Jacksonian 2004

T H E

jacksonian Spring 2004

New Era of Education: The K-12 Higher Education Connection Dr. Roderick Paige, ‘55 U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION AND JSU ALUM

Ronald Mason, Jr. JSU PRESIDENT www.jsums.edu

University Flagships and Forerunners p.6 JSU Unveils New College Banners at 126th Convocation p.7 From JSC to JSU: Continuing the Tradition of Excellence p.8 Executive Ph.D. Program in Urban Higher Education p.9 Mississippi Learning Institute To Mirror No Child Left Behind Initiative p.10 Center for BioDefense Communications A Unique Surveillance System p.11 JSU First Ph.D.s in Business and Chemistry: Formula for Market Success

Research Reviews p.12 Environmental Risks Assessment Model to Monitor Gulf Coast Activity p.13 Jackson Heart Study Monitors Pulse of Heart Disease in African-American Communities p.14 Institute of Epidemiology Tracks Health Disparities in Mississippi

Institutional Advancement p.15 Party With A Purpose – 125th Anniversary Birthday Bash p.17 Nissan Funding JSU Co-Op Program / Cellular South Connection p.18 Tom Joyner Foundation HBCU Matching Challenge p.19 & 20 Generation Genders: Mr. E.L. Brown, and Miss JSC 1932 p.21 Mississippi’s 63rd Governor: Former Member of JSU Development Foundation Board p.22 Barksdale Loss Felt at JSU p.23 JSU’s Return on Investment of Eddie Munson

Student Life Matters p.24 1st Year Experience: First Steps for Entering Freshmen p.25 Miss JSU’s Dual Crown A First for Mississippi p.26 A Family Affair with 2003 Homecoming Highlights p.27 Patricia Russell-McCleod Challenges Students at Black College Day p.28 Center for University Scholars Provides Forum for Researchers p.29 Classroom and Workforce Development p.30 JSU’s Roots and International Diversity p31 JSU-Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund: Partners in Preparing a New Generation of Leaders p.32 Corporate Tour Produces Results for Students, Alumni, and JSU p.34 Tamara Myles’ Last Dance

Funding for this publication was provided by Title III, “Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities”.

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Facilities and Trailblazers 2003 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees p.35 Robert Kent Leaves Legacy, One of JSU’s Most Prolific QBs p.37 Lady Tigers Back-to-back Co-Champions p.39 Tiger Hoops Bringing Back the Pride p.40 Lady Tigers Soccer: A Season of Education p.41 JSU Golf Continues SWAC Dominance p.42 Lady Tigers Volleyball A Season of Determination p.43 Womens Track and Field: Ladies, Take Your Mark p.44 Mens Track: A Rebirth at JSU p.45 Athletic Facility Upgrades A Magnet in Attracting New Recruits p.46 JSU Honors Its Own ‘62 Dream Team p.48 Lady Tigers Softball: A Diamond in The Rough p.49 Tigers Hitting & Stealing Their Way to a Baseball Title p.50

Bridging the Gap Between K-12 and Higher Education p.51 VIEWS FROM DR. RODERICK PAIGE, U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION, AND PRESIDENT RONALD MASON, JR.

Alumni Headliners Barrett Hatches’ Dreams for JSU Scholars p.57 Wiley Brooks’ Dedication and Record School Attendance p.58 The Command Post of General Robert Crear p.59 The Eye Witness Account of Dr. Linda Johnson p.60 Dr. Hilliard Lackey, Thurgood Marshall HBCU Alumnus of the Year p.61 High Notes of Russell Gunn p.62 Gaylia Porter Moves to Head of the Class p.63 Dr. Quinton Williams’ Theory of Relativity p.64 JSU Honors College Provides Foundation for Success p.65

Exclusives GED Program Reaches Milestone p.67 Legacy Brick Campaign to Capture JSU History p.68 Sonic Boom Accolades Breaking Sound Barriers p.70 Former JSU Marching Band Directors Conduct a Legacy of Leaders p.71 Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America p.73 Rev. Al Sharpton

p.76

Faculty and Staff Briefs p.77 In Memoriam p.78 3 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S AG E D E A R J A C K S O N I A N S : We have many outstanding alumni in all walks of life: doctors, lawyers, athletes, teachers, computer scientists.

In this issue, we celebrate perhaps our most accomplished alumnus in the field of public service, United States Secretary of Education Dr. Rod Paige.

I have gotten to know Dr. Paige over the course of the past few years. He is truly one of us. He was raised by schoolteachers in Monticello, Mississippi, and educated at Jackson State. At one point he was even the Head Football Coach here.

Dr. Paige served as Dean of Education at Texas Southern University and then as Superintendent of the Houston, Texas Independent School District.

It is hard to imagine anyone more qualified to be the nation’s chief educator. He understands the theory of learning but he also has first-hand experience with the often harsh realities of today’s public school systems. He is bound and determined to ensure that schools of education produce teachers who are both pedagogically current and content competent, K-12 systems are focused on student performance, and communities are full participants in the lifelong learning process.

It is also good, and rare, to have a Secretary of Education that understands the value and importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

He has celebrated our unique responsibility to educate the many students who benefit from the nurturing and disciplined environment that we offer. He knows that we educate mind, body and spirit to create caring and committed leaders. There is no better example of the effectiveness of our approach than Secretary Paige.

Dr. Paige is worthy of all honors we can muster because he has taken on a task that a lesser person would shy away from. He has looked at the future and seen what will be required of our children for them to be successful. He has determined that no matter the race, color, economic status or family background, he will do all within his power to ensure that no child is left behind.

Respectfully yours, Ronald Mason, Jr. President, Jackson State University

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T H E

jacksonian

is published for alumni, retirees, students and friends of Jackson State University by the Office of University Communications, Division of Institutional Advancement.

Please send all letters and inquiries to be considered for publication to: FROM OUR READERS The Jacksonian Magazine JSU Office of University Communications P.O. Box 17490 • Jackson, MS 39217 Phone: (601) 979-2272 • Fax: (601) 979-5833 E-mail: jfortson@jsums.edu Please mail ALUMNI HEADLINERS and IN MEMORIAM information to: Office of Alumni Affairs Attn: Nechelle N. Robinson P.O. Box 17820 • Jackson, MS 39217 Phone: (601) 979-2281 • Fax: (601) 979-3701 E-mail: jsualum@jsums.edu Send address changes to: Evangeline W. Robinson, Director of Alumni Affairs JSU Office of Alumni Affairs P.O. Box 17820 • Jackson, MS 39217 Evangeline.w.robinson@jsums.edu Vice President for Institutional Advancement Emmett J. Crockett, Jr. Director of University Communications Anthony Dean Editor Jean C. Frazier Staff Researcher and Writer Karyn Smith Contributors William Bright, Jr. Gwen Caples Roishina Clay Nechelle N. Robinson Deidre Bell Jones Marco W. McMillian Crystal Quarles Photographers and Artists William Bright, Jr. Newton A. Handy, III Abram Jones Freddy Norman Tabitha Torry Graphic Design DreamWorldCommunication2, LLC

5 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

by Karyn Smith

Administrators, faculty, staff and students prepare for the beginning of the 126th Founders’ Day convocation during which the academic College banners were unveiled and the School banners were retired.

A new era of learning at Jackson State University was ushered in during the 126th Founders’ Day Convocation with the retiring of academic banners from the former eight schools and the ceremonial unveiling of banners for the six new colleges including: Business, Liberal Arts, Public Service; Science, Engineering, and Technology; Education and Human Development, and Lifelong Learning.

Dr. Bettye Graves, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and coordinator of Founders’ Day activities, said the venue was chosen because of the formal nature of the campuswide assembly.

“We thought that Founders’ Day would be the perfect opportunity to

retire the old school concept and introduce the college concept to the University family and the community,” she said.

Created under Vision 2020, the university’s academic reorganization plan, the new colleges are designed to help advance JSU’s academic enterprise toward greater efficiency and effectiveness and prepare students to become discoverers of knowledge.

“The new colleges embrace transdisciplinary, experiential and lifelong learning,” said JSU President Ronald Mason, Jr. “This change from

schools to colleges symbolizes the beginning of a new era of learning at Jackson State University.”

In addition to Founders’ Day, the banners also are utilized during spring and summer commencement ceremonies. J

Faculty marshals march in with the academic school banners before the unveiling of the new college banners.

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UNIVERSITY F LAGSHIPS AND F ORERUNNERS

JSU Unveils New College Banners at 126th Convocation, Retires Academic School Banners

FROM JSC TO JSU:

Continuing the Tradition of Academic Excellence

by Karyn Smith

The mood was festive, yet reflec- JSU Director of Development and First Hundred Years – 1877-1977.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to tive in the packed General Purpose Alumni Affairs in 1974.

Room of the Jacob L. Reddix Campus Lackey, now Director of Dr. Peoples for his visionary leadership Union on March 15, 1974. The faculty, Enrollment Services at LeMoyne-Owen in steering our transition from a college staff and students who had gathered College in Memphis, called receiving to a university. His legacy of service is there to await the arrival of Gov. university status a “relief and victory of Jackson State,” said JSU President William Waller knew the importance of sorts.” Though the university did not Ronald Mason, Jr. “Because of the the brief, symbolic signing ceremony, receive additional state funding, the foundation laid by him, we are embarkwhich would usher in a new era of administration pursued external dollars ing on the second great era of Jackson teaching and learning and be heralded to continue to enhance the university’s State University.”

Along with JSU, four other instias a watershed event in the life of image, academic offerings, and student Jackson State College. tutions were granted regional university development activities. status by legislative action in 1974: The onlookers knew that Delta State University, Alcorn State with a few strokes of the governor’s University, Mississippi Valley State pen, their beloved JSC would be University and Mississippi markedly changed from a small institution seeking to advance truth and University for Women.

Deemed the state’s urban univerfreedom under sixth president Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr. to Jackson State sity in 1979, Jackson State University today is a comprehensive institution University, a beacon of hope for gendesignated as doctoral/research erations of traditionally underintensive by the Carnegie served young people who would Foundation. Serving nearly 8,000 avail themselves of enhanced educastudents, the university offers 43 tional opportunities and engage in The Charles F. Moore School of Business erected in 1974 bachelor’s degrees, 38 master’s meaningful action research. degrees, six specialist-in-education The elevation to university degrees, and 10 doctoral degrees, status came as a result of years of culincluding the Ph.D. in social work, tivating a highly competent faculty chemistry, clinical psychology, public with terminal degrees, strengthening policy and administration, educathe academic enterprise with new tional administration and the new degree offerings at the undergraduexecutive Ph.D. in urban education ate and graduate levels, and being slated to begin in fall 2004. accredited by both regional and national accrediting bodies for acaThe university is ranked second demic quality institution-wide and nationally by Black Issues in Higher Education in the production of in individual programs such as teacher education. In 1972, the mas- The New JSU College of Business opening Summer 2004 African American master’s degree ter of business administration, the masThe Advanced Institutional graduates in English, and sixth in the ter of arts, and the specialist in educa- Development Program (AID) was production of African Americans with tion degrees were offered for the first implemented in 1974 to “foster institu- master’s degrees in biology and Ph.D.s time. In 1974, the master of science tional growth, improve administrative in education. The university has degree was offered. capabilities, establish urban career ori- received more than $102 million in “Dr. Peoples made faculty go off entation, establish a multicultural insti- external research dollars in the past two and pursue doctorates. He also hired tution and enhance quality throughout years and ranks No. 1 in the acquisition people who had doctorates. During this the university,” said Dr. Lelia G. of federally funded research dollars time, the school became very strong aca- Rhodes, Dean Emerita of Libraries, in among research-intensive historically demically,” said Dr. Hilliard L. Lackey, her book Jackson State University: The black colleges and universities. J 7 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

Executive Ph.D. Program in Urban Higher Education: Model to Seek Solutions in Urban Communities Dr. Joseph Stevenson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

by Jean C. Frazier

Jackson State University’s new Executive Ph.D. program in Urban Higher Education is a two-year, intensive program designed to produce leaders who will work to find solutions that plague urban campuses and communities. The program targets mid-level managers from the public and private sectors seeking to advance their careers through an accelerated program for working professionals.

Administered by the College of Education and Human Development and slated to begin in fall 2004, the program may attract professionals seeking to become college and university presidents or heads of major human and social service agencies and other executives who want to earn a terminal degree without major interruption to their work schedules.

Approved in July 2003 by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the Executive Ph.D. program in Urban Higher Education is a trans-disciplinary program of core concentrations in business, public policy and administration, urban and regional planning and technology combined with higher education administration and

research methodology.

The program is designed on the cohort model whereby all students take the same courses together over the approximate 24-month period.

Michael Harris, who received a master’s degree last summer, embraces the program as an excellent educational track that supports his administrative pursuits. As a middle school teacher, Harris aspires to become a principal and later a district superintendent. “It’s definitely something I’d like to look into,” he said.

Other teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals view the program as an alternative for second career tracks in urban education and an opportunity to gain exposure to leaders and practitioners in business, public policy, technology and urban planning.

JSU administrators and faculty will serve as primary instructors with prominent scholars providing lectures and presentations with emphasis on urban settings. Similar programs at Hampton University, Howard University and the University of Pennsylvania have been researched and will infuse a tract of visiting scholars as lecturers into the pro-

gram.

“One of the benefits of the program will be the reciprocal return of educational leaders in underserved metropolitan and urban communities,” said Dr. Joseph Stevenson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Founding Director of the EPh.D. program.

“The holistic scope of the curriculum prepares and empowers candidates with a systematic approach to address the urban and social issues that ultimately affect our urban cities and collegiate communities.”

The program is being launched with funding from the Ayers desegregation case and has received nearly 500 inquiries to date. Fees cover tuition, housing, books, wireless laptops, shuttle services, parking and meals, and accommodations for classes, which will meet once a month on a Thursday through Sunday schedule.

Organizers plan to initially enroll 10 students in hopes of attracting 30 students annually.

For additional information, contact the JSU School of Administrative Leadership at (601) 979-2434. J 8

MISSISSIPPI LEARNING INSTITUTE:

K-16 System to Mirror No Child Left Behind

by Dr. Monique Guillory

MISSISSIPPI L E A R N I N G

AC A D E M Y As a collaborative partnership will continue its development as a model Community Development Corporation, among the Mississippi Department of for University and School District part- and the Washington Addition Education, the Jackson Public School nerships. Mirrored after the No Child Neighborhood Association. With a priDistrict and Jackson State University, the Left Behind legislation, the partnership mary focus on elementary education, the Mississippi Learning Institute was focuses on assisting the school district in long-term vision for the MLA is to devellaunched this year as a network among meeting certification requirements for op it into a Mathematics/Science administrative and higher education teachers. The barometer for accountabil- Academy in support of the University’s principals with a mission to bridge the K- ity is welcomed among school district per- programs in Computer Science and 12 and four-year college educational sonnel and higher education administra- Engineering. Professional development career track. tors. activities for teachers and services for stuThrough a $500,000 dents are being designed to grant from the U.S. anticipate the skill sets that Department of Education, students will need to sucthe concept encompasses a Kcessfully matriculate 12 facet for four of the through college.

Jackson Public School Complementary collaboraDistrict’s elementary schools tive projects including onwith a mission of improving going professional developstudent test scores on the ment for instructors and Mississippi Curriculum Test, administrators, data-driven particularly in reading and decision making in the classmathematics. Students from room, and possibly some George Elementary, Isable U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Roderick Paige, ‘55 visits with staff and physical education and students from Isable Elementary School during a visit to the Mississippi Elementary, Blackburn Learning Institute last fall. health activities are being Middle School and Jim Hill considered as a holistic High School are beneficiaries of the “As a reciprocal relationship, the approach to the learning experience. investment along with peer students and Mississippi Learning Institute provides In light of Dr. Roderick Paige’s their teachers in hopes of improving their the University and the District with a emphasis on reading and early literacy, test scores. structure to establish common educa- the MLI has also trained and employed President Ronald Mason Jr. envi- tional priorities that will benefit the com- six full-time reading tutors at the elemensions the partnership as a model continu- munities they both serve,” said Dr. tary schools within the Mississippi ity system of the formative years of learn- Monique Guillory, Former Deputy Chief Learning Academy. The tutors are also ing for pre-kindergarten schools and the of Staff and current Director of the available to other schools and evaluate elementary and high schools throughout Mississippi Learning Institute at JSU. various reading programs to assist teachthe four-year college career. “This collabThe MLI includes three primary ers in their concentrated efforts with the oration will serve as a national profes- partners and focuses on four schools students. sional development model for a seamless, within the Jim Hill High School feeder The programs and specific goals pre-K-16 system,” said JSU President pattern. Additional community partners will be implemented is phases of the Ronald Mason, Jr. include the Southern Initiative of the upper elementary grades during the The Mississippi Learning Institute Algebra Project, the West Jackson 2004-2005 school year. J 9 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

National Center for BioDefense Communications A Unique Surveillance System

by Karyn Smith

W

ith the launching of its National Center for Biodefense Communications (NCBC), Jackson State University has become one of few institutions in the nation and the only historically black university with a strategic initiative to bring to bear Internet-based technologies for early detection of significant human and animal health events.

Through Internet-based technologies and basic and applied research, the Center will focus on human and animal health surveillance, and early detection and response, particularly in rural America.

“The National Center for Biodefense Communications at Jackson State University is critical to national homeland defense efforts,” said Dr. Felix Okojie, Vice President of Research Development, Support and Federal Relations and principal investigator of the NCBC project.

“With our existing centers such as the Trent Lott GeoSpatial and Visualization Research Center, and the Vertical Integration for Missile Defense Surveillance Data Program, JSU is positioned to provide critical mass to homeland defense research and development efforts at the local, state and national levels.”

The NCBC was established by JSU to gather real-time human and animal health data nationwide for the performance of cross-discipline basic and applied research in human and animal health, said Dr. Anthony Mawson, Co-Principal Investigator of the National Center for Biodefense Communications.

The NCBC will provide services to national public health, veterinarian and first-responder communities by providing secure and reliable cross-sector

Elizabeth Matlack, Associate Director, NCBC

messaging nationwide. In addition, the center will facilitate teaching at the university level in public health, veterinary science and informatics, and related subjects with an emphasis on minority students.

The NCBC has forged partnerships with other research and teaching programs including the Science and Engineering Alliance comprised of Alabama A&M University, Southern University of Baton Rouge, Prairie View A&M University and JSU, which will conduct basic and applied research in conjunction with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pagasus Research Foundation, MaxIT and a support alliance of leading data communications and technology firms.

For more information about NCBC, call (601) 979-1101. J 10

JSU’s First Ph.D.s in Business and Chemistry Formula For Market Success

by Karyn Smith

Minutes prior to being ceremonially hooded at Jackson State University’s 125th summer commencement exercises, Cecil Hill and Yevgeniy Podolyan exchanged words with reporters and well-wishers and shared an easy rapport with each other. Their demeanor didn’t reflect the importance of their personal and institutional milestones, but when the two took their places at the head of a line of 18 doctoral candidates, they shared the historic distinction of being the first JSU students to earn Ph.D.s in business administration and chemistry, respectively.

On the surface, the two appeared to have little in common, one an African American in his mid-40s and the other a Ukranian native in his late 20s. But on that day in August 2002, scholarship was the unifying factor.

“It’s just a great honor and privilege to be part of history, and I’m thankful to the Lord for allowing me to be part of this moment,” said Hill, a Certified Public Accountant and now Assistant Professor of Accounting at JSU. “It’s been well worth the effort. When it’s all said and done, it’s easy to make it look easy. Getting the degree was a challenge.”

Hill was among the nine people who were part of the inaugural doctoral class in business administration in 1998.

Today, 35 doctoral students are enrolled in the business administration program, and three others have graduated.

Earning the Ph.D. in chemistry did not stop Podolyan from continuing his legacy of academic achievement at JSU. He received a master’s degree in computer science in August 2003.

Podolyan called his educational experience at JSU top-notch. “The Department of Chemistry at JSU now has a remarkable Ph.D. program. The requirements are high,” he said.

The Computer Science Department does not offer Ph.D.s, but a solid foundation has been laid to offer the terminal degree, Podolyan said.

“Now that I have two degrees, there are many opportunities for future work and/or development,” said Podolyan, who has taught chemistry and now teaches computer science courses at JSU. A research associate in the Department of Chemistry, Podolyan continues to manage computer hardware and software in JSU’s Computational Center for Molecular Structure and Interactions.

