Jackson State University’s Division of Academic Affairs presents “Thee Pathway to Becoming Who You Are Meant to Be” Legacy and Leadership Speaker Series on Tuesday, April 9, and Wednesday, April 10. The series includes a panel discussion at 11 am in the Student Center Theater and a breakout activity in Ballrooms A&B at 12 pm. Faculty, staff, and undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to attend.
“The Legacy and Leadership Speakers Series is a set of structured learning activities that complement the formal curriculum – and specifically, Thee Pathway General Education curriculum. As a co-curricular experience, we work with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and our partners at 160 over 90 to design engaging, transformative, and future-focused experiences for our students,” said Brandi L. Newkirk-Turner, Ph.D. “Our provost, Dr. Alisa Mosley, has been a champion for elevating co-curricular experiences at JSU to ensure that our students have the best opportunities to learn inside and outside of the classroom.”
Next week’s featured panelists are Tyler Bell, senior director of inclusion at 160/90; Joseph McBride, a doctoral student in clinical psychology; Caleab Pickens, a junior public health major; Reshonda Perryman, director of brand and creative engagement at Visit Jackson; and Mark Geil, associate professor of art and interim chair of the Art Department.
“The upcoming Leadership and Legacy Series will give students opportunities to reflect on their past and present and prepare for their future. At JSU, students have the freedom and ability to write their own stories and participate in world-class, innovative experiences,” said Kristina Phillips, Ed.d., executive director of QEP & General Education at JSU.
Concurrent workshops will feature Brittany Myburgh, Ph.D., as facilitator of the Bringing Your Map to Life Using AI in the H.T. Sampson Library in the Center for Innovation on Wednesday, April 10 at 10 am.
“This workshop is designed to engage students in artificial intelligence in fun and creative ways, making it accessible to students eager to chart their futures. Through hands-on learning and insightful guidance, participants will discover how AI can help them to imagine their future and weave their unique stories into successful careers,” Myburgh shared.
Geil will also facilitate the workshop entitled “How Your Education Manifests as a Work of Art” in Johnson Hall Gallery at 10 am. He shared that he is honored to be a part of the program.
“We really tried to think of education expansively. Education, in the fullest sense, is your past, present, and future all at the same time. And you can’t do it alone. You need a community — family, friends, peers, and mentors. When you aren’t able to believe in yourself, they are the ones who tell you, “We believe in you.” That, somehow, allows you to tell yourself, “You’re right, I believe in me, too,” he said.
Phillips explained that students attending the event will have multiple opportunities to reflect on their journey to document what they’re doing now, while planning where they’re going with the assistance of faculty, staff, and peers.
“We welcome the university community to participate, engage and become enlightened by the experience,” she said.