Jackson State University

Jackson State University
Name	Jackson State University
Established	1877
Type	Public historically black research university
President	Marcus L. Thompson (interim)
City	Jackson
State	Mississippi
Country	United States
Campus	Urban, 245 acres
Website	https://www.jsums.edu/

Jackson State University. It is a public historically black research university located in Jackson, Mississippi. Founded in 1877, it is a member of the University of Mississippi system and is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity". The institution is renowned for its academic programs, vibrant campus life, and significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.

History

The institution was established in 1877 as the Natchez Seminary by the American Baptist Home Mission Society of New York City to educate African Americans for the ministry and teaching. In 1883, it relocated to Jackson and was renamed Jackson College. Control shifted to the state of Mississippi in 1940, leading to its designation as a public institution. A pivotal moment in its history occurred on May 14, 1970, when Mississippi Highway Patrol and city police opened fire during a student protest, killing two and injuring twelve in the Jackson State killings, an event that galvanized national attention alongside the Kent State shootings. The university gained university status in 1974 and has since expanded its research mission, being designated a "high research activity" institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Academics

The university is organized into several colleges, including the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Business, the College of Education and Human Development, and the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. It offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, with notable strengths in fields such as public policy, urban planning, engineering, and the health sciences. The institution is home to prestigious centers like the Margaret Walker Center and participates in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's research initiatives. Its School of Journalism and Media Studies has produced many distinguished professionals in broadcasting and communications.

Campus

The main urban campus spans 245 acres in the heart of Jackson, featuring a mix of historic and modern architecture. Key facilities include the H. T. Sampson Library, the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center, and the state-of-the-art College of Business building. The campus is also the site of the JSU Stadium, which hosts the Southern Heritage Classic. Notable landmarks include the Jacob L. Reddix Union and the Ayer Hall, which houses the School of Social Work. The campus layout integrates academic buildings, residential halls, and recreational spaces, creating a cohesive environment for students.

Student life

Student life is vibrant, with over 100 student organizations, including fraternities and sororities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The university is renowned for its Sonic Boom of the South marching band, which has performed at major events like the Rose Parade and for U.S. presidents. Cultural programming is robust, driven by the F. D. Hall Music Center and events like the Mississippi Blues Marathon. Student media includes The Blue & White Flash newspaper and WJSU radio, an affiliate of National Public Radio. The campus frequently hosts lectures by notable figures from Congress and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Tigers and Lady Tigers, compete in the NCAA Division I as members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Football games are a major tradition, held at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. The program has produced professional athletes in the National Football League, such as Walter Payton and Jackie Slater. Other successful teams include men's and women's basketball, which have made appearances in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. The department emphasizes academic achievement alongside athletic excellence.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved distinction in numerous fields. In politics and public service, notable figures include H. T. Sampson, Robert G. Clark Jr., and Kaneaster Hodges Jr.. The entertainment industry boasts alumni like Lauren Anderson and Tonea Stewart. In professional sports, legends like Walter Payton, Jackie Slater, and Lindsey Hunter are graduates. Other prominent alumni include Ace Atkins in literature, Dr. Rod Paige in education as former United States Secretary of Education, and Gillian B. White in journalism at The Atlantic.

Category:Universities and colleges in Mississippi Category:Historically black universities and colleges in the United States Category:Educational institutions established in 1877