ††Briyaunah Jachelle Caston, Jackson, MS †Amerria Causey, Hollandale, MS †Jolene Marie Ceniceros, Whittier, CA †Ariana Cruz, Goleta, CA ††Brooklyn Brianna Cunningham, Jackson, MS ††Kelon A. Dedner, Forrest City, AR †Ja’Merica Kimbrell Dixon, Vicksburg, MS ††Keyoshia Donelson, Tchula, MS Kaitlyn Anaise Elzie, Los Angeles, CA ††Danielle DeAsia Darkeyla Epps, Jackson, MS †Jeffery Dewayne Fairley, II, Jackson, MS Christina Bianca Garcia, Brandon, MS JaBrien J. Garrett, Edwards, MS †Kobe Gates, Walnut Grove, MS †Seth Elijah Gipson, Tuscaloosa, AL ††Kaitlin Caron Graves, Prattville, AL †Daija Imani Green, Baton Rouge, LA Elijah Emmanuel Greenfield, Jackson, MS ††Jeremy Paul Grishby, Jackson, MS ††Ja’Nasa Hardy-Hardin, Jackson, MS †††Tia M. Harris, Memphis, TN †Savanna Henriquez, Melbourne, FL Jakini A Hill, Hazelhurst, MS ††Antonio Ronnie Davis Hill, Whites Creek, TN Destiny DeShaye Hughes, Jackson, MS †Zacarriya Asante’ Ravei’ Humphries Columbus, MS Roneisha Dominique Isom, Byhalia, MS †Serena L. Jackson, Frisco, CA †Tevin Alexander Jackson, Tylertown, MS Kourtlyn Alicia Jacobs, Jackson, MS Juwan Marquise James, Decatur, GA jackson state university | 42

CHEMISTRY †††Micah Lynn Anderson, Wichita, KS ††Zaniqua Nysha Bullock, Atlanta, GA ††Jalah Lillian Carter, Memphis, TN ††Nelson Fubuh Chitoh, Atlanta, GA ††Kobe Alexander Graham, Jackson, MS †Tiesha M. Hough, Hattiesburg, MS †Kialandrea Denae’ Kilpatrick, Pine Bluff, AR †Darius Lawrence Nelson, Jackson, MS * Summer 2020 Conferment 43 | 2020 spring commencement

Destiny Monet Nicholson, Chicago, IL †Sadia Nowshin, Dhaka, Bangladesh ††Imani Rose Taylor, Grand Blanc, MI

BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING †Nicholas D. Fisher, Clarksdale, MS †Ronelle De’Shay Jones, Stone Mountain, GA †Milin Trinity Smith, Oswego, IL

CIVIL ENGINEERING †††Stephanie M. Boggs, Huntsville, AL Ventress Devon Bolden, Jr., Jackson, MS ††Justin Lewis Brown, St. Louis, MO †Kelsey Cherelle Bryant, Yazoo City, MS Tonette A. Campbell, Chicago, IL †††Henry Azael Castillo, Panama, FL ††Kayla Elizabeth Cheatham, Madison, MS Keenan Vizquel Durr, Magee, MS Peyton Thomas Francis, Brandon, MS Amier M. Gardner, Demopolis, AL Jermaine DeVel Grays, Jr., Vicksburg, MS Mason Alexander Gregory, Brandon, MS Robert Edmonson Harris, Birmingham, AL Muhammad A. Hassan, Jackson, MS Ma’Kala Houston, Jackson, MS Fritz K. Jacobs, Windhoek, Namibia †Lucius Levert Lamar, Jackson, MS †Jonathon W. Lewis, Plano, TX Jonathan P. Loving, Jackson, MS Ka-Darrien Deion Mallett, Clinton, MS †††Andrew McGowan Marsh, Madison, MS Cameron Deion McQueen, Clinton, MS ††William Robert Patterson, Vicksburg, MS DeMerrius Plair, O’Fallon, MO Patrick L. Stanley, Jackson, MS Courtland Alexander Williams, Clinton, MS

COMPUTER ENGINEERING †††Biruk Dejene Abate, Jackson, MS †††Dennis Earl Agnew, Jr., Marietta, GA ††Shonta’ Derdra Alford, Columbia, MS †Brandon Brown, Terry, MS †††Travis Alexander Butler, Ludlow, MS Cordell L. Echols, Hattiesburg, MS Antornique Martiska Garrett, Edwards, MS †Dwayne Hall, Jr., Mound Bayou, MS Brannon Daveondrae Hardison, Leland, MS †Kelsey L. Horace-Herron, Cahokia, IL Alecia E. Houston, Jackson, MS Phillip Morris, Little Rock, AR †Jonathan Nathaniel, Memphis, TN Donald Parker, Jackson, MS ††Centryanna Tra’Vonne Patterson, Hattiesburg, MS Brandon Alexander Rayford, Kansas City, MO †††Claudia Rachelle Robinson, Jackson, MS

