The Jacksonian Magazine | Spring 2024 Issue

Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU

The Jacksonian is published bi-annually by the JSU Office of University Communications.

Chief Communications Officer

Alonda Thomas

Editor-in-Chief

Rachel James-Terry, director of public relations

Writers

Alonda Thomas, chief communications officer/AVP of University Marketing and Communications

Rachel James-Terry, director of public relations

Charles A. Smith, chief photographer

Anthony Howard, media relations specialist

William H. Kelly III, communications specialist

Aron Smith, multimedia specialist

Erin Williams, freelance writer

Photographers

Charles A. Smith, chief photographer

William H. Kelly III, communications specialist

Aron Smith, multimedia specialist

Graphic Design

Brandon R. Thompson, senior graphic designer

Yolanda T. Brown, graphic designer

University Communications

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(Cover photo art by Brandon Thompson, Senior Graphic Designer)

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Tiger Family,

Beginning my tenure as president of Jackson State University has been a rewarding and humbling experience. I am filled with immense pride for the opportunity to lead this great institution into the next era. It is an era of renewal, rebirth, growth, and achievement. It is the era where we will punctuate who we are as Tigers and the five-star education we provide. There are so many remarkable reasons to celebrate Jackson State, and I am honored to be your president.

As a graduate of JSU’s Executive Ph.D. Program, I am proud of the fact that several of the nation’s HBCU presidents have matriculated through this premiere program over the past 20 years. Acknowledging that JSU also produces the highest number of African-American doctoral graduates from a traditional public institution is important. Our faculty conducts groundbreaking research while our students turn internships into permanent employment. The data shows we are building on the distinguished legacy established in 1877. We must continue to do the outstanding work that facilitates our academic excellence. Your support as our robust and vocal alumni is necessary for our growth.

I look forward to collaboration and creating new avenues and revitalized opportunities that underscore the forward-thinking innovation of our academic body. I want us to expand our mission of developing scholars and global leaders by ramping up our recruitment efforts. As my Presidential Tour commences, I look forward to visiting a city near you to meet with alumni, high school scholars, and administrators. We must be intentional in our actions and messaging, sharing the JSU story with enthusiasm and accuracy so future students understand what ‘Thee I Love’ means for the only Mississippi urban research institution.

Keeping our students as the North Star of my administration, I want to ensure they receive the professionalism and customer care they deserve. Students should feel heard and seen. This is a typical saying, but I want it to be more than just a motto or phrase. They should have consistent positive interactions that further define the nurturing environment characteristic of Jackson State. Accountability is also critical to our progress. Every decision we make impacts our students and their experience. They deserve a substantial return on their investment, so getting them across the finish line and advancing their social mobility is vital to their success.

Our students also deserve a Jackson State where they feel safe to learn and socialize. With the Department of Public Safety, we are earnestly working to create a more secure environment with our students’ welfare at the top of our minds. Additionally, bolstering our infrastructure and resources to match our growth is an ongoing priority. I will share progress updates as we work to build a brighter and bolder JSU.

Lastly, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all of you. Your feedback, volunteerism, fundraising, and generous contributions help sustain this university and, most importantly, her students. Please continue to embrace our campus community as we find inventive ways to capitalize on our strengths together. Please join me in a renewed commitment to challenge minds and, in the process, transform lives.

In Tiger Service,

Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D. President

JSUNAA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Esteemed Jackson State University Alumni and Donors,

New beginnings. Moving forward. Setting Thee standard – these words encapsulate the essence of our beloved alma mater, Jackson State University. As we embark on this journey of progress and excellence, I am honored to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your unwavering support and generous contributions throughout the years.

First and foremost, I would like to warmly welcome our new 13th President of Jackson State University, Dr. Marcus L. Thompson. We eagerly anticipate the leadership and vision he will bring to our university as we strive for greatness.

During my tenure as president of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc., I am proud to report that our collective efforts have yielded a significant impact. Since July 1, 2022, we have contributed $120,000 toward athletics and athletic scholarships, empowering our student-athletes to excel on and off the field. Additionally, through the JSUNAA scholarship fund, we have awarded $81,000 to 56 deserving JSU scholars, providing them with the necessary resources to pursue their academic dreams.

Through your membership in the alumni association and your generous donations, we are able to keep scholars in school, ensuring that they have the support they need to succeed. Furthermore, your contributions extend beyond the classroom, as evidenced by our support of initiatives such as the Tiger Food Pantry and the JSU Tiger Career Closet and our efforts to assist the family of one of our eternal Tiger scholars. Together, we have made a tangible difference in the lives of our students and the broader Jackson State University community.

As we look toward the future, we recognize the importance of continued support from our alumni and donors. I invite you to join us for our signature scholarship fundraiser, "For Thee Love of JSU, En Blanc and Bleu," on April 6, 2024. Your participation will help us raise essential funds for student scholarships and reaffirm your commitment to the enduring legacy of Jackson State University. Tickets for this event can be purchased on our website at jsunaa.org.

In closing, I express my deepest gratitude to our alumni and supporters for your unwavering dedication to Jackson State University. Together, let us embrace the spirit of JSU Forward as we support our new administration and work collaboratively to elevate our alma mater to even greater heights.

With Tiger Love,

Patrease Edwards President, JSUNAA, Inc.

By Charles A. Smith

entura, California, known for its sun-drenched hills and Pacific waves, is the birthplace of Leilani Armenta's remarkable journey into the world of football. From those idyllic coastal landscapes to the sultry embrace of Jackson, Mississippi—a city vibrant with southern heat and the tantalizing aroma of barbeque rib plates—Armenta's story unfolds as a testament to resilience, determination and an unwavering spirit.

"Football came into my life during my freshman year of high school," reminisced Armenta, a journalism and media studies student with a minor in sports management. "I played club soccer, but its year-round intensity barred me from high school soccer. That's when I discovered kicking."

Venturing to Mississippi for her studies, Armenta found herself drawn into the football scene at Jackson State University. "I chose Jackson State for its journalism program, its Division I soccer program, and the overall support I felt during my visit," Armenta explained, highlighting her decision to join the university's soccer program.

Classified as a freshman at the university, Armenta's resurgence in football came at a critical juncture for the Jackson State team. Gerardo "G-Baby" Baeza, JSU's starting kicker, was injured, and the backup, Matt Noll, also faced setbacks. "My good friend Avery Salerno and JSU long snapper reached out to me, and after discussions with head coach T.C. Taylor and special teams coach TyQuan Hammock, I joined the team," she said.

"Coach Taylor's belief in me was pivotal," Armenta said. "He encouraged me relentlessly, even after a knee surgery. His support extended to contacting my parents, which meant a lot to me."

Taylor's decision to use Armenta, a Jackson State women's soccer program member, as the kicker during the week of the Bethune-Cookman game was born out of necessity. The Tigers' kicker, Baeza, had been injured in the Texas State game. All-American

punter Noll was injured in practice the week of the Bethune-Cookman game. Taylor turned to Armenta.

Taylor had Armenta pooch kick the ball 25 yards to the Bethune-Cookman 40-yard line to start the game. Armenta became the first woman to kick in an HBCU, SWAC, and Jackson State football game with that kick. It was the only time she kicked in the game. Taylor used a running back to handle the kickoff duties for the rest of the game.

In an interview with the Clarion Ledger, Taylor explained that Armenta had only a couple days of work going into the Bethune-Cookman game, so he did not use her after the opening kickoff. With more time to practice during an open week in the Tigers' schedule, Taylor said he will see how Armenta does in practice ahead of Saturday's game against Alabama A&M before deciding whether to expand her role.

Taylor said he knew that Armenta's first kick would be historic. "Yeah, I did, I did," he said. "I kind of figured there was some history we were making there, but it was a great opportunity for her to come out and help this football team and at the same time vice-versa," Taylor said. "I am very proud of what she came out and did in that game."

The pinnacle of Armenta's journey came with her recognition as the SWAC Player of the Week for Special Teams, a distinction that deeply touched her.

"Recovering from knee surgery, this recognition meant the world. It proved that hard work pays off," she said.

Armenta's determination shone through when asked about her long-term goals with the team. "My aim is to persist as a kicker. Football has been my solace, especially after my ACL surgery. It's where I found happiness," she said, reflecting on her challenges.

With a personal record of a 46-yard kick, Armenta's focus now lies on honing her skills. "I've never solely focused on one sport, but this offseason, it's all about football and kicking," she said.

Expressing her gratitude, Armenta emphasized the support she's received. "Being far from home, the support here at Jackson State is my second family," she said.

In a recent statement during the Thanksgiving break, Armenta declared her decision to shift her athletic focus entirely to football, bidding farewell to soccer.

"I'm immensely grateful for the opportunity to pursue Division 1 football," Armenta shared. "Coach TC Taylor's guidance has been a blessing. I'm excited about continuing my journey at Jackson State University and for what lies ahead."

Armenta's aspirations extend beyond the gridiron, with a desire to venture into sports broadcasting post-graduation. "I want to break barriers in a male-dominated industry and pave the way for more female representation," she said.

Armenta concluded with a heartfelt message, "I'm thankful for the support from the Tiger family. I can't wait to see the future unfold for the JSU football program. Go Tigers!"

KENNEDY PIERCE JOINS SECOND COHORT OF OBAMA-CHESKY VOYAGERS

By William H. Kelly III

Kennedy Pierce, Jackson State University’s 2023-2025 recipient of an ObamaChesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service, describes the 2023 Voyagers Fall Summit and Obama Foundation Democracy Forum as energizing.

“It was extremely uplifting and extremely inspiring,” said Pierce, a junior majoring in political science with a concentration in legal studies who aspires to follow in Barack Obama’s footsteps and serve as president of the United States.

“I got more than what I expected. It was like a movie.”

The summit and forum kicked off on Nov. 2, 2023, with a panel moderated by Michael Strautmanis, the foundation’s executive vice president for external affairs, that featured Pierce and other Chicago-native Voyagers. Panelists welcomed attendees to the city, offered travel tips and spoke about their experiences in Chi-town.

Barack Obama and Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, spoke to the Voyagers during a special session. Obama encouraged the Voyagers to focus on their communities, to lift up those around them and to become more involved in their schools and surrounding communities.

Pierce said it seemed like Obama spoke directly to her and this era of her life as she navigates leadership.

“He was saying what makes a leader and what he believes makes a leader is someone that's not trying to be first in line or trying to be in charge of every single thing,” she said. “A leader is a person who listens to every single person on their team and comes together to make a decision on how we can help other people instead of ourselves.”

The summit included workshops, exercises and sessions designed to strengthen intracohort connections and opportunities to learn from experienced leaders about public service paths. Voyagers also heard about how various systems have created inequitable access to resources and power throughout the world, while they considered their own identities in those systems and the identities of those they hope to serve and empower.

Day two of the experience was identified as the Democracy Forum. Voyagers networked over breakfast with members of the Obama Foundation Global Leadership Network, discussed ways to factually inform people about artificial intelligence and celebrated the 15th anniversary of Obama’s historic election, which made him the first African American to serve as president of the United States.

“I learned so much,” Pierce said. “I met so many people, and it was just very refreshing to know that there are still people in this world that just care, that care about other people, that understand people and that we are still here on this Earth for a reason.”

Pierce said her attendance at the summit convinced her that JSU is where she should be.

“After being in a room with like-minded people and seeing where they are today and seeing that Barack and Michelle Obama are still fighting for us — and they're not even in office anymore—I know that I should be at JSU, that

Pierce met former First Lady Michelle Obama and JSU alum Tammi Davis, the director of business and workforce development for the Obama Foundation, which left her even more inspired to be part of JSU’s legacy of outstanding alumni.

I should be doing what I'm doing and what I'm doing is the right thing,” she said. “They told us to keep doing what we're doing and it will pay off sooner than we know. It was inspirational. I could not have asked for anything more.”

Pierce, who plans to earn a graduate degree in public policy and a doctoral degree before running for office, is interested in working in the office of the governor, in addition to becoming a member of the city council in her hometown of Chicago.

Her ultimate goal is to be the top leader of the United States of America.

“Ever since I was little, people would ask me what I wanted to do, and I would say, ‘I want to be president,’” she said. “I also want to start my own nonprofit organization that focuses on uplifting the Black community in every aspect, whether it be leadership training, jobs, providing housing and just overall giving back to the community.”