Podolyan led the way for other scholars in chemistry to pursue the terminal degree. Two others have graduated with Dr. Yevgeniy Podolyan and Dr. Cecil Hill are the first JSU recipients of Ph.D.’s in chemistry the Ph.D. in chemistry, and 15 are currentand business administration, respectively. (Photo: CLarion Ledger)r ly enrolled in the program. J 11 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

by Jean C. Frazier

Dr. Paulinus Chigbu, associate professor of (Mississippi) in recent years also substantiates the Marine Biology, along with a team of meteorology study as an enhanced predictor and tool in the early researchers are engaged in an integrated study of the detection and crisis management of these disasters. environmental risks in the Gulf Coast region. As a “In order to increase our understanding and collaborative research initiative with scientists at the capability of predicting these events, we are integratVeridian Systems, Inc., the study will examine and ing diverse historical dataset in an effort to minitrack risk factors that mize their effects,” said attribute to the natural catChigbu. “We are also conastrophic events including ducting analyses of the cyclones and flooding that population structure of impact the coastal various reef sites in the ecological systems. UnforMississippi Sound while tunately, the vast impact examining the effects of on the displacement and climate variations,” added loss of human lives associChigbu. The analyses of ated with these disasters the various reef sites and along with the depressed climate variations will be market and economy are used as an oyster managedriving forces of the study. ment tool for the The Environmental Mississippi Sound – a Risks Assessment model major source and contribDr. Paulinus Chigbu calls for a flood modeling utor of the Gulf and prediction tool for the Pearl River and a storm (Mississippi) Coast’s seafood industry. surge prediction tool for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Funded by the National Oceanic both of which could not have come at a more appli- Atmospheric Administration, the study includes cable time considering the severe flood waters that researchers from Jackson State University’s displaced several families during the Easter flood of Department of Meteorology – Dr. Sussela Reddy, 1979 in south and northeast Jackson communities. Dr. Julius Baham, Robert Hughes, John Young and A trending concentration of severe storm patterns Kent Hilbret of the remote sensing/Geological and depressions as recent as the coastal tornadoes Information System (GIS) and environmental scienalong with Mississippi Gulf Coast and inland torna- tist, Dr. Paul Tchounwou. J does that claimed several lives in Madison County

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RESEARCH REVIEWS

Environmental Risks Assessment Model to Monitor Gulf Coast Activity

Jackson Heart Study Monitors Pulse of Heart Disease In African American Communities

A

As the largest study of cardiovascular disease that has been undertaken in the African American population, the Jackson Heart Study continues to monitor the study of the disease process among African American communities in the Jackson (Mississippi) metro-areas.

Sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the National Center on Minority Health, the Jackson Heart Study is a partnership among Jackson State University, Tougaloo College and the University of Mississippi Medical Center, all serving as tentacles in reaching African Americans between the ages of 35 and 84.

Dr. Herman Taylor who serves as Principal Investigator conscientiously guides the reigns of the Heart Study, a $33 million program that is being primarily funded by the National Institutes of Health. They are raising the awareness of cardiovascular disease and finding solutions to the alarming disproportionate numbers of African Americans 13 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

by Jean C. Frazier

who suffer from stroke, diabetes and other disabilities.

Over the last four years, researchers have looked for African American participants in one of the largest minority heart studies in the nation. The study envisions having 5,500 participants to reach a better understanding on why African Americans are more prone to die from heart diseases and other related illnesses than other race groups.

Early reports show that 65 percent of the participants are females between the ages of 55-64. The average women from the study are obese and pre-hypertensive, and most of the men are slightly under obese range. Some study participants have been found with slightly lower levels of potassium than other ethnic groups.

As the study draws to a conclusion on its first phase of enrolling participants, researchers are gearing up for the second phase, which will be collecting clinical data. J

Dr. Herman Taylor Principal Investigator

JSU’s Institute of Epidemiology and Health Services Research A National Model in Tracking Health Disparities and Access to Health Care

by Jean C. Frazier

A direct correlation of the limited access to healthcare and rising morbidity and disabilities in African American residents is drawn from the increased numbers of cancer, chronic kidney diseases, diabetes, heart diseases and stroke. Astoundingly, these numbers continue to grow in our communities, where Mississippians are recorded disproportionately in national top-tier indicators of these and other diseases. Thus, the need for the Jackson State University’s Institute of Epidemiology and Health Services was clearly recognized, as well as the mission for addressing and reducing disparities and the improving the quality of health care.

Established in 2001 through a grant from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the institute is dedicated to improving health care and addressing the disparities in health care for Mississippi minorities. Moreover, the institute provides specialized services in the areas of health research, epidemiologic studies, hospital administration, data management and information. Ongoing research and initiatives are being developed with an aim to involve opportunities for faculty and students to train in epidemiologic methods and health services research.

JSU President Ronald Mason, Jr. views the institute as a critical catalyst in addressing the racial and ethnic differences in access to health care in

Mississippi. “More than ever, we recognize the importance of eliminating health disparities in the state, given that Mississippi ranks disappointingly low on many health indicators,” he said.

Jackson State held its Second Annual Health Disparities Conference in October 2003 and received a $1.1 million grant to conduct research in health disparities in the state. The conference embraced a wide range of topics in health care and disparities in historically underserved regions in the

state, such as the Mississippi Delta.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Claude A. Allen presented the University with the check during the conference. The grant is funded through Project Export, which is within the National Center of Minority Health and Health Disparities. The program supports training of biomedical and behavioral researchers and develops facilities at institutions studying health disparities. J

JSU’s Institute of Epidemiology and Health Services Research received a $1.1 million grant award to conduct research in health disparities in Mississippi. Pictured are: Claude A. Allen, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and JSU President Ronald Mason, Jr. at the Second Annual Health Disparities Conference.

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W K $ Q Q L Y H U V D U \

% L U W K G D \ % D V K

by Gwen Caples

President & Mrs. Ronald Mason, Jr. share a moment with The O’Jays prior to their performance at the star-studded 125th Anniversary Birthday Bash.

Jackson State University hosted a party like none other on October 24, 2003. It was the culmination of our 125th Anniversary and we were determined to go out in style.

Imagine a huge ballroom packed with roughly 1,000 people dressed elegantly in lace, sequins and tuxedos. Now envision an enormous stage with streaming white lights, a roaring horn section and three artists dressed in sparkling, white outfits. The artists grab the mics, glide across the stage in rare precision and begin belting out a medley of old-school favorites one after the other. The audience joins in singing, “Love Train,” “For The Love Of Money,” and “Use Ta Be My Girl.” Soon the dance floor is filled to capacity and arms are waving in the air while young and old strut briskly to the sultry, electrifying tunes of the legendary O’Jays! Sound like fun?

You bet!

Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Jackson, Mississippi, the JSU 125th Anniversary Birthday Bash was a night to remember. Hundreds of people including JSU administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, politicians, board members, local and national celebrities and business leaders enjoyed an unforgettable evening of delicious food, excellent music and fellowship. With “Lady Vee” of 15 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

WXKI Radio as our gracious host, we partied from 9:00 pm until 1:00 am with the O’Jays and local rhythm and blues singer, Patrice Moncell. Of course, Patrice rocked the house while singing a rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” and other R&B favorites.

“I had a great time,” says Dr. Dorris RobinsonGardner, Dean of JSU’s Graduate School. “The Birthday Bash reminded me of an “old-school” HBCU gala. It was a classy, top quality fundraising event involving the entire community. Several upper-level administrators from the University of California, Santa Barbara, attending as guests of the Graduate School, were in awe of the esprit de corps displayed by the corporate and Jackson State community.”

Another important feature of the Birthday Bash was a reception held earlier that evening to honor individuals who have contributed $1,000 to $50,000 or more to the JSU Development Foundation, Inc., during the academic year.

Approximately 20 major donors received a plaque from

Patrice Moncell serenades the audience with her rendition of “Respect” during the opening act of the 2003 Anniversary Birthday Bash.

Emmett J. Crockett, Jr., Executive Secretary of the JSU Development Foundation. The recipients were also photographed with President Ronald Mason, Jr., during the acknowledgements.

“We normally pay tribute to our major gift donors during our annual Founders’ Day Banquet,” said Crockett. “This year, as part of the Founders’ Day Celebration, we hosted a private reception for our honorees one hour before the Bash in the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The honorees expressed their

Dr. Evelyn Leggette is pictured with Emmett J. Crockett, Jr., Vice President for Institutional Advancement during the Development Foundation Recognition Reception prior to the Anniversary Birthday Bash.

Michael Harris, JSU Athletic Development Specialist, visits with Warren Speed (son of Leland Speed, Chairman of JSU Development Foundation Board) and his wife during the Development Foundation Recognition Reception prior to the Anniversary Birthday Bash.

Organizers of the 2003 Anniversary Birthday Bash bask in the gala’s success prior to the opening act. Pictured are: Gwen Caples, JSU Events Coordinator and Co-Chair of the Anniversary Birthday Bash; Verbia “Lady V” Harden, toastmistress; and Evola Bates, Chief of Staff and Co-Chair of the Anniversary Birthday Bash.

JSU supporters revel in Birthday Bash festivities and Party with a Purpose.

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INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

In The Heat of the Night’s Dr. Tonea Stewart, ‘69 and Barrett Hatches, ‘77 join in the gala festivities with JSU alumni and freinds.

appreciation of the reception and the awards. Afterwards, we joined the other guests in the Ballroom to watch the O’Jays.

It was a fun evening.”

The JSU 125th Anniversary Birthday Bash would not have been possible without the support from the community. A combination of individual ticket sales, table sales to area businesses and JSU departments, local and national corporate sponsorships and contributions helped the JSU Development Foundation, Inc., host a special event to raise monies for students scholarships.”

“This is a party with a purpose,” said Evola Bates, JSU Chief of Staff and Birthday Bash co-chair. “Proceeds from this event will help deserving students continue their education at Jackson State University. We will forever be grateful to the community for its support of this fund raiser and to JSU for its excellence in teaching, research and community service during its first 125 years.”

Jackson State University kicked off its Quasquicentennial Celebration on September 27, 2002. We celebrated all year long with an array of student and alumni activities, but on Friday, October 24, 2003, we went out with a bang with the incomparable, sensational O’Jays! J

Funding JSU Co-Op Program: Excerpted from the Clarion Ledger Jackson State University freshmen students Ricky Magruder and Antonio Woods were selected as participants in a new co-op program established by Nissan in February when it donated $230,000 to the school.

Senior Vice President of U.S. Manufacturing, Dan Gaudette is pictured with JSU President Ronald Mason, Jr. and Nissan Scholars Ricky McGruder and Antonio Woods. Both freshmen students have been selected as 2004 Fall participants in the Nissan Co-op Program.

Welcome to the

by Josee Valcourt (Clarion-Ledger Business Writer)

"We will have 12 to 14 students at any particular time," said Dan Gaudette, senior vice president of U.S. Manufacturing for Nissan North America, adding that the program is open to all majors, particularly those studying general business or engineering.

The scholarship program is designed to attract students who want to enter the auto industry. The co-op work is slated to begin next semester.

Selected students will work at the plant throughout their college careers in various departments such as finance, production management, engineering and human resources.

They will also earn a salary.

JSU will refer candidates to the company.

After they complete the program, those selected could get a job offer from Nissan, Gaudette said. J

Connection

Scholarships and Endowment Fund Established

by Gwen Caples

check presentation.

Jackson State University "Our success is primarily due to and Cellular South established the skills and integrity of our the Cellular South Scholarships 550-plus employees, most of and Cellular South Endowment whom attended college in Fund to assist industrious enterMississippi," said Cellular South ing freshmen students by providing funds for tuition, room President Hu Meena. "This donaand boarding, books and sumtion is an expression of gratitude and encouragement for Jackson mer internships. The scholarState University and its stuships are renewable for three dents." consecutive years providing that the recipients maintain a 3.0 The first recipients of the scholPictured left to right: (back row) Sheila Harper (Accounting cumulative GPA. Students are Associate, Cellular South); Emmett Crockett, Jr., (Vice arship are Chris Brown, Janysia selected by the JSU President of Institutional Advancement for JSU) and President Jenkins, Jose Hernandez, Ben Mason, Jr., (JSU); (front row) Mildred Dawkins Lang and Bria Easley.

Development Foundation and Ronald (Accounting Associate, Cellular South), Chris Brown (scholarCellular South. ship recipient), Meredith Creekmore (Special Projects Director, Cellular South, headquartered in Cellular South official, Telapex, Inc.); Janysia Jenkins (scholarship recipient); Jose Jackson, is the leading regional Hernandez (scholarship recipient) and Ben Lang (scholarship Meredith W. Creekmore pre- recipient). Not pictured: Brian Easley (scholarship recipient). provider utilizing several wireless technologies. Persons interested sented JSU with a $125,000 Telapex, Inc. is the parent company of Cellular South. mock check during the JSU vs. Alabama Jr., Vice President for Institutional in learning more about Cellular South State football game last fall. President Advancement, and the first scholarship Scholarships at JSU may call Ronald Mason, Jr., Emmett J. Crockett recipients participated in the pre-game (601) 979-2282. J 17 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

The Tom Joyner Foundation HBCU Matching Challenge

by Gwen Caples

J

ackson State University has been selected to participate in the Tom Joyner Foundation Historically Black College and University Matching Challenge 2003. The Challenge provides scholarship assistance to students without other means of support to complete their college education. Jackson State University was selected because it has previously participated in the School of the Month Program and there is a need to enhance the level of scholarship opportunity and profits from The Tom Joyner Foundation for students.

The process for participating in the Tom Joyner Foundation 2003 Challenge works as follows: The Tom Joyner Foundation will offer a monetary matching challenge up to $100,000 to Jackson State University. JSU is required to match the donation dollar per dollar up to at least $100,000. At the end of the Challenge Period, JSU can receive at least $200,000 from the Challenge Fund. If the University submits more than $100,000, it will receive all funds donated to include the excess, plus the $100,000 from the Challenge 2003 Fund. JSU must submit $100,000

by June 15, 2004.

All funds raised during The Challenge 2003 will be derived from Alumni and Friends donations, matching donations from other sources, creative means JSU utilizes and the Foundation’s matching dollars. The term of The Challenge 2003 is September 1, 2003 – June 15, 2004.

Funds will be forwarded to the HBCU

by July 12, 2004.

“Challenge 2003 is a wonderful opportunity for JSU alumni, friends and supporters to partner with the Tom Joyner Foundation to provide much needed scholarship assistance so that deserving students can pursue

their aspirations,” said Delicia Brown, ‘01, Challenge Coordinator in the Office of Institutional Advancement at Jackson State University.

Other HBCUs participating in this year’s challenge include Grambling State University, Alcorn State University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Miles College, WinstonSalem State University and Southern University of Baton Rouge.

“The Challenge 2003 affords JSU the opportunity to raise monies to assist students with tuition, books and on-campus living expenses,” said Emmett J. Crockett, Jr., Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “We’re delighted to have been selected by the Tom Joyner Foundation to participate in this worthy endeavor. Already we’re encouraging alumni, friends and other supporters to join us in our continuing efforts to make the dreams of earning a college degree a reality. With the help of our loyal JSU supporters, I’m confident that we can match and exceed the Challenge donation up to $100,000 by June 15.”

Since its beginning, 60 colleges and more than 12,000 students have received the benefit of the Tom Joyner Foundation Historically Black College and University Matching Fund Challenge. The Annual “Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage” was created to raise funds for the Foundation.

The “4th Annual Tom Joyner Voyage” has again cleared $1.5 million dollars, in which a portion of those proceeds will be offered to a select group of HBCUs. Persons interested in obtaining more information on the Tom Joyner Foundation Historically Black College and University Matching Challenge 2003 should contact Delicia Brown at 601-979-4208, or e-mail @ delicia.d.brown@jsums.edu. J

18

One of JSU’s Oldest Alums Succumbs at Age 106

by Gwen Caples

Edward Linwood “E.L.” Brown experienced a rare part of our University’s history that we can only envision. More than eighty years ago, he attended Jackson College as a young man full of vitality and a thirst for knowledge. He had the unique opportunity to walk the grounds of our distinguished institution during its most humble beginnings, and throughout his life, he witnessed a remarkable evolution of change and growth at Jackson State University. For this reason, and for his many attributes and accomplishments over the years, Brown will remain a special part of JSU’s history. Indeed, one of our oldest living alumi has passed away, but his mark of integrity and strength will forever be entrenched in the hearts and minds of his fellow Jacksonians.

Jackson State University fondly remembers the late “E.L.” Brown. The former teacher, preacher, principal and fraternal leader left an indelible mark upon hundreds of his friends and colleagues. Similarly, he left a lasting impression upon his alma mater, Jackson State University.

The story is told that as a high school student, Brown heard about an amazing Christian School in Edwards, Mississippi, that was known for attracting black students from all over the world. The students were mainly from poor families in Mississippi, but some from wealthy and royal families of Africa and the islands of Jamaica and Hawaii. Brown heard that the students were taught not only academics, but how to be ministers, missionaries, teachers and community leaders. His parents encouraged him to attend the school because they learned that he could work-part time on campus and still remain a full-time student. So in his late teens he enrolled in the Southern Christian Institute.

After graduation, Brown continued his education at Jackson College in Jackson, Mississippi, where he majored in Industrial Arts. Through hard work and discipline, he obtained his undergraduate degree from Jackson College and later became an ordained minister. Brown also became the first principal of Mary Jones School in Jackson. In the years at Mary Jones, he met and married Blanche Marion Cade, a talented seamstress. They were married until her passing 54 years later. The latter part of Brown’s career was spent at Lanier High School as an Industrial Arts teacher. He retired from Lanier in 1958, due to failing eyesight.

According to his niece, Mrs. Mae Davenport Jones, “My uncle lived life to the fullest. He had a very good mind 19 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

up until the very end. He was astute with local and national news, and he surprisingly outlived those who were his seniors.”

Mrs. Jones said that her uncle seldom complained about anything during his lifetime. He had a good spirit about him and asserted a certain amount of independence in spite of his handicap. “What was most unique about my uncle,” said Mrs. Jones, Edward Linwood “E.L.” Brown “was that many people didn’t know he was blind. When my aunt was living, she and my uncle often walked together and it appeared to many people that he was escorting her, but actually, my aunt was helping him along. A lot of people didn’t learn about his blindness until the day of his funeral. I think that’s a testament to his strength and will.”

Mrs. Jones contends that Mr. Brown was active throughout his life. “He loved fishing and the church,” she fondly recalled. “He served as interim minister and elder at United Christian Church in Jackson for decades. He was also an active member of the T.C. Almore Lodge No. 242 and the Jackson Consistory #119.”

When asked about his opinion of JSU, his niece replied, “Uncle Brown always called it “Jackson College. He lived in west Jackson for many years so he was able to keep up with the changes surrounding the campus. He talked about a lot of things going on with the University, but it was mostly positive. I do remember that whenever he talked with students or anyone associated with JSU, they always walked away knowing that he graduated from Jackson College. He was proud of that.”

Mr. Brown was born in Fort White, Florida, in Columbia County on October 1, 1897 to Robert and Mary Reese Brown. He passed away on November 13, 2003, at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. His funeral was held at United Christian Church in Jackson. He was 106years-old. J

Mrs. Frankie Foster Varnado Oldest Living Campus Queen Still Hails JSU!

by Gwen Caples

T

he year was 1932. Herbert education buildings. She also acknowlClark Hoover was president of edged that she was one of the brightest the United States; noted civil students at Jackson College. Her name rights activist, Andrew Young, was often called out first for awards durJr., was born; and a young, bright, ener- ing school activities, in class and during getic student from Florence, her graduation. “The teachers worked Mississippi, was crowned “Miss Jackson us hard, but I knew my math,” she said College” [1932-33]. proudly.

Her name was Frankie Foster.

After graduating from Jackson Born September 22, 1914, the junior College, Mrs. Varnado married math major aspired to become a Reverend Willie. B. Varnado and teacher so that she could make a differ- moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she ence in the lives of young people. She taught high-school math for more than had no idea that her own life would be 30 years. The couple, now married fiftypositively impacted beyond her dreams four years, had three children. One as the newly crowned “Miss Jackson son, Henry Dunklin of The Dunklin College.”

Appraisal Group in Jackson, attended “I was so happy,” said Mrs. Jackson State University, receiving a Frankie Foster Varnado. “Being queen B.A. and M.B.A. from the School of of Jackson College was a big thing back Business. After her retirement, the couin my day. It was an honor! Everyone ple moved back to Florence, on campus respected you and black Mississippi, and Mrs. Varnado continpeople in the community admired you ued her love of gardening and sewing. because you were getting a college edu- Today, her home is decorated with sevcation.” Mrs. Varnado was the fifth eral plaques and certificates that she queen of Jackson College. Her prede- has received over the years from cessor was Mrs. Hope Mallard Peters Jackson State University, including [1931-32]. She stated that her corona- awards for her monetary contributions tion followed a well-known tradition for to the JSU Development Foundation. queens at her beloved alma mater. “I “I thank Jackson College for was crowned during the May Day helping me,” she said. “It’s a good Celebration like other queens before school. The students should work hard me. We danced around the Maypole,” she said, chuckling slightly. “All the way around. Students, teachers and everyone came out to see you dance around that pole. We were proud of that ceremony.”

According to Mrs. Varnado, there were only four buildings on campus when she was a student at Jackson College; Dr. Mrs. Varnado is pictured with her huband and son, Dansby’s home and three Henry Dunklin, ‘76.

like I did.” When asked what advice would she give to the current Miss JSU Queen, Miss Monica Minter, [20032004] her reply was, “Things have changed since 1932, but one thing hasn’t changed. You must always be a lady and trust in God.” J

Mrs. Frankie Foster Varnado, ‘32.

Gwen Caples presents a commemorative JSU 125th Anniversary plate to Mrs. Varnado.

20

MISSISSIPPI’S

63 R D

G O V E R N O R

Haley Barbour Former Member of JSU Development Foundation Board

by Marco W. McMillian

T

he November 2003 state-wide election landed former JSU Foundation Board Member at the helm of Mississippi’s government. Haley Barbour, Mississippi’s 63rd Governor, was elected to the Jackson State University Development Foundation Board of Directors in June 2002, and served until his recent election to office.

The Yazoo City native, in his State of the State address, pledged that the largest increase in his budget will be to restore some of what has been cut from our universities and community colleges. In response to the Governor’s address, Emmett J. Crockett, Jr., Executive Secretary for the Foundation replied, “Governor Barbour certainly was an asset to the Jackson State University Development Foundation Board, and has plans to do even greater things for education in Mississippi.”

Governor Barbour served two terms as Chairman of the Republican National Committee and served as the Republican National Committee-man for Mississippi.

