Visiting Jackson State University alumni employed with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict a bright forecast for an enduring partnership with the science organization and the nearly 40-year-old campus meteorology program.
Over the years, the commitment between JSU and the NOAA Center for Atmospheric Sciences (NCAS) has netted the university more than $2 million in grant funding. As well, JSU’s program has produced 30 percent of the national weather service African-American meteorologists. Eighty-four students have graduated from JSU and work in various fields, including the Weather Channel. Last year, noted Weather Channel meteorologist and JSU alum Vivian Brown spoke at Founder’s Day and was the keynote speaker for Mass Communications Day in April.
Until 2008, JSU was the only HBCU with a meteorology program.
Cindy Woods, a 25-year NOAA veteran, led a team of other JSU graduates who returned Thursday, Sept. 10, to their Tiger roots to espouse the benefits and relationship between her employer and her alma mater and to discuss future opportunities for graduates, including broadcast, research and operations.
Woods, chief of operations and requirements in the performance and awareness division, said, “We are here to take a look at the program and meet with students and to learn about the research they’ve done over the past year.”
Over 95 years of combined experience
The professional group of seven, with more than 95 years of combined work experience with NOAA, says they are excited that the administrators are strong supporters of the meteorology program. They are especially grateful that President Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers and Dr. James Renick, provost and senior vice president, have endorsed plans for next year’s 40th anniversary of JSU’s meteorology program.
Fred Zeigler, a senior meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La., said he returns to JSU each year to observe the strengths and weaknesses of the students and help prepare them for careers. Reflecting on the benefit of their mobile unit, Zeigler said, “We are able to bring our 122 offices, along with staff, across the country to perform work in the field and do outreach.” Zeigler was pivotal in getting the mobile unit to dock on JSU’s campus.
Each of the guests struck a familiar refrain: “The partnership with NOAA and Jackson State has been very beneficial.”
“Continue the pipeline”
Meteorologist Jamese Sims said, “It helped me gained employment. An adviser from NOAA and JSU encouraged me to apply to the graduate science program and that is how I received my Ph.D. I want to encourage students to remain in the meteorology program and continue the pipeline that is laid out by the relationship.”
Bill Parker, a warning coordination meteorologist for the weather service, touted the strength of JSU’s program. “It prepared me for the job market, so do not underestimate your education at JSU. You’re being prepared to compete with countless other counterparts throughout the nation,” he said.
Parker added, “We recognize there’s a link to making sure our kids are getting into workforce. They’re prepared, but they need a linkage. We try to cross pollinate by talking to other alumni in broadcast meteorology, research and operations to help link students with opportunities so that when they graduate they can move into the workforce.”
Meanwhile, the group said next year’s 40th anniversary celebration is in the planning stages but acknowledges that it will include professional development for students and strengthening the partnership with the weather service.