The Obamas and Chesky created the Voyager Scholarship to help shape young leaders who can bridge divides and help solve the world’s biggest challenges.

Funded by a $100 million personal contribution from Chesky to the Obama Foundation, the Voyager Scholarship is a two-year program for students across the U.S. in their junior and senior year of college who are committed to pursuing careers that serve the public and their communities.

The Voyager Scholarship is open to students entering their junior year of college at an accredited four-year college or university in the U.S., who have demonstrated a financial need and are U.S. citizens, permanent residents or DACA recipients. The scholarship program brings together 100 students from across the United States who share a curiosity about the world and the conviction to want to make positive change within it.

Pierce joined the second cohort of Voyagers, who will receive financial aid to alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experience to expand their horizons and a network of mentors and leaders to support them.

Pierce is grateful to have been named a Voyager.

“This scholarship will allow me to focus on a public service career instead of the burden of college debt. When I first found out, it felt unreal, and it still feels unreal,” she said.

She credits JSU for its role in her education and selection.

“It feels like this was meant for me,” she said. “I can’t believe it. I want my peers, Jackson, Mississippi, and the world to know that Thee I Love was and is a great aid in the upbringing of a young Black intellectual that is creating positive change within her school and her own community in Chicago.”

Pierce poses after presenting alongside other Chicago-native Voyagers at the start of the summit.

Pierce shown with JSU alum Tammi Davis at the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship Summit.

a

Office

of Community Engagement enhances efforts toward community preservation good neighbor

By William H. Kelly III

Jackson State University’s Office of Community Engagement serves as a model for service-based and legacy-driven efforts for JSU, the city of Jackson and the areas surrounding the campus.

Led by Heather Denne’, Ph.D., director of community engagement, the department focuses on the historic neighborhoods that encircle JSU, their residents and their numerous cultures by offering the university as a beacon of resources. That is accomplished through intentional events, initiatives and programming meant to uplift and better the community and strategically tend to specific and calculated needs requested by members of the community.

“We're all about trying to be good neighbors, trying to find resources for our community and being that community pillar that people are depending on in terms of an HBCU in an urban Black city,” Denne’ said.

The community engagement staff immerses itself in the needs of the community by attending neighborhood meetings and events to keep a pulse on the communities’ needs and wants. Some of the feedback recently received from residents concerns living in a food desert, the need for clean drinking water and how grocery bills have become astronomical, Denne’ said.

To combat the effects of living in a food dessert and the lack of finances and access to transportation, there is a quarterly “crop drop” event and a collaboration with Blackburn Middle School.

The crop drop is a high-energy event where students serve up to 500 families in the metro Jackson area and supply produce such as watermelon and potatoes in addition to non-perishable food items and drinking water. The lively event includes music and dancing, and miles of cars

There’s also the JSU/Jackson Public Schools Blackburn Learning Garden, where students from Blackburn Middle School plant vegetables such as collard greens, parsley, rosemary, onions, green bell peppers and squash. Students have participated in a student-led farmers market and a greens cook-off and have opportunities to learn about entrepreneurship and marketing skills. Neighbors will be the recipients of the collards that the students grow this year, Denne’ said.

“We are always participating with our local schools. Not only is it an opportunity for our students but also for potential students to come to Jackson State, and it's being that good neighbor, saying that ‘We care’ and we are trying to do the right thing and what is good for the community,” Denne’ said.

With an increase in funding and support from partners and constituents, the Office of Community Engagement is seeing its efforts to preserve local spaces and soften the blow of inflation move in the direction that reflects the heart of the department. A grant from the U.S. Department

surround the JSU campus as residents line up to receive what is being given away.

JSU's Office of Community Engagement hosted the Gowdy Washington Addition Exhibition honoring community members on July 28, 2023.

(Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)

of Agriculture allowed JSU to respond to flooding in neighborhoods. In October 2023, the Office of Community Engagement announced that it received a $10 million grant from the USDA to support its efforts to beautify Jackson neighborhoods, while fueling The Gateways to a Greener Jackson initiative. The initiative is designed to engage and employ community partners in projects that enhance equitable access to tree canopy, reduce stormwater runoff and implement and maintain green spaces in underrepresented communities, including increasing access to trees and the social, health and economic benefits they provide.

JSU’s USDA grant partners include:

• Fran Bridges, Ph.D., Pecan Tree Park Neighborhood Association

• Kimberly Hilliard, Ph.D., Center for Social Entrepreneurship

• Berneece Herbert, Ph.D., JSU Urban and Regional Planning

• Mississippi House of Representatives Member Alyce Clarke

• Chloe Dotson, City of Jackson

• Vern Gavin, Hinds County Board of Supervisors

• Vernon Hartley, Jackson City Council member

• Felicia McClinton, Washington Addition

• Alisa Mosley, Ph.D., Provost

• Congressman Bennie G. Thompson

• Farshad Amini, Ph.D., JSU Department of Civil Environmental Engineering

After an Oct. 14 press conference, there was a ceremonial tree planting at the JSU/JPS Blackburn Learning Garden to symbolize the start to the initiative.

Denne’ said the office works to addresses other major needs of the community such as vacant and abandoned houses, access to healthcare,

“It's hard to think about preserving a historic place when you're trying to provide food for your baby” --DENNE’

homelessness, crime and poverty as well as historic preservation.

“It's hard to think about preserving a historic place when you're trying to provide food for your baby,” Denne’ said. “Some things are lofty, and if you can't meet your basic needs of how you're going to provide a roof over your head or clean water to cook food at night, it's hard to think about some of the other things that you need when you have raw sewage backing up in your house and you're getting sick.”

Not every issue can be quickly fixed, she said, “but we can be empathetic, sympathetic, and try and understand and try and get those resources.”

The department also includes the Metro Jackson Community Prevention Coalition that provides education about the effects of underage drinking, driving under the influence, substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery-based services.

The coalition was awarded nearly $600,000 for its substance abuse prevention efforts during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

Denne’ praises the team she heads.

“There's a team of ten of us, and every single one of my team members is passionate about what they do. So, every time you speak with one of them, you see the work that they're doing. It comes through, and it shines through. I'm just proud. I couldn't do anything without my team.”

JSU's Office of Community Engagement received $500,000 from the National Park Service to restore Mount Olive Cemetery.

Jermaine McClinton

AS TOLD BY THE SANDERS:

Courtney and I arrived at Jackson State in May 2015 for the Summer Bridge program. We had always known of each other but never were super close friends. Our friendship began to form quickly throughout the program and grew even more throughout our freshmen year.

Summer 2016 grew our friendship further as we had mutual friends and were always near each other. From sitting on the plaza to boat rides on the reservoir, she was never too far away from me. Our friendship turned into a bond that simply could not be replicated.

In the fall of 2017 (our junior year), we continued to be in mutual friend groups as she joined MADDRAMA; I joined during SCENE 44 and she joined during SCENE 38. I took a chance and shot my shot (it was blocked), but it led to us being best friends instead.

Throughout the summer of 2018 heading into our senior year, we realized there was something more. We were each other’s listening ears about any and everything. We were with each other almost every other day, if not every day. She meant the absolute world to me, and I knew she was the one for me. Finally, our connection blossomed into a beautiful romantic relationship that started on Nov. 4, 2018.

Since I laid eyes on her on May 28, 2015, our irresistible spark has always been there. From being just friends to becoming best friends and later growing to be boyfriend/ girlfriend, it was obvious that we were destined to be together forever. After remaining in the first phase of our fairytale

Dreshon and Courtney Sanders

relationship for two and half years, it was finally time for the next step. On Aug. 5, 2023, I privately proposed to the love of my life, and she said, “Yes,” to spending forever with me. I solicited her love once more with a second proposal that included our friends and family.

To this day, even after five years of being together, we always and forever will be true best friends and that will never change. She will always be mine, and I will always be hers.

After we celebrated love and marriage publicly on Nov. 4, 2023, we will always look back to our dear old college home THEE Jackson State University for the precious memories and amazing start to our perfect love story.

AS TOLD BY THE GILMERS:

Cedric and I met at JSU in 2000. He was a trumpet player in the Sonic Boom, and I was a band manager. When we met, we were both dating other people. I met him through my roommate. When she introduced me, I thought, “This guy looks like he is sneaky.” The thought of becoming a couple never crossed our minds. I was a freshman, and he was a junior. He graduated in 2002, and I finished in 2004.

After graduation, we would casually see one another out and about. We would speak and keep moving. Then one day in 2014, he hit me up on Facebook Messenger and offered to take me on a date. I agreed, but when it was time to go on the date, he informed me he had a funeral to attend. I thought to myself, 'Sure you do!'

Time went by, and we didn't talk. Then one day, out of the blue, he messaged me and asked if he could take me out for my birthday. I initially hesitated because of my last experience, and I wondered if he was up to something. I agreed, and we went to Applebee's. He was late, but I discovered that being on time was not his thing!

After our Applebee's date, he joined me at my step aerobics class. He did his best to keep up, but it was not working well. I was thoroughly entertained and wowed by his effort. After that, we started spending more time together and became a couple a few months later. In March 2016, he got down on one knee in front of my mom and cousin, asking me to be his wife.

In June 2017, we said “I do” in front of family and friends. One thing I love about him is how he always aims to keep a smile on my face! Oh, and he loves Thee JSU just as much as I do, so catch us at the Vet or wherever our JSU Tigers may roam! #TheeILove

AS TOLD BY THE GLENNS:

Our love story began on the campus of Thee Jackson State University. My wife, Meskerem “Meski” Chufamo, from the ancient land of Ethiopia with its exotic beauty, would pass by me, Zachery Glenn, a southerner from Mississippi, exchanging innocent pleasantries as we went to and from class.

As time passed, I mustered the courage to ask one simple question, “What is your name?” Meski gladly obliged and this sparked a curiosity for us to pursue more than a face value knowledge of each other. A mutual friend named Bezawit enlightened Meski with the knowledge she desired of me and an infatuation with me was birthed that was so subtle and discreet that she was unaware of her feelings.

As more time passed, an acquaintance of ours would be the bridge to bring us together. He recommended I should seek a relationship with Meski. I had thought that Ethiopian women were not interested in American men. The opportunity came for us to start our romantic journey together. It was a spring day around noon when I spotted Meski outside the cafeteria at the Plaza. She was wearing my favorite color and looking as radiant as the noon day sun.

I mustered the courage and walked over to engage with her in conversation. At last, the time had come for me to utter those words critical to modern day dating, “Can I get your number?” Meski happily obliged and to my surprise she gave me her real phone number!

To Meski’s surprise, I would text and even call her quite often. From that day onward, through good times, hard times, joyful occasions and difficult ones, we grew more and more in love with one another, prompting me to ask Meski to be my wife on Dec. 15, 2018. Surrounded with the joy and support of family and friends, she happily said “Yes!”

Fast-forward to Aug. 17, 2023, and the wedding of the ages took place for all who were invited to see and celebrate a love that started with a simple smile and hello at Jackson State University.

Cedric and Faydrian Gilmer

GOOD

ROOTS

ALUMNI DONOR CREDITS JSU FOR BEING THE FOUNDATION OF HIS SCIENTIFIC CAREER

By Anthony Howard

Jackson State College, now Jackson State University, alum James Brownridge said he had a passion for science as long as he could remember. Over his five-plus decade career as a scientist and radiation safety officer, he’s written dozens of publications and has been invited to speak at conferences all around the world.

Brownridge credits his time at Jackson State for propelling his career to where it is today. As a grand gesture of gratitude for the university’s science department, he’s established a planned gift of $1 million dollars in the name of his late professor, Bolton C. Price.

“I set up the scholarship for people who want to study physical sciences whether it’s biology, physics, chemistry, meteorology, etc.,” said Brownridge.

The Bolton C. Price Science Endowed Book Scholarship was established in the summer of 1988 by Brownridge and his wife Ina Calloway Brownridge. The scholarship aims to encourage JSU students to pursue a course of study in science.

The scholarship will be given to a student each year beginning from their freshman year at Jackson State with a major in a science curriculum with a minimum ACT score of 18 and a GPA of 3.0 or above. The scholarship is renewable at the end of each semester over a four-year renewal period if recipients maintain a 3.0 GPA at the end of each semester.