21 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

He also served two years as President Reagan’s Director of the White House Office of Political Affairs. Governor Barbour is a seventh-generation Mississippian who received his law degree from the University of Mississippi in 1973.

For 13 years, he was a partner in the law firm of Henry, Barbour, and DeCell of Yazoo City, Mississippi.

Jackson State University Development Foundation Board chair, Leland Speed, was appointed by Governor Barbour to serve as Director of the Mississippi Development Authority.

In his capacity as the Director of MDA, Speed, a Jackson businessman, is responsible for recruiting new jobs to our state while focusing on keeping and expanding existing businesses. Leland Speed is the leader of the best-performing Real Estate Investment Trust in America in 2003 according to Salomon Smith Barney.

Speed has served as Chairman of the Jackson State University Development Foundation Board of Directors since 2001. J

Barksdale Loss Felt at JSU

by Karyn Smith

M

rs. Sally Barksdale lived her life in service to others, championing the cause of public education in Mississippi.

The impact of Mrs. Barkdale’s generosity is evident in the Barksdale Reading Institute and the McDonnell-Barksdale Honors College at the University of Mississippi, both of which were established with gifts from Mrs. Barksdale and her husband Jim Barksdale, former CEO of Netscape.

Mrs. Barksdale’s legacy touched the Jackson State University family as well through her committed and valued service as a member of the JSU Development Foundation Board.

“She was an outstanding lady and we will miss her,” said Emmett J. Crockett, Jr., Vice President of Institutional Advancement at JSU and Executive Secretary of the JSU Foundation Board.

“Sally was an active new board member. She visited the campus a number of times. She always wanted to know what she could do to help ensure that deserving students had access to a JSU education. What a caring and concerned person she was.”

Though Mrs. Barksdale lost her bout with cancer in early December, her legacy of service as a dedicated Board member and honorary Jacksonian will live on. J

Mrs. Barksdale (center) and fellow Board member Howard Catchings listen to a report by Merrill Lynch Financial Analyst, Gary Bridgeman.

Sally Barksdale is pictured with fellow JSU Development Foundation Board members Attorney Andrew Lang (foreground), Dr. Wallace Conerly (left), and Attorney Delbert Hosemann (right).

Mrs. Barksdale (back row) is pictured with JSU Development Foundation Board Members.

22

JSU’s Return on Investment

Eddie Munson Selected as JSU Foundation Board Member

by Nechelle Robinson

During the last electoral process, the Jackson State op my people and teaming skills in a supportive environDevelopment Foundation named 11 new members to its ment.” existing Board of Directors. Among those selected was Eddie Being selected to the Foundation Board is a task that R. Munson, a 1972 graduate of Jackson State. is important to the financial growth of the University. When Munson, who currently resides in Michigan, is the asked how his particular expertise will aid in taking JSU to managing partner of the Michigan Business Unit of Klynveld, the next level Munson replied, “I believe my experiences to Peat, Marwick, and Goerdeler Accounting Firm (KPMG) and date with similar organizations where financial development partner-in-charge for the firm’s is a critical element will help me Mid-America Business Unit. He in my role on the Foundation is an active member of the firm’s Board.”

Board of Directors, the Pension Munson is a member of the Committee, and is currently servMichigan Association of ing as chairman of the Partner Certified Public Accountants, Rights Committee. the American Institute of When asked about his feelCertified Public Accountants, ings regarding his appointment and the Mississippi Society of to his alma mater’s Foundation Certified Public Accountants.

Board, Munson affectionately He is a board member of several said, “I’m honored that I was community and civic organizaasked to serve on the board and I tions, including Detroit am looking forward to increasing Downtown Inc., Metropolitan the visibility and financial success Affairs Coalition, Community of the University.”

Foundation of Southeastern Serving in key leadership Michigan, and the Greater positions is nothing foreign to Oakland University Foundation’s Munson. He was selected by Board of Directors.

KPMG as one of the 30 high The Office of Development achieving partners to participate Leland Speed, Chairman of the JSU Development Foundation was initiated on July 1, 1970 in the firm’s “Leadership 2000” Board welcomes Eddie Munson, ‘72 during his swearing-in at under the administration of Dr. program. This program was ini- a Foundation Board meeting held earlier this year.

John A. Peoples, Jr., the sixth tiated by KPMG to invest in future senior leaders of the firm President of Jackson State University. Emmett J. Crockett, Jr. by providing special focused development opportunities. is currently serving as Vice-President of Institutional When reflecting on his matriculation at Jackson State Advancement and is responsible for fund raising, alumni University and how it helped mold him for the business affairs, and University Communications. world, Munson is quick to point out how the academic pro- The Development Foundation is a non-profit tax-exempt entigram prepared him for the workforce. “The educational ty, which serves as the official organization for soliciting, aspects of my student career included not only instructional receiving, and administering gifts on behalf of Jackson State content in my major, but just as importantly helped me devel- University. J 23 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE:

first steps for entering freshmen

by Roishina Clay and Jean C. Frazier

24

S T U D E N T L I F E M A T T E R S

Jackson State University implemented its new pro- educate the whole student and not just in academics. The gram for incoming freshmen last summer to help them make skills they learn will not only help them through their matrica smoother transition into college life. ulation here at JSU but out in the world.”

Now into it’s first full academic year, Dr. Evelyn Robert Walker, a JSU history professor who has taught Leggette, Dean in the Division of Undergraduate Studies, a class in the First Year Experience, feels that the program said everything is going “smoothly” with the program. and the classes are a rewarding experience for him.

“It’s been going great,” Leggette said. “Students have “We learn from each other and learn more than what’s been exposed to curriculum revisions, community service, in a textbook,” he said. “In my class, I bring in different proaction research and a series of seminars and workshops. We fessors to talk to the class. It’s a great experience to get feedlook forward to continuing another successful semester.” back. We also talk about citizenship and knowing your role The First Year Experience Program is under the direc- in the community. This class is most important, because it’s tion of the Division of Undergraduate Studies, and more helping students, as they go beyond adolescents to adultthan a 1,000 freshmen are enrolled in the new, restructured hood. They’re striving for independence. This is where stuprogram. dents (freshmen) are encouraged and inspired.”

“In our class though the First Year Experience last For more information about the First Year Experience semester, we learned about the JSU Code of Conduct, our Program at JSU, contact the Division of Undergraduate alma mater and the history of the school,” said Natasha Studies at (601) 979-2127. J Smith, a freshman from Biloxi. “The teachers are nice, and people are helping me when I have questions.”

The First Year Experience Program is designed to help freshmen and transfer students get acclimated to college life at JSU. The program offers a course in “University Success” that teaches about such things as, the University’s history, as well as getting students involved in campus activities and community service. The program, which has been enhanced, has special sessions that are centered on academic information, placement, testing advisement for course scheduling, financial aid and registration for classes.

Patricia Sheriff-Taylor, Director of the First Year Experience, said the program is a success and will help equip students with life-long skills.

“I think it’s (the program) unique, because we offer a nurturing Dr. Evelyn Leggette, Dean of the Division of Undergraduate Studies, is pictured with a student environment,” she said. “We try to during a paraprofessional counseling session.

Minter Wears Dual Crown, Promotes State

M

onica Minter realized her dream of becoming Miss Jackson State University in the spring of 2003, so she entered the Miss Hospitality pageant for the “experience and just to enjoy myself”. Then, in late July in Hattiesburg after winning the local hospitality title, she was crowned Mississippi’s Miss Hospitality, the first African American to win the title in the program’s 54- year history.

“I just wanted to have a good time,” she said of her Miss Hospitality experience.

“So I just decided to go there and be myself”.

That was enough.

Judges selected her from among 42 contestants statewide. As Miss Hospitality, the Jackson resident is the state ambassador for economic development and tourism. She’ll travel thousands of miles in and out of state, including Chicago and New York City, representing Mississippi.

“I thought God had a plan for me to be Miss JSU”, Minter said. “I had no idea he had in store for me to wear both crowns at one time”.

Fellow contestants selected her to receive the Spirit of Miss Hospitality Award. Kay Maghan with the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau, local pageant sponsor, said Minter blew away state judges with her poise and presence, including her reaction to a computer tabulation glitch that temporarily eliminated her and some other top 10 contestants

25 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

Excerpted from The Clarion-Ledger Focus

as top five finalists.

Minter, 21, a JSU senior majoring in political science, came back to answer the question posed to all finalists: Do you believe Mississippi has progressed over the years in race relations? “My answers was yes, I do believe Mississippi has progressed”, she said.

“Clearly, as an AfricanAmerican woman, 50 years ago I would not have been able to compete on a stage such as this. But through landmark cases...our society realized that race should not matter”.

“I didn’t have any idea I was going to win”, she said, or she would have invited friends such as Chiatne McFarland to come. Her best friend since ninth grade, McFarland wasn’t surprised. “If I honestly were to choose a young woman who is a symbol of what a woman should be, it would be Monica”, McFarland said.

McFarland, named Miss Tougaloo College last spring, considers Minter, her two older sisters and parents, Marilyn and Sam Minter, as family. At Murrah High, both were student leaders, Murrah Madrigals singers and APAC honor students. In the Miss Murrah Mustang pageant, Minter was first runner-up to McFarland. Minter, a dean’s list student, plans to earn a master’s in public policy, then hopes to attend law school, possibly at Howard University. J

26

2 0 0 3

Black College Day Students to Pursue Positive Change

by Crystal Quarles – The Blue & White Flash

With an assertive, almost evangelical voice, this year’s Black College Day speaker captured the attention of a broad cross-section of students assembled at the University Park Auditorium, demanding their applause in recognition of Jackson State University’s historical founding.

Patricia Russell-McCleod, a lawyer who has been identified by Black Enterprise Magazine as one of the top five business motivators in America, rattled off the list of 105 historically black colleges and universities like a proud student who would recite the alphabets. In addition to recognizing the contributions, legacies and graduates of black colleges, Russell-McCleod made good use of the opportunity to challenge students to excel and succeed.

“You must make a positive difference,” the Kentucky State University graduate said. “Being a man or a woman is a matter of birth; being someone who makes a difference is a matter of choice.” “Brains are in. Be your best self. Live as a star in your own life, not an extra in someone else’s,” she added.

The Howard University graduate has used her knowledge of the challenges and problems many students face at HBCUs to entertain and inspire. “You can always tell a Morehouse (College) man, but you can’t tell him much,” she said to the crowd’s amusement. “At HBCUs, you learn that printers only break down when you desperately need them.

And if your were smart in high school, so what; when you get to college, so are the rest of your classmates.”

Encouraging students to make the most of their college experiences, Russell-McCleod also admonished them to never compromise their standards and to persevere despite the obstacles they may face.

“Success is an inside job, not an outside connection,” she said. “Get ready because this is the only time you have.

A wishbone is not sufficient; a backbone is what’s needed.”

Russell-McCleod’s attention-getting tactics interested students and others at the assembly. She mentioned that her book, A is for Attitude: An Alphabet for Living, also includes information she views as essential to inspire one’s

highest potential.

Freshman piano major Alan Evans said: “This gathering has made me realize how much HBCUs mean to me. It made me realize that a black university is not just a college, it is a special place to be.”

Dr. Mark G. Patrica Russell-McLeod Henderson, JSU assistant professor of speech, said: “(From her speech) you can get how cultural we are as expressive people. And when we begin to tap into expression, we can not only motivate others, we can motivate ourselves.”

One of many students who would like to hear RussellMcCleod again is Kimberly Liddell, a senior mass communications major. “Her words are so profound and life changing. I wish they could get her back for graduation.”

The JSU Black College Day celebration was sponsored by the Student Government Association and traditionally features a renowned graduate of an HBCU as the speaker. “Black Collge Day is an important event and recognizes the significance of all black colleges and universities ,” said Marquita McCullin, sophomore class senator. J

JSU students participate in the 2003 Black College Day activities.

27 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

Center for University Scholars Provides Forum for Researchers

by Karyn Smith

he Center for University Scholars at Jackson State University is providing a forum for faculty researchers to showcase ground-breaking research that addresses quality of life and public health issues.

“The center is working with chairs, deans and other academic leaders to foster sustained opportunities for quality instructional, research and public service programs,” said Dr. Mary Coleman, Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Professor of Political Science.

The center offers seminars on the scholarship of teaching, portfolio development and self-assessment designed to “enhance student learning outcomes even as we better integrate research in the teaching and learning processes,” Coleman added.

The Faculty Scholars Program provides resources to actualize robust research agendas, quality teaching and service. The program is comprised of the University Summer Scholars Program, Faculty Seminars and Faculty Travel Grants. In addition, the center provides teaching or research graduate assistantships for faculty members.

The Student Scholars Program component of the center seeks to enrich the intellectual lives of high school, undergraduate and graduate students by providing early research opportunities and one-on-one interaction with leading faculty members. The pre-college and undergraduate programs are conducted in conjunction with the W.E.B. DuBois Honors College.

“Exceptional ability and great determination will permit greater advances in research, instructional excellence and public service at Jackson State University,” Coleman said.

In fall 2003, the JSU Center for University Scholars hosted the symposium “Determinants of the Public Health: Place, Science, Technology, Ethics and Resource Distribution,” which drew 38 JSU faculty members, eight visiting scholars, 13 graduate students, 30 undergraduates and several administrators over a two-day period.

“The symposium demonstrates that JSU research scholars are interested in investigating big questions. JSU and visiting mentor/scholars enlivened scholarly discourse on campus and demonstrated the promise of the nation’s college students,” she said.

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2 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

Coleman said the center has a cross-disciplinary approach to research endeavors at JSU. “Keen scholarly promise is evident in the sciences as well as in liberal arts, public service, business and education.”

Dr. Ernest Izevbigie presented his research on the treatment and prevention of breast cancer at the symposium.

Izevbigie found that low concentrations of water-soluble leaf extracts of the plant Veronica amygdalina retard the growth of cancer cells at high concentrations and kills human breast cancer cells in pre-clinical studies.

Dr. Mary Coleman, ‘70 Director of the Center for University Scholars

“Our work is helping to address problems through scientific inquiry and also is bringing recognition to Jackson State University and its research enterprise,” Izevbigie said.

Dr. Maury Granger, Associate Professor of Economics, said involving students in his research this summer helped him “fulfill his mission to work with our brightest and best minds and to fulfill my mission in the village” to groom future social science researchers. J 28

Classroom and Workforce Development NEW CENTER HELPS STUDENTS DEVELOP LIFE, LEADERSHIP SKILLS

by Karyn Smith

Marshand Crisler, ‘98, Past President of the Jackson City Council currently on active duty in Iraq, visits with JSU students at a Student Voter Rally last fall.

he Personal Development and Self-Assessment Center (PDSA) at Jackson State University serves as a clearinghouse of purpose-driven programs that focus on the holistic growth and development of students.

The center is a bridge between student-led learning communities and provides opportunities for students to hone skills in critical, non-academic areas.

Funded in part by a Title III grant, the center sponsors a host of programs and activities that heighten student awareness of civic responsibility, community service and leadership development. Since its inception in 2002, the PDSA has sponsored the

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Lead By Example Lecture Series, which brought successful professionals to campus to speak on their career paths; Living and Learning Residential Community programs for students in residence halls, and the Student of the Month program, which recognizes outstanding undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership and exemplary character.

The center has been involved in several projects through collaborations with other JSU organizations and entities on campus such as the “Get Out and Vote Campaign,” which helped to register more than 2,000 students to vote during the November 2003 general elections, and The

29 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

People Speak: “America Debates Its Role in the World” to raise student consciousness about global issues.

“We hope to afford students an opportunity to fulfill their intellectual, social and career objectives,” said Marcus Chanay, PDSA Center Director.

Dr. Debra Buchanan, Vice Provost of Student Life, said the center is beneficial in helping students reach academic goals and further develop life skills. “The center’s activities address not only the academic goals of students, but also assess their needs for enhanced communications, social interaction, team building and cultural exposure,” she said.

“Our goal is to ensure that every JSU graduate is well-rounded and has the necessary skills to be successful in his or her chosen career.”

Shawna Davie, who participates in the Leadership Institute with the PDSA center, said the center “brings reality training to the university and gives students valuable information and experience” because college students learn as much outside the classroom as inside.

Davie, who serves as President Pro-Tem of the Senate with the JSU Student Government Association, said the center serves as a clearinghouse of information for students including lecture series, interviews with internal campus Channel 22, voter registration/campaigning, and personal financial training. J

JSU Roots and International Diversity JSU LOOKED FOR ‘PEACE THROUGH UNDERSTANDING’ DURING INTERNATIONAL WEEK THIS YEAR

by Roishina Clay

International Week at Jackson State University is a time to celebrate nationalities with an array of enlightening activities.

Through a collective collaboration from JSU faculty and staff members, this year’s theme was “Peace through Understanding,” said Dr. Ally Mack, Dean of the Division of International Studies at JSU. “Every year, it’s (the activities) been successful.”

Celebrating its 13th year, the festivities were held during the week of April 12-16 with an opening ceremony on the Gibbs-Green Plaza. Educational programs and cultural events included a symposium on international issues, a parade of flags, an international bazaar and a scholarship banquet.

“It’s always an exciting time,” said Dr. Zachariah Z. Gaye, International Week Co-Chairman and JSU Assistant Professor of Educational Foundations and Leadership.

“Everyone had an opportunity to meet different people and scholars. We also raised money to fund scholarships.”

The purpose of International Week was not only to celebrate nationalities but to raise awareness of the international community at JSU. “It is so important to have International Week at JSU, because Jackson State has become an international university to some degree,” said Gaye, who is from West Africa.

“It’s always such a good opportunity for Americans to mingle with international students and find out what’s going on around the world. We (those from foreign countries) are a part of the globe and can’t be detached.” J

Faculty, staff and students ushered in the Parade of Flags announcing the opening of International Week. A plethora of flags represent the diversity of international countries with which the University family has articulation agreements. The University family also has extended roots with students, faculty, staff and administrators from more than 90 countries.

JSU First Lady Mrs. Belinda Mason and Dr. Ally Mack, Dean of the Division of International Studies serve as Co-Chairs of International Week.

International Festival colleagues and participants don their native wear at the International Bazaar.

30

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSIT Y

Partners in Preparing New Generation of Leaders

by Marco W. McMillian

The Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund (TMSF), a national merit scholarship program was founded in 1987, under the leadership of Dr. N. Joyce Payne, Director of the Office for the Advancement of Public Black Colleges and Universities, in cooperation with Miller Brewing Company, and the American Association for State Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s). The Fund provides scholarships to undergraduate, graduate, and law school students attending the 45 Historically Black public Colleges and Universities. The primary goal of TMSF is to provide opportunities for students attending Public HBCUs to reach and even surpass the level Dewayne Ashley, President of scholarly achieveof the Thurgood Marshall ment and community Scholarship Fund addresses honorees and parents at the service accomplished 2004 President’s Scholarship by the late Supreme Reception.

Court Justice 31 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

Pictured from left to right: Derrick Townsend; Kevin McLin, President Mason, LaToya Rembert, LaKeisha Crye, and Quannesha Trimble.

Thurgood Marshall, a graduate of Lincoln University and Howard University School of Law. Since the Fund’s inception, Jackson State University has benefited from the array of activities and assistance offered by TMSF. Jackson State’s students attend a number of TMSF’s activities in various cities throughout the year. These activities have provided opportunities for JSU’s students to gain insight about career options and the rigors of corporate America. For several of these students, it has been a head start.

The Thurgood Marshall scholarship is awarded to undergraduate and graduate students who exemplify high scholastic achievement. J

Corporate Tour Produces Results for Students, Alumni and JSU

by Nechelle N. Robinson

Millions tune in weekly to view the hit reality television show “The Apprentice,” where participants use tricks and manipulation tactics in an effort to eliminate their teammates and prevent them from obtaining their ultimate goals ...a dream job with business guru Donald Trump.

Far away from New York City, but not far from the stresses of landing that first dream job after college graduation, Jackson State University students receive the opportunity to visit corporations in Dallas, Texas, during the annual Corporate Tour.

Manipulation, however, is not a part of this script. Instead resumes, grade point averages, interviewing skills, and individual personalities are what

set these students apart and push them into their own real life reality television show.

Sponsored by the Jackson State University Dallas/Forth Worth Alumni Chapter, the JSU College of Business and the JSU Department of Computer Science, students are able to visit and interview with various companies before graduation.

Currently in its 11th year, the purpose of the Corporate Tour is to provide an opportunity for JSU students to visit with Dallas/Forth Worth area corporations as well as to participate in a mini job fair. The Corporate Tour is a win-win situation for all involved as JSU students receive hands-on experience interviewing for top companies, and those

Bobby Griffin, Executive Vice President of International Operations at Ryder Systems, Inc., was instrumental in bringing together JSU Business students and Ryder staff (pictured below).

32

companies are presented with the opportunity to add talented individuals to their staff without incurring normal recruitment costs.

Ronnie Cavett, president of the Dallas/Forth Worth Alumni Chapter, expressed the importance and benefits of the tour.

“The Corporate Tour provides students with the opportunity to visit a city they may not have visited and to find out about companies they may not know about,” said Cavett, who is also one of the founding coordinators of the Corporate Tour. “The tour allows students the chance to expose themselves to real corporate America.”

Forty-four students participated in this year’s tour. Students studying in the areas of accounting, business, computer science, economics, finance, engineering, management, and marketing were given the chance to seek full-time, co-op, and internship positions with major companies, such as J.C. Penny Company Inc., Countrywide Home Mortgage, Starbucks Coffee, Ryder TMC, State Farm Insurance, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, SBC Communications, Frito-Lay and many more.