Maiah Symone Scott, Madison, MS Jewaun Dionte Smith, Leland, MS †Titus L. Smith, Hazlehurst, MS Tavarez Malik Stewart, Charlotte, NC Christopher J. Weathersby, Jackson, MS

COMPUTER SCIENCE †††Albert Boateng, Kumasi, Guana †Lavaskie D’antae Clark, Brandon, MS †††Samuel Ayalew Dagne, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Zakeia L. Davis, Jackson, MS †††Amanuel Engeda Gebre, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ††Mel’Rondarius Groom, Woodville, MS Damon E. Kirk, Meridian, MS Taj Lamar Nelson, Miami Gardens, FL ††Varlin Sheffey, Albuquerque, NM Jessica Stewart, Jackson, MS Nebiyou Samuel Tadesse, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia †Marcus Wynn, Cleveland, MS †Taba C. Zimmerman, Branson, MS

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING †††Taofeek Adeolu Abayomi, Inisa, Nigeria †Biniam Teshome Abiye Ashebir, Ethiopia, Africa Michael P. Cameron, Brandon, MS †††Omar Elsabrouty, Jackson, MS Rashad M. Sanders, Madison, MS Marquis Stowers, Isola, MS Glenn Williams, Cleveland, MS

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY Hakeem Ali Abdelzaher, Jackson, MS Jermeria Monique Arrington, Camden, MS Durriel Jamari Raynald Breland, Canton, MS †††Mia Griffin, Jackson, MS Walter Harris, Hazelhurst, MS Darius Joseph, New Orleans, LA †Elton Sandrae Liddell, Jackson, MS Nastazia Patterson, Tallulah, MS †Randy K Smith, Hazelhurst, MS †Titus Lee Smith, Hazelhurst, MS ††Tiffany Thomas, Jackson, MS London Wagner, Atlanta, GA Xa’Kerriah Wheeler, Collins, MS Na’im Williams, Atlanta, GA Keondra Kashae Williams, Jackson, MS Lorenzo Andrew Wright, Cincinnati, OH

MATHEMATICS Shantavia Nashay Bailey, Webb, MS ††Aaron Alford Clark, Cincinnati, OH Jaleel O. Jean, Decatur, GA

college of science, engineering & technology

†††Kennedy Alexandria Jones, Canton, MS Daysia Gabrielle Jones, Brandon, MS Gwendolyn Joy, Memphis, TN Daniel LaMichael Kelly, Jackson, MS †††Emontie Z. Lewis, Dallas, TX †CaMesha De’Shae Lewis, St. Louis, MO Deshara I Lewis, Dallas, TX ††Amber Marsha McLemore, Mobile, AL ††Kadarious B. Miller, Byram, MS Tiaria A. Mister, Jackson, MS Jabari Willis Myers, Jackson, MS †Jena’e Denitraz Neal, Hazlehurst, MS Keandria Okeke, Jackson, MS †Philip L Patrick, Jr., Oakland, CA ††Kamai Marie Patterson, Minneapolis, MN ††Gailya Tre’Nelle Payton, Hattiesburg, MS Jori Patrice Perrin, Madison, MS †Zhaquavez Nakevion Petty, Indianola, MS Danielle Poelinitz, Chicago, IL Tielar Peyton Richards, Los Angeles, CA Kourtney D. Robicheaux, Houston, TX Carissa Dianna Simmons, Ridgeland, MS Jimmy Deon Sims, Greenville, MS Felize Corin Singleton, Beaverton, OR †Jaylin Smith, St. Louis, MO Ilka Tyisha Stewart, Brookhaven, MS †Shelisa Sutton, Ridgeland, MS Rayonna Symone Swain, Atlanta, GA ††Destiny Annette Taylor, Atlanta, GA Cynthia D. Tidwell, Clinton, MS †Karrington Janae’ Tipler, St Louis, MO Ne’ Lani Turner, Rockmart, GA †Miracle Lynne Vance, Jackson, MS ††Taylor A. Walker, Brandon, MS Kiandrea Denise Warren, Memphis, TN †††Jeremy Terrell Welch, Crystal Springs, MS †††Skyy Wheat, Memphis, TN Brionna Louise Wicks, Jackson, MS Tarjai Janee’ Williams, Collinsville, MS ††Rodney Eric Williams, Memphis, TN Adrienna Alexandra LaShaye Williams, Yazoo City, MS Jasmine Winfrey, Memphis, TN ††Madison Wolf, Rancho Cucamonga, CA Darrius Rashawn Woods, Shreveport, LA ††Nina Zhang, Windsor, Ontario, Canada

