By William H. Kelly III
(JACKSON, Miss.) – The Advising Success Network (ASN) presented Jackson State University (JSU) with a Student Choice Award for Holistic Advising. The $4,000 award recognizes postsecondary institutions that demonstrate a commitment to the inclusion of student voices and perspectives in academic advising and retention efforts.
The award highlights JSU’s Re-envisioning Orientation, Advising and Retention (R.O.A.R.) Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), a five-year strategy to enhance the first-year experience. The plan outlines comprehensive goals designed to support student persistence and timely graduation.
“This recognition affirms that our commitment to student success is resonating far beyond our campus,” said Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at Jackson State University. “To be selected by students from across the country speaks volumes about the strength of our R.O.A.R. initiative and the intentional work happening at JSU. We are proud to set Thee Standard for holistic advising and remain dedicated to ensuring every student feels seen, supported and empowered.”
The grant will support key functions of JSU’s R.O.A.R. Interns, such as assisting in the onboarding of first-year students, leading campus outreach and promoting awareness of academic advising resources. The interns are managed by Kristina Phillips, Ed.D., executive director of QEP and general education.
“It is an honor that students from institutions across the U.S. chose Jackson State University as the recipient of the ASN Student Choice Award,” said Phillips. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the voices of students themselves. With this grant, we are excited to expand our student-led peer-to-peer outreach efforts to ensure that first-year students feel supported, informed and connected from day one.”
Since its launch in 2022, the QEP has led to significant advancements in academic advising and retention initiatives. These include intentional programmatic engagement, structural changes to the advising processes and enhancements to the University Academic Advisement Center, which serves as a hub for students on campus.
“Advising has transformed to make sure we’re consistent in our practices, that all students have an assigned advisor, and that we are all trained under the same pretenses and advising theories to ensure that we’re following the model of best practices,” said Galina Bennett, Ph.D., director of the University Academic Advisement Center. “That alone has, in my opinion, transformed our student experience.”
Award applications were reviewed by a panel of students from six different institutions collaborating with ASN to provide holistic advising redesign services. The ASN, convened by NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, aims to foster cultures of care that support students in achieving their personal, academic and career goals.
To apply and learn more about Jackson State, visit.jsums.edu/apply.
Media Contact: William H. Kelly III, william.h.kelly@jsums.edu