Visiting, shaking hands and simply touring the facilities were not the only benefits from the tour. As a result of the tour, students are being flown from Jackson to Dallas for second interviews with Starbucks Coffee.

State Farm Insurance Company is also offering two students the opportunity to co-op with its company during the summer.

Additionally, Countrywide Mortgage is adding Jackson State to its recruitment list, making it the first time in the company’s history that they have recruited potential employees from JSU. J.C. Penny has also made a commitment to visit Jackson State in the near future.

“What we found out about

the tour is that it is a win-win situation for the students, the alumni, the businesses and Jackson State University,” said Dr. Mary White, chairperson and associate professor for the Department of

Ronnie Cavett, ‘84, welcomed this year’s students in Dallas and was instrumental in coordinating several appointments included in the 2004 Corporate Tour.

Entrepreneurship and Professional Development. “The intriguing thing about this particular tour is that everyone was so impressed with the caliber of students we have at JSU, the leadership skills they possess and the readiness they display for the world of work.”

Openly passionate and pleased with the results of this year’s tour, Dr. White shared a quote from the book “Fish.”

“The past is history, the future is a mystery, today is a gift and that is why we call it the present.”

This passage was shared with the students before they interviewed with employers. “Our students were dressed for success; they looked the part and were very confident,” stated Dr. White, who is also the coordinator of the tour for Jackson State.

Originally, students had to be members of Phi Beta Lambda,

33 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

which was limited to business and computer science majors, as companies targeted in the tour are primarily interested in students majoring in those specific areas. This year was the first year students from outside the College of Business and noncomputer science majors participated in the tour.

Vanessa Sibley, a junior business education/management major from Inverness, MS, knows firsthand how beneficial the tour can be for job seekers.

“The tour was an excellent learning experience that is different from what you receive in the classroom. Sometimes you have to learn by getting your foot in the door, and this is what the tour did for me.”

As a result of the tour, Sibley has been asked to participate in a second interview with Starbucks coffee for a summer internship.

Students who participated in the tour had grade point averages ranging from 3.0 to 4.0. Typically the tour consists of upper-class participants, but this year freshmen and sophomore students were allowed to experience the Corporate Tour.

Sibley was not the only person who, upon completion of the program, had a possible job opportunity. Shirlyn Bishop, a senior accounting major from Trinidad, has also seen the glimmer of a prospective job. Bishop interviewed with Countrywide Mortgage and the Army Air Force Exchange Service. She is currently awaiting the results of the interview.

“I was able to network with other alumni and it gave me the opportunity to find out what corporate America is like,” said Bishop.

The Corporate Tour is held annually during the month of February. To obtain information about next year’s tour, contact Dr. Mary White at (601) 979-2541. J

Tamara Myles’ Last Dance

JSU Drum Major Preparing for a New Leading Role in Next Phase of Life

by Roishina Clay

Marching through the gates of the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium for the last time in November 2003 left a bittersweet impression on the heart of Jackson State University Head Drum Major Tamara Myles.

“It was emotional (at the game and coming off the field after halftime),” said the 22-year-old senior piano performance major, who has been a drum major of the “Sonic Boom of the South” marching band since 2001. “It was the perfect example of something being bittersweet. I’m going to miss the small things, like fellowshipping with band members, joking around, talking about Doc (Dr. Lewis Liddell, JSU Director of Bands) and falling asleep on the back of the bus.”

Though the Sonic Boom does most of its spectacular field shows during football season in the fall, they performed at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama in January 2004. However, Myles considers the Capital City Classic game as the significant finale of her years as a band member and student bandleader for one of the country’s most respected marching bands in HBCUs. Myles, who graduates in May, is already getting her feet wet in the career field she has chosen: music production and publishing. The budding entrepreneur is flying solo right now with the Southern Bread Music Production Company and Talemy Publishing Company. The name Southern Bread originated from being born and raised in the South, and Talemy is taken from the first two letters of her first, middle and last name.

JSU Sonic Boom Head Drum Major Tamara Myles receives a resounding ovation as she ushers in members of the “Boom” during their stellar performance at the 34th Annual NAACP Image Awards held in California last year.

“I started my businesses about two years ago, and it’s doing pretty good,” said Myles, a daughter of two retired educators from Jackson Public Schools. “I’ve been doing some major networking, laying the ground work and just reaching some real important people.”

In her last semester of college,

Myles is savoring her college experience.

“I always wanted to go to a black college as an undergrad,” she said. “I love campus life. I think everybody should experience that, at least in his or her freshman year. When I’m at school, I’m in my own little world. I get up and go to class; nobody is there to make me do it. It’s a sense of independence.

I became of member of AKA (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) in Spring 2002. I did it when it was one of my toughest moments at Jackson Statemy first year as a drum major. That was back when I wasn’t that highly accepted.”

Though she wasn’t the first female to tryout for drum major at JSU, Myles made history when she became the University’s first female drum major. Her achievement of becoming a drum major at the University didn’t set too well with many of her peers, but she eventually gained their respect.

“At first, she wasn’t too accepted, but by her second or third year as drum major, she had the respect of the majority of the band, including the people who were initially against her trying out and were unhappy when she made it,” said Raymond Cox, who marched in the band from 1998-2002 and was a junior her first year as drum major.

“She was pretty good her last year.”

Myles is confident the Sonic Boom’s rich legacy will continue to live on. “As Jackson State grows, the band will grow in numbers and talent,” Myles said. “We have great band directors, and I don’t expect anything less. I hope I lived up to everyone’s standards. This was a good experience (at JSU).” J

34

by Deidre Bell Jones and Samuel Jefferson

Several inductees of the 2003 Sports Hall of Fame were presented during the JSU-Grambling football game last fall. Pictured are: Earl Sanders (‘67) Wardell Leach (‘62), Harrison Hal (‘63), Robert Brazile, Sr. (father of Robert Brazile, ‘75), Athletic Director Roy E. Culberson, President Ronald Mason, Jr., Charles Figgs (‘56), James “Toe” Hartfield (‘67), Dawn Reese (daughter of Donald Reese, ‘73), Leon Seals (‘86) and son, Jordan.

Jackson State inducted 12 of its former athletes into the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame (SHOF) on Friday, October 31, 2003, at the Mississippi e-Center.

During banquet and induction ceremonies, the following former athletes were enshrined: Robert Brazile (football, 1974-75), Chris Burkett (football, 1981-84), Charles Figgs (football, 1953-56), Brenda Finch-Holloway (track, 1974-77), Harrison Hal (basketball, 1959-63), James Hartfield (football, 1964-67), Wardell Leach (baseball, 1958-62), Ed Manning (basketball, 1963-67), Donald Reese (football, 1970-73), Earl Sanders (baseball, 1984-86), Leon Seals (football, 1984-86) and Lisa Thomas (basketball, 1981-85). “I thought this year’s ceremony was a success and all of the inductees were deserving of the honor,” said Sports Hall of Fame Steering Committee Chair, Joan Bishop. “We had 12 inductees this year because we are making up for the years we did not have a SHOF induction ceremony. Next year we hope to have a bigger and better induction with more participation.”

ROBERT BRAZILE Brazile earned the nickname “Mr. Versatile” because he excelled at both the inside and outside linebacker slot. He set a school record of 129 solo tackles and 79 assists and he led the SWAC in interceptions with nine. Brazile was a firstround draft pick of the Houston Oilers in 1975 and he earned the American Conference’s top rookie honor. He was also named AP’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. A seventime Pro Bowl selection, Brazile holds the Oilers record for most consecutive games played and started.

CHRIS BURKETT Burkett was a prototype wide receiver with tremendous skills and ability. He holds the JSU record for the longest touchdown reception when he ran 97 yards for a TD against

35 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

Mississippi Valley in 1983. An All-SWAC selection his junior and senior seasons, Burkett played in both the Blue-Gray Game and the Senior Bowl. A second-round draft choice of the Buffalo Bills, he became known as the “Big Play” receiver. In 1987, he became a member of the Bills 1,000-Yard Club. Burkett ended his career with New York Jets in 1994.

CHARLES FIGGS During his heyday wearing a Tiger uniform, Figgs was named to the All-Midwestern Athletic Conference Team in 1956.

He received his degree in Health and Physical Education from JSU. From 1973 to 1985 he served as an assistant coach at Kentucky State where he coached the defensive line, linebackers and receivers. Figgs retired from coaching in 1992.

LISA THOMAS FREEMAN During her career at Jackson State, Thomas Freeman was named SWAC Tournament MVP and to the All-Tournament Team in 1984 as a member of the Lady Tigers. When lefthanded Thomas Freeman went up for a shot from the wing (now the three-point line) the crowd would collectively say “AHHHHHHH WHOOP” because they knew the shot was going straight in.

Her basketball honors include: Outstanding Master Athlete, Mississippi Association of Health and Physical Recreation, Female Academic Athlete of the Year, PanAm trial participant and Outstanding Young Women of America.

HARRISON HAL Hal was a standout point guard and an excellent shooter. He could drive to the basket, create shots, finish a play or find an open man. He averaged 19 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds per game. Hal has been an instructor in the Rankin County and Jackson Public School Systems.

FACILITIES AND TRAILBLAZERS

2003 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees

J A M E S “ T OE ” HA RT FI E L D Whenever “Toe” Hartfield approached the uprights, JSU fans automatically added the extra point because they knew Hartfield was a dependable kicker. By the time he graduated from Jackson State in 1968, he held most of the Tigers’ kicking records including most field goals in a season, most extra points in a season and longest field goal kicked. He signed a pro contract with the 49ers in 1968. Hartfield played in the U.S. Army Football League for three years and was named All-Army. He has served as a volunteer kicking coach for the Tigers for the past 19 years.

BR E N D A FI N C H- HO L L O W A Y Finch-Holloway was one of the brightest stars on the women’s track team. She was considered, by many, the premier female sprinter in the SWAC. Finch-Holloway was the co-holder of the SWAC indoor record in the 60-yard dash.

In 1976, she participated in the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, making her the first JSU female athlete to participate at that level. As captain of the team, Finch-Holloway was a two-time collegiate All-American and she held SWAC records in the 440-yard dash and the 100-meter dash. She was also a member of the sprint relay team that set a SWAC record.

WARDELL LEACH Leach lettered in football and baseball for the Tigers. He was a member of the ‘62 National Black College Championship team. In the Tigers’ 1962 Championship win over of Florida A&M, Leach was credited with 13 tackles. In baseball, he was ranked 15th in NAIA baseball. He was also ranked 3rd in stolen bases with 21. Leach coached high school baseball and football in Yazoo City for 29 years. He later served as principal from 1990-94. Currently, Leach serves as mayor of Yazoo City, a position he has held since 1998.

EDWARD MANNING Manning delighted many fans as a member of the Tiger basketball team. College Park Auditorium was the site of all JSU home games and during his career the Tigers NEVER lost a game at College Park! During his junior and senior seasons, he led the Tigers in scoring and rebounding, averag-

ing 17.9 points and 12.3 rebounds a game. He helped lead the team to a 24-5 record his junior year and a 20-9 record his senior year. Manning played nine seasons in the pros, spending time with Baltimore, Chicago and Portland of the NBA and Carolina, New York and Indiana of the ABA. He played in 640 professional games and averaged 5.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest.

DONALD REESE Reese averaged 7.4 tackles a game for the Tigers. During the 1973 season, he had 70 solo and 83 assisted tackles with 14 sacks and two blocked kicks. Reese, a first-round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins, was selected to play in the Coaches All-American and the 25th Annual Senior Bowl his senior season. He ended his career with the San Diego Chargers in 1981. Reese passed away on September 23, 2003.

EARL SANDERS Sanders could very well be the best all-around baseball player to ever play at Jackson State. He set single season records on the mound in strikeouts, victories and innings pitched.

He also had a season-record of 17 home runs, 60 RBI’s, 80 hits, 17 doubles and 185 times at bat. In his career, Sanders totaled 495 times at bat, 200 hits, 36 homers, 145 RBI’s and recorded a .404 batting average. Sanders’ collegiate honors include: Freshman of the Year, Converse All-American, SWAC Player of the Year, All-SWAC and team MVP. He was a first-round draft selection of the Toronto Blue Jays in 1986.

LEON SEALS Seals was one of the best collegiate linemen to play the game.

During his career at JSU, Seals and defense were synonymous terms. He amassed 55 tackles in 1984, 94 tackles in 1985 and 97 tackles in 1986. In 1985 he earned the nickname “Dr. Sack” because of his 14 quarterback sacks. Seals was named All-American by Black Sports World, Defensive MVP in the SWAC-MEAC Freedom Bowl and he was a twotime All-SWAC selection. A fourth-round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills in 1987, he continued his hard-hitting tackles and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks. Seals ended his professional career with the New England Patriots. J

James “Toe” Hartfied, ‘68 is pictured at the 2003 Sports Hall of Fame Banquet with: (left) Athletic Director Roy E. Culberson, (center) Elbert Cobbs, Sports Writer for the Jackson Adovcate, and JSU President Ronald Mason, Jr.

36

ROBERT KENT LEAVES LEGACY

One of JSU’s Most Prolific Quarterbacks Signs With NFL Tennessee Titans

by Deidre Bell-Jones

He may not be able to “leap 1/8th of a mile…hurdle a twenty-story building... raise tremendous weights... run faster than an express train” just like the caped crusader, but Jackson State University quarterback Robert Kent has done some spectacular things on the gridiron for the Tigers.

Kent, who shares the same moniker as Superman’s alter ego “Clark Kent” burst on the scene as a scrappy young man with a great throwing arm in 2000.

He did not have time to hone his skills, as a backup quarterback for a year or two, like the quarterbacks before him. He saddled up for the Tigers in the third game of his freshmen season against Tennessee State University.

“Coach Hughes told me two minutes before game that I was going to start,” said Kent. “That threw me for a loop because I was ready to play backup. That was really one heck of a place to make a start because that game was on television.”

Although he had a lackluster performance in that game, he was able to learn from his freshman mistakes and went on to complete 165-of-331 passes for 2,510 yards and 27 touchdowns his rookie season.

In his next season as the starting signal caller, Kent became a mainstay in Tiger annuals and made a name for himself in Division 1-AA football. That same year he also sealed his reputation as the Tigers’ best-ever quarterback.

Kent set JSU season records for passing yards (3,640), total offense (3,824 yards), passing attempts (453) and pass completions (245). He was ranked second in the nation for points responsible for, averaging 24.2 per game; second in the nation in total offense, averaging 341.6 yards a game and secured a third-

place ranking in the nation in passing, averaging 22.3 completions per game.

He led the conference in passing average, completing 245-of-453 passes for 3,640 yards and 31 touchdowns. His best game that year was against Alabama State (10/6/01) where he completed 38of-57 passes for a personal-high 595 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 73 yards and a score. He accounted for 668 of the Tigers’ total offensive yards. After that one-man show performance, he was named SWAC Player of the Week and the Sporting News CoOffensive Player of the Week. At the conclusion of the 2001 season he was a finalist for the Conerly Trophy (Mississippi’s version of the Heisman Trophy) and was an All-SWAC selection.

In year three, Kent broke out of his shell and prevailed under the Tigers’ wide-open no-huddle offense. He set a career record for touchdowns (89) in three years. He completed 231-of-394 pass attempts and threw for 3,374 yards and 31 touchdowns. Kent had four games of 350-plus passing yards (three

37 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

of 400 or more passing yards) and had seven games with at least three passing touchdowns.

He had a standout game against North Carolina A&T (9/7/02) where he passed for 540 yards and five touchdowns. His accolades that year include being named Division I-AA Offensive Player of the Week and he received SWAC Player of the Week honors twice. Kent also was a finalist for the Conerly Trophy for the second year in a row and he was on the Walter Payton (Division I-AA Football Offensive Player of the Year Award) watch list.

This past season, Kent was able to put forth a good showing on the field despite the team’s 2-10 record. He completed 184-of-361 pass attempts and threw for 2,101 yards with 15 touchdowns. Kent averaged 189.4 passing yards per game with a 109.8 efficiency.

Those numbers may not be impressive as these Robert’s first three seasons, his tenacity and what he brought to the Tiger football program, he has earned the respect of the most acute football connoisseur.

In all, Kent is one of the most prolific quarterbacks to play for JSU. He holds just about every JSU passing record. Kent set JSU records in the following: most pass attempts in a season (453; 2001); most pass attempts in a career (1,539); most passes completed in a season (245; 2001); most passes completed in a career (825); most passing yards in a game (595 vs. Alabama State 2001); most passing yards in a season (3,640; 2001); most passing yards in a career (11,797); most touchdown passes in a season (31; 2001); most touchdown passes in a career (104); most total offensive yards in a season (3,824; 2001); most total offensive yards in a career (12,393).

“My career at JSU has been very productive and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. I put up some good numbers on the field, numbers I never thought I would put up. I figured I had a little talent but I am blessed that I had a group of guys who wanted to make big plays.”

“I also contribute my success here to my surrounding cast. I could not have done the things I did without my team.”

Who knew that a scrawny boy from Indianola, Mississippi, would end up being one of the most talented and immensely versatile quarterbacks to don a Jackson State uniform.

Robert Kent’s legacy at JSU will be forever etched in the record books waiting for the next “Superman” to break them.

“Coach Hughes played a big part in getting me to come to Jackson State and I have him to thank for that,” Kent added. J

R o b e r t

C a r e e r

K e n t

S t a t s

KENT’S 300-YARD (+) PASSING GAMES 50-25-0 438 4 TDs vs. Alabama A&M (9/29/01) 57-38-0 595 6 TDs vs. Alabama State (10/6/01) 46-27-6 307 1 TD vs. Grambling (10/20/01) 50-27-5 427 1 TD vs. North Carolina A&T (11/3/01) 48-29-0 372 3 TDs vs. Alcorn (11/17/01) 53-29-3 415 3 TDs vs. Tennessee State (11/22/01) 63-41-4 540 5 TDs vs. North Carolina A&T (9/7/02) 37-26-0 400 4 TDs vs. Southern (9/21/02) 50-26-3 402 5 TDs vs. Grambling (10/26/02) Kent’s Career Stats at JSU Year GM EFF A-C-I 2003 12 109.81 361-184-14 2002 11 150.44 394-231-125 2001 11 134.89 453-245-21 2000 11 113.82 331-165-11 Total 45 126.51 1539-825-58

Pct 51.0 58.6 54.1 49.8 53.6

Yds 2273 3374 3640 2510 11,797

TD 15 31 31 27 104

Rushing Yards Year GM 2003 12 2002 11 2001 11 2000 11 Total 45

RUSH 98 118 131 95 442

YDS 161 179 184 244 768

YPC 1.6 1.5 1.4 2.6 1.7

TD 3 4 9 5 21

AVG/GM 13.4 16.3 16.7 22.2 17.1

Punting Year 2003 2000 Total

YDS 31 2127 2158

AVG 31.0 39.4 39.2

LG 31 63 63

NO. 1 54 55

TB 0 3 3

FC 0 2 2

I20 1 17 18

AVG 189.4 306.7 330.9 228.2 262.16

BLK 0 0 0 38

LADY TIGERS Back-to-back Co-Champions

by Deidre Bell-Jones

Lady Tigers head coach Denise Taylor has guided the program to two consecutive 23-win seasons.

T

wo must be Jackson State University Lady Tigers’ number. After compiling a 23-7 overall and a 15-3 conference record in the 2003-2004 season, head coach Denise Taylor has a second 23win season at JSU to add to her coaching accomplishments. The last time the Lady Tigers had two back-to-back 20plus win seasons was in the early 1980s.

The Lady Tigers were for the second consecutive year SWAC coChampions and Coach Taylor received SWAC co-Coach of the Year honors.

The Lady Tigers entered this year’s campaign with a mix of experienced and inexperienced players. The team featured a quick point guard (Latesha Lee) to head up the backcourt and an intimidating shot blocker (Amie Williams) to dominate the frontcourt.

Latesha Lee and Amie Williams, the only two well-seasoned returnees, provided the Lady Tigers with much-needed experience. To complete its power team, JSU also had to depend on the talents of guards Shante Stanford and Dasieka Hawthorne and forward Shelita Burns.

Stanford provided assistance to Lee, shooting and making key shots.

Shooting guard Dasieka Hawthorne fit into her role, easily as the team’s clutch shooter. Hawthorne helped the team over the hump in close games this year, making, at times, off-balanced three-pointers. Burns, called the “Quiet Storm” by her Two-time SWAC Defensive Player of the Year Amie teammates, caught most Williams tallies one of her many blocks at Jackson State. opponents off guard because she was just as dominating as center Amie Williams under the basket.

The Lady Tigers, considered the premiere team in SWAC this season, led all conference schools in scoring defense (53.7 pg), scoring margin (+5.2), field goal percentage defense (.339), rebounding offense (43.3 pg), rebounding margin (+7.1), blocked shots (5.6 pg), assists (15.4 pg), assist/turnover ratio (.94) and defensive rebounding (28.2 pg).

Two might be a magic number for the Lady Tigers this season, but three could be even more magical. The team will be looking to three-peat as the past four years, there have not been conference champions with a veteran For many guards in the conference more intense squad of three top returnees. J and consistent than Latesha Lee.

39 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

Tigers Hoops Bringing Back the Pride

ment that caused many people to stand up and take notice of the success and the future of Tiger basketball.

“The tournament was a strong place for us this season. We were one play away from the finals and that showed the improvement from the middle of the season. We played hard in the tournament against teams that were playing well at the end of the season.

We picked up a good win over Texas Southern and to take Alabama State to two overtimes and down to the last shot showed that we

by William Bright, Jr. had improved substantially Tigers were led in scoring this season by swingman he Jackson State University The from the beginning of the Ishmael Joyce.

