Jackson State University welcomed Dr. Lokesh Shivakumaraiah as the new Director of International Programs during a brunch at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 21, in the JSU Starbucks. Shivakumaraiah will oversee various activities, including faculty-led programs, international student scholars and the International Visitor Center Jackson.
JSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. James Renick and Special Assistant to Provost for Community Colleges Dr. Priscilla Slade welcomed Shivakumaraiah to JSU with open arms.
“I am so excited that Dr. Lokesh is here and I mean that from the bottom of my heart,” Slade said. “People are migrating to Jackson State because he’s here. It’s just amazing.”
Shivakumaraiah holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering and a doctorate in computer engineering from Mississippi State University. He worked in the industry designing electronic chips before pursuing his other passion — working with student affairs and international students. Among his awards are MSU’s Division of Student Affairs Outstanding Professional of the Year for 2010 and the 2011 Mississippi World Trade Center Excellence in International Education Award.
“I want to bring people here. I want to show that our students can compete with the best, Shivakumaraiah said. “I love JSU.”