“JSU is an excellent point of departure to propel people forward.” - Mike Espy Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

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Jesse Love, Jackson, MS

METEOROLOGY †Taylor Denise Black, Birmingham, AL †Mariama Aisha Feaster, Lithonia, GA Michael Jacquari Smith, Tuskegee, AL †††Anthony E. Thornton, II, Memphis, TN

PHYSICS †Breanna Josideana Horn, Canton, MS †Nicholas Nelson, St. Charles, MO Raven Thompson, Freeport, Bahamas †††Jaylon Emeka Uzodinma, Madison, MS †Daria Weathersby, Byram, MS Cierra Cimone Wilson, Omaha, NE

†††Francis Adusei, Kumasi, Ghana

* Summer 2020 Conferment 45 | 2020 spring commencement

college of science, engineering & technology

STATISTICS

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Board of Trustees MISSISSIPPI INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING Dr. Alfred Rankins, Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education Greenville, Mississippi

BOARD MEMBERS Dr. Ford Dye, President Oxford, Mississippi Dr. J. Walt Starr, Vice President Columbus, Mississippi Dr. Steven Cunningham Hattiesburg, Mississippi Mr. Tom Duff Hattiesburg, Mississippi Mr. Shane Hooper Tupelo, Mississippi Ms. Ann H. Lamar Senatobia, Mississippi Ms. Jeanne Carter Luckey Ocean Springs, Mississippi Mr. Bruce Martin Meridian, Mississippi Dr. Alfred E. McNair, Jr. Ocean Springs, Mississippi Mr. Chip Morgan Stoneville, Mississippi Mr. Gee Ogletree Jackson, Mississippi Mr. Hal Parker Bolton, Mississippi

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Jackson State University Executive Cabinet and Academic Deans Executive cabinet Thomas Hudson, J.D., President Alisa Mosley, Ph.D, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Debra L. Mays-Jackson, Ph.D., Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Howard Brown, Vice President for Business and Finance, Chief Financial Officer Joseph Whittaker, Ph.D, Vice President for Research and Economic Development/Associate Provost Veronica M. Cohen, Vice President for Institutional Advancement & External Affairs Ashley Robinson, Vice President of Athletics and Director of Athletics Robin M. Pack, Executive Director of Human Resources Edward Watson, J.D, General Counsel

deans Dr. Preselfannie McDaniels, Graduate Studies Dr. Fidelis Ikem, College of Business Dr. Millard Juette Bingham, College of Education and Human Development Dr. Girmay Berhie, College of Health Sciences Dr. Candis Pizzetta (Interim), College of Liberal Arts Dr. Wilbur Walters, College of Science, Engineering and Technology

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Jackson State University Seal and Mace THE SEAL The University Seal was designed by Freddy Norman, graphic artist. The Seal displays the University’s motto: Excellentia, Academica, Investigatio et Officium (Academic Excellence, Research, and Service). Three significant elements are presented in the design. At the center of the configuration is a winged torch. The flame signifies the light of learning and the search for truth. It leaps upward, borne aloft by outspread wings symbolic of the quest for excellence. Within the wing on the left side is an open book symbolic of research and publication. The globe inscribed within the wing on the right side symbolizes the University’s commitment to service to the state, the nation, and the world. The year 1877 represents the founding date of the university. The laurel wreath, which is reminiscent of the victor’s crown awarded to the best competitors in the arts and sciences during the Classical Era, encircles the design and represents the pursuit of excellence in every field. On March 15, 1974, the Seal was revised to include the institution’s university designation.

THE MACE The Mace was originated and first used in Egypt, where it represented creativeness, achievement, and the assertive tendency in man. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a weapon of war. Today, however, the mace represents deputized authority and dignity. The Jackson State University Mace is carried in all formal University convocations. It was carved from a piece of solid American black walnut. The upper portion of the Mace is in the shape of a pentagon and contains the University’s logo and Seal. Dr. Sam Cobbins, retired Professor of Technology and Industrial Arts, designed and constructed the Jackson State University Mace.