Tigers basketball team season. returned to Birmingham, “We made some substantial The Tigers were led by a group of Alabama for the SWAC basket- progress this year,” said Anderson. “I departing seniors in forward Ishmael ball tournament this season, a place was not totally satisfied where we Joyce, guard K. C. Cavette, and center where it had not been for the two previ- finished the season, but when you are Leonard Taylor. Together, these players ous seasons. Under new coach Tevester picked to finish seventh by coaches and accounted for 36.1 points, 12.7 Anderson and his staff, the program def- the media, and you finish the season rebounds, 6.0 assists and 5.0 steals per initely improved and upheld the team’s fourth while holding first place for game. Their court experience is just one motto of ‘bringing back the pride’ to much of the season, you know where of the areas Anderson and his staff will Tiger basketball. your program sits. We now know what look to replace heading into next seawe need to do to get to the top.” son.

Entering a season with “The loss of Joyce, Cavette and more questions than answers, Leonard Taylor will be a void for us to the Tigers took each day and fill. We have to recruit both inside and each game as another chance to outside athletes to replace those posisilence their critics and bring tions. more fans back aboard the basHowever, basketball was not the ketball express as the team only thing on the mind of Anderson as marched through the season. he spent time with his players. He also “There were some wanted them to be more than just basbright points and there were ketball players, more than just athletes some dull points throughout the on a court. season in that, we saw some “I enjoyed the relationships with areas that looked promising and the players this season. It was not just there were some areas that we about basketball but about life. My staff need to work on to prepare for and I set out to leave positive impresnext season.” sions on all our players, both the ones Jackson State finished who departed and the returning players. the regular season with a 11-15 My job as a coach is to have a positive, overall record and a 9-9 mark in profound effect on the lives of all my Guard Dakari Wallace is becoming one of the conconference play. But it was their players. I think that this staff did that ference’s more consistent players on both ends of play in the postseason tourna- this season.” J the floor.

T

40

Lady Tigers Soccer: A Season of Education

2003 JSU women’s soccer end inaugural conference campaign with hope for the future

by William Bright, Jr.

The Jackson State 2003 women’s soccer season provided memories, setbacks, and many chances to self-educate the young program. The Lady Tigers finished the season with a 4-11-2 mark overall and a 2-2 record in conference play.

“Our season did not go exactly up to our expectations,” said head coach Niji Olagbegi. “We need to improve in several areas of the program, but we are a young program.”

“We established ourselves as one of the tougher schools in the conference, we enjoyed the season and we are looking forward to 2004.”

On the season, Jackson State found its nucleus of players to build around in preparation for the upcoming season. Forwards Aisha Horne and Shawnetress Wallace were solid up front for the Lady Tigers. Horne led the team in goals (12) and points (32).

Wallace missed five games due to injury, but still scored nine goals and accumulated 21 points. They were joined by quick-shooting freshman Lauren Taylor, who is positioning herself to be a force in the future. In the middle, Emily Paramarter, Erin Finlay, and Alicia Hooper each were solid.

Paramarter finished with 12 points, while Hooper and Erin Finlay tallied seven and six points respectively.

In the defender position, Dinisha Blanding, Willow Finlay, and Janisha Brown were all solid as the line of defense. Blanding was a key stopper for the squad while Willow Finlay and Brown were good at forcing opponents shooters out of position. At goalie, the Lady Tigers had three players who all

Members of the 2003 JSU Women’s Soccer Team are pictured with the Soccer Coaching Staff. Pictured are: Back row: Olufemi Redwood-Turral, Shae Alozie, Lauren Taylor, and Willow Finlay. Second row: Graduate Assistant Yoseph Ali, Danielle Ross, Aisha Horne, Shawnetress Wallace, Dinishia Blanding, Emily Paramarater, Viola Howard, Alicia Hooper, Terra Gardiner, and Head Coach Niji Olagbegi. Kneeling: Ti’arah Bautler and Erin Finlay.

Pictured are Aisha Horne, Erin Finlay and Dinishia Blandings as JSU’s first members of the Women’s Soccer All-SWAC Team.

showed promise. They are last season’s starter Terra Gardiner, Danielle Ross, and Willow Finlay.

At season’s ends, three Lady Tigers found themselves recognized by the conference for their play on the field. Dinisha Blanding and Aisha Horne were named first-team All-

41 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

SWAC while Erin Finlay received second-team honors.

The Lady Tigers soccer team looks to be in a good position heading into next season.

According to Olagbegi, the team is poised to soar to new heights in the conference and inter-conference competitions. J

JSU GOLF

BECOMING MORE THAN JUST A SPORT

F

or most people, the sport of golf is nothing more than a leisure item for the weekend or the annual vacation. However at Jackson State, the sport of golf has become tradition and even more … a mainstay within the athletic department.

“We do not think we have a dynasty,” said head golf coach Eddie Payton. “Our goal is to win the national championship or be a contender … we feel that if we work towards that goal, that being successful in the SWAC will be a stepping stone toward that end.

This season, the Jackson State University men’s golf team did what everyone thought they would do—win the 2004 Southwestern Athletic Conference Golf Championship for the 16th consecutive time and advanced to their sixth NCAA Regional. The Tigers, who have a total of 17 SWAC titles under their belts, won the 2004 title with all five golfers finishing in the top 15.

The women’s golf team finished second in this year’s

BY WILLIAM BRIGHT JR.

championship after playing to a first-place tie last season.

In all, the Jackson State golf program has yielded 24 championships and a host of student-athletes who have become successful on the links and in the classroom.

Several of the program’s participants find enjoyment in receiving good marks academically as well as on the course.

On the men’s team, Harold Villere and Fidelis Malembeka lead the charge. Villere, a junior accounting major from Louisiana, holds a 3.63 GPA while teammate Malembeka, a business administration major, entered the semester with a grade point average of 3.53.

On the women’s side, Precious Thompson has maintained a 3.27 GPA in finance while Akita Taylor holds a 3.12 GPA in mass communications.

“The kids are working hard each day,” said Payton.

“In that we hope to serves as good representatives for the university and good role models for student athletes today.” J

JSU President Ronald Mason, Jr. presents the 2003 SWAC Golf Championship trophy to Student golfer Akita Taylor. Also pictured are Head Golf Coach Eddie Payton (left) and Assistant Head Coach Aaron Jagers (far left).

42

LADY TIGERS VOLLEYBALL: A Season of Determination

by William Bright, Jr.

T

his season’s women’s volleyball team consisted of a core group of five returning players and six newcomers. Third-year head coach Rose Washington and the Lady Tigers ended the regular season by qualifying for the 2003 SWAC Women’s Volleyball Championship.

“We did not do as well as I first predicted; I had high optimism entering the season,” said head coach Rose Washington. “Despite the numerous setbacks that we had due to injury, we played hard and we were competitive. I am proud of the young women and it gives us a lot of hope entering next season.”

The Lady Tigers captured first place in the 2003 Alabama State Volleyball Invitational held in Montgomery, Alabama. “The team played extremely well and our team defense was definitely intact,” said Washington. “The players seemed to really come together and they definitely raised the bar.”

Hitter/blocker Cara Jones was named to the AllTournament team while defensive specialist Jennifer Williams was named tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP).

For the third consecutive season under Washington, the Lady Tigers advanced to the postseason conference tournament.

With no seniors on this season’s roster, the Lady Tigers look to be in good shape for the 2004 season. J

Middle blocker, Chinyere Marner, delivers a spike return during the 2003 Volleyball season earlier this year.

The 2003 Lady Tigers Volleyball season ended with a berth in the SWAC Volleyball Championship Tournament; Picture are (Back Row): Chinyere Marner, Verita White and Angela Franke, (Middle Row): Jet’aime Ross, Shinnicia Danielly, Ollie Vance and Katrina Dunn, (Front Row): Head Coach Rose Washington, Whitney Henderson, Jennifer Williams, Denetia Carline, and Graduate Assistant Latasha Pusha.

43 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

Track and field: L A D I E S , TA K E Y O U R M A R K

by William Bright, Jr.

The sport of women’s track has languished in national obscurity for a number of years. However, the Lady Tigers track and field program looks to move from anonymity to prosperity - a move that begins with a new lady at the helm.

Pauline Banks joined the athletic staff as the head coach of women’s track bringing with her years of both competitive and coaching experience on the intercollegiate level.

Banks comes to JSU after an eight-year stint at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) in Itta Bena, Mississippi. There she served in several capacities from head coach of the track and field program to Senior Women’s Administrator. She is still regarded as one of MVSU’s top student athletes lettering four years in track and field.

“This season, my first at Jackson State, has been a challenging one, but it has also shown progress,” said Banks. “We ran into a couple of stumbling blocks, but we know that we can overcome them.”

The women’s program, paced by do-it-all athletes like Anndria Norris, Ebanie Lewis, and Kerri Green has competed

against some of the toughtest programs in the nation and have stood tall. Norris won the 800 meter run at Middle Tennessee’s Blue Raider Classic with a mark of 2:23.

The program has also benefited from other JSU sports programs. Sisters Erin and Willow Finlay (women’s soccer) are key components in the women’s distance events.

Fueling the Lady Tigers push during the current indoor and outdoor seasons have been the legs and endurance of Joslyn Anthony, Latoya Terrell, Lukina Burks, and Ebanie Lewis. Anthony and Burks have been stalworths in the sprints while Lewis has been a constant performer in the long distance events. Terrell, the veteran of the unit, has been at or near the top in several short and middle distance events over the past two years.

In looking toward the future of the women's program, Banks is optimistic about the future of the team. “I have my eyes on several prospective student-athletes who may be able to come in and contribute to the program. Although we are still competing this season, it is not too early to prepare for the future.”

In the mind of Banks, the future begins now for the Lady Tigers. J

2003-2004 WOMEN’S TRACK

44

MENS TRACK:

A REBIRTH AT JACKSON STATE

by William Bright, Jr.

The Jackson State men’s track and field program entered the 2004 season with a renewed attitude and a roster of athletes with the potential to bring JSU track back into the mix in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

The program has been out of the loop when it comes to championships.

However, this season looks to be a bright spot to a new beginning for the Tigers.

“We are really looking forward to the conference championships,” said men’s head coach Edmond Donald. “We have been training hard since the cross country and now is the time to see just where we stand.”

“We are really strong in the middle distance areas. The bulk of our returnees have the potential to make some noise throughout the year,” said Donald.

Making noise is what the men’s squad has done so far this year. The 4-

by-400 meter relay team has been at or near the top in several meets, including setting a meet record at the 2003 Arkansas State Kickoff Klassic.

The team of Michael Tinsley, Cori Cloyd, Michael Smith and Terry Estwick produced a time of 3:15.61 which shattered the record formerly held by Southern University. The distance medley relay team of Henry Jackson, Michael Brown, Terrell Daughtery and Cloyd produced a time of 10:22.53 – a mark that may place them in the NCAA Regionals in that event.

The program has also benefited from other athletic teams at Jackson State. Dave Scott, who splits his time between football and the weight throw, had a toss of 10.35 meters at the 2004 HBCU Classic in Landover, Maryland to win the

45 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

event. Air’en Cabell (football) is among the fastest sprinters in the SWAC. J

Athletic Facility Upgrades a Magnet in Attracting New Recruits

by William Bright, Jr.

Whoever said ‘change is not good’ must not have been a fan of Jackson State University athletics.

For a little over a year, the facilities of the Jackson State athletic department have been under the microscope … not by a scientist or a politician … but a contractor, an electrician, a welder, and a carpenter.

Those who have recently visited the campus have seen several renovations going up around the campus.

From one end to the other, Jackson State has been – and still is – going through renovations, constructions and new openings that will benefit the university and those it serves well into the future.

The athletic department has not been exempt in its share of expansion and growth. Several areas of the athletic department from administration to equipment have experienced a growth in facilities and equipment.

“The better the experience, the more people feel a part of the JSU family,” said head football coach James Bell.

One major area of interest is the football annex near the T. B. Ellis Gymnasium. Located on Walter Payton Drive, the annex has housed the football program and its operations for several years. With a new head coach and a renewed attitude, the building has been modernized.

New to the facility are individual offices for the coaching staff, meeting rooms, a renovated locker room, and a players lounge. Up until recently, coaches shared offices according to discipline and status. All the coaches on the football staff, including the graduate assistants, now have individual offices.

Student Athletes enjoy the new Player’s Lounge complete with four computer lab internet stations and print capabilities.

Housed in the Jacob L. Reddix Campus Union, the Sports Bar and Grill is a welcomed retreat for all students. The JSU Wall of Fame’s sports memorabilia spans the eras of notables including Lem Barney, Lindsey Hunter, Walter “Sweetness” Payton and Tiger icons.

46

FACILITY UPGRADES C O N T I N U E D . . .

“This is something different restructured for more room and effi- ber different workout stations which within the program,” said Bell. “We ciency. A multi-purpose room was also allow for total body fitness and trainraised the standard of technology and created to host a variety of events from ing for the student-athletes. The faciloperations within the football ity is managed by new strength program.” and conditioning coordinator Members of the JSU footKen Coggins. The facilities ball team have access to a playstate-of-the-art weight training ers’ lounge, which allows the equipment was donated by team members to fill both their supporters of the JSU athletic educational and recreational department – including JSU needs. The players’ lounge feaFellowship of Christian tures four fully functional comAthletes coordinator Lester puter stations complete with Walls. internet and printing capabiliWomen’s softball, tennis, ties. The lounge also houses a baseball, and track program 61” television for both watching facilities are also experiencing live games and taped games and upgrades. Both the baseball practices. and softball teams look to play The computers in the in new facilities by spring lounge are among the nine com2005. The tennis teams are puter units that were donated currently playing on new to the program for coaching courts which have already and academic use. Other addihosted several conference tions to the program include matches. The track team several television and video JSU athletes utilize the weight lifting euipment in the new already hosted conference and Strength and Conditioning Facility. camera recorder (VCR) players regional meets at its recently which allow players and coaches to parental meetings to recruit functions opened Martin L. Epps Track and watch game film for study and plan- and team meetings. Photos of former Field Complex. Temporary, wooden ning purposes.

JSU greats such as NFL stars Walter bleachers were replaced with perma“The plan as a new coach was to Payton, Jackie Slater and NBA star nent stadium seating. bring in technology and office systems Lindsey Hunter are displayed throughIn all, the change that the aththat allowed easy and efficient day-to- out the new and upgraded facilities letic department is undergoing, day operations of the football proA new strength and condition- although hectic and sometimes stressgram,” said Bell. ing facility was constructed and ful, has been for the good. The Also new to the program were opened in 2003. The weight training additions should be a welcomed sight renovations to the dressing facility and area, which is in use by all 18 sports of for JSU student-athletes, fans and meeting rooms. Both were gutted and the athletic department, offers a num- supporters. J

JSU’s new Strenght and Conditioning Facility houses a number of workout stations with new state-of-the-art equipment designed for total body fitness.

47 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

JSU Honors Its Own ‘62 Dream Team

by Roishina Clay

ackson State University paid tribute to several members of its own historic 1962 Jackson College Tigers who finished the 196263 football season as national champions after winning the Orange Blossom Classic in Orlando, Florida.

“It (the classic) was the showcase for The 1962 Championship team was presented with commemorative jerseys during the banquet honoring the teams accomplishments. black college football at the time,” said Dale Knight, JSU greats as Verlon Biggs, Robert Cowherd, Alumni Affairs Reunion and L.V. Donnell, former JSU coach Ben Constituency Group Coordinator. Magee, Sherman Matthews and broth“These were great ball players. This was ers Gloster and Willie Richardson.

A luncheon was held in the the team that got the JSU winning (football) tradition started, and they set the team’s honor and the returning team standard for excellence in JSU football.” members were introduced to the fans The Jackson College Tigers’ his- attending the JSU-Grambling football toric 1962-63 season included gridiron game at Memorial Stadium. J

J

Pictured from left to right are: (Back Row) President Ronald Mason, Jr., Robert Cowherd, Willie Richardson, Jobie Martin, Dr. Tellis B. Ellis III, Zelma Carson (wife of James “Big Daddy” Carson), Roy Curry, Brenda Donnell (L.V. Donnell), Harold Bishop, Sherman Matthews. (Front Row) Bobby Minard, Chico Jordan, Robert Woodard, M.C. Taylor and Ben McGee.

1 9 6 2 48

LADY TIGERS SOFTBALL: A Diamond in The Rough

by William Bright Jr.

The Jackson State University 2004 Lady Tigers softball team, has a different look, a new coach, and a different attitude.

New head coach of the Lady Tigers, Kenya Peters brings with her a vast knowledge of women’s and club softball that should provide a solid and stable foundation for the program. Peters enjoyed a successful career at the University of Southern Mississippi where she was a highly decorated and respected player.

The Lady Tigers are led by a group of returning players, all of whom hope to erase the ghosts of seasons past.

Seniors Makida Zackery and Erin Lowe along with sophomore Heather Shove lead a crop of Lady Tigers in search of their first conference title.

Catcher Makida Zackery is the team’s most experienced athlete and leader. She has been with the program for the previous three seasons and plays in both the infield and the outfield.

For her career, she is a .284 hitter who has played in 118 games. Lowe is the team’s vocal leader entering her fourth

and final season of play. Splitting time between center field and the pitcher’s mound, Lowe has played in 75 games.

She has a 17-14 mark on the mound and is constantly working on becoming a more complete player. Shove enters

JSU Women’s Softball Team

the season as the freshman who did it all for the Lady Tigers last season. She saw time in the infield as well as on the mound. A highly honored player in high school, she finished with one home run and 19 runs batted in. On the mound, she had 62 strikeouts in over 113 innings pitched.

With several junior college transfers and a talented and athletic crop of newcomers joining the team, the 2004 JSU Lady Tigers softball team is transforming from the diamond in the rough to a diamond champion. J

49 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

Kenya Peters, Head Coach JSU Women’s Softball

Tigers Hitting & Stealing Their Way to a Baseball Title

by William Bright Jr.

For the past two seasons during his tenure as baseball coach at Jackson State University, Mark Salter has been standing by as the wind seemed to hold most of his championship opportunities in the ballpark.

Although Mother Nature still has the wind blowing in at University Park, Salter and the 2004 Tigers are finding other methods of keeping their title hopes alive.

The program that captured the national title for stolen bases on last season is on pace to do it again this year, mostly due to the strategy of the coaching staff and the talent of the players on the field.

The Tigers stole an average of 3.35 bases per game last season – a figure that was good enough to add Catcher Ralph Johnson is one of three seniors on the 2004 Tigers’ roster. to the lore and history of JSU Baseball. This season, the Tigers are on the same track, aver- ed by returning starters Anthony Johnson and Will Johnson.

On the offensive side, the Tigers have been paced by aging 4.05 stolen bases per contest through 37 games. returning starter Bryant Lange Jr. and newcomer Carl Lipsey.

Tiger pitching is in high gear as the team looks toward post-season play. Pitchers Jarred Vaughn, Chris Smith, and Lange leads the team in hitting (.468 average), hits (59), runs Donte Hill are coming on strong and have been complement- batted in (44), and total bases (86). Lipsey is just one of several players who Salter is utilizing to score runs. Lipsey leads the team in stolen bases (38) and runs scored (49).

On defense, newcomers have stepped in and have been positive contributors in the field.

Shortstop Joaquin Rodriquez leads the team in assists with 89 while senior catcher Ralph Johnson has 174 putouts on the season.

Senior first baseman Kenji Williams, whom some dub as the best defensive fielder on the team, leads the squad with a fielding percentage of .993 (264 putouts, 12 assists, and three errors in 279 chances.)

All in all, the Tigers are poised for success in the May 6-9 SWAC Tournament in Houston, Texas. J The Tigers head coach Mark Salter (right) is known for going to bat for his players.

50

Bridging the Gap Between K-12 and Higher Education: Views from Dr. Roderick Paige, U.S. Secretary of Education, and President Ronald Mason, Jr.

by Karyn Smith

D

r. Roderick Paige, ‘55, rose from a segregated educational system in Monticello, Miss., cultivated his love of learning and teaching at Jackson College, and reached the apex of his stellar career in education when he was appointed U.S. Secretary of Education by President George W. Bush in 2001.

Today, the Secretary is the architect of the No Child Left Behind Act, an initiative designed to lift disadvantaged, under-prepared, and historically under-served students to new levels of achievement through stringent standards of academic quality for students and teachers. Here, the Secretary, along with Jackson State University President Ronald Mason, Jr., candidly shares his thoughts on education reform and the role his alma mater can play in ensuring no child is left behind.

Some institutions have been pressed to also lower admissions standards and to make greater outreach efforts because so few minority, special needs, and low-income students would otherwise attend institutions of higher education. Again, that is an important effort, which must continue. But it would be better for all concerned if we made the K-12 system more successful in educating those starting off at a disadvantage. I am particularly concerned about the low rate of AfricanAmerican male participation in higher education, and the even more shocking lack of participation in graduate work. I give the President much credit for seeing this problem and making it a priority in this administration. The No Child Left Behind Act will prepare more K-12 students for successful careers in higher education.

MASON: Learning is a lifelong activity. It begins when you’re born and doesn’t end until after you’re gone. Part of the issue we’re trying to solve in preparing students for the future is that there can often times be a disconPAIGE: The groundwork nect between the different for a strong education is stops along the road, the laid at an early age. learning path. For example, Unfortunately, there is a what happens at the home well documented, if silent, doesn’t necessarily connect problem; a two-tiered K-12 to what happens in preeducational system. For school. Preschool doesn’t some fortunate students, necessarily connect to what they receive a world-class happens in elementary, eleeducation. But there are mentary to middle school, also millions of students middle school to high mired in mediocrity, JSU President Ronald Mason, Jr. briefs U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. school, high school with denied a quality education. Roderick Paige on mapping aspects of the Trent Lott Geo-Spatial universities and schools of Visualization Center during a campus visit last fall.

