President Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers energized members of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association Inc. by relating accomplishments of the university.
During a business meeting Friday, Meyers outlined having the Madison campus up and running, the School of Health Sciences receiving reaffirmation of accreditation for its Public Health Program for a 7-year term, and record university enrollment.
Meyers was accompanied by Dr. James C. Renick, provost and senior vice president for academic and student affairs, who expanding on these and other issues, including the Department of Mass Communications becoming a School of Journalism and Communications. The change will transform media instruction, he said.
Prompting laughter and delight, Renick told the alumni leaders the changes under way on campus are instilling campus pride, noting some “swag” among students telling the world “I’m from Jackson State.”
Meyers answered questions, including the status of the Palisades apartments, which JSU acquired through a lease to house the influx of students. Carpenters have been hanging doors and security is installed.
Students began moving in during the latter part of August, with 96 beds available immediately at the 444-bed facility in what is now known as JSU at the Palisades. “It’s working out wonderfully well,” she said.
Last fall, the university leased a 240-bed motel across from the Mississippi Coliseum due to record fall enrollment. That motel, which was renamed Tiger Plaza, was retained this year.
Jackson State’s enrollment gains pushed the number of students to 9,508 enrolled at the university this fall, according to the Institutions of Higher Learning.
If enrollment gains continue, Jackson State could soon be the third largest university in Mississippi, she said.
Anticipating future growth, IHL recently approved JSU’s request to invest $47.3 million to build a 628-bed housing complex, a 650-seat dining hall and a conference center.
Alumni burst into applause at the conclusion of Meyers’ remarks when she declared: “Let’s go for it as one JSU!”
The meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn in Jackson was held prior to a reception to introduce the honorees for the Oct. 24 Black Tie Scholarship and Recognition Gala, Celebrating the Spirit of Giving for One JSU, to be held at the Jackson Convention Complex.
For more on the scholarship gala, see: https://www.jsums.edu/blacktiegala/