In October 2023, Brownridge asked the children of his brother-in-law, Howard Catchings, to present the check in his honor. Catchings, the president of Catchings Insurance Agency, is also a major donor who

Photo by Johnathan Cohen

has given over $250,000 to JSU.

“I hope this inspires others, because we have to learn to give back to our school, especially when we finish school and become successful in whatever we are doing. We should give back,” said Sebrena Tillman, an accountant and daughter of Catchings, following the check presentation.

A science education major, it was at Jackson State College where Brownridge was afforded the opportunity to pursue his passion for astronomy. After developing a reputation of reliability and dependability with Price, he was entrusted with a key to the science building.

“When I was a student there in the late ’50s, the head of the science department, Bolton C. Price saw something in me,” Brownridge explained. Brownridge's unrestricted access to the science building allowed him to use a 12-inch telescope located in the observatory to conduct astronomical research.

“I convinced the head of the department that I wanted to start a research program in astronomy, and of course, that meant I needed to be in the building at night,” he wrote in his memoir, “Eighty-five Trips Around the Sun,” released earlier this year.

The credence Price gave to Brownridge resulted in him becoming a contributor to two scientific journals during his undergraduate studies. The first was a collaboration between Harvard astronomer Joseph Ashbrook, himself, and others around the country as they collected data on a lunar eclipse.

Brownridge measured the time when the terminator line crossed certain craters on the moon and submitted the data to Ashbrook, who compiled all the collected information and published it in an article in Sky and Telescope magazine.

He later collaborated with a group from Canada, where he collected data on an astronomical event happening in the same time period. Brownridge submitted his data to the group, and they gave him credit for his contribution to the publication.

“As far as I was concerned, I was a hero because I was the first one to use the university telescope for any scientific purpose,” stated Brownridge. Although he studied science education, it was during his time as a student at JSU that Brownridge discovered that his passion was research instead of teaching. He was required

to work as a student teacher during his matriculation and worked at Campbell College.

“My experience with student teaching made me realize I did not want to be a high school science teacher,” recalled Brownridge. “It didn’t seem like my calling; it just wasn’t for me.”

After graduating from Jackson State in the spring of 1960, Brownridge faced two difficult choices: accept a teaching job in the Mississippi Delta or join the military. During this time, the country was involved in the Korean War, and many young men were being drafted.

Brownridge volunteered to join the army. As a volunteer, he could choose the line of work he’d perform in the military. He chose to work as a medic and served his country for 20 months in Korea as a medic.

In June 1963, he decided to leave the armed forces to complete graduate school at Jackson State and received a job offer he couldn’t refuse at the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) to travel the country and train people on how to use radioactive material. He accepted the offer without completing graduate school.

Brownridge was a laboratory instructor for ORAU, traveling the country in a mobile lab. While traveling through the East Coast during the summer of 1966, he provided radiation training at Harpur College, now Binghamton University, and both he and his wife, Ina, were offered jobs at the institution and stayed there until retirement.

“Ina and I began our life together by having dates in a research lab at Jackson State University. Nearly sixty years later, we are ending our life together with Ina accompanying me to research labs at Binghamton University,” Brownridge wrote in the epilogue of his memoir.

For more than five decades, Brownridge worked at Binghamton as a radiation safety officer.

“Being a radiation safety officer is somewhat like being a fireman,” he told BingUNews in an article in 2017. “You wait for something to happen. You train, but you sit there in the firehouse, wait for the bell to go off, and then go to work. If the bell goes off, I get my jacket and do whatever I need to do.”

Brownridge also conducted research in his lab and at home, published dozens of papers, and spoke at conferences all around the globe. He discussed the behavior of water in Bulgaria, interacted with NASA engineers regarding his research, and co-developed an electrical X-ray generator that won an R&D 100 award in 2003, highlighting the 100 most significant technologies introduced to the market that year. After his retirement, the Binghamton Physics Department named him a senior research fellow and offered him laboratory and office space to continue his research, which he continues to use today.

“It’s a hobby, and I’m fortunate enough that most of my work is my hobby,” said Brownridge. “The two overlap and I’m content.”

JSU Welcomes 13th President, Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D.

By Alonda Thomas

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning completed its search for the 13th President of Jackson State University by voting to name Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D. as president during its Nov. 16 meeting. Thompson, an alumnus of the institution, promptly reported for duty on Nov. 27, and hit the ground running by meeting with students, faculty and staff.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be named president of Jackson State University because I believe in its mission, purpose and most of all, the outstanding faculty, staff, alumni and students who embody our school’s motto of challenging minds, changing lives,” said President Thompson. “I look forward to working closely with all JSU stakeholders to elevate this global institution to new levels of academic excellence and research prominence.”

In December, Thompson was formally introduced to the JSU and Jackson community during a campus meet and greet reception where nearly 600 students, faculty, staff, elected officials and community members came out to celebrate his appointment. The 84th Miss Jackson State University Lauren Temple and the 7th Mister Jackson State University Austin Rolfe presented the president with a “JSU starter kit” to begin his “swag collection.”

“We look forward to working with you to help Jackson State University continue to attract the best and brightest scholars and train them to become global leaders of the future,” said Rolfe.

Temple shared similar sentiments and expressed that Thompson’s appointment

(Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)

felt like new opportunities, possibilities and overall growth for Jackson State. “I’m excited to work with him and create new options for students and make the experience great,” she said.

With gratitude, Thompson addressed the audience to express his excitement to serve as president and how his personal experiences at JSU will enhance his vision to elevate the research institution into a global academic pillar.

“Jackson State, you have made me feel so at home,” said Thompson. “For those of you who don’t know my history, I want you to know that this institution was dear to me well before November 16 when I was selected to be president. I have had the privilege to teach at Jackson State, and I earned my Ph.D. in higher education from Jackson State. I have personally experienced both the faculty and student perspectives

at this university. I have experienced Jackson State from the system perspective and have seen it operate alongside the other seven public higher education institutions in Mississippi. I came into this job with some level of understanding of our strengths, as well as pain points where we need to improve.“

Thompson described students as the “North Star” of his administration, noting that their health and safety, academic success and overall satisfaction during their matriculations would be his priority.

“I have been speaking with students, meeting with them, eating lunch with them in Heritage Dining, attending student events and becoming somewhat immersed in their experiences so that we might make improvements focused on them. I want to build upon the existing strategic plan with a focus on accountability, attention to detail, customer care, and financial stability, said Thompson, who considers himself and the members of his administration as servant leaders.

In January, President Thompson announced his first group of top leadership appointments: Kylon Alford-Windfield, Vice President of Enrollment Management; Alla Jeanae Frank; Special Assistant

Miss JSU Lauren Temple (far left) and Mr. JSU Austin Rolfe (far right) welcome President Marcus L. Thompson and First Lady LaToya Redd Thompson to the JSU family during the campus meet and greet reception.

(Photo by William H. Kelly)

to the President and Chief Transformation Officer; Van Gillespie, J.D., Chief of Staff; Onetta Starling Whitley, J.D., General Counsel; ConSandra McNeil, Ph.D., Interim Vice President of Research and Economic Development; and Mitchell Shears, Ed.D., returns to the role of Executive Director of Title III.

Thompson expressed his excitement to continue to grow his team through these first critical appointments.

“I’ve had the pleasure to observe and work with these talented individuals during various seasons of my career, and I am excited about the professional acumen and tenacity they will bring to their respective roles,” said Thompson. “Jackson State University is tasked with cultivating our scholars into leaders who will impact our global society. Their success begins with the work of our talented faculty, staff, and administrators. Combined with the knowledge and passion of my existing cabinet members, this is the genesis of an incredible dream team to execute a strong pathway to success for JSU’s future.”

JSU National Alumni Association President Patrease Edwards commended President Thompson for his immediate engagement with various alumni and plans to unify the community under one shared vision of progress.

“Dr. Marcus Thompson’s exceptional leadership in his first few months as president of Jackson State University has been truly remarkable as he jumped right in to attend alumni meetings and mixers,” said Edwards. “He has demonstrated a relentless commitment to engaging alumni and effectively communicating his priorities. His responsiveness, hands on approach, and willingness to engage in difficult conversations have set him apart. We eagerly anticipate the promising years ahead under his dynamic leadership.”

Thompson comes to JSU with more than 20 years of experience in early childhood, K-12 education, and higher education leadership. He most recently served as the deputy commissioner and chief administrative officer of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), Mississippi’s public university system, where for over a decade he was responsible for overseeing IHL staff. In this role, all senior-level leaders reported to him, and he managed all facets of day-to-day operations of the agency, including IHL Board relations, communications, legislation, technology,

data management, and facilities.

Thompson served as a liaison between the IHL Commissioner’s Office; the IHL Board of Trustees; and Mississippi’s eight public universities. Over the past 15 years in higher education, he has advised the IHL Board of Trustees, the IHL Commissioner, and Mississippi’s public university senior leadership and institutional executive officers.

Thompson is a former educator and administrator, serving private schools and public schools in the Jackson Public School District and the Copiah County School District, where he enjoyed and excelled at one-on-one student interactions the classroom provided. He has held endorsements to teach elementary education, English, history, mathematics, and Spanish. He ultimately left the classroom and joined the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) to have a broader impact on students across the state. At MDE, he became chief of staff and assistant to the State Superintendent of Education.

Thompson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and Spanish and a Master’s degree in Education from Mississippi College. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Jackson State University in urban higher education. Thompson is married to LaToya Redd Thompson, a practicing attorney. They are the proud parents of three adult children, Kaelyn, Jessica, and Marcus, Jr.

“I can’t think of a leader in Mississippi who has invested more time and thought regarding the issues at Jackson State than my friend Marcus Thompson,” said Rod Paige, Ph.D., former U.S. Secretary of Education and former interim president at Jackson State University. “He is one of the only people I can think of who has a full comprehension of the history, trajectory, strength, vulnerabilities and basic needs of the university. I cannot think of an individual who could be more involved and have more connections with the people pertinent to the university than him. I think IHL has made a wise choice in making Marcus Thompson president, and I’m very proud that he will take advantage of this opportunity.”

Usher and the Sonic Boom of the South

wow fans during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show

By Rachel James-Terry

Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band made a special appearance with eighttime Grammy-winning artist Usher during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Boom showed television viewers and football fans in Allegiant Stadium why they are known as the “Summa Cum Laude of Bands,” making the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“It feels surreal. It’s not every day you are invited to participate in such a monumental moment. The reality of the situation did not hit us until we began rehearsals in Vegas,” shared Roderick Little, Ph.D., director of bands at JSU. “I cannot think of anything more exciting or rewarding than walking onto the field, hearing the roar of the Super Bowl crowd, and immersing ourselves in the spirit that Usher brought to his performance.”

Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band delivers a captivating halftime performance alongside singer, songwriter, dancer, actor and producer Usher during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show at the 2024 Super Bowl in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by William H. Kelly III/JSU)

“It feels surreal. it’s not every day you are invited to participate in such a monumental moment.”

Little said he was met with jaw-drops and wide-eyed faces when he informed the band students that they would participate in the halftime show. “They deserve this adventure and have worked hard to be here. I am also proud that I could fulfill two of my strategic goals for our band program: provide life-changing experiences for our students and place our program on one of the most visible national stages in this country. It does not get any bigger than the Super Bowl.”

The band’s appearance at the bowl started with a conversation between JSU alum Cortez Bryant and his friend Jesse Collins, executive producer of the halftime show.

“He hit me and asked if I knew of any HBCU bands. Of course, Jackson State’s Sonic Boom is the best band in the land. Without a doubt, they were going to receive my recommendation,” said Bryant, also a Sonic Boom alum and Co-CEO of Blueprint Group/Maverick. The rest is Jackson State University history.

- Roderick Little, Ph.D.

This is the fifth year the Roc Nation has executive produced the halftime show.

Tierney Clark is the piccolo section leader for the Sonic Boom. She said the most challenging part of participating in the Super Bowl was not being able to share where she was going with her family due to signed non-disclosure agreements.

Instead, Clark was creative about keeping the secret. "I had to tell them that we were doing a performance at a basketball game that was out of town," she said, then laughed.

Once the Boom left it all out on the field with Usher, Clark said her phone began blowing up.

