Jackson State University President Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers gave outgoing Mississippi Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Hank Bounds a tour of the campus on Thursday, with Nebraska media in tow.
Meyers, Dr. James C. Renick, provost and senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, and Dr. Robert Blaine, dean of Undergraduate Studies and CyberLearning, took Bounds on a quick tour of the Innovate center at H.T. Sampson Library, among other spots.
Bounds said he wanted to show news reporters from Nebraska “what’s taking place here, like this (Innovate center), refurbishing of buildings, the engineering school, showing what we’ve done.”
Meyers noted JSU’s enrollment growth, its leadership in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies, and CyberLearning, as well as physical improvements on the campus.
Bounds was chosen on Jan. 12 to be the University of Nebraska’s next president. He starts there April 13.
A Forrest County native, Bounds, 47, has led Mississippi’s eight public universities since 2009. He was previously state superintendent of education from 2005 to 2009.
“We’re delighted that the commissioner wanted to share Jackson State’s accomplishments as a showplace for others in Nebraska,” Renick said.
Kate Howard, a staff writer with the Omaha World-Herald newspaper, said she was gathering information to report to readers in Nebraska.
Jackson State has been a leader in online learning, recognized as one of only five universities in the country as an Apple Distinguished School.
STEM has been championed by Meyers — especially among minorities and female minorities — resulting in accolades, such as the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers naming Meyers as winner of the 2014 NOBCChE President’s Award for Excellence in STEM Research and Mentoring.
Jackson State’s enrollment is at its highest ever, with more than 9,500 students registering last fall. In addition to undergoing renovations and expanding facilities, the university also plans a 628-bed housing complex, including a 650-seat dining hall and a conference center.