By Anthony Howard
On Tuesday, Jackson State University’s Day at the Capitol started with President Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D., and the JSU community discussing the university’s 2024-2025 legislative priorities. Thompson has sought appropriations for over five years to support priorities that would aid in significantly improving Mississippi’s public urban university.
Those priorities include a sustainability and infrastructure project, renovations to the McAllister Whiteside residence hall, funding for a new residence hall, increased campus safety, and renovations to the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium.
“We appreciate your continued support over the years to make sure we have all the resources we need at Jackson State to continue to educate our students,” Thompson addressed state legislators. “We are proud to say that we may have the greatest percentage of students to stay in Mississippi after graduating from the university. We’re proud to be a part of the solution in the state to help all Mississippians achieve their roles through higher education.”
Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemanm invited Thompson to deliver the invocation at the opening of the day’s session before JSU alum Senator Sollie Norwood presented proclamations to Jackson State’s Director of Bands, Roderick Little, Ph.D., and retiring JSU Volleyball Coach Rose Washington.
Rose was honored for her outstanding career at JSU and for leading her team to a SWAC Championship. Little and the Sonic Boom of the South were recognized for representing the university and Mississippi during their performance alongside Usher during the halftime show at Super Bowl LVII.
“I am definitely honored to receive this resolution from you this morning, but I am not the one who should be receiving this honor; it is my students,” said Little as he introduced Christian Houghton, the head drum major, to the chamber.
He continued to acknowledge the band members and credit them for their success. “Without them, I would not be here. [I would not be here] without students like this to represent the state of Mississippi and the city of Jackson,” he added.
On the second-floor rotunda, JSU’s Alumni Relations, the School of Public Health, the College of Business, and the College of Science, Engineering and Technology hosted displays. At the same time, the JSU Jazz Ensemble entertained guests.
The day ended with a high-energy performance by the Sonic Boom of the South and a $10,000 donation from Norwood and other state senators. The donation will help curtail costs for sending the Boom to participate in the Parade of Roses on July 1, 2025