Perhaps the most visible education. That is why we initiative in addressing this achievement gap is our imple- put together the Mississippi Learning Institute, which is a mentation of the No Child Left Behind Act. We must make pre-K-16 learning system. Teachers, students, faculty at all levthe K-12 system more inclusive, successful, and just. The els at pre-K-16 work together to view learning from a holistic President and the Congress realize that students who are perspective so that one insight, one approach, one model African American, Hispanic, special needs, low-income, or connects to all the others levels, models and approaches. non-native English language cannot just be passed on and passed out. No child can be left behind. Because of the past What is the role of the No Child Left Behind initiative? failures of K-12 education, we have millions of students who are not prepared for either your institutions or for gainful PAIGE: I believe that the No Child Left Behind Act is the legacy of the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision. employment.

For many students, higher education has become the When the Brown decision was handed down, it was one of substitute for the secondary education they did not receive. the finest days in the history of our country. But open doors Growing efforts to provide remedial education are valuable were only a start. There was massive opposition to the deciand laudable, but surely we must do more to preclude the sion, and lower courts took up to 20 years to implement it.

The legacy of segregation remains to this day, especially in the need for it.

How would you define the connectivity between K-12 and higher education in shaping the total learning experience for young adults?

52

lack of opportunity for minority and low-income students in our schools.

In fact, there is an achievement gap, where minority and poor students are up to three grades or more behind white students in reading and mathematics. This achievement gap is a tragedy for students left behind. As long as the achievement gap remains, racism will plague our schools and our society. No Child Left Behind is the logical next step, providing a guarantee that minority and low-income students will actually and finally receive a quality education. The doors may be open, but equal opportunity requires an attempt at education for all, not just for some.

No Child Left Behind is a process to make each school excellent and academically successful. Every parent should welcome this process. Education is an act of trust. Parents expect educators to perform competently and proficiently.

They trust that educators know their subject.

No Child Left Behind provides a guarantee that we are

reforming their schools. Parents in economically disadvantaged school districts can get information about how well their school is performing, about their teacher’s qualifications, and about whether their school is safe. Schools and teachers have detailed information about their students’ achievement, so that they can adapt their lessons and better serve ALL their students. And parents of students attending high-need schools have meaningful options if their child’s school hasn’t made sufficient progress over the last couple years.

Because of this hard work, we are beginning to see results. When the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in mathematics and reading was released, we began to see a positive shift in achievement. Reading scores held their gains, and math scores are on the rise. We have a long way to go before these reforms take hold, so we must redouble our efforts to ensure all children have this opportunity for success.

The Mississippi Learning Institute at Jackson State University is being touted as a No Child Left Behind model. Why?

MASON: First of all, most of the funding came from the federal government. We competed for a grant and the elementary portion of the Mississippi Learning Academy is co-funded by the federal government and Jackson Public School system. Secondly, we believe in the concept - that being that no child should be left behind.

U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Roderick Paige and Governor Haley Barbour share a light moment with JSU Third, while there have President Ronald Mason, Jr. prior to a national education update and state briefing to faculty and students of been some concerns the College of Education. raised about the impledoing everything possible to honor the trust placed in us, to mentation of this very aggressive law, I don’t think anybody maximize the learning experience for each student, and to disagrees with the principles that underlie it, that every child provide the best possible future for each child. has a right to bona fide education, that every teacher should be a good teacher both from the approach of pedagogy, but Share with us some of the programmatic successes of No also from the perspective of content competency. Third, the Child Left Behind. notion that what happens in the Schools of Education should be connected to what happens in the K-12 classroom PAIGE: There have been many successes in the implementa- and vice versa. I think over time, it will prove to make the tion of this law. Thanks to the hard work of local and state learning process better in difficult situations although there school officials in implementing No Child Left Behind, com- are some implementation hurdles that are going to have to be munities all across the country are making progress in overcome.

53 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

What have been some of the challenges of implementing the No Child Left Behind initiative?

PAIGE: The No Child Left Behind Act is based upon a very simple premise: that all children can learn. I believe that one of our biggest challenges in implementing this law is getting people to believe that one, simple statement. There are some who think that African- American children can’t learn as well as white children, or that Hispanic American children are slow learners, or that special needs children should be held back, or that children from other countries can’t adapt quickly, or that poor children are poor students. Such attitudes become self-fulfilling.

These children can learn. All children can learn if we give them the opportunity, the attention, the time, and the resources to learn. That’s what this is all about: helping all children to learn. That is something that teachers, parents, clergy, education advocates, civil rights leaders, government officials, business people, and everyone should want and should demand.

I want to emphasize this point. HISD’s work with the community, and with the Greater Houston Partnership, was because the district felt itself to be a part of the economic development of Houston. In fact, the strategic intent of reform was to strengthen the economic and social foundations of the City of Houston by providing Houston’s children with the highest possible quality education.

MASON: We train most of the teachers in the Jackson Public Schools. The primary placement of our student teachers is in the Jackson Public School system. What we did through the Mississippi Learning Institute was to take it up a notch. We actually spent two years designing this partnership that focuses most of the energy of our College of Education in the Mississippi Learning Academy.

We made a decision that we wanted to prove that a partnership can work first. I think this is the only one of its kind in the country. But if we can achieve our goals in this partnership, we think we will have a model that can be replicated not only in Jackson, but also in Mississippi and around the What is the significance of colcountry. laborative efforts among educaWe truly believe that by the tional communities in fostering time we’re through, this learneffective learning programs in ing system, the Mississippi local school districts?

Learning Institute, will create the best K-12 learning academy PAIGE: I don’t think district-based, public there is any way to have school system in the “No Child Left Behind provides a guarantee a successful educational state of Mississippi. program without the that we are doing everything possible to honor involvement of the com- the trust placed in us, to maximize the learning How do you view munity. Educating our Jackson State children is a responsibil- experience for each student, and to provide the University’s role as a colity that we all share. I laborative partner in the best possible future for each child.” saw this as the overall mission of the Dr. Roderick Paige, ‘55 No Child Left Behind Superintendent of the U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION initiative?

Houston Independent School District (HISD).

There was a community-wide effort to make the school sys- PAIGE: Jackson State can help lead the revolution in educatem better. The community started down the path of school tion initiated by the No Child Left Behind Act by preparing reform, step by step, through a series of actions. For every teachers who will lead their students to success in the classaction HISD solicited and received broad-based community room. input. This was a close working relationship that benefited One of the most important provisions of the law is its bold every student. call for every classroom in America to have a “highly qualified 54

teacher” by 2006. The Administration is working hard to help states and school districts meet this worthy challenge.

Like all great challenges, it won’t be easy. It’s going to take all of us doing things differently—including schools of education. For example, we need an even greater focus on subject matter mastery than we’ve had in the past.

Knowing your subject matter is a neces-

promise, its dreams, and its purpose.

sary prerequisite to helping students master state standards and prepare for their future.

Here, at Jackson State, and throughout the country, we must reaffirm our commitment to quality education – an education that is inclusive and respectful. We must demand that children are not left behind because of ethnicity, color, disability, background, income, or circumstance. We must demand that the system work to meet their needs, and not give priority to the needs of those who wish to preserve special interests or personal privileges.

We must demand that our country live up to its ideals, its commitments, its

and the Mississippi Learning Institute are based in the College of Education and Human Development. The Associate Dean of the College is the key person in both initiatives. Both initiatives are about improving the quality of the teacher in the classroom, and really the only difference is, they’re funded from two different sources. We have inservice training with teachers who are already in the system. We have students who do their student teaching in the Mississippi Learning Academy, and we have Hearin Scholars who are highly prepared students that get a full scholarship to the College of Education in exchange for agreeing to teach in the

MASON: Quality instruction for our young people begins with a quality teacher in every classroom. Jackson State University has accepted the charge of closing the learning gap for those who have been historically left behind is met by committing to producing the best quality teachers we can. Both our Teacher Quality Enhancement Program

55 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

Mississippi Learning Academy for three or four years. The programs are intrinsically linked and designed to improve what’s happening in the classroom.

What were some of the benefits of attending Jackson State University?

How did your collegiate experience at JSU prepare you for a career in education?

PAIGE: Jackson State was the place where I learned the meaning of learning, where I formed so many of my values and life goals. I remember the brilliance of Margaret Walker Alexander, who helped inspire me to love reading.

I remember the competitiveness and smooth athletic skills of T.B. Ellis, who taught me the competitiveness that one needs to manage life’s complexities. He took the initiative in bringing me to Jackson State, and I can never thank him enough for that, and for his teaching.

I remember the strategic thinking and shrewdness of Harrison B. Wilson, who, in response to conflict, would say, “we can out-think them. We will be thinking while they are sleep.”

In the small country town where I grew up, the goal was to finish college. I didn’t have much of a goal past that. I would have probably finished college and started a career in my hometown ...

But it was Wilson who started me to thinking that there were other things.

Harrison was the first person who talked about achieving and getting ahead. He’s the one who talked to me about a graduate degree, why it was important to go to school and get a doctorate. Good people like this made Jackson State home for me, as I’m sure their successors do for JSU students today.

As a product of a rural Mississippi school district, how did the personal challenges you faced fuel the concept of the No Child Left Behind initiative?

PAIGE: The road to a fair and just world demands a clear national com-

mitment, unshakable will, unmistakable legislative action.

The powerful grasp of segregation on the minds of millions of Americans is not for me something that’s just out in the world. It is personal. From millions of people who otherwise were often pious, law-abiding, sometimes educated, and many times well-meaning, but still participating in this awful way of life, I experienced this firsthand.

Some of these people were my neighbors in rural Mississippi. For them segregation was a part of the natural order, a way of life, a mindset about race and ethnicity. They believed, as had generations of Americans before them, that segregation was acceptable, legal, and in the best interest of everybody. Sometimes I wonder if people who have never lived through that can even imagine it. Let me explain. It offered no hope, no opportunities for change. It wrapped up our world with tentacles reaching into our homes and into our businesses and into our communities and into all of our lives, activities.

But schools bred racism. They encouraged it. Children were taught that separate facilities for education were necessary. And that unequal treatment was somehow manifestly good. Whites were taught to fear blacks. That they were not quite fully human.

I attended Jackson State and it was, and is, a great university. But I really had no choice. I couldn’t attend The University of Mississippi or Mississippi Southern or Mississippi State. And like many African Americans in Mississippi, I went north for my graduate studies, to Indiana University. In fact, the state paid me to do that.

And like many African Americans, I resented it as I left. And there was violence and false imprisonment and disappearances and vigilante lynchings. It was legalized violence against minorities who had been brought to this country against their will, suffering oppression for hundreds of years and were finally set free. And still, after that, they found themselves without adequate legal or community protection in many parts of their lives.

Let me stop to make this point. Mississippi just happened to be my example because I lived there. The problems of segregation were all over our nation. And to the credit of the people in Mississippi they have worked very hard to overcome this legacy of segregation. There’s a new world in our state now. A vast improvement. It takes hard work and long stretches of time, a change in culture to erase those harmful traditions. But the people in Mississippi have worked hard at that and deserve credit.

Equality of opportunity must be more than just a statement of law. It must be a matter of fact. And factually speaking, this country does not yet provide equal opportunities for millions of children. That is why the No Child Left Behind Act is so important. After 50 years we still have a lot of work to do.

MASON: Jackson State University has taken up the mantle of leadership in righting the wrongs of the past by exposing them, creating honest discourse about why they happened, and offering venues that promote healing and reconciliation.

The Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America exhibit housed at Jackson State is a prime example of the university embracing a difficult segment of our past in an effort to heal from it.

Was Jackson State University’s creation of the Mississippi Learning Institute timed to coincide with the national dialogue about linking K-12 and higher education?

MASON: Education is the great equalizer, and educational opportunity must be provided equitably to ensure a future not bounded by ethnicity, religion, gender, disability or socioeconomic status for our young people.

Timing is everything and a key factor in the movement toward school reform. We have a visionary Secretary of Education and a neighborhood here of great need that can only be improved with a solid K-12 school system. Part of it was pure coincidence because we were going to take on the issue of K-12 preparation, one way or the other. We were going to take on the overhaul of the College of Education and Human Development, which all came out of our academic reorganization plan, Vision 2020, and we were going to establish a partnership with these schools. It was going to happen one way or the other. J

56

by Karyn Smith

“Going first is not easy. The tallest tree gets the strongest wind.”

Swelling with the pride of a doting parent, Jackson City Councilman Dr. Leslie B. McLemore declared October 23, 2003, “Barrett Hatches Day” in Ward 2 during his introduction of Hatches as the 126th Founders’ Day Convocation speaker.

Hatches, the first African American in the nation to lead two major utility companies, is now President of Swope Health Services and Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations of Swope Community Enterprises in Kansas City, Mo. A 1977 JSU graduate, Hatches continues to break barriers at the helm of Swope, a non-profit system of health centers with $29 million in annual revenues and 425 employees.

“My gratitude to this university is profound. You and I together have changed the course of history,” said Hatches, who previously served as President and CEO of Northern Indiana Public Service Company in Merrillville, Ind., and President and CEO of Northern Indiana Fuel & Light and Kokomo Gas & Fuel.

Hatches said his undergraduate experience at Jackson State prepared

him for the rigors of navigating uncharted territory. He went on to earn a master’s degree in management from Webster University in St. Louis.

“Going first is not easy. The tallest tree gets the strongest wind,” he said.

“Though I had broken through the glass ceiling, I did get cut, and I still bleed.”

Hatches urged the packed audience of University Park Auditorium to cast down the barriers of limited thinking and short-sightedness. He recalled meeting a third-grade boy who told Hatches that he couldn’t be a CEO because “you’re not white.”

He urged the university family to help others reach their fullest potential through educational opportunity.

“Continue to challenge minds and change lives so little boys can dream of being CEOs.” Hatches’ dynamic oratory was well-received by administrators, faculty, staff and students.

“We selected Mr. Hatches as the 2003 Founders’ Day speaker for his outstanding achievements and business acumen in areas ranging from employee and labor relations to customer service and corporate citizenship activities,” said Dr.

57 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

Barrett Hatches, ‘77, addresses the University family at the 2003 Founders’ Day Convocation

Bettye Graves, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management and Chair of the Founders’ Day Committee.

“He is a stellar alum who has a unique perspective on the JSU experience.”

Hatches, along with his wife, Ann, ‘76, continues to generously support his alma mater through the JSU Development Foundation, Inc. The couple launched a scholarship promotion this basketball season offering a semester’s tuition for a successful half-court shot attempt. J

A L U M N I H E A D L I N E R S

Barrett Hatches’ Dreams for JSU Scholars

JSU Alum Sets Record School Attendance

by Nechelle N. Robinson

P

erhaps the first thing one observes when speaking with Wiley Brooks Jr., is the sincerity in his voice when he talks about his students and the passion he has for his profession.

In a school district with nearly 3,000 students and 145 full-time faculty members, Brooks tremendous work ethic is to be noted. For the last 14 years, Brooks has not missed a single day of work. This is an enormous feat for any individual to accomplish.

A native of Macon, MS Brooks is a graduate of B.F. Liddell High School.

He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Education from Jackson State University and a Masters of Science degree in Education from Mississippi State University.

Brooks began his teaching career in 1972 and was employed by the Noxubee County School District as a teacher at Reed Elementary School. He currently works at B.F. Liddell Middle School as a social studies teacher and a coach.

“I feel that he is a great asset and a value to our school district but most importantly to our school” said Louise Pate, assistant principal at B.F. Liddell Middle School. “He is caring and giving as it relates to his students and it is an honor to have a man of this magnitude as a part of my staff.”

Not only has Brooks maintained perfect attendance during the last 14 years, he also goes above and beyond the call of duty. For two years, Brooks arrived to school at 6:15 a.m. and did not leave until 6:00 p.m. He

made certain that each child under his supervision made it home safely.

Brooks has even contributed financially to several of his students’ secondary education.

“The biggest motivation for me to do what I do is the children. I love coming to work and I enjoy helping people,” Brooks humbly said. Even if he gets sick himself or experiences a death in the family, Brooks’ love for his work and his students takes precedence over all else.

Brooks has received many local awards including the 2002 Noxubee County Distinguished Service Award and the Noxubee County School District Board of Education established a proclamation recognizing the third Saturday in May as Wiley Brooks Day. But his accolades don’t stop in Mississippi; the talented teacher has received national recognition as well.

He was nominated for the 2002-2003 Walt Disney Teachers Award, Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2002 and he was a candidate for inclusion in the Guineas Book of World Records. Brooks’ various awards prove what a dedicated educator he truly is.

Brooks’ limitless and tireless devotion to the education of children spills over to his personal life. Not being a father himself, he has devoted his life to helping other children. He has many godchildren, which he loves as if they’re his own.

Pamela Spencer, a colleague of Brooks’ as well as his godchild explains their relationship. “My father passed when I was 12. (Brooks) is a person that I can

Wiley Brooks, Jr., 70

talk to on a professional level and a personal level,” said Spencer, who is the lead fifth grade teacher at B.F. Liddell Middle School. “As a teacher he is motivated, enthusiastic and he has a love for the children.”

One may use the term dedication to describe Brooks; but he simply uses the term blessed. “I am blessed to be able to wake up each morning and come to work. I feel that God has given me good health (so) in return I come to work,” said Brooks.

A man passionate about his profession and equally passionate about the children he serves, Brooks truly lives his life by helping others. J 58

THE COMMAND POST OF GENERAL ROBERT CREAR

2004 Black Engineer of the Year Courtesy of Southwestern Division of Public Affairs Brigadier General Robert Crear, Commander and Division Engineer of the Southwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, headquartered in Dallas, has been selected to receive the 2004 Black Engineer of the Year Award for Professional Achievement in Government, by the Council of Engineering Deans of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Lockheed Martin Corp., Daimler Chrysler Corp., and the U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine.

Crear received the honor during the 18th Annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards Ceremony on Saturday, February 21, 2004, at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Md. Each year, this award is given to an individual whose qualifications and performance place him in the ranks of the nationís highest achievers in science and technology.

Crear was selected not only for his innovative leadership of the Southwestern Division, but also heading the Corpsí Task Force to Restore Iraqi Oil (RIO) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was deployed to Iraq for eight months this year directing the RIO mission to extinguish all oil fires, safely shut down all oil facilities in the restoration of spills, assess the damage and make emergency repairs to restore the damaged facilities to get the system operating and producing as soon as possible for the Iraqi people and their economy.

He has led the Southwestern Division, one of the U.S. Army Corps

of Engineers’ eight regional headquarters worldwide that includes four district offices in Little Rock, Ark., Tulsa, Okla., and Galveston and Fort Worth, Texas, since May 2002. The 3,100-person division provides diverse engineering and other services in all or part of seven states, primarily in three mission areas: Civil Works, Military Programs, and Support for Others, with annual programs totaling just over $1 billion.

Crear continues to serve as a mentor and guide to soldiers and civilians at home and abroad, and has forged relationships with foreign leaders and other officials in efforts to restore Iraqi oil production. He came to the division after serving as the Chief of Staff, Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Washington, D.C., where he was responsible for directing and training the more than 900-person staff to provide responsive engineering support to the Army and the nation, at home and abroad.

Prior to his tour in Corps headquarters, Crear served as the Commander, U.S. Army Engineer District, Vicksburg, Miss. He has held various other command and staff positions in the United States and overseas.

Born in Vicksburg, Crear graduated in 1975 from Jackson State University, where he received a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and a Regular Army commission as a second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers. He holds a master’s degree in national resource strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed

59 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

Forces.

His awards include the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Staff Identification Badge

General Robert Crear, ‘75

and Parachutist Badge. He was awarded the 1999 Chief of Engineers and Secretary of the Army Award for Small Business Utilization, and the Silver de Fleury Medal for his outstanding support to the Engineer Regiment. He was inducted into the Society of American Military Engineers Academy of Fellows in November 2002. J

The Eye Witness Account of Dr. Linda Johnson

JSU Alumna Becomes First Black Female State Association Optometric President

by Roishina Clay

A

fter practicing medicine for more than 25 years, Dr. Linda D. Johnson is now the first AfricanAmerican female president in the Mississippi Optometric Association and is still one of few minority optometrists in the state.

The 1974 Jackson State University graduate has been working at the Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center since 1978 and has been strongly active in the state and national Optometric associations for years. She and about 12 other African-Americans are the only minority optometrists in the state.

“I love what I do, and I’m so blessed,” said Johnson, who said she is Mississippi’s first African American optometrist.

The Richland native was installed as president in June 2003 in the state association. Now heavily involved in her role as president, Johnson wants to focus on “healthy eyes and healthy people.”

“I wanted to piggy back off our national thrust, which calls for healthy people and educating people to be more health consciences,” said Johnson, who earned her medical degree from the University of Indiana. “It’s a national promotion. I believed in this thrust, and I’m concerned about not only the vision but the overall health of people.”

Johnson has been a member of

the National Optometric Association since 1978 and has served in different capacities over the years. On a national level, she has served on the Board of Directors as a Trustee At-Large (19811983), Regional III. Trustee (1983-1985), Vice President (1993-1995), President Elect (1995-1997), and President (19971999).

Before assuming the presidency of the state association, Johnson worked on many committees and held many other offices, such as secretary-treasurer (1999-2000), second vice president (2000-2001) and vice president (20012002).