"It was so crazy because we couldn't have our phones in the [stadium]. So, when we got back to the holding facility that they had us at, and I picked up my phone, I have [sic] never seen so many notifications,

(Photos by William H. Kelly III/JSU)

“I was so proud to say the Sonic Boom of the South from Jackson State University.”

- Tierney Clark

phone calls, and text messages," gushed the senior political science major.

Clark said one of the highlights of the experience was when people would ask what school they were representing. "I was so proud to say the Sonic Boom of the South from Jackson State University."

The Sonic Boom set the stage for Jackson State University to continue to elevate the institution by highlighting the campus culture and student experience. President Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D., said the performance reiterates the institution’s reputation as a global research institution where students excel in and out of the classroom.

“I am extremely proud of our student’s performance tonight with Usher, and the precision and musicality they brought to one of America’s biggest celebrations of sport was unparalleled,” said Thompson. “When you realize that these student artists hail from various parts of the country and are studying a variety of majors, including biology, political science, and communications, you can appreciate the level of hard work and perseverance that went into this show. Special thanks to Roc Nation and the NFL for making this historic moment possible.”

By Rachel James-Terry

Like the sweet mix of nostalgia and gratitude for the present, if one could taste that energy on the tongue, the reconvening of the 50th Anniversary of the Phillis Wheatley Poetry Festival was a kinetic atmosphere that only wisdom, history and lived experiences could create. It was magical.

The event, hosted by the Margaret Walker Center in November 2023, still lingers like an earthy perfume-scented oil that sticks to fingers, hands and skin.

Over four days, the JSU community welcomed guests to listening sessions, plenaries and luncheons with some of the country's captivating, intriguing, and award-winning Black women writers.

During a conversation with festival chair Ebony Lumumba, Ph.D., the legendary Alice Walker asked, "How you gone be happy if you're scared of it?" Those pointed moments when the Color Purple author spewed wisdom and wit made the festival a treasure chest of gems and camaraderie.

Award-Winning Author, Alice Walker (Photo by Aron Smith/JSU)

Walker's discussion with Lumumba, who serves as the chair of the English and Modern Languages Department at JSU, began with a brief analysis of the kindred experience found among HBCUs.

"This is the thing that's going to drive me crazy. That there's still this conversation [that implies] choosing our Black schools [over predominantly white institutions (PWI)] also feels like this luxury. [It's like saying]we can't afford [to choose] the experience, [or that we are] choosing the culture over these things that are supposed to propel us forward," Lumumba explained, giving a nod to the persistent debate about whether Black students should feel obligated to attend HBCUs vs. PWIs.

She then shared a story about a Middle Eastern student at Jackson State. Lumumba explained that the student expressed that they felt warmth and connection at JSU, unlike some of their peers at PWIs. The student was not afraid to be in the city of Jackson or at JSU.

Lumumba told the student, "What you are feeling is a people with a deep knowledge of what struggle can do to you. And we're not going to do that to you. You're at home here."

The chair then asked Walker to share her intentionality behind being at Jackson State. She urged the author to share why she deliberately inhabits such places as HBCUs and plants seeds. "And how do we tie that to happiness that we choose?" she asked.

"Well, you know it should be obvious that I love you," said Walker. It was a response rewarded with applause and quiet, pleasant shouts.

"Someone said that work is a manifestation of love, and I have really taken that to heart because the kind of love I have is not really mushy. It's very stringent," she revealed.

At Tougaloo College, where she once taught, Walker described engaging with her students who would come to class after being beaten up by the blows of racism or dealing with some "racist madness," and they would still write their poems and stories.

"That's the kind of love that is real. You know, they loved what they were doing. They loved trying to change where they were born," she said.

Black people are worth having and worth being, stressed the Georgia native. "And when you awaken to that, love is what you feel, and you can't help it."

Walker, born the daughter of sharecroppers, talked about the soul singer Al Green's song “Love and Happiness.” "That's why we love that song. Don't we love that song?" Her question was met with affirmations and laughter. She pointed out that if the song dropped at that very moment, the majority of the BIPOC audience, including herself, would get up and dance.

"And that's why we have artists. They take us there. I played Al Green so much. Love and happiness, you know? If you don't have that, what do you have?" she said.

The Pulitzer Prize winner spoke with a comfortable ease that seemed to soothe wounds and hearts with the very thing she recommended guests embrace – love and happiness. She implored that if anyone took anything from the conversation, they needed to understand first that there is freedom and "then there's freedom."

"And we have had to uncover and dispose of so much stuff. You know, it's endless, but we just keep at it. You know, liberation, it really means something. It's not a fad. You are going to be free or not. No compromise. How can you compromise about freedom? Right?" she asked, explaining that the very word freedom means no compromise by definition.

"And I think that's fascinating because we are in a room of students and working people, and I venture to say, every single one of us has compromised a piece of happiness to attain those things," Lumumba said.

The dialogue seemed to be a charge for skinfolk. Despite the uniform struggle, love and happiness is a choice. A choice that should not be compromised but still happens more frequently than not.

Walker's words silently connected the past to the present and the in-between. The dots tracing back to the life of Phillis Wheatley, who had lived over 260 years ago.

Wheatley was stolen from Africa as a young child and named after the ship that brought her to America. She had a penchant for learning and did not let struggle and a lack of love or happiness stop her from becoming the first enslaved African, and the third woman in colonial America to have

Renowned Photographer, Roy Lewis (Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)

Writer, Historian and Activist, Paula Giddings

her book of poetry published.

The footprints left by Wheatley inspired Margaret Walker, a JSU educator, who became one of the youngest published Black poets of the 20th Century. Fifty years ago, Walker commemorated Wheatley by organizing the Phillis Wheatley Poetry Festival at Jackson State. She invited innovative Black women writers, some of whom were her friends, to unite in a fellowship of literary and creative genius. The event marked the bicentennial of Wheatley's pioneering work "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral."

Lumumba worked with the director of JSU's Margaret Walker Center, Robert Luckett, Ph.D., a steering committee composed of many of the university's professors, community members, and subject-matter experts for the reconvening anniversary celebration.

The festival welcomed back several original festivalgoers, including Charlayne HunterGault, who served as honorary co-chairs and participated in keynote sessions. In the ultimate literary amalgamation, they joined intergenerational conversations with awardwinning authors like Angie Thomas, Jesmyn Ward, Nikole Hannah-Jones, and Imani Perry.

"It will always be necessary to remind the world of how Black women have grown and contributed to what is most beautiful. That is what the 1973 festival achieved and, in 2023, the 50th anniversary built on this concept," said Lumumba. "It had to happen now and here to serve as a reminder as well as an homage to the rich tradition of Black women writing and creating despite social repression and opposition."

Lumumba emphasized the significance of reconvening in the same space held 50 years

before – Jackson State University. "[It] spoke to the resilience of our campus, communities, and city. We are not only still standing. We are still thriving, creating, and growing. We are still beautiful."

Black people are still dancing, too. At the end of Walker and Lumumba's discussion, Al Green's" Love and Happiness" poured through the loudspeakers. As Walker had predicted, everyone jumped to their feet, including the author and chair, and began to step in hustle formation, snapping fingers, swaying hips, and basking in the expression of love that comes from a shared understanding of struggle and the hope for uncompromised freedom.

Ebony Lumumba, Ph.D., chair, and Alice Walker share a moment (Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)

Author, Poet and Visual Artist, Eve Ewing (Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)

Professor and Author, Imani Perry (Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)

Marie Rosario Jackson, Ph.D., on the Tribute to Margaret Walker panel (Photo by Aron Smith/JSU)

JSU’S MILITARYFRIENDLY CENTER OFFERS CURATED STUDENT SUCCESS SUPPORT TO VETERANS

By Erin Williams

ackson State University is looking for a few good military students who aspire to make their academic goals a reality with assistance from the JSU Veterans and Military Student Support Center. Centrally located on the third floor of the Jacob L. Reddix Hall on campus, the center assists nearly 300 students with support services focused on the special needs and requirements of active military, veterans and their dependents and survivors.

“Jackson State University is very fortunate to have a stand-alone center to support military students on campus and assist with military funding,” said Executive Director LaToya Reed, Ph.D., who has served military students through the center for seven years. “Any student that has any eligibility relating to military funding for education must register through this office. We are responsible for maintaining all the university’s compliance as it relates to the Department of Defense and the United States Department of Veteran Affairs.”

While most historically black colleges and universities perform military related functions through the Registrar's Office or Financial Aid Office, JSU’s center ensures that military-affiliated students receive exclusive services tailored to meet their needs. It also provides a safe space on campus for students to come together for fellowship.

“The families we serve greatly appreciate the assistance we provide to military-affiliated students throughout their JSU matriculation,” said Reed.

LaToya Reed, Ph.D.

Downie Grim III

Raegan Johnson

The Veterans and Military Student Support Center is responsible for reporting each student’s enrollment throughout their higher education career and for ensuring that their military financial award is applied to their university accounts. The center also provides career support and informs students about joining the Air Force and Army ROTC while they’re enrolled.

The staff also support students with managing their course enrollment if they are deployed during the semester. They also connect students with academic affairs, departmental support in their coursework and tutoring services.

Downie Grim III, is a senior industrial technology major from Magee, Mississippi. He joined the Mississippi National Guard to pay for college. He credits the center for playing a significant role in his acclimation to school.

“We do have pretty strong relationships with our campus partners, and we are able to advise our students — depending on what the situations are that they present to us — make those referrals to ensure that they have the support that they need,” said Reed. The center also hosts an annual Veterans Day Observance, Military Student Open House, Military Student Orientations and Military Monday virtual sessions throughout the semester.

Raegan Johnson is a sophomore computer engineering major from Jackson, Mississippi, whose father is actively serving in the Air National Guard. Her family began using the school military benefits provided to them in her second semester of freshman year.

“When I came here, all the staff was very welcoming. I was allowed to be vulnerable with them about my situation and

“I didn’t really know anybody and I’m kind of quiet, so I was going by the center just getting answers to my questions and learning about resources on campus,” Grim said. “They were a tremendous help.”

Grim tapped into the center’s mental health resources after experiencing the death of a friend.

“They’ve helped me to find different resources to deal with the stuff that life can throw at you,” he said. One thing about the office is it has a very at-home feel. Going in there really helps me stay focused.”

Reed has worked to forge and maintain relationships with several organizations across campus for students who need support communicating with other areas of campus. The center serves as a conduit for students to get help from other campus resources such as the Richard Wright Center for Writing, Rhetoric, and Research, the Latasha Norman Center for Counseling Services, and the Center for Disability Services, to name a few.

just get resources that I needed to help me through my tenure here,” said Johnson.

After her positive experience interacting with the center, Johnson became a work aide student, assisting other students in need of the same help that she needed at first.

“They made this process so seamless and so easy for me to where I’m able to just relax and have someone who understands where I’m coming from,” said Johnson. “That was something that I really appreciated from the office. I always want to find ways to give back to the office being that they helped me. Now I’m a working student here, and I’m able to share my experience with other military students.”

For more information on JSU’s Veterans and Military Student Support Center, please visit https://www.jsums. edu/veteranscenter/

Jackson State works to increase weather preparedness in underserved communities

By Anthony Howard

The global effects of climate change are impacting weather conditions around the world. Extreme temperatures, more severe storms, increased drought, and other deplorable conditions created by the global phenomenon prompted President Joe Biden to campaign on a bold vision to tackle the climate crisis by creating the first-ever National Climate Task Force.

According to an Environmental Protection Agency analysis released in 2021, the most severe harms from climate change disproportionately affect underserved communities who are least able to prepare for and recover from the greatest impacts of climate change.

“Natural disasters are going to continue to be with us,” said Jessica Murphy, Ph.D., professor of technology. “We’re not going to eradicate tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, etc., however, we feel if we better educate our communities, we can lessen the loss of life and property through the message of preparedness.”

In 2019, Murphy and psychology professor Dawn Bishop McLin, Ph.D., developed a concept to promote emergency preparedness in marginalized communities throughout the state of Mississippi called the Community Resilience Project.

The mission of the project is to provide contemporary emergency/disaster management and preparedness education and training related to natural disasters (i.e. weather and atmospheric events) for Mississippi’s underserved communities.

