Recognition positions JSU among leading institutions driving economic growth, workforce development and community impact
By Brooke Kelly
(JACKSON, Miss.) Jackson State University has earned the Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) designation from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), placing the university among a select group of institutions recognized for advancing economic development through research, workforce alignment and community engagement nationwide.
The designation follows a rigorous application and self-study process that evaluates how universities integrate talent development, innovation and place-based impact into a coordinated economic engagement strategy. Jackson State’s application demonstrated a clear, institution-wide approach grounded in partnership, applied research and measurable outcomes.
“Jackson State University continues to set Thee Standard in aligning research, talent and community engagement to strengthen economies and expand opportunity,” said Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D., interim president. “This designation recognizes the leadership and work across our Division of Research and Economic Development, along with our faculty, staff and partners advancing innovation and economic impact across Mississippi.”
As Mississippi’s only urban research university, Jackson State plays a critical role in developing a workforce prepared to meet evolving industry demands while supporting economic growth across the state. The university’s strategy focuses on three priorities: retaining and developing talent, advancing innovation and entrepreneurship and strengthening partnerships that connect research to real-world application.
Led by the Division of Research and Economic Development, Jackson State has expanded workforce training programs, strengthened industry partnerships and increased support for small businesses and entrepreneurs. These efforts include the Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CIEED), as well as programs such as the NSF I-Corps Site and National Institutes of Health funded MidSouth REACH Hub. The university also supports industry-aligned workforce initiatives, including certificate programs and micro-credentials in emerging technologies, that connect students and community members to high-demand career opportunities across key sectors.
“Earning the IEP designation validates the strength of our partnerships and the work we have done to align research, workforce development and economic opportunity,” said Almesha L. Campbell, Ph.D., vice president for research and economic development. “Through this work, we have established clear pathways that connect research to industry, strengthen workforce outcomes and position Jackson State as a driver of economic growth across Mississippi.”
“Public universities are powerful engines for economic growth,” said APLU President Waded Cruzado. “From cultivating talent and advancing research to strengthening communities, institutions like Jackson State University play a vital role in driving economic progress. We are proud to recognize Jackson State for its commitment to advancing innovation and opportunity.”
The university’s approach has also been strengthened through enhanced collaboration with University Communications, further aligning research visibility, digital platforms and strategic storytelling to better communicate impact and expand engagement with external partners.
“This designation reflects a more integrated approach to how we tell the story of research and economic development at Jackson State,” said Tangelia Kelly, Ph.D., chief communications officer and executive director of university communications. “We have strengthened our visibility, sharpened our platforms and continued to ensure the work across the university is clearly connected to its impact on our communities and economy.”
Insights from the self-study process have informed a forward-looking Growth and Improvement Plan focused on expanding workforce and economic development infrastructure, strengthening cross-unit coordination and enhancing how outcomes are measured and communicated over time.
Jackson State now joins a network of over 90 higher education institutions nationwide committed to advancing economic and community development through higher education, with continued opportunities to collaborate, share best practices and scale impact. The university will be formally recognized at the APLU Annual Meeting this November.
Since the program launched in 2013, 94 institutions have earned the IEP Designation. JSU is the third HBCU to hold the designation, joining Prairie View A&M University and North Carolina A&T State University.
For more information about Jackson State University’s research and economic development initiatives, visit research.jsums.edu.