JSU Celebrates Nearly 1,500 Scholars for Academic Excellence on Spring 2026 President’s and Dean’s Lists

Over 1,000 students have made the President's & Dean's List during the 2026 spring semester. (Aron Smith/Jackson State University)

By Jatavian Walker & Kelli Sharpe

JSU President Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. (Micah Sanford/The Wall Street Image)

(JACKSON, Miss.) – Jackson State University (JSU) is recognizing close to 1,500 students who earned distinction on the President’s and Dean’s Lists for the Spring 2026 semester. 

This spring, 1440 students made both lists, an increase of 23 students from 2025. The President’s List honors students who completed at least 15 semester hours while earning a perfect 4.00 grade‑point average (GPA). The Dean’s List recognizes those who completed at least 15 semester hours with a GPA between 3.00 and 3.99. 

“Our scholars embody the very best of Jackson State University; they are students who rise to meet the challenge and set THEE STANDARD for academic success,” said JSU President Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. “Each name on the President’s and Dean’s Lists represents hard work, discipline, and the pursuit of greatness. Their achievements also reflect the extraordinary work of our faculty, who continue to inspire, mentor and champion student success across every college.” 

Kristina Phillips, Ph.D., executive director of JSU Academic Success (Photo special to JSU)

JSU’s Academic Success Center has been instrumental in helping students reach their full potential. Through tutoring, mentoring, and personalized academic support, the center empowers students to excel in the classroom and beyond.

“Students who earn recognition on the President’s or Dean’s List have demonstrated a commitment to excellence,” said Kristina Phillips, Ph.D., executive director of JSU Academic Success. “We are extremely proud of these students and look forward to supporting their continued academic achievement.”

The JSU Academic Success Center is under the Division of Academic Affairs led by Preselfannie McDaniels, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

Preselfannie McDaniels, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs (William H. Kelly III/Jackson State University)

“Student success is the heartbeat of Jackson State University,” said McDaniels. “When we honor our students who have achieved President’s and Dean’s List distinctions, we celebrate not only their hard work, but also our faculty who guide and support them every step of the way. Academic excellence is cultivated through solid and innovative research-based teaching strategies, and these recognitions affirm that JSU’s commitment to student achievement is strong.”

View the complete list of Spring 2026 President’s and Dean’s List Scholars here.