Their hopes were to create a model for other HBCUs to implement in their areas. Murphy and McLin discovered that most HBCUs are typically housed in marginalized communities that may lack resources and personnel who assist in disaster response as well as recovery initiatives and preparedness.

“With that in mind, we wanted to look at the multidisciplinary aspect from the psychological standpoint to see the kinds of trauma that occur, the technology aspect, the journalism component as well as meteorology and atmospheric sciences,” said Murphy.

To achieve the mission of the project, the professors have worked with the US Department of Homeland Security, the Postal Resilience Directive, the National Weather Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, and other departments.

The JSU psychology department houses a certificate program that offers classes about the psychology of disaster and the urban environment that discuss the importance of emergency preparedness on the individual and the community.

The courses were designed to teach undergraduate psychology students and doctoral candidates about the effects natural disasters could have on survivors’ mental health.

“We wanted to give them insight on what it looks like when dealing with individuals who’ve faced disasters and preparing them with the skills they need to help those people cope with disasters and become more resilient,” McLin explained.

Murphy’s area of expertise in the Community Resilience Project at JSU is in emergency management technology. She works to teach the next generation of emergency disaster preparedness and response specialists about the technology used for forecasting, early alert notifications, etc.

“We also have a certificate program for professionals who’ve graduated and would like to come back to school and enhance those skills through simulated disaster preparedness training, tabletop discussions, and interactivity to enable them to respond to disasters quickly,” explained Murphy.

Media Studies professor Don Spann works alongside McLin and Murphy facilitating the journalistic component of the Community Resilience Project. He works with journalism students on how to craft accurate and timely reports on natural disasters.

In March 2023, Spann traveled with a group of JSU journalism students to Rolling Fork, Mississippi following a deadly EF-4 tornado that killed over 20 people and displaced 176 families.

“To be there and to see [the devastation], it was eye opening,” recalled Spann. “This is where you see how Mississippians are resilient. Even though they are dealing with this situation, for the students to see how everyone came together and the opportunity to see professional journalists doing their job helped them gain real world application of what we discuss in class.”

In an effort to provide community training and outreach, the multidisciplinary group of professors host a series of town halls and create informational videos providing crucial information about weather and disaster preparedness. For example, the professors facilitated the production of a heat safety video to show in the Veterans Memorial Stadium during the JSU football season.

The work being done in the state by the Community Resilience Project at Jackson State was recognized by NWS Meteorologist-in-charge William “Bill” Parker, a JSU alum. Last year, Parker was contacted by the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM) about participating in a documentary entitled, “Muted: Climate Marginalization in America.”

Parker told members of the organization about the Community Resilience Project at JSU and they contacted McLin about including them in the documentary.

On October 26, 2023, I-DIEM CEO Chauncia Willis and her leadership team premiered a trailer for the documentary in the F.D. Music Hall located on Jackson State’s campus. The documentary is expected to be released sometime this year. The documentary will be available to watch at I-DIEM/muted.org.

“It was an honor for them to reach out to us and showcase how we as an academic institution are conducting in this area. It was good for Jackson State to be recognized and our research to be recognized and if it has an impact and helps somebody, that’s what it is supposed to do,” McLin shared.

Parker, McLin, and Willis partook in a panel discussion reflecting on the documentary and sharing the effects of climate change. (Photo by Don Spann/ JSU)

(L to R) Parker, Mclin, Murphy, and Spann attended the “Muted: Climate Marginalization in America” trailer premiere hosted by Jackson State.

JSUOnline helps college dropout fulfill his dream

By Aron Smith

Jackson State University is pleased to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as No. 67 on the list of Best Online Bachelor's Programs. This reflects a remarkable jump from the university’s previous ranking of No. 113, solidifying its standing among the 337 accredited online institutions reviewed.

Jackson State University’s digital learning platform JSUOnline, is transforming the landscape of higher education by making it more adaptable and accessible. As a bridge accommodating busy lifestyles, JSUOnline enables students to study at their own pace and schedule.

For recent JSU alum Xavius Levy, JSUOnline was more than an accessible educational platform. It was a portal to advancement.

Keith Riley, Ed. D., interim director of JSUOnline, stresses the importance of diverse educational options in today's fast-paced world. With its range of online degree programs and courses, JSUOnline is designed to suit various lifestyles in today’s very virtual-driven society.

"Accessibility and flexibility are crucial in making education available to all students, especially those balancing different responsibilities," Riley

explained. "Our online education provides a personalized learning experience with diverse materials to meet individual needs."

In 2002, Levy graduated as valedictorian from Lanier High School in Jackson, Mississippi, excelling academically and athletically. Upon high school graduation, he received the Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship and a full scholarship to the JSU Honors College from Maria Luisa Alvarez-Harvey, Ph.D., founder of W.E.B. Du Bois Honors College at Jackson State University.

Despite his offers, he pursued his love for football at Mississippi College. His life, however, was filled with personal struggles, including the loss of his mother to cancer in 2003. This tragedy led him to withdraw from college, but with Harvey's support, he joined Jackson State University as a part-time student in 2004. Though starting strong, the loss of his mother and other challenges led him to leave JSU with a 1.8 grade point average.

Inspired by Kanye West's "The College Dropout," Levy felt a deep connection to the

Interim Director Keith Riley, Ed.D., emphasizes the significance of diverse educational options in today's fast-paced world. (Aron Smith/JSU)

album’s narrative of pursuing dreams against all odds. He made a promise to his mother to graduate college. His return to academia was not successful until 2020 when he re-enrolled in the JSUOnline degree program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Balancing roles as an employee, husband and father, Levy credits JSUOnline for making his educational pursuit feasible.

"Juggling roles as a full-time employee, parent and student while pursuing my degree was tougher than any challenges I faced dealing with loss. Despite the difficulty, the structure of the online degree program was a lifesaver," said Levy. "It allowed me to continue my education despite the competing priorities of adult life."

His journey to graduation was filled with long nights and challenges of juggling work, responsibilities and studies. His hard work and perseverance helped raise his GPA from 1.8 to 3.2, and now 20 years later, he successfully graduated with a 3.4 GPA and was inducted into the Online Student Honor Society.

Since its enhancement in 2014, JSUOnline has worked diligently to create more expansive educational opportunities for its students. Its strategic goal has been to establish one of the most comprehensive HBCU online degree program selections for students, making it transformative in today’s online education. It offers a variety of class styles, including live (synchronous) and recorded (asynchronous) sessions, facilitated by platforms such as Zoom, Blackboard and Canvas.

"The driving force behind establishing the best HBCU robust online programs and courses lies in the enthusiasm and creativity of our faculty and staff, fully committed to making JSUOnline a success. They ensure that our online courses meet students where they are, offering exceptional instructional experiences," said Riley.

JSU ranks in the top 15 among the “Top 20 Best Historically Black HBCU Colleges with Online Programs," according to Online College Plan. This recognition helps establish JSU as a leading HBCU, providing exceptional education in both on-campus and online programs, all at a costeffective price.

The editors at Online College Plan rank Historically Black Colleges and Universities by researching the top 20 out of 107 HBCU colleges that provide online degree and certificate programs in the United States.

This ranking emphasizes a diverse range of programs at HBCUs, with Jackson State University standing out as a premiere institution. JSU is recognized for offering not only a uniquely cultured college experience but also as a gateway of hope to higher education among a diverse student body.

JSU offers 44 bachelor's degree programs, over 50 graduate degree programs and more than 30 online degree programs. As JSUOnline continues to evolve, it stands firmly in its ongoing efforts to make education more inclusive and accessible for all.

Riley shared the future of JSUOnline.

"We aim to introduce doctoral programs, positioning us competitively alongside other

universities. We've noticed a growing interest from various colleges within Jackson State University about expanding our online offerings. As a result, JSUOnline is actively working to enhance and increase both our program and course selections."

(Photo by Aron Smith/JSU)

Jackson State University professor selected for prestigious communicative sciences and disorders leadership academy

Jackson State University Graduate Program Director for the Department of Communicative Disorders Whitney Perkins, Ph.D. was selected as one of 20 professionals recognized for “outstanding merit” from over 90 applicants. As a result, Perkins and her cohort participated in the 2023 Lisa Scott Leadership Academy, held at the annual convention of the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders this past April.

During the academy, which took place in Orlando, Florida, professionals from communicative disorders programs across the country gathered to engage in professional development sessions and networking. Some sessions included best practices for faculty and staff retention rates, differentiating being an effective leader versus a boss, conflict management, and more.

“I’ve always considered myself a natural-born leader, but after going through the leadership academy, I can bring those experiences back

to Jackson State University. That includes interviewing techniques to assist with faculty and retention as well as thinking about the current trends in our field of speech-language pathology,” said Perkins, who also serves as interim chairperson of the communicative disorders department. “It was a very exciting time for me. I felt this was something that I needed to grow in my new position as the interim chair.”

Associate Provost for Academic Affairs at JSU, Brandi Newkirk-Turner, Ph.D., shared in Perkins’ excitement.

“Acceptance into this prestigious academy is a testament to Dr. Perkins’ leadership and the projected impact that she will have in communication sciences and disorders academic programs. She has established herself as a leader here at JSU, but receiving external recognition for her leadership in academia is extra special,” Newkirk-Turner said.

JSU professor appointed to the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Membership and Professional Development

Jackson State University alum and professor Brian E. Anderson, Ph.D., has been appointed to serve a three-year term on the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Membership and Professional Development (CMPD).

According to CSWE’s website, the CMPD supports the Council on Conferences and Faculty Development, Council on Leadership Development, and Council on Publications; as well as facilitates and integrates the development of innovative programs, methods, and materials that enhance and strengthen the delivery of social work education.

The overarching goal of these activities is to maximize educational outcomes as evidenced

in the form of highly competent social work graduates. The guiding principle for the Commission is to approach professional development with a spirit of creative inquiry that promotes inclusion and unity among social work educators.

Currently, Anderson serves as a board member for the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors. Prior to his CMPD appointment, he served two concurrent terms on CSWE’s Commission on Educational Policy. As a COEP commissioner, he was tasked with assisting the establishment of the educational policies that aligned with the CSWE accreditation standards.

Terrell Brown appointed director of the JSU Master of Social Work Program

The Jackson State University (JSU) School of Social Work has named Terrell Brown, Ph.D., director of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program. Brown is a tenured associate professor in the College of Health Sciences. Brown previously served as a tenured faculty member for Florida A&M University in the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Department of Social Work. He also taught at Barry University’s Ellen Whiteside McDonnell School of Social Work in Miami Shores, Florida.

“As a teacher, scholar, and researcher, I seek to analyze problems and create new knowledge individually and collectively with colleagues who work to promote social justice,” explained Brown. “Some of the goals include enhancing our MSW degree program offerings, expanding the curriculum, enrollment, community, and university partnerships.”

Brown provides instruction across the curriculum at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, including human behavior, social welfare policy, social work practice, aging/gerontology, and HIV/AIDS courses.

“I appreciate the University’s commitment to providing a challenging educational experience to a diverse student body, particularly its commitment to the rural and urban communities, and its historic commitment to the education of African Americans,” said Brown.

Kristin Richards appointed director of the Bachelor of Social Work Program

Jackson State University’s School of Social Work appoints Kristin Richards, Ph.D. as director of the Bachelor of Social Work program (BSW). She most recently served as associate vice president of Future Energy Solutions in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“Dr. Richards puts student-learning first and has added value to our Division of Social Work program here at Jackson State University. Her consistent drive for excellence moves our students and faculty along their journey to success,” said Interim Dean Russell Bennett, Ph.D., College of Health Sciences.

Prior to her time at Future Energy, Richards served as associate professor in the Master of Social Work programs

at JSU and Mississippi Valley State University.

“I feel honored and blessed to be working in a leadership capacity at Jackson State University where my role is to help grow and develop strong leaders in our capital city. We need our graduates to choose to stay, work, and help our capital city to thrive,” said Richards.

As director, she hopes to inspire students to lead and engage in social entrepreneurship opportunities. Richards has hopes to enhance the university’s national profile through teaching innovation, scholarship, and enhanced student outcomes.

JSU’s Jessica Murphy awarded the ‘Emerging Leaders Award’ for second consecutive year

Jessica Murphy, Ph.D., a professor of technology in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Industrial Systems & Technology at Jackson State University, has been awarded the “Emerging Leader Award” by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA).

