President Gregory outlined a bold vision for growth and student success under her R.I.S.E. initiative of resilience, innovation, service and excellence.
By Kelli Sharpe and William H. Kelly III
(JACKSON, Miss.) — Jackson State University (JSU) officially kicked off the 2026–2027 academic year with its annual Fall Faculty and Staff Seminar (FFSS) on August 3, where President Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D., delivered a powerful and forward-looking State of the University Address centered on the theme “R.I.S.E. Together: Bridging the Gap.”
The gathering marked the start of a new academic year and served as a moment of reflection and renewal for JSU’s faculty and staff. It was also a time to celebrate accomplishments, acknowledge challenges, and set the tone for continued progress.
Gregory opened her address with heartfelt gratitude, welcoming new and returning faculty and staff to the university she affectionately calls “THEE Jackson State.”
“To our returning faculty and staff, welcome back,” said Gregory. “To those joining Jackson State for the first time, welcome home. You are now part of a university with a proud history, a powerful mission, and a community that believes in the promise of our students.”
She thanked employees for their dedication and recognized the essential role each person plays in shaping the student experience.
“Thank you for the classes you teach, the students you advise, the systems you maintain, and the problems you solve before most people ever know they exist. Thank you for your patience through change, your care for one another, and your commitment to Jackson State.”
The R.I.S.E. Together initiative, first introduced during Gregory’s tenure as interim president, continues to serve as the guiding philosophy of her administration. The acronym stands for Resilience, Innovation, Service, and Excellence, four pillars that define JSU’s mission and values.
This year’s theme, “Bridging the Gap,” builds upon that foundation, emphasizing collaboration and connection across every level of the university. Gregory explained that bridging the gap means closing the distance between potential and achievement, between good intentions and consistent execution, and between the Jackson State that exists today and the one that is possible tomorrow.
“When I speak of bridging the gap,” she said, “I’m talking about the distance between where we are and where we are committed to go, the space between potential and performance, between what we know is possible and the excellence we deliver every day.”
Throughout her address, President Gregory received applause, as she outlined key priorities and progress made across the university. This included significant progress in addressing housing challenges, noting that the student housing waitlist had been reduced from 650 students to fewer than 120. She also shared that renovations are underway at McAllister-Whiteside Residence Hall and will soon begin at University Pointe Apartments, all part of a broader plan to modernize student living spaces and enhance campus functionality.
For student success and retention, the newly established Office of Academic Success will lead efforts to improve retention and graduation rates. Gregory also celebrated JSU’s first Barry Goldwater Scholar, a milestone that places the university among the nation’s most competitive institutions.
The president reaffirmed salary increases for eligible employees: raising salaries to $35,000 for employees under that threshold, a $1000 increase for full-time employees, and $2000 for faculty. She expressed appreciation for the dedication of faculty and staff who continue to uphold “THEE Standard” of excellence.
Financial sustainability and strategic planning were a focal point. President Gregory emphasized the need for diversified revenue streams and announced the forthcoming strategic plan which will align JSU’s resources with long-term institutional goals. She also encouraged faculty and staff to participate in the Y.E.S. Campaign to help students clear small financial balances that prevent them from continuing their education.
“When one student succeeds, we all succeed,” she said.
President Gregory’s message was both reflective and forward-looking. She acknowledged the challenges facing higher education, from evolving accreditation standards to shifting federal aid policies, but emphasized that JSU’s resilience and innovation will continue to drive progress.
“Our students are counting on us,” she said. “Our community is counting on us. And I know, without a doubt, that we will deliver.”
She closed her address with a call to unity and purpose: “As we begin this academic year, let us commit to R.I.S.E. Together to bridge the gaps in retention, financial sustainability, student success, and national ranking. Together, we do more than rise. Together, we soar.”
The seminar concluded with a sense of renewed energy and optimism. Faculty and staff left inspired by Gregory’s vision and encouraged by the progress already underway.
Jatavian Walker was a contributing writer to this article.
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