By: Anthony Howard and Ashley F.G. Norwood
Jackson State University concluded the 2025 spring semester, honoring more than 800 graduates during two commencement ceremonies that honored the university’s legacy and marked a series of historical firsts.
“To the class of 2025, you have exemplified THEE Standard™ by rising above challenges, seizing opportunities and embodying the excellence that defines Jackson State University,” said JSU President Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D. “Through your commitment, sacrifice and unwavering pursuit of knowledge, you’ve elevated yourselves and those around you.”
On May 2, the 1975 Golden Class shared the stage with nearly 300 graduate students. As part of the ceremony, a golden diploma was awarded posthumously to the late Pro Football Hall of Famer and JSU alumnus Walter “Sweetness” Payton. His older brother and fellow alumnus, Eddie Payton, accepted the honor on his behalf.
“I feel like this is one of the most important things I can do in my life on behalf of my brother,” said Payton. “If Walter were here today, he’d be all smiles and grateful to the university he loved so much.”
Jackson State University awarded its highest honor, an honorary doctor of humane letters, to civil rights icon Dr. John M. Perkins during the graduate commencement ceremony. A Mississippi native and lifelong advocate for justice and reconciliation, Perkins has maintained a deep relationship with JSU for decades through partnerships, campus lectures and community-based initiatives in West Jackson.
Through the John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation, he has housed JSU students at the Perkins House, where they engaged in community-focused experiences shaped by principles of faith, justice and service.
Perkins is the founder of Voice of Calvary Ministries, the Christian Community Development Association and the John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation. In 2020, the Foundation partnered with Pinelake Church to establish the John and Vera Mae Perkins Endowed Scholarship at JSU with an initial $200,000 gift. That endowment has since grown to more than $500,000, supporting students committed to servant leadership and social impact.
Accepting the degree on his behalf were his daughters, Elizabeth and Priscilla Perkins. In recognizing Dr. Perkins, Jackson State University celebrates a legacy that reflects its enduring values of community, service and transformative leadership.
The ceremonies also spotlighted members of the graduating class whose accomplishments reflected personal legacy, public service and academic distinction.
Among the 2025 graduate students was State Representative Zakiya Summers, who earned a master’s degree in public policy and administration. She continued a legacy of deep family pride. Her parents, Marvin and Veniti Summers, met on campus and both earned degrees from JSU. Her mother was a two-time graduate with a bachelor’s and master’s in business administration. Both of her parents are now deceased, adding deeper meaning to the legacy she carries forward.
“This journey started in 2021 in the midst of my service in the Mississippi Legislature,” Summers wrote in a Facebook post. “This Friday, I will walk across the stage and receive my master’s degree. I dedicate this accomplishment to my parents and all those who came before me.”
Summers represents House District 68, which includes JSU. Though she has long supported the university in her professional role, she expressed joy about officially joining the JSU family. “After this Friday, I can truly say that I’m a member of the JSU family. I’m finally a Tiger.”
During the undergraduate ceremony on May 3, the morning began with President Thompson debuting custom regalia designed to honor the Sonic Boom of the South. The navy and “Thee I Love” blue robe served as a bold tribute to the band’s national legacy, cultural impact and ongoing excellence.
This year alone, the Boom marched in the iconic Rose Parade and performed with Travis Scott at Coachella, further cementing its reputation as a global ambassador for Jackson State University. Referred to as the “summa cum laude of bands,” the Boom’s influence extends beyond the field, inspiring pride and purpose through every performance. Graduating band members were recognized for their artistry, commitment and embodiment of THEE Standard™.
The university also awarded degrees to more than 500 undergraduates, including the first graduates of the newly established supply chain management and public health bachelor’s degree programs.
Mitchell Cook from Chicago and Cayleigh Bland from Jackson, Mississippi, graduated with their bachelor’s in business administration degrees and are set to begin their careers in the global supply chain industry this summer.
“The way the program was curated was everything I could imagine and more. It was really in-depth, and it feels rewarding to know that we set a really good foundation for those coming behind us and seeing the legacy continue,” said Bland, a third-generation JSU graduate.
Bland is moving to Indiana to work as a procurement analyst for Eli Lilly and Company. Cook, who will be working for Textron Aviation as a commodities manager, encourages other students to consider pursuing a degree in the field.
“I think it’s the best major to study in the College of Business because every company has a supply chain and needs an analyst. The opportunities are endless,” said Cook.
The 79th SGA president, Caleab Pickens, and Albany, Georgia native Skye Johnson were the first JSU students to earn their bachelor’s degrees in public health. The pioneer students look forward to their futures filled with gratitude and inspiration.
“This program has done so much for me and given me so many opportunities. I’m so elated to be graduating and finally be an alum of THEE Jackson State University,” said Pickens, a Jackson, Mississippi native. “It feels so surreal to be one of the first to graduate [the program].”
Both students earned their degrees in just 3 years. Johnson said she is proud of overcoming the challenges of completing a four-year degree early and hopes to serve as motivation for the peers she leaves behind.
“Just believe in yourself when times are hard and you’re up studying late and feeling like you can’t push through. Believe in the goals you set for yourself and lean on those who serve as your support system to help you through.”
This year’s ceremonies reflected THEE Standard™ for achievement while honoring legacy and community and the continued evolution of Jackson State University.