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(Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)
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JSU kicked off the 2019-2020 academic year by welcoming freshman and transfer students to their newest home away from home. Move-in day is an annual event celebrating the beginning of a weeklong tradition, full of engaging events that promote Dr. Bynum’s three pillars for University Success; student centeredness, teamwork and collegiality and the pursuit of excellence/raising the bar.
During numerous public speaking events, JSU President, Dr. William Bynum, Jr., has elucidated that move-in day is one of his favorite days of the academic year.
He further explicates, “Move-in day is beautiful, because I get to look in the eyes of freshman, and see their hopes, dreams, and aspirations,” says Bynum. “I say to myself, thank you God almighty, for allowing me to be a vessel and to help these young people get the degree that they are here to pursue.”
President Bynum and his wife, Deborah Bynum greeted incoming students on Saturday with warm smiles, and gave sincere words of advice that will assist them with a successful tenure at JSU.
Atlanta native, Mia Jutan is an incoming freshman that plans to major in mass communications in the pursuit of exploring film and journalism. She spoke with sincerity about making the choice to become a tiger.
“I decided to come to JSU because I wanted to experience the culture,” says Jutan. “When I came to tour this campus, I fell in love, and I felt right at home.”[hr]
(Photo by Charles A. Smith/JSU)
While speaking to Alabama native, Dekendriana Turner, she explicated that Jackson State’s beautiful campus was the key factor to helping her make the decision to attend. “After visiting the campus, I began to do my research on the institution to make sure the academic aspects matched the exquisite environment I witnessed during my tour.”
Turner’s grandmother is hopeful that she will embark on a new journey that will provide personal and professional growth during her matriculation at JSU.
“I feel like she needs to be in an atmosphere where she can identify with her peers,” says Mary Rozzell. “I was told that this is the best school for the career she is seeking. I’m also excited that she will be here with so many groups of diverse people. Dekendriana will be able to adapt to different cultures and she should learn a lot of new things, that can help her grow as a person, and evolve within her own self.”
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Dozens of student ambassadors gathered to assist the newest tigers and their parents with their collegial transition. Among the crowd was Miss JSU 2019-2020, Naysa Lynch and Mister JSU, Grant Broadway.
“I’m here to help the freshman and transfer students move in and get acclimated on campus,” says Lynch. “I truly hope that they take advantage of all of their resource opportunities that we offer at JSU. Most importantly, I hope they all feel comfortable enough to seek help in times of despair and hopelessness. I plan to be very active in their dorms making sure that I come to them instead of always asking them to come to me.”
“We are making sure everybody gets moved in and ready for welcome week,” says Broadway. “I hope their goals will come true, and that they all get involved and take advantage of mentorship, and campus activities.”
Out-of-state students Kayla James and Monica Serrano are both looking forward to being far away from home, meeting new people and increasing their knowledge in the area of Business.
“I’m came from California because I was offered a softball scholarship,” says Serrano. “It is completely different here and I’m so excited to experience a new place with new people.”
“I knew this was a good choice for me because of the business program,” says James, a native of St. Louis, Missouri. “I’ve heard so many great things about my program. I want to have fun, meet new friends and ultimately, graduate.”
“My hope for the class of 2023 is obviously student success, and that we graduate as many students as possible,” says Bynum. Most importantly that we make sure they receive some return on their investment, by either getting a job or going to graduate school.”
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