In Johnson’s spare time, she is active with her church at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, where she is the choir president and church treasurer. She is an active member of JSU’s Blue Bengal Association and the Rho Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is also the mother of an 18-year-old son, who is studying at Jackson State and is a member of the “Sonic Boom” marching band.

“I try to appreciate each day and all that I have,” she said. “Nothing is promised. I’m keeping busy with the association, and I’m surviving.” J

60

Thurgood Marshall’s HBCU Alumnus of the Year

Dr. Hilliard Lawrence Lackey, III Receives Thurgood Marshall National Alumni Medal of Honor Award

by Gwen Caples

Jackson State University recently honored Dr. Hilliard Lawrence Lackey, III, ('65) for receiving the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund (TMSF) National Alumni Medal of Honor Award. The special recognition ceremony occurred at the Jackson Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi, on Saturday, October 18, 2003, during the pre-game show [JSU vs. Southern University]. In front of a rousing crowd of more than forty-six thousand, the Marks, Mississippi, native was presented the award by Mr. Aaron Jones, ('59) President of the JSU National Alumni Association; and Mr. Emmett J. Crockett, Jr., Vice President for Institutional Advancement at JSU. The candidate of the TMSF National Alumni Medal of Honor Award must be a current member of the association in good standing; must be active in the mission of the association; and must have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the organization.

The school's Alumni Council decides on the recipient of the award.

Dr. Lackey was nominated for the TMSF National Alumni Medal of Honor Award by his long-time Mend and colleague, Mr. Aaron Jones. "This award represents the commitment and extraordinary support as an alumnus of his/her university," said Jones. "Dr. Hilliard Lackey's years of service to JSU and the support of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association

met and exceeded every criteria set forth by the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund, therefore he was selected by the Jackson State University National Alumni Association to receive this outstanding honor."

"I am greatly honored to receive this distinguished award," said Dr. Lackey, revealing an effervescent ready smile. "I've always believed in supporting

Dr. Hilliard Lawrence Lackey, ‘65

Jackson State University."

Upon his retirement from JSU in 2002 as Ombudsman and Assistant Professor of History, Dr. Lackey accepted a cabinet-level position as Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs/Enrollment

61 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

Management at LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee. However, during his thirty-five-year tenure at JSU, he served in a myriad of positions including Director of Development and Alumni Affairs, Special Assistant to the Executive Vice President; Assistant Professor of Educational Administration and Geography Instructor. He has more than 22 years in alumni-centered programs and his prominence among JSU alumni covers the globe with more than 50 alumni chapters including an active chapter in Africa. He is a life member of the Jackson-Hinds Alumni Chapter and the JSU National Alumni Association. He is also immediate past president of the Council of National Alumni Associations and the co-founder of the Black College Alumni Hall of Fame.

TMSF is the only national organization to provide merit scholarships, programmatic and capacity building support to 45 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Since its inception, the TMSF has provided more than $20 million in scholarships to students attending its member HBCUs and five historically black law schools.

The Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund Awards were announced during the 16th Anniversary Awards Dinner on November 3, 2003, at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers. J

H i g h

N o t e s

o f

R u s s e l l

G u n n

JSU Alumnus Finds His Calling and Acquires Wealth in Music

by Roishina Clay

J

ackson State University Alumnus Russell Gunn’s pocket may not be rich yet, but he’s found wealth and success in music.

A life that was rooted in music since childhood and through his musical talents, Gunn’s life has consisted of boundless opportunities to play his trumpet professionally with some jazz greats and has built an impressive resume’ that includes two Grammy nominations from his recordings in 1999 and 2001.

“I feel like I’m successful now,” Gunn said. “I’ve been able to do what I’ve wanted to do. I’m still broke, but I

don’t equate that with success.”

The 31-year-old, who was born in Chicago and reared in East St. Louis, arrived at Jackson State in 1989, marched in the famous “Sonic Boom of the South” during the Dowell Taylor Era (former JSU Director of Bands) and studied under JSU Jazz Professor Dr. Russell Thomas, Jr. For the first time since 1992, his feet landed on the University’s soil during JSU Homecoming 2003, where he was invited to head up a jazz education seminar and then served as the Homecoming Parade grand marshal.

“It was fun coming back (to JSU),” Gunn said. It has been a long time since I stepped a foot in the building (F.D. Hall Music Center), and it was emotional.”

The music composer, whose musical flavor generates from Cuban, Brazilian, African, “Go-Go” and hip hop music, worked with students on professional contemporary concepts that are utilized in jazz education and jazz performance. He taught about jazz pedagogy, rehearsal techniques and music professionalism.

“Gunn brought back a wealth of information to the students,” said Dr. Thomas. “We were glad to have an alumnus come back to share with the stu-

2 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

dents his life about his profession in music. The workshops were fantastic, and he just related to the students well.

He was very knowledgeable about things he’s doing in music. We were fortunate to have him here, and he’s an excellent jazz musician.”

JSU student Lowell Hollinger took advantage of the opportunity to hear from the seasoned, professional jazz musician.

“I had a chance to hear him, and I enjoyed hearing what he had to say and play,” said the Miami, Fla. native, who will be taking graduate courses in music at JSU soon. “I’m sure the experiences he shared with us will help a lot of us in different ways” Gunn has toured all over the United States, South America and Europe to play. He has worked with some jazz giants, such as Wynton and Bradford Marsalis, Ro Hargrove, Oliver Lake and R&B artists Maxwell and D’Angelo.

He has recorded about 10 albums and is currently working his next project.

He started recording in 1993 and started playing professionally at age 17 with the late Blues legend Johnnie Taylor. His jazz albums, Ethnomusicology Vol. I. and II., earned him the Grammy nominations.

Gunn said JSU has had a profound affect on his life. “Some of my life experiences at JSU, I didn’t fully understand until I got away and grew up in music,” Gunn said. “Being here (at JSU and in Mississippi) has really helped me in learning about music, its tradition and foundation.” J 62

Gailya Porter Moves to Head of the Class

- JPS PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT by Roishina Clay

Gailya Porter “Being at JSU has prohas had a great hand in vided me with a strong bringing a rock-bottom knowledge base to be school up to great successful in a world heights, and she’s got that is very challenging,” an award to prove it.

Porter said. “I don’t Porter, Principal regret one day of being a at G.N. Smith student at JSU.” Elementary for seven Porter cherishes her years, was honored in time at JSU. At the 2003 as Jackson Public University, she was a Schools’ Principal of cheerleader, served on the Year. the Miss JSU court and “It was my first met her husband, year to receive this Richard Porter, who award, and this is played baseball and is something I’m very also a JSU graduate. proud of,” said Porter.

At Smith Gailya Porter, ‘72 “I want to uphold this Elementary, Porter honor by making an impact in student achievements.” has 59 people on staff, including 30 certified teachers.

Under her leadership, Smith Elementary cur- She credits a “tremendous amount” of success at Smith rently holds a Level 5 accreditation, which is the high- Elementary to her “high quality” staff. est level designated by the Mississippi State Board of “I think the staff is making a difference—a team Education. The school was once held at Level 1 accred- effort,” she said. itation.

Lorraine Clincy, a second grade teacher at Porter, a 1972 Jackson State University graduate, Smith, said Porter’s dedication and willingness to work was assistant principal at Raines Elementary and an with teachers is what has brought Smith Elementary to interim principal at North Jackson Elementary before a Level 5 status. taking the job at Smith. She taught for three years “She got us (teachers and students) all on track before taking an administrative job. The veteran educa- and worked with us,” she said. “It’s been progress, and tor has about 30 years in the education field. we’ve moved up steadily through her leadership, along She earned her advanced degrees from JSU, with the teachers. We’ve been able to keep focus.” including a specialist degree in Administration and Porter said she is still enthused about her career Supervision. She has done additional studies at the in education after so many years.

University of Southern Mississippi and the University “I hope to have a few more years (in education),” of Wisconsin. she said. J 63 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

DR. QUINTON WILLIAMS’ T H E O R Y

O F

R E L A T I V I T Y

by Roishina Clay

W

hen Dr. Quinton Williams arrived at Jackson State University in 1986, he was just a freshman physics student. Now that he's returned to the University, he now holds JSU Physics Department Chair seat.

He would have never thought as a young student then that he would one day later have an office on the third floor of the Just Science Hall, the same building where he took his major courses.

"It's great being back," said Williams from his office that holds all his degrees and a framed family photo. "The opportunity presented itself for me to come back, and it's a great time now. I would've maybe thought that I would have been a professor years later at a retired age."

Williams earned his bachelor's degree in physics in 1990 and then went on to receive his master's and doctoral degree from Georgia Tech University. He spent several years in corporate America in Atlanta. He worked at

Quantira Technologies, where he was Co-Founder and Vice President of Engineering. Prior to that, he was employed at Bell Laboratories in the Lucent Technologies Division.

Now that he's back at JSU, Williams wants to continue to strengthen the physics department at JSU, where the University ranks first in the state for African Americans earning B.S. degrees in Physics and second overall in the state for individuals receiving a B.S. in the discipline.

In fact, he's interested adding a Photonics program in the department, so the students can study the generation, transportation and detection of light.

"I wanted to come back (to JSU) and help," said Williams, an Indianola native who comes from a big family of JSU alumni and supporters. "I also want to build relationships and encourage entrepreneurship. I want to set up opportunities to increase economic development in Jackson, right here."

Dr. Quinton Williams, ‘90 Chair, Department of Physics

Physics is not the only love Williams has at JSU. The former "Sonic Boom" marching band member spent three of his years at JSU playing the saxophone and was active with the Eta Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity.

Williams is happy to be back to a place he feels at "home." J

64

JSU Honors College Provides Foundation for Success

by Karyn Smith

Graduates of Jackson State University’s W.E.B. DuBois Honors College say the academically rigorous environment where excellence was the norm Dr. Earlexia prepared them Wilson-Norwood, ‘84 to assume leadership positions in their chosen professions and fostered a lifelong commitment to service of others.

“You were just expected to achieve,” said Dr. Earlexia WilsonNorwood, a Detroit-based family practice physician. “You were expected to maintain a certain grade point average.

Even with a heavy courseload, there was the expectation that you would do more.”

Dr. Mark Henderson, Assistant Professor of Speech and Dramatic Art at JSU, who received a bachelor’s degree in speech and drama in 1991, called his undergraduate experience a “self-fulfilling prophecy. We were expected to be excellent. I bought into it, and it worked. Standards were set very high for us, and we came up to that standard.”

The W.E.B. DuBois Honors College nurtures the development of students whose high school or early col-

lege achievements indicate superior intellectual ability. The Honors College offers its participants an enrichment curriculum, smaller classes, selected faculty, individual attention, honors advisement and job placement assistance. Honors College graduates have a 100 percent record of admission to graduate and professional schools including medical, law and engineering schools and graduate schools, said Dr. Maria Luisa Alvarez Harvey, Associate Dean of the Honors College.

Henderson, a Canton, Miss., native who received a Ph.D. in communications from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2003, was lured to JSU after seeing performances by acclaimed actress Dr, Tonea Harris Stewart.

Prior to deciding on JSU, he was considering other state universities farther from home. “I was urged to go as far away as possible. But JSU offered what I wanted right here.”

After completing a master’s degree in communications and urban studies at Michigan State University, Henderson returned to Mississippi and accepted the JSU appointment in 1995.

“This is my dream job. To see the fruits of my labor with the students and to see them excelling is truly gratifying,” said Henderson, founder and director of community-based acting troupe MADDRAMA, the acronym for

65 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

“Making A Difference Doing Responsible and Meaningful Art.” Friendship and family ties ushered Wilson-Norwood into the Jacksonian family. Following in her mother’s footsteps, who received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from JSU, Wilson-Norwood graduated from JSU in 1984 with a degree in biology/pre-med. She went on to receive a doctor of human medicine degree from the University of Iowa in 1988.

Wilson-Norwood is now physician-in-charge of the Henry Ford Troy Medical Center, Family Practice division head, Northern region in Detroit, Michigan. Even with her busy schedule, her commitment to the Honors College is unwavering.

“I’m committed to sowing from

Dr. Mark Henderson, ‘91

my heart into good ground, and Jackson State is good ground. We want to ensure the opportunities we had through the Honors College are there for the next generation.”

Hinds County Attorney Malcolm Harrison’s JSU legacy stems back to his formative years. A 1991 JSU graduate with a degree in political science, Harrison attended JSU’s day care. “I’ve been going to JSU all my life. My first graduation was from Jackson State,” he said.

Harrison grew up in the JSU community with his mother, Dr. Alferdteen Harrison, longtime Professor of History and Director of the Margaret Walker A l e x a n d e r Hinds County Attorney Malcolm Harrison, ‘91 National Research Center, who lived in the faculty apartments. His younger brother, Dr. Ojinga Harrison, a psychiatrist in Durham, N.C., also attended the Honors College.

In his second term as Hinds County Attorney, Malcolm Harrison always knew he would attend Jackson State and eventually pursue a law career. “I had scholarships to Ole Miss and the University of Kansas, but I always knew in my heart that I wanted to be at JSU.” Harrison, who received the juris doctor degree from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, was the first African American elected to a countywide position in a general election in the history of Hinds County in 1999. He was re-elected in November 2003 and is responsible for prosecuting all misdemeanors and felonies committed in Hinds County as well as misdemeanors in youth court.

Harrison, a partner in Harrison and Flowers PLLC law firm, said the Honors College at JSU ably prepared him

for his legal career. “Law school is a competitive environment.

You need to be challenged to rise to the occasion. Honors College challenged me to do my best with difficult work.”

JSU alumna Jamila Alexander, a third-year Harvard University law student, credits the Honors College with preparing her for the rigors of an Ivy League university professional program.

“The real value of the Honors College is that during your first two years, you’re taking classes with students who are highly motivated and actively involved in healthy competition to succeed,” said Alexander, who graduated in 2000 with a perfect 4.0 grade point average in physics.

“It was just expected of you that you would go on to graduate school or professional school of some type.”

Asked how she made the leap from physics to law, Alexander said the discipline of scientific inquiry taught her “to analyze problems and to think critically, which is a crucial skill set for law.”

Alexander’s JSU ties run deep.

The daughter of Dr. McKinley Alexander, an Associate Professor of Economics, Finance and General Business at JSU, and Jennette Lee Alexander, a JSU alumna, Jamila Alexander always knew she would be a Jamila Alexander Blue Bengal. “I’ve been going to foot2000 Harvard University ball games forever and participating Law Student in summer programs since the 7th grade.”

She applied to two other universities besides JSU for the sole purpose of gaining access to research opportunities there. Ultimately, her choice was JSU. While an undergraduate student, Alexander completed summer research institutes at the University of Minnesota, Stanford University, and the University of Michigan.

She plans to practice at Forman, Perry, Watkins, Krutz & Tardy LLP law firm in Jackson after receiving her J.D. from Harvard in June.

Given the opportunity, Alexander said she would make the same educational choices again. “Having gone to Jackson State University and coming here to Harvard Law School, I would not change a thing. My experiences at a historically black university provided me with the background and opportunities needed to develop leadership skills, prepared me academically for graduate and professional school and kept me in touch with my community.” J

66

GED Program Reaches Milestone with 700th Graduate: JSU TV23’s Leon Stewart A Model Student and Employee

by Karyn Smith

When the Continuing Education Learning Center at Jackson State University (CELC) held its annual yuletide gala, staff members had more than the greetings of the season to celebrate. The occasion also served as a congratulatory reception for Adelia and Calvin Brooks, mother and son who tied as the 700th learners to receive GEDs through the program.

Adelia Brooks and Calvin Brooks, for individual reasons, both ended their secondary education in the 8th grade. Both say they are grateful for the advancement that earning a GED will provide.

“I moved to Jackson from Chicago and took classes. My sister-inlaw was going to JSU’s GED program at the time. That’s how I started,” said Adelia Brooks.

Enrolled in the GED program in August 2003, Ms. Brooks learned that she and her son had passed their tests the day before Thanksgiving. “I was shocked. I thought for sure that I didn’t pass the essay section.”

She earned a certificate in basic computers at the Adult Education Center operated by Jackson Public Schools and plans to feed her love of computers by studying computer technology at Hinds Community College.

Her son, 18-year-old Calvin Brooks, said being the 700th graduate did not mean as much as earning his GED, though he admittedly enjoyed completing the program with his

Leon Stewart

mother. “I just wanted to pass. I just wanted to get my GED. It will help me because I can get a better job now.”

Calvin Brooks now plans to go on to Hinds or Jackson State to study graphic design. Asked what motivated him to go back to complete his high school equivalency diploma, he said, “I just had to go back. I knew I could do it.”

“The Continuing Learning Center has enjoyed a high number of graduates since its inception in 1987,” said Dr. Carolyn Higgins, director of CELC. “In fact, 23 more students have received GEDs since the Brooks duo, but their feat was noteworthy,” she added.

“It’s an excellent milestone,”

she said. “We offer students a second chance to accomplish their goals.”

The program has made a world of difference in the life of Leon Stewart, production news assistant at W23BC/TV23, JSU’s TV station.

The Kansas City, Mo., native received his GED through the JSU program in 1999 after overcoming personal loss and other setbacks.

“Opportunities are one in a million. It’s not something you do because your friends want you to. You have to want it for yourself,” he said.

The 22-year-old has begun studying computer technology at JSU. “I want to have options. If you want to learn, you have to continually build knowledge.” J

The Continuing Education Learning Center hosted a special recognition ceremony for the 700th graduates of the program. Pictured from left are: Amy McMahan, Marketing Representative/Coordinator for CELC; Dr. Carolyn Higgins, Director; Calvin Brooks and Adelia Brooks, 700th GED graduates; and Dr. Johnine Mills-Jones, Dean of the College of Lifelong Learning.

67 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

Legacy Brick Campaign To Capture JSU History

by Dr. Roosevelt littleton, Jr.

J

68

E X C L U S I V E S

ackson State University officially opened the Pedestrian Plaza and launched the Legacy Brick Campaign on January 24, 2004. "A Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony" was held in the Jacob L. Reddix Student Union-General Purpose Room. President Ronald Mason, Jr. and Mayor Harvey Johnson., and Dr. David Potter-IHL Commissioner gave outstanding keynote remarks to mark the special occasion. Additional remarks were made by Darryl Neely, Assistant to Gov. Barbour; Emmett Crockett, Vice President for Institutional Advancement; Aaron Jones, JSU National Alumni President; Monica Minter, Ms JSU; and Ms Brick Campaign To Capture JSU History President Ronald Mason, Jr. leads the ceremonial cake-cutErin Mercer, Vice Legacy ting following the legacy Brick Campaign formal opening earlier this year. Pictured from left to right are: President - JSU Student Jennifer Claiborne, Vice-President of the 2003 Fall Pan-Hellenic Council, Dr. Roosevelt Littleton, Jr., Government Association. Development Special Projects Manager, Erin Mercer, SGA Vice President, Monic J. Minter, Miss JSU 2003-04 and JSU President Ronald Mason, Jr. JSU Police Officer Gloria Green-McCray gave an inspiring heart- Plaza also includes a traffic round-about State University may inscribe a Legacy felt tribute to her slain brother - James at the west Prentiss intersection, covered Brick. This includes friends, parents and Earl Green. amphitheaters, plants, and walkways grandparents, freshmen, sophomores, The expanded Gibbs-Green Plaza paved with special JSU Legacy Bricks. juniors, seniors, graduate students, faculconverts West Lynch Street into a vehi- The $5 million second phase of Gibbs- ty & staff, alumni, churches, social cle-free pedestrian mall. The $4.3 mil- Green Plaza expansion project is slated organizations, Greek-letter organizations, lion brick Pedestrian Plaza is lighted and to begin in July 2004, and will extend community and civic groups, athletic lined with park benches and features two the plaza to Dalton street. supporters, business and government pavilions. The beautifully landscaped Everyone associated with Jackson officials and future students.

The JSU Development Foundation's goal is to raise funds for student scholarships via this special fund raising campaign. Proceeds from the Legacy Brick Campaign will continue to support the needs of our students," stated Dr. Roosevelt Littleton, Jr.,('81), Special Projects Manager for the Division of Institutional Advancement.

A Supporter brick (4x8) can be inscribed with the donor's name or personalized message and permanently placed on the Gibbs-Green Plaza for $125. The Benefactor brick (6x9) is available for $500 and can be inscribed with 16 characters per line with a maximum of four lines. The Patron brick (12x12) is available for $1000 and can be inscribed with 20 characters per line with a maximum of six lines.

The Corporate brick (12x12) is available for $1,500 and can be personalized with 16 characters per line with a maximum of six lines and corporate logo ($1500). Bricks are typically

engraved with the honoree's name, class year, major or organization. Brick inscriptions are all caps and centered and requests for Greek Letters can be accommodated.

You do not have to be an alumnus to buy a brick.

This is an excellent way to honor a friend or loved one parent, child, favorite teacher, or anyone to whom you would like to give a permanent place in history.

Aaron Jones, President of the JSU National Alumni Association said, "I'm going to commemorate my older siblings. I was a first-generation college graduate. If it wasn't for them, I would not have gone to college. Please don't miss this opportunity to ensure that someone you care about, will have a lasting memorial on the Gibbs-Green Plaza," suggested Aaron Jones, President of the JSU National Alumni Association. Mr. Jones was instrumental in starting the Legacy Brick Project.

Momentum for the

69 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

Legacy Brick Campaign is building. The first Patron brick (12x12) was purchased by Dr. Joseph Stevenson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in honor of his parents.

The Delta Sigma Theta sorority was the first Greek-letter organization to inscribe a brick. The Memphis Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta inscribed a brick in memory of JSU Alumnus Catherine Harvey Davis. Thurman Mitchell ('73) was the first JSU Alum to purchase a Supporter brick (4x8).