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The Presidential Chain of Office and Medallion THE presidential Chain of office The Chain of Office is a symbol of office dating from medieval times. It is worn by the President with academic regalia on ceremonial occasions. The Chain of Office honors the highest official at an educational institution as a symbol of leadership and responsibility vested in that office. The Chain of Office for Jackson State University’s President is made of antiqued silver plated bronze metal and is made up of curved banners engraved with the names of the University’s previous presidents. From the chain hangs a medallion. A banner engraved with the President’s name is located at the center of the chain directly above the University Medallion. This banner is adorned with a leaf and inscribed with the year representing the President’s first year in office.

THE presidential Medallion Traditionally, the medallion is a symbol of academic leadership. It is one of the oldest symbols of authority. The medallion is worn by the President as part of his/ her presidential regalia at commencement and other ceremonial occasions at the University. It symbolizes the President’s authority as the highest officer of the University. The medallion is inscribed with the Jackson State University Seal, which represents the Office of the President and the University’s commitment to academic excellence, research and service. The three-inch circular medallion is made of antiqued silver-plated bronze metal with blue enamel. This unique mount represents a single-faced imagery in bas-relief creating a two-level projection with the three significant elements in the overall design encircled by the laurel wreath. At the center of the configuration is a winged torch. The flame signifies the light of learning and the search for truth. It leaps upward borne aloft by outspread wings symbolic of the quest for excellence. Within the wing on the left side is an open book symbolic of research and publication; the globe inscribed within the wing on the right side symbolizes the University’s commitment to service to the state, the nation and the world. The year 1877 represents the founding date of the University. The laurel wreath, which encircles the design, represents the pursuit of excellence in every field.

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The Academic Costume ACADEMIC REGALIA The custom of wearing academic regalia stems from the Middle Ages when scholars were also clerics and wore the costumes in their Monastic orders. The most common headpiece for the ceremony is the black square, flat topped or mortar board which is shaped like a board of the mason which holds the mortar. The tassel on the doctor’s cap is usually gold in color and is worn on the left. The tassel on the master’s cap is usually black and is also worn on the left. The tassel on the bachelor’s cap, usually black, is worn on the right prior to graduation, then moved to the left when instructed by the presiding officer. The hood, which is mentioned as early as 1480 in clerical literature, was originally used as a head covering, a shoulder cape, and a bag in which alms could be collected. The gown is usually black. The traditional doctor’s gown has velvet panels down the front and three velvet bars on the sleeves. The master’s gown has no velvet but does have unusually long sleeves. The bachelor’s gown is similar to the master’s but has regular length sleeves which are pointed. Some gowns may be the color of the department granting the degree, such as “Education Blue.” Others may be “Yale Blue” or “Harvard Crimson” for graduates of these universities.

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Academic Degrees THE BACHELOR’S DEGREE A bachelor’s degree is the first academic degree that is conferred by a university to students who have completed the undergraduate coursework of study. The bachelor’s degree is sometimes called a baccalaureate degree. This degree is the most common type of college degree awarded by institutions of higher learning in the United States. The bachelor’s degree provides students with a foundation for entering many professional career fields and for further education.

THE master’S DEGREE The master’s degree is an academic degree that is conferred by a university to students who have successfully completed one or two years of approved course work beyond that of the bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree candidates are expected to exhibit and demonstrate mastery of a specialized body of theoretical and applied subject matter. A thesis or a project is usually required in many master’s degree programs.

THE specialist DEGREE The specialist degree is common in many education and psychology programs. It is conferred by a university to students who have completed academic study beyond the master’s level and below the doctorate level.

THE doctoral DEGREE The doctoral degree is the highest of the academic degrees conferred by a university. It is offered in most fields of study. Doctoral degrees include the professional degree and the research degree. The professional doctoral degree calls for advanced training for the practice in professional fields such as medicine, pharmacy, law or nursing. The research doctorate requires approximately four years of advanced study and independent research. The years of study and excellent research are typically accompanied by a dissertation. The doctoral candidate is expected to make a contribution to the body of knowledge in the field of study.

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The Academic Procession The academic procession dates back to the Middle Ages when universities were closely associated with the Medieval Church. Since that time, the academic procession has become a treasured tradition in higher education institutions. During the academic procession, university officers and others related to the university march in formal university events in academic regalia. The pageantry of the academic procession is a featured part of commencement programs and other formal university events. The Academic Procession is generally initiated by the university’s mace bearer. During commencements, the mace bearer is generally followed by the chief faculty marshal. The academic procession brings into the arena the President, other officials of the university, representatives from the governing board, the guest speaker, college deans, other platform guests, administrators, faculty and graduating students.

