By: William H. Kelly III
Jackson State University welcomes nearly 1,300 incoming freshmen and transfer students for its Fall 2023 Move-In Day and Welcome Week festivities. Parents, family, and friends traveled with anticipation and excitement to join their loved ones as they began their lives as first-time JSU students.
“It is a beautiful day to welcome our new students to the place that they will now call home. We are delighted that they have chosen JSU for this significant chapter of their lives,” said Acting President Elayne Hayes-Anthony, Ph.D. “They are joining a nurturing family environment where their academic experiences will help them thrive and prepare them for the career of their choosing.”
As a part of the move-in day event, future tigers could locate representatives from various areas across the institution in the JSU Student Center to provide a seamless and convenient registration experience while helping to beat the heat. The one-stop shop included the office of admissions, housing, business and financial aid, auxiliary services, academic advisement, and more.
“We are excited about today as we welcome a rather large freshman class,” said Vice President of Enrollment Management Josiah Sampson III, Ph.D. “The energy is palpable. The new students and parents are excited. They have this nervous anticipation about beginning their college experience. However, they’re excited about being at Jackson State University, and being able to take advantage of all of the wonderful academic programs we have to offer to nurture and build students.”
Crishonti Thornburg, Miss Senior on the JSU Royal Court, served as a move-in day leader, helping students get settled into their new homes.
“I love seeing newcomers from all across the world. It’s great being able to come in and give them that excitement and let the students and their parents know they are in very, very good hands here at Jackson State,” said Thornburg.
Bryce Toney, a first-generation incoming freshman from Jackson, Mississippi, moved onto campus as a part of the new first-generation scholars program led by JSU’s Department of Student Success. The program caters to first-generation students transitioning into college by providing resources and mentorship. Toney is a civil engineering major.
“I met some new friends and some really great faculty and staff that I learned are really on my team and want to help me succeed. It’s been a very good experience,” said Toney. “What really made me choose Jackson State was the scholarships and tuition. Jackson State gave me the most scholarships and had the most people reach out to me and show that they actually cared about me.”
Ny’kia Elcan, an incoming psychology freshman from Los Angeles, California, says after attending a JSU Los Angeles Alumni Chapter send-off event, she knew that JSU was her home.
“I met other freshmen and sophomores, and [the alumni] were giving all of us advice and making us feel welcomed. I wanted the HBCU experience, and the alumni were very welcoming, which made me want to choose JSU more,” said Elcan. “I’m looking forward to the opportunities here to build a better future.”
Gitara George, mother of Elcan, said the experience is “bittersweet” but that she’s “appreciative” of JSU.
This marks a post-pandemic move-in experience where students and families are able to network and interact with others up close. Laughter and joy met people’s faces as they entered their assigned residence halls and they engaged with associated leaders.
“There’s a feeling of excitement in the air as we greet our new students,” said Executive Director of Housing & Residence Life Crystal T. Henry, Ph.D. “It’s been a while since JSU has been able to come together and welcome our first-year students in a way without so many COVID restrictions and social distancing, so it’s a really fun time.”
The registration one-stop shop lasts from August 12-21 but will be unavailable on August 20. Classes for the fall semester will begin on August 21.
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Media Contact: William H. Kelly III, william.h.kelly@jsums.edu