Jackson State University Carolyn W. Meyers said the opening of the new Apple Authorized Campus Store is an example of JSU expanding its boundaries.
Meyers’ remarks came Jan. 31 during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Tiger Tech @ JSU, the first store of its kind in Mississippi and only the second at a historically black college or university in the nation.
“This is an example of us and our university writing another chapter in black history. That’s what we should always be doing,” Meyers said.
Tiger Tech, located on the 1st floor of the Student Center, offers discounts to students, faculty and staff on Apple computers and products, such as iPads, iMacs, iPods and MacBook Pros, as well as many Apple accessories.
The grand opening comes weeks after JSU’s designation by Apple, Inc., as an Apple Distinguished School. The designation is reserved for institutions that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and demonstrate a clear vision of exemplary learning environments.
City Councilman Charles Tillman, an Apple representative, JSU faculty, staff and students attended the grand-opening. Afterward, the store was packed with spectators and shoppers.
Tillman presented Meyers with a certificate of appreciation from Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba.
“We encourage entrepreneurship. We encourage economic development. We encourage business. We’re excited about all the things that are happening at Jackson State University,” Tillman said.
Students played an active role in bringing the store to the campus. A team of entrepreneurship students wrote the business plan.
Dr. Donald Causey, assistant professor in the Department Entrepreneurship, said his team was thrilled when Michael Thomas, JSU vice president of Finance and Business, approached them about the project.
“How did our students help to make this happen? Regular writing sessions turned into debates. We could not have done it all without Michael Thomas and our Apple partners,” Causey said.
Jevon Grant, also a senior, said the experience was “surreal.”
“We learned a lot about ourselves and each other. How to be a team and how to delegate tasks and make a collective push to advocate something that would cause change and growth.
Joel Weathers, a senior, said the project allowed them “to be really creative and innovative. We were actually part of something that was bigger than ourselves.”
Meyers said the students’ work is a “wonderful” example of how academics is JSU’s core business.
“It’s about developing the next generation of leaders for this planet,” she said.
Tiger Tech will offer special promotions, such as in-store events and store give-a-ways. Additionally, AACS-certified technicians will be available to provide training on store products. The store will accept cash, credit cards and the JSU Supercard.
To take advantage of Apple’s education discounts, JSU faculty, staff and students must complete and submit the Purchase Agreement Verification of Eligibility Form located here. A valid JSU ID is required.
For departmental Apple educational purchases, please call or visit the store. An approved Interdepartmental Transfer Form must be received prior to pick-up or delivery of products.
Tiger Tech @ JSU contact information:
1400 John R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217
Telephone: 601-979-7005
Fax: 601-979-1377
Email: tigertechstore@jsums.edu
Website: www.jsums.edu/tigertechstore
Store Hours
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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