With the release of its latest strategic plan framework, “One JSU 2029: The Blue & White Print,” a Jackson State University steering committee and its working groups will accelerate toward a new frontier in excellence.
The groups, representing a cross-section of campus, will focus on achieving five goals through 2029:
- Students first and foremost: Making sure the HBCU is one of the most student-centered universities in the country by implementing relevant and appropriate student-success strategies; developing students holistically; and ensuring that students earn a return on investment (ROI)
- Academic prominence: Becoming one of the most respected and prominent research universities in the country by maintaining JSU’s “higher-research activity” status; becoming a Top 10 U.S. News & World Report-ranked HBCU; having the largest and best HBCU online degree programs; and fulfilling JSU’s designation as Mississippi’s Public Urban Research University
- Athletic prowess – return of the glory days of JSU Sports: Becoming one of the premier NCAA FCS sports programs in the country in which student-athletes compete fearlessly on and off the field; retaining their active status and graduate; having access to quality coaching, mentorship and facilities; and engaging actively in campus life beyond athletics
- Campus aesthetics and sustainability: Retaining and growing JSU’s status as one of the most beautiful and attractive urban campuses in the country by continuously investing in its physical plant and grounds; repairing and renovating older facilities; and building new structures in order to compete favorably for students, faculty and staff
- Changing the culture, defining “tiger pride” and embracing its status as a community pillar (fundraising, alumni engagement and branding): Becoming nationally known for quality customer service; having efficient and effective operations with a nurturing, caring and competent faculty and staff, and alumni who readily give of their time, talent and treasure; and fulfilling JSU’s desire to become a great community, city and state resource and partner
The following members make up the strategic plan steering committee:
- Dr. Sheila Porterfield, co-chair, interim dean, College of Business
- Thomas Hudson, co-chair, special assistant to the president and chief diversity officer
- Maxine Greenleaf, executive director, University Communications
- Dr. Rosella Houston, president, staff senate
- Dr. Deborah Dent, chief information officer
- Dr. Shemeka McClung, executive director, Institutional Research
- Dr. Okechukwu Anyamele, president, faculty senate
- Dr. Earlexia Norwood, president, Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc. (JSUNAA)
- Dr. William B. Bynum Jr., president, ex-offico
- Dr. Lynda Brown-Wright, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, ex-officio
The following co-chairs will work with dozens of others to fulfill the five goals:
- Dr. Lashonda Jordan, executive director, Career Services Center
- Dr. Roosevelt Shelton, interim dean, College of Public Service
- Dr. Joseph Whittaker, associate provost and vice president for Research and Economic Development
- Dr. Candis Pizzetta, interim chair, Department of English, Modern Foreign Languages and Speech Communication
- Ashley Robinson, vice president and director of JSU Athletics
- Dr. Daniel Watkins, dean, College of Education and Human Development
- Dr. Mario Azevedo, dean, College of Liberal Arts
- Dr. John Calhoun, CEO, Integrated Management Services
- Gwen Caples, assistant vice president for Institutional Advancement
- Tarita Benson-Davis, first vice president, JSUNAA