Murphy was recognized during the ITEEA Closing Awards Ceremony in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in April, making this the second “Emerging Leaders” award she has received.

The ITEEA is a professional organization for technology, innovation, design, and engineering educators. The ITEEA’s mission is to promote technological and engineering literacy for all by supporting the teaching of technology and engineering and promoting the professionalism of those engaged in these pursuits.

“I am so thankful to receive such a distinguished honor from this prestigious organization. This recognition encourages me to work more diligently in making meaningful contributions to the technology discipline, my profession, and the research mission of Jackson State University. I

graciously thank the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association for bestowing me this honor,” Murphy said.

Murphy has been a member of ITEEA since 2006 and a board member of the Epsilon Pi Tau International Technology Honor Society. In 2020, Murphy and an interdisciplinary research team established the Community Resilience Project. The mission of the resilience project is to provide contemporary emergency/disaster management and preparedness education and training related to natural disasters, such as weather and atmospheric events, for Mississippi’s underserved communities.

JSU Aristocrats attend National Space Grant Directors meeting in Hawaii

THEE Aristocrats STEM and Health Sciences Program at Jackson State University (JSU) attended the National Space Grant Directors Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, hosted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) National Space Grant College and Fellowship Project. JSU students Jordan Brown and Brandon Fisher joined Noel Gardner, Ph.D., director of THEE Aristocrats STEM and Health Sciences Program, for five days of development and discovery.

In September, Brown and Fisher presented research special to their respective areas during roundtable discussions featuring rocket scientists, astronomers, lava scientists, and more.

“I presented information about perovskite solar cells incorporating methylammonium lead iodide, or MAPbI3, such as using them for renewable energy and solar panels, and showing the fabrication process as well,” said Brown, a junior biomedical science major. “Experiencing this opportunity was enlightening, eye-opening, and very informative. I was able to connect with different people outside of chemistry and understand how my research contributes to NASA.”

Brown studied and conducted research with JSU Associate Professor of Physics Qilin Dai, Ph.D., leading up to the director’s meeting, while Fisher joined JSU Professor of Computer Engineering Kamal Ali, Ph.D. “I presented information that focused on electroencephalogram data analysis, or EEG. The research that we conducted focuses on extracting meaningful patterns that offer insights into the complex interplay between brain activity and emotions,” said Fisher, a senior electrical engineering student.

JSU’s College of Science, Engineering, and Technology receives $16,000 grant from State Farm

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science in Jackson State University’s College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (CSET) received a $16,000 grant from State Farm Insurance Company.

The grant was given to the department by the insurance company to support the Computer Science and Professional Development program. Partnerships such as these are redefining the future of technology industries and helping to pave the way for lasting positive change.

The Computer Science Career and Professional Development program will allow students majoring in computer sciences to further develop the technical, professional, and soft skills required to secure jobs in the technology field.

The program will provide access to additional curriculum, workshops, and resources to provide them with opportunities to enhance skill sets identified as necessary for success in the field.

The professional development program will provide three main activities. First, introducing technical skill development in Java and Amazon Web Services (AWS) program participants to object-oriented concepts, terminology, and syntax through hands-on activities. Students will be provided funding to take certification exams in each respective area.

The second activity will aid students in navigating the interview process. Students will practice interviewing with an interview streaming platform and participate in live behavioral mock interviews, technical mock interview workshops, and whiteboard exercises. This activity aims to ensure that students develop skills to tell their story effectively.

Lastly, students will have the opportunity to attend workshops on effective communication, time and project management, emotional intelligence and empathy.

JSU CSET is growing more young women STEM majors with Annual Girls STEM Academy

The Jackson State University’s College of Science, Engineering, and Technology welcomed 25 high school girls to the Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation (LSMAMP) Girl STEM Summer Program.

The program aims to introduce and teach girl ninth – 12th-graders the significance of science in their daily lives and how innovation and technological development is needed nationally and globally.

“There aren’t that many girls who study engineering, so our goal is to teach them early for them to start liking engineering,” explained Martha N. Tchounwou, Ph.D., director of Student Support Services. “We teach them robotics, physics, chemistry, and public speaking.”

Tchounwou has worked with the LSMAMP for over 25 years and is currently the statewide program director. The program is sponsored by Jackson State University, Nissan and Lockheed Martin. The CSET girls’ summer program has created a meaningful and intentional connection with high schools around the Jackson area to strengthen the girls’ academic outcomes in and out of school.

Since the program’s inception in 20172018, 235 girls have attended the academy, and 62 have graduated from high school and enrolled in college. Of the 62 girls enrolled in college, 48 are majoring in STEM. The remaining students are still in high school.

JSU’s College of Education and Human Development Earns A+ by National Council on Teacher Quality

The Jackson State University College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) early elementary education program has earned an A+ distinction from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). The new report recognized the COEHD as one of the best in the nation in preparing future elementary teachers to teach children to read.

Jackson State is among an elite 48 programs nationwide, including three Mississippi institutions, highlighted by NCTQ for going above and beyond the standards set by the literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction.

To earn an A+ distinction, programs needed to exceed NCTQ’s targets for coverage of five core components of scientifically-based reading instruction—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—and not teach any unsupported instructional practices. NCTQ evaluated 693 traditional undergraduate and graduate programs across the country, including 10 in Mississippi. Overall, only 23% of programs earned an A or A+ grade.

NCTQ is a nonpartisan research and policy organization on a mission to ensure every child has access to an effective teacher and every teacher has the opportunity to be effective. The council believes a strong, diverse teacher workforce is critical for providing all students with equitable educational opportunities.

The new NCTQ analysis of teacher preparation programs’ coverage of the science of reading was developed over the course of two years, involving teams of literacy experts, researchers, teacher preparation leaders, and educators.

A team of experts at NCTQ analyzed syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments, and opportunities to practice instruction in required literacy courses for undergraduate elementary teacher candidates in the college

JSU’s College of Education and Human Development first to receive Science of Excellence Reading Award

The Jackson State University College of Education and Human Development’s Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education (EECE) has been awarded the inaugural Science of Reading and Excellence Award by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE). JSU is the first and only public university to receive this award in the state.

Since 2013, MDE has been promoting the shift to the science of reading in MS K-3 classrooms and has observed significant gains in literacy rates compared to other states nationwide.

Being recognized as having Science of Reading excellence demonstrates the EECE department’s dedication to researching the science of reading and gaining validated methodologies to apply in the classroom.

Professors in the EECE department attended professional development and training centered around the science of reading to implement the latest methods in their classrooms. Professors Trashonda Dixon, Ed.D. and Tierra Flowers, Ed.D., were praised for attending almost every professional development workshop that MDE offers at the state level.

There has been collaboration between MDE literacy coaches and EECE professors to ensure students at JSU are knowledgeable and prepared to implement the science of reading practices when they enter classrooms to teach.

Jackson State honors student receives Global Gateways scholarship, will travel to Guadalajara, Mexico

Jackson State University’s Jayla Jones is the recipient of a Global Gateways Inaugural International Summer Study Abroad Scholarship. As a result, Jones will attend ITESO (Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente) University in Guadalajara, Mexico, from May 19-June 17, 2023.

The scholarship financially supports students who wish to study abroad, immerse themselves in new cultures, broaden their educational experiences, and develop a global perspective. Jones, an English education major from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is one of three students selected for the inaugural class amongst many HBCU applicants nationwide. The sophomore is

also a student in the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors College at JSU.

“I’ve always wanted to travel the world, but I’ve never been granted the opportunity or access to do that, but this gave me the opportunity, and I’m eternally grateful,” said Jones, who said she has always had an interest in Mesoamerican culture.

The scholarship covers passport fees, tuition, housing, and meal plans. Before departure, Global Gateways provides each student mentorship, support with understanding and navigating new spaces, and conversational Spanish classes.

New virtual reality experience unveiled at Jackson State’s 53rd Gibbs-Green Commemoration, fallen students memorialized

Jackson State University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, in collaboration with the Margaret Walker Center, unveiled a new virtual reality experience at its 53rd Gibbs-Green Commemoration in Ayer Hall last week. The commemoration is a reminder of the night Jackson City Police and Mississippi Highway Patrolmen marched on the then Jackson State College campus “under the pretense of disrupting a student protest” and fired nearly 500 rounds of ammunition and buckshot in 28 seconds into Alexander Hall, which was a women’s dormitory.

Two were killed: Phillip Lafayette Gibbs, a junior political science major, and James Earl Green, a senior at nearby Jim Hill High School. Dozens were injured by flying debris. No police officer was ever held accountable. Shortly after the shootings, then President John A. Peoples, Ph.D., decided to close the campus and cancel the Class of 1970 graduation ceremonies. As an alumna of the university and member of the Class of 1973, JSU’s Acting President, Elayne Hayes-Anthony, Ph.D., paid homage to the victims and survivors for their “bravery and resilience.”

“I want to thank each and every one of you for gathering here today, and to those that were there that night, to collectively pay homage to a part of JSU’s legacy that continues to resonate in our hearts and minds,” said Hayes-Anthony. “While we mourn their lives, we also celebrate who they were and what they represent in the history of this country as involuntary

martyrs. Let their lives remind us of where we have been, how far we have come, and how much further we have yet to go as a human race.”

Through the fully-immersive VR goggles, attendees could examine the devastating events culminating in lethal violence on May 15, 1970, on the Jackson State campus. Viewers can watch the events unfold through the eyes of a student housed in Alexander Hall.

JSU College of Business students intern among first cohort of S&P Global HBCU initiative

Jackson State University College of Business (COB) students traveled to Manhattan, New York, to intern with S&P Global. Ph.D. business administration student Deidra Eure, senior marketing major Japhiah Watkins, and senior accounting and entrepreneurship major Alethia Chatfield were among the company's first cohort in the new HBCU initiative.

Students from several HBCUs participated in the 10-week internship from June 5 until August 11. The students got to experience what it's like to work in the corporate office of a Fortune 500 company.

While working on the presentation, the cohort realized that S&P Global's core values aligned with the core values of most HBCUs. The interns highlighted the company's inclusivity efforts by recognizing the various People

Research Groups (PRG) established to create a sense of place for the employees.

In the presentation, Eure and the interns compared the company's use of PRGs to how HBCUs create a similar atmosphere of acceptance for minority students.

Chatfield performed internal audit work during her internship. During that time, she discovered things about herself on both a personal and professional level.

Watkins interned in the company's commodity and insights department and researched potential sites to extract oil and natural gas. He also researched potential locations to open gas stations.

Inaugural Catherine Coleman Literary Arts, Food, and Justice Summer Program provides high school students with new beginnings

Jackson State University hosted the inaugural Catherine Coleman Literary Arts, Food, and Justice Summer Program in June, offering 25 high school students the opportunity to enhance creative writing skills, create healthier food choices, and explore civil rights justice in Mississippi.

Originally announced as the Catherine Coleman Literary Arts, Food, and Justice Initiative by MacArthur “Genius” Award winner, Kiese Laymon, the initiative serves as an umbrella of programs permanently housed at JSU’s Margaret Walker Center.

“We want to inspire a new generation of young artists and writers in Mississippi through the themes of social justice and food systems change. Our young people benefit so much from these kinds of opportunities, and they get a chance to be in a creative community with one another,” said Robert Luckett, Ph.D., director of the Margaret Walker Center. “We hope to keep this cohort

together for next year and grow the number of students we serve.”

From June 5-9, students from Jackson Public Schools – Murrah, Callaway, Jim Hill, Tougaloo Early College High School – Canton High School, and the Piney Woods School participated in fiction, screenwriting and poetry writing workshops by Maximus Wright, Charlie Braxton, and RaShell Smith-Spears, Ph.D., professor of English in the Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Speech Communication (EFLSC).

Shanna Smith, Ph.D., and Candice Love Jackson, Ph.D., served as director and assistant director of the program, respectively. Jackson is a visiting associate professor in the Department of EFLSC. Graduate assistants, in the EFLSC department, Victoria Washington and Jeremy McDuffey, also assisted in the efforts to mentor and support the students.

JSU College of Business students earn first place in Morgan Stanley HBCU Wall Street Exchange Case Competition

Jackson State University students in the College of Business earned first place in the Morgan Stanley Central Region 2022 HBCU Wall Street Exchange Case Competition – Future in Finance Program. This is a first for the COB. The final competition was held at the Morgan Stanley Global Headquarters in New York City in March.

