The Propel Center, aims to promote student success in entertainment

JSU relaunches Orff Schulwerk certification course

Jackson State University’s Department of Music relaunched the Orff Schulwerk Certification Course for the 2021-2022 academic year. Described as a teaching model for optimal learning in 21st Century classrooms, the course uses imitation, experimentation and personal expression to mold students into confident life-long musicians and creative problem solvers. JSU is the only HBCU to offer the certification program, and the relaunch marked the 25th Anniversary of the course offered at JSU. Ramon Jackson, Ph.D., visiting assistant professor of music, was pivotal in reestablishing the course at JSU. “It offers educators a foundation for teaching music through varied activities. So this gives students at Jackson State an opportunity to learn how to approach music and be entertained while learning,” he said. “It also gives teachers already in the profession the opportunity to enhance or gain more knowledge that they can take back to their classrooms.”

Jackson State University recipient of $300K grant from The Propel Center, aims to promote student success in entertainment

Jackson State University was awarded a $300,000 arts and entertainment grant from The Propel Center and Apple to enable its music students to explore aspirations and develop careers in the music industry. Students from JSU’s music department will be selected to participate in the Cortez Bryant Foundation’s Creative Leadership for the Music Industry Professional Pipeline Program, where they will be immersed in co-curricular activities. Entertainment mogul Cortez Bryant is in his second year of teaching a Careers in Music course at his alma mater JSU. He is looking to establish a music business school at the university in the future. For now, the creative leadership program is a way to further expose students to the outer and inner workings of the industry. “This grant is really making a difference for HBCU youth through music and supporting the next generation of Black entertainment executives and artists. We are honored that they chose the Cortez Bryant Foundation and Jackson State University,” he shares.

Alumni profile

Alumni, friends, corporations, foundations and organizations continue to provide invaluable support for scholarships, academic programs, facility upgrades and other needs. Indeed, it is our donors, including some who choose to remain anonymous, who help maintain the foundation on which great futures for Jackson State University students are built. The Department of Advancement Services makes every effort to verify the accuracy of its Honor Roll of Donors. If your name does not appear, is listed in the incorrect category, or is misspelled, please call 601-979-2282.

Rhea Williams-Bishop, Ph.D.,

is director of Mississippi and New Orleans Programming at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan. In this role, she is responsible for leadership and vision in program conceptualization, design, planning, management, coordination, communication, evaluation, policy and learning of grantmaking in Mississippi and New Orleans. As a small child, she remembers visiting Jackson State University basketball and football games with her siblings and parents. Her father, Oga Gerone Williams is an alumnus and he also played basketball at Jackson State in the 60’s. While a senior in high school, WilliamsBishop was recruited to attend JSU by the late Maria Louisa Alvarez Harvey, Ph.D., a former professor and associate dean of the W.E.B. Du Bios Honors College. “I was offered a full scholarship to JSU and the rest is history,” Williams-Bishop said. Her cumulative experiences as a college student are the driving force to why she and her husband, consistently give financial contributions to JSU. “I am committed to Jackson State because the university saw my potential, offered me the opportunity to pursue a college degree debt-free, and help me develop my skills beyond what I could ever imagine,” says WilliamsBishop. “Caring, committed and knowledgeable professors and administrators provided me with guidance while (also) providing patience and care that was so special. They not only pushed us to excel but willed us to success.” The alumna shares that JSU provided her with an extended family, life-long friendships, multiple degrees and the love of her life and soul mate, Beverly “Bev” V. Bishop, II. The husband and wife met while attending the HBCU. “Finally, to top it all off, all of my sisters and sisters-in-love, children and mother and fatherin-love and dad are all JSU alums. My youngest son is currently a third-year student,” exclaims Williams-Bishop. She emphasizes that JSU provided her with a wealth of knowledge and opportunities, and giving back is “the least she can do.” Williams-Bishop says she is committed to paying it forward so other deserving students can have the same type of meaningful experience that will positively impact their lives. During her tenure as a student, WilliamsBishop was a President’s and Dean’s list scholar, Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowship recipient, first-alternate to Miss JSU, Miss Alpha Phi Alpha, Miss Freshman and a member of the Delta Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She was also a part of the Honors College program. Overall, Williams-Bishop has donated $37,875.00 to JSU through outright gifts and matches from her company. She and her husband have given a total of $80,485. She's also instrumental in JSU receiving over $191,900 from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in matching gifts.

C. Jerome Brown is the executive vice president and chief community officer at The First Bank in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Brown’s journey to Jackson State University began with his family. His uncle and aunt, William and Rejohnna Brown, both Alcorn State University alumni, lived in Jackson. Brown’s aunt was a professor in the College of Education and Human Development at JSU.

Brown’s family visited Jackson regularly for events and holidays. He recalls receiving JSU apparel for Christmas and birthday gifts, attending on-campus events and summer camps. As a Hattiesburg native, Brown always viewed attending the University of Southern Mississippi as an extension of high school. For that reason, he aspired to attend a college or university outside of Hattiesburg.

Brown made his decision to enroll in Jackson State after attending a homecoming game in 1990. He received a scholarship from the JSU National Alumni Association’s Hattiesburg chapter.

As a JSU student, Brown remembers being positively influenced by several people, especially students in leadership positions.

“I admired my peers who were able to properly balance student leadership roles and academics,” Brown said.

As a freshman, he was elected senator for the Student Government Association (SGA) Board. Lacking discipline, Brown was unable to balance his social life, academics and the student leadership role. Because of that, he was unable to serve in another SGA leadership position during his student tenure.

During Brown’s junior year, he was selected to chair the American Marketing Association (AMA) Week. As a marketing major and student member of AMA, he was elated to welcome business executives to campus. During AMA Week, executives hosted seminars, shared company and personal experiences with students and offered internships.

“My grades did not warrant an immediate offer,” Brown said. “Disappointed, I focused on my academic efforts so I could receive an offer the following year.”

During his senior year, a similar seminar occurred on-campus and executives from McRae’s department store offered him a job. During the week, he worked four-hour shifts in sales audit. Brown was later offered an opportunity with McRae’s management training program but he declined it because he realized he didn’t like working in retail.

Before his current role at The First Bank, Brown worked in marketing sales. While providing one of his clients with top-tier customer service, he was offered a job. Brown’s client was the chief executive officer at The First Bank.

“I had no interest in the banking industry,” Brown said. “This was probably due to the lack of diversity in the banking and finance industry.”

“He informed me that I had a good job but he could provide me with a career,” Brown recalls. “That statement resonated with my spirit. I wasn’t offered internships and jobs as a student so taking this opportunity was a leap of faith. It was also me trusting God’s timing for a career.”

Brown’s advice for students is to choose a mentor and learn about his or her career and industry.

“It is important for students to know that service is the rent paid for your room here on Earth,” he said. “Always pay it forward because others are watching.”

As a JSU alumnus, Brown has contributed over $100,000 to his alma mater.

“I realize as a state supported institution, we depend on the state of Mississippi to fund the university,” he said. “Therefore, we ultimately need alums and friends of JSU to help close the gaps that exist in funding, if we want our university to thrive.

Assisting the aims and purposes of JSU is vital, Brown emphasized.

“Being an active member of the JSU National Alumni Association, Inc., is definitely one way to contribute but I also recommend financially supporting the JSU Development Foundation—this is my preference,” he said.

The executive also shared that he is excited about the leadership of President Thomas K. Hudson, J.D., and his newly implemented strategic plan, JSU Elevate