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Jackson State University, often abridged as Jackson State or by its initials JSU is a historically black university located in Jackson, Mississippi founded in 1877. Jackson State University has been especially noted for its successful business and computer departments, being among the highest ranked in the United States. Its current president is Dr. Ronald Mason, Jr.
History
Jackson State University was founded in 1877 as the Natchez Seminary by the American Baptist Home Mission Society in Natchez, Mississippi. The seminary hoped to promote the moral, religious, and intellectual improvement of Christian leaders of the colored people of Mississippi and the neighboring states. In 1882, the institution moved to Jackson because of its central location in the state, and shortly thereafter the name was changed to Jackson College.
For sixty-three years the school operated as a private church school. In 1940, the college became a state institution for training rural and elementary school teachers. The first bachelor’s degrees were awarded in 1944. In subsequent years, the name changed to Jackson State College.
The year 1970 was marked in history by the infamous Jackson State killings, in which two students were left dead after a riot.
Expansion of the curriculum and facilities elevated the college to university status in 1974; thus, the name changed to Jackson State University.
In 1977, the school celebrated its centennial. In 1979, Jackson State University was officially designated the Urban University of Mississippi, and as such, seeks solutions for urban problems through its programs and activities. The University is pledged to the advancement of a free society and continued progress of democracy.
In 1980, JSU became the first and only historically Black institution to offer the Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. JSU now leads the nation in the education of Black professional meteorologists and atmospheric scientists - many of whom work in media, government, and private endeavors.
In 1983, the University completed an $11.2-million capital campaign that resulted in the renovation and improvement of several campus buildings and provided for expanded programs offered in continuing education. New buildings and extended renovations began in the 2003-2004 academic year, including processes of beautification and extension.
Academic Departments
- College of Business (degree programs in the following areas)
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Economics, Finance & General Business
- Entrepreneurship
- College of Education and Human Development
- School of Instructional Leadership:
- Special Education
- Elementary Education & Early Childhood
- Health, Physical Education & Recreation
- Social and Cultural Studies
- School of Administrative Leadership:
- Educational Leadership
- Executive PhD in Urban Higher Education
- Educational Technology & Support Services
- School, Community, & Rehabilitative Counseling
- School of Instructional Leadership:
- College of Liberal Arts
- School of Fine and Performing Arts:
- Art
- Music
- School of Social & Behavioral Science:
- History & Philosophy
- Military Science
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice & Sociology
- Criminal Justice (Coordinator)
- School of Communications:
- English & Modern Foreign Language
- Mass Communications
- Speech Communications
- School of Fine and Performing Arts:
- College of Lifelong Learning
- Professional Interdisciplinary Studies
- College of Public Service
- School of Public Health:
- Behavioral & Environmental Health
- Epidemiology & Bio-Statistics
- Communicative Disorders
- Health Policy & Management
- School of Social Work:
- BSW Program
- MSW Program
- PhD Program
- School of Policy & Planning:
- Public Policy & Administration
- Urban & Regional Planning
- School of Public Health:
- College of Science, Engineering and Technology
- School of Science & Technology:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics, Atmospheric Science &
- General Sciences
- Mathematics
- Technology
- School of Engineering:
- Civil Engineering/Telecommunications
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Graduate Engineering Programs
- Air ROTC
- School of Science & Technology:
In addition, Jackson State also home to radio station WJSU-FM 88.5, playing jazz, gospel, news and public affairs programming. It also houses a low-powered television station, W23BC.
Famous alumni
- Lem Barney - NFL Hall of Fame cornerback; played entire career with the Detroit Lions
- Oil Can Boyd - former Major League Baseball pitcher
- Corey Bradford - National Football League player
- Walter Payton - NFL Hall of Fame running back; played entire career for the Chicago Bears
- Jimmy Smith - Retired NFL wide receiver; played entire career with the Jacksonville Jaguars
- Lindsey Hunter - NBA Basketball Player
- Jackie Slater - NFL Hall of Fame offensive lineman; played entire career with the Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams
- Dr. Rod Paige - Secretary of Education in G. W. Bush administration
- Bennie G. Thompson - Member U. S. House of Representatives
- Vivian Brown - Meteorologist for The Weather Channel
- Eboni Deon - Meteorologist for The Weather Channel
- Tonea Stewart - Actress and Educator
Points of interest
External links
- Official website
- Jackson State University Information
- Jackson State University Riots May 14, 1970 in response to the Kent State shootings leaving 2 dead and many wounded
- Marching Band official website
- The Blue & White Flash - The Official Student Newspaper of Jackson State University
- WJSU-FM
Part of the Tom Joyner Foundation for HBCUs.
Historically black universities and colleges in the U.S. | Jackson State University | Sea-grant universities | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
"Jackson State University"