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Senior Class Officers 2019-2020 academic year LaCori Brent, President Jasmine Moncure, Vice President Marchella Price-Gardner, Treasurer Savannah Washington, Secretary Taylor Collins, Miss Senior William Powell, Mr. Senior Ms. Kachelle Pratcher, Senior Class Advisor

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Graduate Student Leadership 2019-2020 academic year Symone Lawson, President Sreenath Panchagnula, Vice President Chelsea Florence, Secretary Jinsol Kong, Treasurer Maqueba Massey, Parliamentarian Nya Buom, Coordinator of Member Development Mrs. Deborah Washington, Advisor

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Jackson State University 2020 Graduate/Undergraduate Commencement Exercises Graduate and Undergraduate Student Marshals College of Business Xiaohong Xu LaKara A. Lewis MeKeishia R. Pierre College of Education and Human Development Anslesia Scott Courtney Copeland Dawn Ruger College of Health Sciences Elizabeth Jones Nneka S. Jenkins Shontel D. Smith College of Liberal Arts Parkisha Davis Logan E. Nave Darius Grant College of Science, Engineering and Technology Vallimanalan Valliappan Panneer Selvam Gloria Brown Azalia Jones

Readers

Loria Brown Gordon, Ph.D. Huie Tomaz Cunningham, Ph.D. Preselfannie W. McDaniels, Ph.D.

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Registrar and Records

Harrison P. Johnson, Ph.D., Registrar Ms. Donna Epps, Assistant Registrar Mrs. Raquel Milton, Graduation Specialist Mrs. LeKesha Tubbs-Hadley, Registration Information Specialist Ms. Rosalind Shaw, Student Records Associate Mrs. Stephanie Stevens, Transcript Processor Ms. Ella Ainsworth, Administrative Assistant

American Sign Language Interpreter Toni Thompson Vicki Lewis Tiffany Leach

COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM Yolanda T. Brown

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2021 spring Commencement committee Ms. Frankie Adams Chief Thomas Albright Ms. Terrie Bell Dr. Girmay Berhie, Ex-Officio Dr. M. Juette Bingham (chair) Dr. Loria Brown-Gordon Ms. Dionne Connor Ms. Dimitri Crain Dr. Lisa Beckley Roberts Mr. Michael Bolden Dr. William Brown Dr. Tomaz Cunningham Dr. Gwendolyn Dawkins Ms. Alla Frank Ms. Nadine Gilbert Ms. Janelle Graham Dr. Tracy Harris Dr. Elaine Hayes-Anthony Ms. Kamesha Hill Dr. Rosella Houston Mr. David Howard Mr. Gerard Howard President Thomas Hudson, Ex-Officio Dr. Fidelis Ikem, Ex-Officio

59 | 2020 spring commencement

Ms. Rachel James-Terry Dr. Harrison Johnson Dr. Tangelia Kelly Ms. Andrea Jones-Davis, Ex-Officio Dr. Robert Luckett Ms. Carolyn Mack Mr. Spencer McClenty Dr. Preselfannie McDaniels, Ex-Officio Provost Alisa Mosley, Ex-Officio Assoc. Provost Brandi Newkirk-Turner, Ex-Officio Dr. Candis Pizzetta, Ex-Officio Ms. Marilyn Porter Dr. Arron Richardson Dr. Michael Robinson Capt. Janet Samuel Dr. Dana Smith Mr. Doug Stringfellow Ms. Candilynn Tenner Dr. Wilbur Walters, Ex-Officio Ms. Deborah Washington Dr. Deidre Wheaton Dr. Carlos Wilson Ms. Carol Woodson

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THEE I LOVE my dear old college home 61 | 2020 spring commencement

GRADUATE/UNDERGRADUATE

spring commencement challenging minds, changing lives jsums.edu

jsums.edu challenging minds, changing lives

jackson state university | 62

C/O 2020 Spring Commencement Booklet

Articles inside

Commencement Committee

Jackson State University Executive Cabinet and Academic Deans

23Spring Graduate Candidates for Degrees

Board of Trustees, Mississippi State Institutions of Higher Learning

Honors and Awards

15Fall Graduate Candidates for Degrees

39Spring Undergraduate Candidates for Degrees

11Combined Commencement Order of Exercise

5Congratulatory Messages

Notations to Guests