The team consisted of MBA student Camryn Gaines, Bryan Mckinney, a junior finance major, and D’Mia Newell, a senior management major. Sheila Porterfield, Ph.D., associate dean of the College of Business, serves as the team’s advisor.

In recognition of the win, Morgan Stanley presented the team with a plaque and each team member was awarded a $2,000 academic scholarship.

Following the competition, Newell was offered a position with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in Atlanta, Georgia, and also expressed interests in interviewing for other positions with the firm as well. Steve Austin, central regional director and managing director of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, indicated that the organization is extremely proud of the talent displayed by the students throughout the competition.

The Musical, comes to Jackson State

Purple The Color

The Color Purple The Musical is at Jackson State University (JSU) on Oct. 26-30 in the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium. Presented by JSU’s Department of Speech and Theatre and MADDRAMA Performance Troupe, the production is set to tackle themes of love, healing, and faith.

“I am so excited to bring this production to the Jackson State University community because this musical is all about community. I believe any artistic expression should reflect the strength of the community in which it is being presented,” said Mark G. Henderson, Ph.D., assistant professor of speech and director of JSU’s production of The Color Purple.

Henderson said the musical is for intergenerational and multicultural audiences. “I see it as a time for us to see the beauty in each other as human beings rather than racial beings. It is my hope that this play will not only increase our community’s support of the arts at Jackson State but also give them a sense of pride in that this production is ‘for us, about us, performed by us presented near us, but it speaks to all of

us’, as referenced in the words of August Wilson.”

The Color Purple is told through the eyes of the main protagonist, Celie and her diary entries and letters from her sister Nettie. Celie lives in a world of racism, sexism and abuse in deep southern Americas. As seen on Broadway, the play follows the script, adapted from Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1982 novel with a unique approach that emphasizes the play’s musicality. This allows for an opportunity to immerse audiences in the story through song.

The production brings together JSU students and staff, local and national recording artists, and Catia Madison, who placed in the top five in the 2023 state fair American Idol auditions. It further assembles the community, by bringing together soloists and members from the Mississippi Mass Choir and the JSU African Drum and Dance Ensemble. Meredith Hairston, project director for JSU’s TheSipp.FM, will star as the popular Shug Avery.

JSU Dean of Liberal Arts, Rico Chapman named Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award recipient

Jackson State University’s Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Rico Chapman, Ph.D., is the recipient of a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award to conduct extensive research and travel to South Africa in Spring 2024. The award is presented by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to be awarded the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award. I’m also excited about the new role as dean and how this shines a positive light on the College of Liberal Arts, the Department of History and Philosophy (my departmental home), and ultimately the University,” said Chapman. “We look forward to building relationships with higher education institutions in South Africa with the hope of attracting more international students to JSU; while also encouraging undergraduate, graduate students and faculty to take advantage of international research opportunities.”

The Fulbright Program is a prestigious U.S. government flagship international educational exchange program. Chapman will join over 800 U.S. citizens who will teach or conduct research abroad for 2023-2024 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. As a Fulbright Scholar, he will expand his professional network and forge partnerships between institutions.

In addition, this summer 2024, Chapman plans to initiate a “Summer with the Dean in South Africa” study abroad opportunity for a select number of JSU students with interests in African history, international relations, and other predetermined qualifications that will be announced at a later date.

JSU students traverse intersectionality, racial disparities during Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Speech Communications week

Jackson State University’s Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Speech Communications (EFLSC) held its annual EFLSC Week titled “For THEE Culture ” March 27-March 31. The week hosted JSU students, faculty, staff and alums as they explored the JSU world of literature, including social injustices and more throughout Mississippi’s history and beyond.

Throughout the week, events promoted student-led discussions and various activities showcasing the students’ talents and academic discoveries for a spectrum of social, political, artistic and cultural experiences.

“EFLSC Week is a celebration of our department’s different disciplines and talents. It’s thrilling to witness students and colleagues participate in discussions, readings, performances, research, and more activities each day,” said Ebony Lumumba, Ph.D., chair of the Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Speech Communications. “We aim to expose the campus and larger community to the excitement and innovation of English, Foreign Languages, & Speech Communication studies. We hope to inspire the next generation of creatives, thinkers, & professionals in our fields.”

“All Thee Stars” exposed guests to Mississippi writers, stories, and storytellers. Professor of English RaShell Smith-Spears, Ph.D., joined fellow Department of English colleagues in offering excerpts from selfpublished works inspired by the George Floyd tragedy and other renditions that displayed the perceived victimhood of Black mothers affected by police brutality and their eventual rise to empowerment inspired by loss

and grief. The event also included a tear-jerking performance by JSU’s MADDRAMA Performance Troupe, who demonstrated a reenactment of the story and murder of Emmett Till.

Participants and guests could quickly find themselves in a room with passionate discussion about intersectionality, such as at the “Remember Who You Are: Identity and Intersectionality Student Panel” held Friday, March 31. The student-led panel featured seven JSU students who shared vital information about intersectionality with peers and even some ways they seek to combat intersectionality upon graduating from JSU

Jackson State University named as a Generative AI Skills Challenge Awardee

Jackson State University (JSU) is an awardee of the Generative AI Skills Challenge launched by data.org. The Generative AI Skills Challenge called for best-in-class organizations to train and upskill teams on generative AI to drive social impact and advance socioeconomic mobility.

“We are excited about this award in the College of Liberal Arts since it aligns perfectly with our vision to provide students with a deeper understanding of how rapid advances in technology coupled with the arts, humanities, and social sciences can offer a humanistic approach in addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges,” said Rico Chapman, Ph.D., dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

The Mississippi AI Collaborative, representing North America, is one of five awardees selected from nearly 600 applications across 93 countries. The Mississippi AI Collaborative consists of JSU’s College of Liberal Arts, which houses the Department of Art, and the JSU Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, Mississippi Coding Academies, The Mississippi Chapter of the Computer Science Teachers

Association (MS CSTA), and The Bean Path.

A central feature of this endeavor is the formation of an AI Agency, poised to become the nerve center for Jackson State student skill enhancement and small business digital upgrades. The agency is housed in The Bean Path, founded by Nashlie Sephus, Ph.D., and will champion community-driven generative AI initiatives, propelling local empowerment and innovative breakthroughs. Students part of the agency will be operating as paid apprenticeships.

As the co-principal investigator, Brittany Myburgh, Ph.D., served as the lead JSU representative, bringing a critical eye to the intersection of art, technology, and society.

“This project is about more than just technology; it’s about shaping an equitable and inclusive future where education and AI go hand in hand to open new doors for our students and educators,” said Myburgh, a JSU assistant professor of art history.

JSU African Drum and Dance Ensemble partners with Mali-based non-profit and U.S. Department of State to travel to West Africa

JSU’s African Drum and Dance Ensemble will travel to Banjul, Gambia, in West Africa, May 18 – June 1, 2023, for a two-week immersive experience to study the music, dance, and culture of three West African ethnic groups: the Jola, Wolof, and Mandinka people. The opportunity comes in part via a $40,000 grant thanks to the support of the Mali-based not-for-profit organizationInstruments4Africa and the U.S. Department of State.

JSU’s 11-person ensemble will share cultural uniquities encountered as an African traditionhonoring group in the U.S. and their mission to address challenges often found in the AfricanAmerican community.

“I’m really proud of this opportunity because it really is a reflection of what my goal has been since coming to JSU, and that’s to really think about reframing the mission of our HBCUs to address the needs of our students,” said Department Chair and Professor of Ethnomusicology in the Department of Music, Lisa Beckley-Roberts,

Ph.D. “Today, HBCUs have addressed the needs of the black community. So, as those needs are shifting, it’s important for us to shift as well. My goal has always been to really push DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) here, global awareness, and all of these different things that currently affect our students.”

According to Beckley-Roberts, the partnership stems from over a year ago, starting with a virtual event by the Gambia Department of State where she presented how African-Americans in the U.S. channel African music and dance to address community and personal healthrelated issues. The virtual event was hosted in February 2022 to honor Black History Month and highlight the connections between Africa and African-Americans in America.

“I mentioned that I would love for an opportunity to bring students there and to do some studying and exchange of culture. They were very interested,” said Beckley-Roberts, who also received contact from Paul Chandler, director

Jackson State University 53rd chapter of Student Center for the Public Trust

Jackson State University is now home to the 53rd chapter of the Student Center for Public Trust (StudentCPT) organization, which focuses on educating and engaging future business leaders on accountability and integrity. In September, the College of Business invited the organization’s president, Alfonzo Alexander, MBA, to speak to students about ethical issues and new professionals.

StudentCPT chapters are supported by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center for Public Trust, which has staff and resources available to help maximize effectiveness. The goal of the organization is to promote ethical thinking in the development of students' character and conscience.

This year, StudentCPT is open to College of Business students. However, the organization’s advisor, Saundra Thompson McFarland, J.D., associate professor of business law, hopes to expand to other disciplines in the near future.

and co-founder of Instruments4Africa, to establish a lasting partnership with Jackson State University. Chandler and Roberts collaborated on the initial grant proposal.

With chapters on college campuses nationwide, the StudentCPT provides an interactive environment where ethical business behaviors and ideas can flourish while creating opportunities for students to network with the business community and develop professional leadership skills.

During a presentation, Alexander warned students that many young professionals get looped into unethical situations at the beginning of their careers. He explained how many of those new graduates entering the workforce are usually unaware of the situation until it’s too late.

Alumni Notes

ALES-CIA WINSLEY was featured in the 2023 Faces of NASA serving as the lead space launch system avionics engineer at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Winsley, a NASA guidance, navigation, and flight control engineer, specializes in performing calculations for determining the spacecraft's location, its destination, and the optimal trajectory to reach its destination.

She played a crucial part in the successful launch of Artemis I, a mission designed to facilitate human exploration of the Moon and lay the groundwork for future ventures to Mars. Winsley holds a Master of Science in computer engineering and a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering from Jackson State University.

ARIANNA STOKES, PH.D. was selected by the Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB) to serve as the Professional Development Specialist for eLearning and Instructional Technology. With a wealth of expertise in learning and development, eLearning, higher education, K-12 education, and technology integration, she has made significant contributions to research, publications, and multimedia content exploring education, lifestyle optimization, and the experiences of Black women in the 1%. Stokes is a highly qualified professional with a Doctorate of Philosophy in urban higher education from JSU, a Master of Education in instructional technology from Belhaven University, and a Bachelor of Science in history education from JSU.

Emmelie Prophète was named justice minister by prime minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry. She serves on the Cabinet of Haiti, the executive decision-making body of the entire government under the Office of the Prime Minister. Prophete is an award-winning author and previously served as the Minister of Culture and Communication.

Prophète was born in Port-au-Prince and studied law and modern literature at the Université de Portau-Prince and communications at Jackson State University.

TOMMIE MABRY, PH.D. is an internationally recognized speaker, acclaimed national educator, and published author, renowned for his impactful works, including the memoir "A Dark Journey to a Light Future." As a dedicated advocate for education and student success, Mabry highlights the real-life challenges often faced by at-risk students, encompassing topics such as adverse childhood experiences, trauma, bullying, life skills, and classroom management.

By shedding light on these issues, he provides teachers with a positive perspective on teaching, emphasizing the impact of childhood adversities on students' persistence and resilience levels. His presence has graced prominent platforms such as USA Today, PBS Network, FOX Soul, and other platforms. Mabry holds a Doctor of Philosophy in urban higher education from JSU, a Master of Arts in child development, and a Bachelor of Arts in education, both from Tougaloo College.

Ronza J. Anderson Jr. is a technical director at ESPN Headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, and recent recipient of a 2022-2023 Emmy Award for Outstanding Studio Show - Daily. Anderson’s Emmy Award is a reflection of his contributions to ESPN’s SportsCenter, including Get Up, First Take, College GameDay, and the Heisman Trophy Finalist Reveal Show. In 2018, Anderson earned his Bachelor of Science in mass communication with a minor in business administration from Jackson State University where he graduated magna cum laude.

Miss JSU 2023-24:

Lauren Temple

Classification: Senior

Major: Biology Pre-Medicine

Hometown: Slidell, Louisiana

Hobbies: Hanging out with friends, socializing and talking a lot, listening to music, painting, going to museums and art galleries.

