Jackson State University was recognized in three categories in the Jackson Free Press’s Best of Jackson 2014 issue. English instructor Noel Didla, mass communications senior Kennitra Thompson and on-campus theater group MADDRAMA garnered top votes from JFP readers.
Didla received the most votes for Best Professor. “It was a big surprise.” Didla said. “A pleasant surprise.”
The Jackson Free Press noted Didla’s work in and out of the classroom. Didla says she believes the results stem from accepting Jackson as a community. “And The community has definitely embraced me. I have no words.”
Thompson, an instructor at Dollhouse Dance Factory instructor, won Most Soulful Dancer. Thompson overcame Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome, a rare and life-threatening skin disorder during the spring of 2013. As a Miss Mississippi pageant contestant, her survival story was shared across the state. Since then, she has started her own pageant consulting business, Krown Keepers.
MADDRAMA, the Speech Communications and Theatre Department’s touring performance troupe, came in second for Best Local Live Theater/Theatrical Group.
Winners and finalists will be honored at the annual Best of Jackson party held this year at Jackson State University’s Student Center on Sunday, Jan. 26. at 6 p.m. The celebration is invitation-only. The Student Center will close at 4 p.m. Sunday in preparation for the party. It will reopen Monday, Jan. 27, at its regularly scheduled time.