By William H. Kelly III
(JACKSON, Miss.) – Jackson State University (JSU) welcomes nearly 1,250 incoming freshmen and transfer students for the Fall 2024 semester with their official “Welcome Home to THEE” Move-In Day on Saturday, Aug. 10.
“As president, this incoming class is special to me because they are the very first class that I have the opportunity to welcome to Jackson State,” said Dr. Marcus Thompson, who was appointed to lead the HBCU on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. “I am happy to see all our bright Tigers ready to matriculate as the class of 2028. Helping them get settled here today is symbolic of getting them across the finish line in the future. We are excited and looking forward to many great things ahead.”
Future Tigers gathered in the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center to be greeted by representatives from various areas, including the office of admissions, housing, business and financial aid, auxiliary services, academic advisement, and more, to ensure a successful and productive move-in.
“Starting a new journey in life can cause much anxiety and fear for incoming students, yet with President Thompson’s mantra of coming home, I feel the 2024 Move-In was right on target,” said Dr. Jonas Vanderbilt, Vice President of Student Affairs. “‘Welcome Home to THEE’ provided a warm environment from start to finish as the university combined forces to create a space where students are eager to begin their new journey, and parents are engulfed with a sense of comfort knowing that we are prepared to wrap our arms around our new tigers.”
Aniyah Wise, Derrick Johnson, Faith Eckforu, and Robert Brown join JSU via its first-generation scholars’ program spearheaded by JSU’s Department of Student Success. The four scholars say that the resources, “sense of community,” and feeling “at home” brought them to JSU.
“I’m a geek for human biology, so when I came [to JSU], and it felt like a family, this just felt like the place where I could continue my education,” said Brown, a biology pre-nursing freshman from Houston, Texas.
Eckforu enrolls in the newly established 3+3 Accelerated Law Program between JSU and the University of Mississippi School of Law. Through the partnership, JSU students can complete their undergraduate and law degrees in just six years.
“My sister-in-law sent the information to me…I knew I wanted to go to an HBCU, so with Jackson State having the 3+3 Program, it drove me to come here more,” said Eckforu, an Aberdeen, Mississippi, native majoring in political science. “I have always wanted to go to Jackson State; it feels like home.”
Organizations such as Black Men United joined the Move-In Day fun by offering clothing items, air mattresses, and more to first-year students and community members. Shaved ice treats from Sno Biz were also available to help people keep cool from the heat.
JSU’s Division of Alumni Relations and the Division of Auxiliary Services were also onsite to help parents and guardians of incoming students familiarize themselves with Jackson State’s nurturing environment. Auxiliary Services hosted the “Family Cookout,” filled with food, music, and camaraderie. Alumni Relations provided JSU gear, snacks, and resources for parents to stay informed about their students’ new home away from home.
“As freshmen come in, we also want to welcome the parents. This is our way of keeping them informed and creating an affinity for the university,” said Dr. Jerome Tinker, Alumni Engagement Officer. “We want them to feel and be engaged in all facets.”
The institution welcomed first-year students such as Thalia Nelson and her service dog Leah. Nelson “journeyed to THEE” from Miami, Florida, to receive her education as a new member of the JSU Women’s Bowling team. Xavier Wright traveled from Yokosuka, Japan, to embrace the HBCU experience in Jackson, Mississippi, and is interested in joining the Tigers on the football field.
“This influx of young talent will undoubtedly contribute to the city’s dynamic atmosphere and economic growth,” said Yolanda Clay-Moore, Director of External Affairs, Partnerships and Alliances at Visit Jackson. “Our goal is to support them, embrace them, and enrich their lives in the City With Soul by immersing them in our diverse culture, rich history, arts and entertainment, genuine southern hospitality, and delectable food.”
The 2024 Welcome Week activities kicked off with “Thee Official Welcome” on Sunday, Aug. 11. Welcome Week serves as a pillar of enriching activities to help incoming freshmen and transfer students transition into college comfortably by providing institutional resources and introducing them to campus partners.
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