By: Ashley F.G. Norwood
(JACKSON, Miss.) Jackson State University (JSU) awarded its highest honor, an honorary doctor of humane letters, to civil rights icon John M. Perkins during the spring 2025 graduate commencement ceremony. A Mississippi native and lifelong advocate for justice and reconciliation, Perkins has maintained a deep relationship with JSU for decades through partnerships, campus lectures and community-based initiatives in West Jackson.
Perkins was unexpectedly hospitalized the day before the ceremony and unable to join in person. Accepting the degree on his behalf were his daughters, Elizabeth and Priscilla Perkins.
“This moment is not just a celebration of his life’s work. It’s also a reflection of the values this university stands for: excellence, leadership, faith and action,” said Elizabeth.
“Thank you for seeing him, honoring him and walking alongside us in this legacy.”
John M. Perkins is the founder of Voice of Calvary Ministries, the Christian Community Development Association and the John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation. Established in 1983, the foundation was inspired by the legacy of John and his wife, Vera Mae, and is dedicated to advancing community development.
Over the years, the foundation has housed JSU students at its Perkins House located near campus and uses the space to engage young adults in community-focused experiences shaped by principles of faith, justice and service.
In 2020, the foundation partnered with Pinelake Church to establish the John and Vera Mae Perkins Endowed Scholarship at JSU with an initial $200,000 gift. That endowment has since grown to more than $500,000, supporting students committed to servant leadership and social impact.
“This honor means so much to our family because Jackson State means so much to our family,” said Priscilla.
In recognizing John M. Perkins, JSU celebrates a legacy that reflects its enduring values of community, service and transformative leadership. Jackson State University is the nineteenth institution to award Perkins an honorary doctorate degree.