LAS VEGAS – As the Sonic Boom, J-Settes and alumni participated in several festivities leading up to JSU’s football opener Thursday in Las Vegas, the university’s academic recruiters descended onto the city to successfully woo a number of prospective students from area high schools.
A contingent of six professionals from Jackson State University’s Office of Undergraduate Recruitment and the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) earned initial commitments from nearly three dozen students from one school alone.
A 17-year-old Cheyenne High School senior named John said before the visit the only information he knew about Jackson State was that it was founded in 1877. He said he was so impressed with details shared by recruiters that he filled out an application to become a Tiger.
The high school gridiron player, who plays fullback, said, “I heard Jackson State was coming because of its upcoming football game against UNLV (University of Nevada Las Vegas). Based on what I’ve learned I think it’s the right fit for me.”
John, who said he planned to discuss his interest in JSU with his parents as soon as he arrives home from school, wants to major in physical therapy and sports management.
Imani, another 17-year-old Cheyenne student, was also intrigued by JSU’s presence and admitted that she quickly submitted an application for admission after talking to recruiters. Interested in becoming a future lawyer, she decided to inquire more about JSU after learning the university regularly invites legal and law enforcement professionals to the campus for students interested in becoming attorneys, judges, police officers, etc.
“The recruiters were very thorough and courteous, and they answered all the questions,” Imani said. She said her next question to recruiters will be: “What’s the best thing that makes Jackson State stands out from every other college.”
She ventured to answer part of the question herself. Imani said two key components that separates JSU from others, undoubtedly, would be the school’s popular Sonic Boom and J-Settes, whom she confessed to viewing on Snapchat the previous night. Additionally, Imani said recruiters provided insight into the school’s academic programs. She credits them for influencing her to choose JSU because “originally I was looking at Grambling. Now, I really want to attend JSU.”
Chaid Thomas, a senior recruiter at JSU, said students at each of the schools showed they are really engaged by asking pertinent questions about the university. “They’ve given us a lot of feedback, too.”
Thomas and other recruiters were planning to visit nearly a half-dozen schools by Friday.
Shannon Johansen, assistant principal at Shadow Ridge High School, said, “One of the great things about JSU is that the school drew quite a bit of attention with its retractable banners to lure students who wanted to know more about Jackson State. Not many schools do that,” she said. “Before today, students didn’t know much about Jackson State, but a No. 1 question from them was whether the band would be performing.”
Johansen said JSU’s appearance on Shadow Ridge’s campus, with 3,000 students, could benefit the university because “our high school graduation rate is about 82 percent,” with at least 75 percent continuing their education,” she said.
Kristy Love, undergraduate coordinator for CSET, said, “A lot of students want to become STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) majors, and we have so much to offer at JSU because STEM is always evolving.
Speaking of students at Cheyenne, Love said, “They have shown they are excited about learning by getting involved in activities and asking questions. They are already preparing to chart their future.”
Before their visits draw to a close, JSU recruiters are hoping to influence a significant number of Vegas students to change their residences to a Mississippi ZIP code and learn more about the true meaning of Southern hospitality.