Why pursue a career in biology pre-medicine?

What are your aspirations?

As a senior in high school, I looked up to my grandfather who was a professor at Mississippi Valley State University. I admired how with education in science I could do anything and there was a broad scope of information to learn that included taking care of one’s health.

I have dealt with acne since I was a preteen. I would see dermatologists, but it wasn't beneficial because a lot of them didn’t understand Black skin. That pushed me to consider a career in medicine as a dermatologist. I want to become an advocate for people of color and create solutions to their skin problems, be a support system for them and the community and work to make healthcare affordable. I would like to serve on boards to advocate for African Americans and to create a skincare line that would be easy to use and helpful to many people.

You’ve been involved in a lot of partnerships and collaborations as Miss Jackson State. What have been your favorites?

My first is OLAY, which has a connection with my career plans. I appreciated that its marketing team, scientists and doctors for the vitamin C line that I collaborated with them on was a Black team, and that I was able to meet them and make those connections. That was great and it was fun. Second would be Stamps Burgers. I had so much fun with Stamps doing videos because it's local and their food is good. Can't deny that, right?

What has been your most memorable experience as Miss JSU so far?

One of my top moments as Miss JSU is Welcome Week because everything came full circle for me. When I was a freshman, we didn't have an in-person experience because of COVID-19, and that was very heartbreaking. I hated that I couldn't meet all my peers in person.

Being able to be a part of my last and the Class of 2027’s first Welcome Week was heartwarming. I met many freshmen and built connections with them. So many of them were excited to be at Jackson State, but also a little bit nervous. I was happy to see them come out of their shells throughout the week and come into their own, make new friends and not be as secluded as they first were when they were dropped off. They had a pinning ceremony with JSU pins and everybody dressed up. I cried because hearing them give speeches and hearing how excited they were warmed my heart since my class didn't have that experience.

Homecoming, Thee I Love Bash, or Midnight Breakfast?

This is a hard question, but I’m going to choose Thee I Love Bash. I love the aspect of everyone coming back for Homecoming, but there’s something about Thee I Love Bash happening in the spring semester. So much that happens at that time, including elections for student leadership, great reveals with the Divine Nine and the year wrapping up. There are many things to look forward to that it's just amazing. You get to hang out with the school and embrace being a JSU student because other schools don't have Thee I Love Bash. It’s us.

Which JSU queen would you say you look up to the most or feel most impacted by?

The queen who has impacted me the most is Miss Lori Jackson Evans. She is a true queen, who led with grace when she was in her role and has continued to just show all of us queens who came after her what it's like to advocate for your community, make a difference and stand up for what matters to you. Because she is a a family friend, I have watched how she has changed the lives of others and witnessed how passionate she is about being a queen. She was Miss JSU and is forever a real queen. Being in this role has taught me that you must be selfless, and she has given me tools that will ensure that I can be the same way postgraduate.

Our homecoming theme was Thee Legacy Continues, which obviously has a deeper definition for you. How did growing up with parents who are JSU alumni impact you?

Growing up, I was always immersed in Jackson State. When I was younger, I didn’t quite understand why my parents were so passionate about Jackson State. I watched my parents wear JSU shirts and buy me JSU shirts and we'd go to games but I didn’t really understand how they could be so passionate about a university. When I was in middle school, I had a teacher who went to JSU, and I saw her eyes light up when I told her that my parents went to JSU.

The network and community that our school has is unmatched. To be surrounded by successful African Americans who are doing great things and come from the same school that my parents went to is admirable. Jackson State is one of two schools that I applied to because of how much it has impacted my parents’ life. I can now say as Miss JSU I understand and feel the same way about JSU as my parents. I can't wait to tell my children how JSU has not only impacted our family’s life and my life,

Mister JSU 2023-24: Austin Rolfe

but how it can also impact theirs.

You mentioned that you love all art forms and museums specifically. If you could build your own museum, what kind of art would it house and what would be the name of it?

I would love for Jackson State to have a museum named the Advocacy of Student Leadership to showcase student leadership. I believe student leadership is not well understood unless you are part of it. Many people don't understand how much goes into it and the history and the culture of it. In a perfect world, I would like a building about the size of Ayer Hall to showcase the student government association, Royal Court, campus activities board and other student-led organizations.

The museum would include pictures and articles about things that student leaders have done. It would display the beautiful long cape that Miss Jackson State wears and give the history of it, the history of Miss Jackson State and describe what the position means.

Classification: Senior

Major: Business Marketing

Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas

Hobbies: Creating music, storytelling, spending quality time with friends, watching movies

What motivated you to pursue the role of Mister JSU?

My motivation primarily comes from my peers. They inspired me to pursue the role of Mr. Jackson State and embark on this journey. My desire to serve and advocate for them is what drives me. I aimed to present a Mr. Jackson State who is approachable and relatable to the students. I wanted to be the one to show that no matter who you are, where you're from or what you've been through, you can hold significant positions and walk on big stages, just as I am doing.

What is your platform?

My platform is “The Last Dance,” which stands for Demanding Action Encourages Change Everywhere. To see positive change, we must demand positive action. As students and leaders, we often know what we want but may not know the steps to achieve it. I want to be the advocate in those closed-door meetings, speaking with those who can help bring about the change we need as students. It’s about ensuring the student body's voices are heard and desires are met.

How has your experience as Mister JSU impacted your life?

Being Mr. Jackson State has had a huge impact on my life, opening my eyes in ways I never could have imagined. This semester, I’ve had to deal with the passing of close family members and friends. It's reminded me that I have a family here at Jackson State, a community that's ready to support me whenever I need it. In turn, I want to be there for anyone here who needs help. It’s a two-way street of support and care. I'm here for them.

What is one of your favorite traditions at JSU and why?

I love to talk about the many traditions at our school, from Friday hotspots to tailgating on game days, but my absolute favorite is the tradition of students performing at the Homecoming concert. It gives students an incredible opportunity to open for established artists. I adore this tradition and hope it continues. I was fortunate to open for artists like Mariah the Scientist, Toosii, Rob 49, and Big Boogie, which was an amazing experience that opened many doors for me in music. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that showcases the amazing talent we have here at Jackson State, from singing and rapping to dancing. We’ve got it all.

How do you think JSU has helped you prepare for the next chapter in your life?

I arrived at Jackson State during the peak of COVID-19. With everything shifting online, we had no choice but to bond with those around us,

especially since the dorms were open and we attended classes from there. Networking, joining clubs and getting involved were key. I took a huge leap of faith my sophomore year by running for a position, unsure of how it would turn out. It turned out to be a great decision. It helped me build more connections and meet new people. It made a significant impact in my sophomore and junior years, and now, in my senior year, I can see how much I’ve achieved at Jackson State and I’m not done yet. I'm proud I chose to come here.

What are your goals for the future, and what drives you towards them?

After I graduate, my goal is to work in the music industry. I believe in taking the time needed to achieve my goals, but I'm against wasting time. Whether it takes a year or five years, I want to use that time efficiently and proactively to become successful. I want to make sure I’m able to give back, not just to my university but to my home as well. My ultimate goal is to build and own a record label.

How would you explain “thee” JSU experience to students who are considering attending?

I would say being genuine. You can't do something if you don’t have a genuine connection to it. Being a JSU ambassador can be time consuming. If somebody is in this position and trying to pour into people without genuine intention, their fuel will run low. So, the most important aspect of being a JSU ambassador is being genuine and authentic to this position and yourself.

SGA President

2023-24:

Jason Johnson

What makes giving back so important?

Giving back is crucial because a university gives you so much. It provides education, organizations to join, a place to live and people to interact with. It enriches your life in many ways. It only makes sense to pass that on, to offer something new and improved to those who come after you to ensure that they have an even better college experience. I’m an advocate for giving back to the university community.

Describe why your “Dear old college home” will always have a special place in your heart.

My “Dear old college home” will forever hold a special place in my heart. It provided me with a foundation and a platform for growth. It equipped me with the tools and resources necessary for my success, and more importantly, it gave me what I need to help others achieve their greatness, too.

What do you wish for people to remember about your leadership?

I want to be remembered as Austin, the leader who inspired others to step out of their comfort zone. I hope people see me as someone who provided opportunities for success, offered resources for greatness, and motivated everyone to achieve their best, regardless of their background, identity or past struggles. My goal is to serve as an inspiration to those who follow. That’s the legacy I aim to leave behind.

Classification: Senior

Major: Electrical Engineering

Hometown: Belleville, Michigan

Hobbies: Going to the movies, traveling and trying new restaurants

What made you want to attend JSU and why did you feel compelled to run for Student Government Association president?

I made my first and only visit to campus during Jackson State’s winter break in 2020 when hardly anyone was on campus. Regardless, I was able to have a great visit and fell in love with the university, which inspired me to attend Jackson State. I learned about the Student Government Association early during my time at Jackson State and saw it as a means to make real differences on campus. I ultimately decided that running for SGA president would allow me to both lead and create the most positive change for the student body.

What effect has your leadership had on the JSU student body?

I hope that through my leadership I have been a positive example to all my peers. I would never describe myself as anything close to perfect, but I am a student who was able to come to JSU and accomplish many of my goals. I also hope that through my leadership the student body has been able to see that an HBCU, where tradition and culture are so important, is still acceptable and even encouraged in some aspects.

Is there an accomplishment you value most during your time as the 78th SGA president?

In my time as 78th SGA president, I'm most happy to be a part of so many internal efforts to create real change here at Jackson State. Opportunities like leading the University Public Safety Focus Group, being

able to have monthly meetings with food services and even being able to work with other SGA presidents through The Mississippi President Consortium have all been efforts to come together with other students to bring the most direct change and overall help to specific areas of the university.have a family here at Jackson State, a community that's ready to support me whenever I need it. In turn, I want to be there for anyone here who needs help. It’s a two-way street of support and care. I'm here for them.

Describe your leadership experience during your SGA presidency.

I would say my SGA presidency has created a new perspective as to how I approach leadership. Working in the SGA with various branches and councils has allowed me to focus more on delegation and communication with an entire team, specifically with the “Thee Great 78th Administration.” I tell people all the time that what makes the administration so great is that it is filled with individuals who are dedicated to the greater good of the university.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to attend graduate school and earn a master’s in biomedical engineering. I’m in the process of applying now. I also have some current job offers on the table from companies, including Lockheed Martin and Toyota. I feel truly blessed to have these amazing options available to me.

How would you describe your JSU experience to aspiring students?

Coming from Michigan to Jackson, Mississippi was a lot. I never really knew what to expect coming to JSU, but during my freshman year I made a very sound group of friends. I’ve had the chance to get involved in many organizations and communities at Jackson State, including the Aristocrat STEM Program, Honors College, Men Of Excellence, Collegiate 100 and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Each organization introduced me to a family of like-minded individuals who support each other in our goals.

Through the Engineering Department, I’ve participated in many careerbased trips and secure countless internship experiences. Jackson State has organizations and opportunities for every single student to find what they’re interested in.

What is your favorite JSU tradition and why?

Besides hearing the Boom, the JSU tradition I have come to love is hotspots on the plaza. Seeing everyone dancing, laughing and having a good time is a great experience. There is nothing more energy-filled and electrifying than hotspots on campus.

How has JSU has prepared you for the next chapter in your life?

Jackson State has helped me develop into the individual I am today. It has brought me through challenging times over the years, but also put me in rooms with individuals who I know I can accomplish anything with. I have made lifelong friends with students, advisors and teachers. Every time I wanted to do something at JSU, there have been people willing to help bring my ideas to life. Thanks to Jackson State, I am beyond ready to enter my next chapter without fear of what’s to come.

Thank You

Jackson State University would like to thank all sponsors who met the criteria for special recognition in the Jacksonian Magazine based on their philanthropic support of the 2023 Mary E Peoples Scholarship Luncheon and 1877 Signature Event

Mary E Peoples Scholarship Luncheon Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Drs Winston and Alma Pittman, Sr

Diamond Sponsors HBCU Change, LLC Trustmark

Emerald Sponsors Catchings Insurance Agency

1877 Signature Event Sponsors

Sterling Sponsor Nissan North America

Leadership Sponsor The Varnado Family