By Tangelia Kelly, Ph.D.
(JACKSON, Miss.) – Jackson State University Interim President Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D., presented civil rights icon Dr. John M. Perkins with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during a visit to his Jackson home on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Perkins was formally awarded the university’s highest honor during Jackson State University’s Spring 2025 graduate commencement ceremony. Unable to attend due to health reasons, his daughters, Elizabeth and Priscilla Perkins, accepted the degree on his behalf. Dr. Gregory delivered the honorary citation from the stage while an image of Perkins was displayed during the conferral.
Following the ceremony, Gregory visited Perkins at his Jackson home to present the honorary doctorate in person. The intimate family gathering served as a tribute to his life’s work and a reflection of JSU’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and student leadership. At his home, Gregory and Perkins wore full academic regalia as his daughters stood beside him, and his wife, Vera Mae Perkins, looked on with pride.
Perkins called the moment “full circle”, reflecting on his early activism and emphasizing the importance of investing in young people, like those benefiting from his JSU scholarship, is critical to justice and community uplift.
“It was an honor to present Dr. Perkins with this degree in person,” said Gregory. “Doing so in the presence of his family made the moment especially meaningful, and it reflects our deep respect for his lifelong commitment to justice, education and service.”
Perkins founded the Voice of Calvary Ministries, the Christian Community Development Association and the John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation. Located in West Jackson, the Perkins Foundation and residence have partnered with JSU for decades, including housing JSU students at the Perkins House, a dormitory and social justice incubator that provided hands-on learning in faith, justice and service.
In 2020, the foundation partnered with Pinelake Church to establish the John and Vera Mae Perkins Endowed Scholarship at Jackson State University with an initial gift of $200,000. The scholarship’s creation brought together Pinelake Church and JSU, a partnership that reflects Perkins’ lifelong commitment to building bridges across communities.
“They wanted to honor Vera Mae and me with some money so we could live out our lives comfortably, in honor of our work in racial reconciliation. Instead, we gave the money to Jackson State,” Perkins recalled.
Perkins Foundation Co-President Priscilla Perkins explained their motivation. “We believe in education, because we know that’s how people overcome poverty. That’s why we want to grow the scholarship fund—so that more and more students can earn a great education at Jackson State.”
Since its inception, the scholarship has been awarded to six JSU students, helping them pursue their academic and professional goals.
Angel Williams, an upcoming sophomore from Jackson majoring in therapeutic recreation, is among the students who have benefited from the scholarship.
“When I found out I owed a balance to stay in school, the scholarship made all the difference. It was a huge relief—not having to carry that burden with me,” Williams said.“Learning Dr. Perkins’ story showed me how strong he is and inspired me to keep pushing toward my goals. He’s taught me the importance of reaching back and helping others once I achieve my goals in college and beyond.”
Priscilla Perkins shared a powerful example of the foundation’s far-reaching impact. During a visit to the White House, the family was given a tour by Shalonda Spencer, a JSU graduate and former Perkins House resident, who is now a cybersecurity analyst and leader in organizations focused on equity and community impact. This full-circle moment highlights how seeds planted in West Jackson can flourish far beyond Mississippi.
Spencer credits her experience at the Perkins House with shaping her values and career.
“Living at the Perkins House during my undergraduate years taught me to lead and serve with purpose,” said Spencer, a two-time JSU graduate. “Dr. Perkins’ mentorship, especially his 6 a.m. devotionals, shaped my discipline and faith. I’ve carried those values into my work, and I’m grateful to see him honored by Jackson State—a place he’s long called home.”
Jackson State University is the 19th institution to award Perkins an honorary doctorate. To further honor his legacy and expand student opportunities, the John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation will host its 2025 gala on the Jackson State campus on October 3. Proceeds from the event will support the endowment and increase access for future scholars.