The first 1000 bricks ordered will be engraved with a tiger paw.

There are many firsts and landmarks left to mark the progress of the Legacy Brick Campaign.

This special fundraising campaign is designed to provide scholarships for deserving students.

For additional information regarding the JSU Legacy Brick Campaign please visit our website at www.jsums.edu/legacybrick/ or call Dr. Roosevelt Littleton, Jr. at (601) 979-3731. J

Sonic boom accol ades breaking sound barriers

by Roishina Clay

monies on being a part of the legendary band from students.

JSU, Florida A&M University and Grambling State University are the only HBCU bands to be inducted in the Hall of Champions and, Electronic Art Sports is including the Sonic Boom in its new upcoming video games for 2005.

In the Summer 2003 issue of the Black Voices Quarterly, JSU Head Drum Major Tamara Myles was featured on the cover. The Boom was also featured in the Summer 2003 issue.

“We worked really hard this year, as any other year,” said Myles, who is finishing her last year in the band. “We put in a lot of practice, and it was only a matter of time before the national recognition was coming. It feels good, and it’s an honor to be recognized for your hard work and achievements.”

“We have been on an upward spiral since 1947,” said Liddell, a JSU graduate who once marched in the band he now directs. “We have had no down years. We have quality and quantity. We can go from classical to hip hop, and rock the house every time.” J

The Jackson State University’s “Sonic Boom of the South” Marching Band has ended the 2003-year on a high note after gaining national exposure and recognition several times within the year.

“We are the total package,” said Dr. Lewis Liddell, JSU Director of Bands. “I believe we have the best band in the country, because we have musicianship and we entertain and execute with precision.”

It’s the band’s style and powerful, unique sound that have gotten them the attention they have received.

The 250-piece band received an invitation to participate in the 2004 Senior Bowl in Alabama in January. The Sonic Boom also performed at the Senior Bowl in 1998.

The national spotlight hit the Sonic Boom in March 2003 when they were invited to the NAACP Image Awards as the opening act with Comedian Cedric the Entertainer.

In October 2003, The NCAA inducted the band into the Hall of Champions in Indianapolis.

As part of the Hall of Champions’ archives, a fiveminute documentary of the band was also produced. The video shares the history of the band, the daily routine and long hours put in during the band camp month to prepare for the upcoming The PrancingJ-Settes at the 34th Annual NAACP Image Awards football season. Band members offered testi-

70

JSU Marching Band Directors Linked Through Sonic Boom Connection

by Roishina Clay

Musical roots of the legendary Sonic Boom of the South can be traced back to more than 50 years. The marching band’s musical excellence has been consistent through the years. The pass-

Dowell Taylor, ‘76

ing of the director's baton to decades of directors who studied under their predecessors at JSU contributes to this success.

The great sounds and the incomparable marching style emanated from William W. Davis. known as "Prof' Davis, who began that "big band" sound in the University band. Davis, an Alabama State University graduate who was the first full-time band director in September 1948, worked with famous jazz legends such as Cab Calloway and was known for his outstanding arrangement skills.

Dr. Dollye M.E. Robinson, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and the longest-employed faculty member at JSU, marched in then, the Jackson State College band in the 1940s. While working with the band at Lanier High School (Jackson, MISS.), Mr. Kermit Holly, Sr. also worked with Dr. Robinson as a parti-time band director at JSC from 1940 to 1947. Years later, Dr. Robinson became Band Director and Chair of the JSC Music Department.

"I thought we were the best band in the country back then," said Dr. Robinson. "As Assistant Band Director, I did the recruiting and Mr. Davis was the fantastic arranger."

Musical excellence with the marching band has been consistent through the years at JSU. Today, Dr. Lewis Liddell, a 1967 JSU alumnus and an understudy of Dr. Robinson, Mr. Davis and Mr. Holly, has continued the legacy of a band that entertains, executes on drills and thrills spectators with their extensive musical repertoire from John Phillip Sousa to Al Jarreau.

Harold Haughton (‘60) and Dr. Jimmie James (‘60), became assistant band directors in 1966. Dr. James, who studied under Dr. Robinson and Mr. Davis, is now Chair of the Department of Music.

"Mr. Haughton and I worked quite well together, and we had similar ideas about things," said Dr. James.

Mr. Haughton studied under Mr. Davis and went on to become Director of Bands at JSU from 1971 to 1973.

Haughton recently retired from Virginia State University as Director of Bands.

71 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

"During my years, Mr. Haughton was a wonderful, caring person whose goal was not only to make us good musicians, but better people," said LaFrieda Sias who marched in the band from 1979 to 1983. "He was a genuine musician and he had a love for music that he wanted to share with everyone. He made us feel that what we did for the University was so important, and we just felt special."

The Directors' connection continued when Mr. Dowell Taylor became Director of Bands in 1984. He took classes under Dr. James and Mr. Edward Duplessis, a Southern University graduate (Baton Rouge, LA), who mastered the field shows of the band and played a major part in the success of the marching band. Mr. Paul I. Adams, also a Southern University graduate, was an assistant band director during the Haughton and Taylor days and was known throughout the

Dr. Dollye M.E. Robinson, ‘48

Southwestern Athletic Conference as a writer of powerful musical sounds.

During Taylor's era, the Sonic Boom traveled to California to be a part of Motown's 30th Celebration in 1990.

Though the Band's appearance was years ago, it is still talked about among student musicians, former band mem-

William W. “Prof” Davis, JSC Band Director, 1948 - early 60’s

bers and music professionals. "The 1990 band was the most criticallyacclaimed band I had," said Taylor.

After Taylor stepped down in 1992, Dr. Liddell returned to his alma mater as Director of Bands after spending years at Kentucky State and Murray State Universities in Kentucky, Winona State University in Minnesota, and a short time at North Carolina A & T University.

Taylor and Dr. Liddell, the two band veterans, had a musical connection that extended back to Taylor's teenage years. His initial interaction with Dr. Liddell was as a young band student at Brinkley High School. When Taylor left JSU in 1977, he accepted a position as Director of Bands and Music Chairman at Kentucky State University. Upon his departure from

Kentucky State, he was succeeded by Dr. Liddell.

Dr. Michael Magruder, a 1977 JSU alumnus, who is now Associate Director of Bands has a connection with Taylor as well. He marched in the Band with Taylor under the direction of Mr. Haughton and studied under "Prof' Davis and Dr. Robinson.

It was Dr. Liddell's 2003 Sonic Boom edition that made it back to California as the opening act for the NAACP's Image Awards with comedian Cedric the Entertainer in May 2003, a deja vu experience of the Sonic Boom 1990 Motown performance.

Dr. Magruder has noted the band directors' connection at JSU throughout the years and believes that JSU has a rich tradition because "competent people are in place and understand the Band's rich tradition."

"Coming back to Jackson State was like a dream come true," said Dr. Magruder, who now works along side Liddell and knew him as his own band director when he was also a student at Brinkley.

I remember him as a young man, and it was all about discipline. He was all about business," Dr. Magruder said.

"Dr. Liddell is in the business of maintaining a successful band program at Jackson State and not just the marching band."

"The continued success of a marching band is tied to a good symphonic and concert band," he said. "It (the band program) is only justified to an extent that it is a direct outgrowth of a quality symphonic and concert band program."

The proof is in the pudding for JSU's Sonic Boom. They are highly sought after for performances near and far and were nationally recognized five times in 2003 with such honors as being inducted into the NCAA Hall of Champions and being invited to the Senior Bowl this past January.

Dr. Robinson said that the Sonic Boom has soared to greater heights over the years and that she is proud of

JSU's rich legacy in marching bands.

"We have a fantastic tradition and the Band is marvelous, " she said. "It's a good feeling to know that our Music Department Chair came through JSU as well as Dr. Liddell and Dr. Magruder.

They are carrying on the tradition. The Band has grown tremendously in size and sound, and it is performing marvelously well." J

Harold Haughton, ‘60

Dr. Jimmie James, ‘60 Chair, JSU Department of Music

72

PHOTOGRAPHY

by Gwen Caples Jean C. Frazier contributed to this article

IN

AMERICA

“We are obligated to establish some dialogue regarding reconciliation; if we don’t, we are living in the past.”

Dr. Monique Guillory Exhibit Coordinator

It's no secret. The word "Mississippi" invokes mixed feelings in the minds of people throughout America. To some, images of Southern Hospitality abound: vibrant churches, lively family reunions and delicious down-home cooking. But to others, there are thoughts of Mississippi that are not as pleasant. And these feelings have not gone away only buried from generation to generation. They are painful reminders of unimaginable fear and devastating loss. A reminder of a Mississippi full of hatred, racism and excruciating pain-a place where black people were mercilessly abused, tortured and violated. A reminder of our greatest fear about the American South--the horror of lynching.

Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America is a testament to this devastating fear. It brings to life a haunting display of more than 100 photographs of graphic hanging corpses as recorded and chronicled in America from the 1800s through the civil rights era of the 1960s and 1970s. The Exhibit, on display in the President's Guest House at JSU, has records of almost 3,500 lynchings between 1882 and 1952. Each image is of a lyncing or one taking place somewhere in the United States. The killers, overwhelmingly white, and most native born, were products of a white supremacist society. Many of the crimes have gone unprosecuted. They were seen as necessary, if not beneficial, to the perpetrators. Most of these photo-

graphs were captured at city center squares and courtyard mob lynchings and traded as post cards with the images of the full range of emotions were manifested through the tears and condomangled bodies A lences from more than 120 visitors who witnessed the exhibit on the and grinning opening day. Here a visitor is comforted after viewing photographs of crowds reveling in victims who suffered the violent deaths. the atrocities.

State, we felt we could make Also displayed are photographs and Mississippi our next stop," said Allen. documentation of a double-lynching The collection provides visitors a rare recorded in Duck Hill, Mississippi in opportunity to face this history for 1937. the purposes of working toward healCollector and owner James ing and reconciliation. "The photoAllen views the Exhibit as a unique graphs are remarkable in that their opportunity to provide a venue to subjects are very ordinary people who showcase Mississippi as a leader in died at the hands of very ordinary demonstrating the continuance of people," said JSU President, Dr. morality. It's also an opportunity to Ronald Mason, Jr. "What we offer highlight the courage of Medgar you with this Exhibit is a view of the Evers, former state field director of depths of insanity to which fear can the NAACP in Jackson, and others, drive human beings," he added. who diligently fought against such Initially unveiled at the New injustices. "When we received the call York Historical Society, Without from the president's office at Jackson Sanctuary has migrated from the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to the Martin Luther King, Jr., Museum in Atlanta where more than 180,000 witnessed the collection in 2002.

Allen, who has spent more than 20 years gathering the data, has also produced a book with photographs and a Web site. He feels the Exhibit holds a significant prominence for families and victims while contributing to the unwrit74

ten history lessons yet to be formally recorded in Mississippi's school history books and curricula.

Also on display and accompanying Without Sanctuary, are the names of victims of centuries of slavery, Jim Crow and lynchings on Gwen Magee's quilt. The noted historian Jackson State University on and artist archived the lives of individu- January 30, 2004. Dr. Monique als and categorized them within their Guillory, Deputy Chief of Staff respective state soils on the tapestry. The and Exhibit Coordinator at JSU, 17'x 85" wall tapestry bears witness to feels that the Exhibit fills a signifthis dark chapter of America's history icant void in the lives of and serves as a memoriam to preserving unnamed and unknown victims the history of countless families. of these painful deaths. "We are Alabama, Arkansas, obligated to California, Delaware, establish some Kentucky, Florida, dialogue regardLouisiana, Mississippi, ing reconciliaMissouri, North and tion; if we don't, South Carolina, we are living in Tennessee, Texas and the past," said Virginia are among the Guillory. "The states that record the images are most names of these victims disturbing. We who died "without a feel that the sanctuary" and a sacred images, those burial. Magee, along feelings, and the with her heirlooms has emotions are part been featured in New of the process of York City's American underst anding Bible Society Museum the past and its Gwen Magee, Historian and Designer and in the accompanyrelationship to Blood of the Slaughtered ing 160-page book of the present and A cross-section of community leaders and activists, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends visited the quilts. Complementary to the photo- future." exhibit on opening day in January. graphic lynching exhibit, Blood of the Without Sanctuary: Slaughtered was conceptualized and Lynching Photography in America has state-the countless families that were composed by Magee after much of her been exhibited in three other venues devastated and the immeasurable loss of own independent research that was (New York, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta) human potential.

The Exhibit will run through July motivated by R. Ginzburg's 100 Years of prior to its stop in Mississippi. The coland is free and open to the public. Call Lynchings (the Black Free Press). "The lection has sparked controversy and (601) 979-1473, or ext. 1476 for tour theme of Blood of the Slaughtered is overwhelming emotion. There are only most appropriately deemed for the vic- four images from Mississippi in this information or visit tims' desolate passage," said Magee.

Exhibit, but this is merely a trace of the www.withoutsanctuary.org J Without Sanctuary opened at thousands who perished unjustly in this 75 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

Rev. Al Sharpton Charges Students with Building Wealth, Accepting Social Responsibility Sharpton keynote speaker for College of Business Banquet

by Karyn Smith

Civil rights activist and former presidential contender Rev. Al Sharpton urged students at the 21st Annual College of Business Banquet to continue the pursuit of excellence by reviving the spirit of entrepreneurship in the black community.

In recognition of his lifelong committment to public service, Dr. Glenda Glover presents Rev. Al Sharpton with a plaque commemorating his visit to the JSU campus during the annual College of Business banuet.

“We must pursue ownership rather than reckless consumership,” Sharpton told nearly 400 people who packed the General Purpose Room of the Jacob L. Reddix Campus Union for the April 7 event. “We define success by what we see rather than what we have.

We must create wealth and ownership, which takes discipline and responsibility.”

Sharpton said Jackson State University and its College of Business have a pivotal role to play in strengthening the economic health of the black community.

He heralded JSU as a forerunner among historically black colleges and universities as the first HBCU to offer

the Ph.D. in business. “When we didn’t have Ivy League schools, we built schools like this one.

HBCUs still graduate more blacks than all other schools combined.”

Students should remember the sacrifices their ancestors The Rev. Al Sharpton receives a standing ovation prior to delivermade to create ing the keynote address during the College of Business banquet honoring outstanding students, faculty and corporate sponsors. opportunities for Sharpton is flanked by Attorney Isaac Byrd (left, second from podithem to pursue um); Dr. Glenda Glover, Dean of the College of Business; Dr. Della Associate Dean of the College; and Jackson Mayor Harvey higher education Posey, Johnson, Jr. and to compete “on called Sharpton’s speech inspiring and a level playing field,” he added.

“We’ve gone from the back of his charge to students compelling. “He the bus to the front of City Hall,” said helped us to understand our legacy, our Sharpton, whose remarks spanned the history and our responsibility.”

The annual banquet recognizes historic Brown v. Topeka Board of the achievements of top students, faculEducation decision that integrated pubty and staff in the College of Business as lic schools 50 years ago and the tireless well as corporate sponsors and partners. J efforts of civil rights activists Fannie Lou Hamer, Adam Clayton Powell and others.

Sharpton also encouraged students to live with purpose by believing in “something more than yourself.”

The Rev. Al Sharpton (center) answers questions from media perDr. Glenda sonnel during a news briefing prior to the College of Business banquet. Pictured with him are: Emmett J. Crockett, Jr., Vice President Glover, Dean of the of Institutional Advancement, and Dr. Glenda Glover, Dean of the College of Business, College of Business.

76

JSU

Faculty and Staff Briefs

DR. MARIA BEGONIA, Assistant Professor of Biology, is conducting research that utilizes biomass or plant bulk matter to produce ethanol.

Begonia is using microorganisms or “bugs” to convert sugars present in wood acid hydrolyzates into ethanol, which has been recognized as a highquality transportation fuel that may significantly reduce carbon dioxide emission.

DR. DERNORAL DAVIS, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of History, was named the 2003-04 Mississippi Humanities Council’s Scholar/Teacher of the Year.

FACULTY & STAFF BRIEFS

DR. MARK G. HENDERSON, Assistant Professor of Speech and Dramatic Art, received the National Communication Association African-American Communication and Culture Division and Black Caucus Outstanding Dissertation Award in fall 2003. The dissertation examined inter-cultural and interracial communications styles. Henderson completed his Ph.D. in speech communications at the University of Southern Mississippi in May 2003.

DR. JIMMIE JAMES, JR., Professor and Chair of the Department of Music, was recently honored by the Pinebelt Association for Community Enhancement (P.A.C.E.) at the Saenger Theater in Hattiesburg. P.A.C.E. Head Start has been recognizing outstanding African Americans for seven years through their Annual Black Heritage Celebration. The school acknowledges those who contribute to their community and serve as role models for children.

77 • THE JACKSONIAN SPRING 2004

DR. P ATRICIA A. J ERNIGAN , Associate Director of the Division of International Studies, was one of 25 American university, college and community college administrators awarded a three-week grant by the GermanAmerican Fulbright Commission to study the German educational system.

The program included briefings, campus visits, government meetings, cultural events and visits to Berlin, Leipzig and Munich. The aim of the program was to strengthen German-American cooperation in the educational arena and foster positive cultural and political relations.

DR. SOPHIA MARSHALL, Project Coordinator of the Teacher Quality Enhancement Project in the College of Education, was selected as a participant in the Scholarship and Public Life Project coordinated by Joffre T. Whisenton and Associates, Inc. and supported by the Kettering Foundation. The project is designed to engage recently appointed faculty from institutions targeting underserved populations in a two-year initiative to further practical research.

MARCO

W.

M CMILLIAN ,

Assistant to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Jackson State University, was selected for inclusion in the national Top 30 Under 30 listing of outstanding young individuals in the February 2004 edition of Ebony magazine. The publication annually recognizes the achievements of young professionals for their leadership, public service and community activism.

DR. HONGTAO YU is conducting research to examine whether chemicals used in skin care and beauty products are toxic when exposed to light. Yu’s research team plans to collaborate with skin cancer specialists to test more carefully the phototoxicity of azulene and related chemicals using human skin cell lines and animal models. The aim of the research is to determine whether the combination of light and chemicals causes skin cancer or other skin diseases.

I N M E M O R I A M

In Memoriam Marcus Douyon, rendered 41 years of faithful service as Professor of Art. Among the first renowned African-American artists in Mississippi, his ceramic masterpieces were displayed nationally and internationally. A native of Haiti, Douyon’s extensive knowledge of African and Haitian art made him a popular lecturer and consultant. Douyon was laid to rest September 13, 2003.

Dean Tommie Smith helped shape the lives of students at JSU for more than 20 years as Dean of Student Affairs for Men. His legacy of service and commitment to the growth and development of students lingered well past his retirement in 1989.

Melvene Coney, ‘71, ‘76, lost her bout with cancer August 9, 2003.

Coney brought an extensive background in human resources, compliance management, alumni relations and fund-raising when she joined the JSU family in 1997. She later served as Executive Director of Development, Interim Director of Alumni Affairs and Development and finally, Special Activities Coordinator.

Coney also served as National President of the JSU National Alumni Association from 1992-1996 and was named Alumnus of the Year in 1992.

Photos: Newton Handy, III

Dr. Dennis Holloway, ‘58, joined the JSU faculty in 1966 as an Instructor of Chemistry and Physical Science and later Assistant Professor of Chemistry. He moved through the ranks into administration and served in numerous capacities including Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Administration and Vice President for Student Affairs. A true servantleader, Holloway was president of the Jackson Public School Board at the time of his death in June 2003.

3

JSU Legacy Brick Campaign Name: Address: City:

State:

Daytime phone:

Email address:

Please check your brick selection:

Zip:

Supporter (4x8) @ $125 Patron (12x12) @ $1,000

Benefactor (6x9) @ $500 Corporate (12x12) @ $1,500

All checks must be payable to: JSU Development Foundation, P. O. Box 17144, Jackson, MS 39217 Please enclose check with order form or complete credit card information below: Credit Card:

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Name as it appears on card: Signature: CAREFULLY PRINT YOUR PERSONALIZED LEGACY BRICK INSCRIPTION Supporter 4’X 8’ ( Maximum of 3 lines; 14 characters per line)

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Note: For Corporate Brick, please provide a copy of a photo-ready logo.

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY 2 0 0 4

DATE

F O O T B A L L

OPPONENT

S C H E D U L E

SITE

TIME

SEPTEMBER 4

Hampton University

Orlando, FL

6:30

11

Northwestern State Louisiana

Jackson, MS

6:00

18

Tennessee State University

Memphis, TN

6:00

Jackson, MS

6:00

(Southern Heritage Classic) 25

*Mississippi Valley State Univ.

(High School Day)

OCTOBER 2

OPEN

9

*Alabama State University

Mobile, AL

16

*Southern University

New Orleans, LA 1:00

23

*Grambling State University

Grambling, LA

1:30

30

*Univ. of Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff, AR

6:30

3:00

NOVEMBER 6

*Alabama A&M University

Jackson, MS

4:00

(Homecoming) 13

Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View, TX

3:00

20

*Alcorn State University

Jackson, MS

1:30

(Capital City Classic) James Bell, Head Coach Roy E. Culberson, Director of Athletics Home games are in bold *SWAC football games, 2004

VISIT THE WEB FOR SCHEDULE INFORMATION: www.jsums.edu click on Tiger Sports.

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Jackson State University Office of the President 1400 J.R. Lynch Street Jackson, Mississippi 39217

Funding for this publication was provided by Title III, “ Strengthening Historicallyy Black Colleges and Universities.””