Government officials and other supporters filed into Jackson State University’s new Downtown Campus, 101 Capitol Street, on Thursday, Sept. 3, to celebrate the urban institution’s expansion and dedication of the facility’s Percy W. Watson Lobby.
Watson, a longtime state representative from Hattiesburg, was pivotal in helping JSU secure the new building, which was filled with more than 200 well-wishers, including faculty, staff, alumni, students and civic leaders.
The veteran lawmaker, with 36 years in government service, said his wife, Barbara, is a graduate of Jackson State and that he, too, attended the university. Watson expressed an affinity to the university for giving him his start in politics after attending a JSU legislative conference in 1969 and learning about the operation of government. “My experience taught me to do the best I can in all aspects of my life, particularly in the educational arena. What we see here today is a result of working with all members of the Legislature: Black caucus, Democratic caucus, Republican caucus, all members of the Senate, all members of the House and the Governor’s Office. … And, it took the leadership of Jackson State.”
Speaker after speaker hailed Watson, chairman of the House Ethics Committee, for his tact, dedication to service and his willingness to compromise.
President Carolyn W. Meyers described the new structure as “a bridge connecting the city, county, state and federal agencies with our students, faculty researchers, external partners and alumni.” In addition, she said, “We’re here to recognize and thank Rep. Percy Watson for his commitment to Jackson State University.”
Meyers said the facility is a “catalyst to ignite innovative government and to expand community engagement.” She added, “Our programs in this building will reach far beyond the classroom – from the Institute of Government, Public Policy and Administration, Urban and Regional Planning to the Mississippi Urban Research Center.”
Many platform guests shared anecdotes about JSU and the significance of the Downtown Campus, which was offered blessings by a lawyer-turned-pastor, who previously had practiced in Watson’s hometown. “May this place be a monument of hope, a memorial of strength, a mission statement of imagination … and a new Eden of partnership, progress and praise for education, government and business,” said Rev. Dr. Joey Shelton, senior pastor of Galloway United Methodist Church.
Meanwhile, Gov. Phil Bryant led his colleagues in expressing gratitude to JSU’s leadership for its foresight in bringing together education and government. “Those of you who know Carolyn Meyers, as I do, understand the love and passion she has for this great urban university. When she comes to me with a request I just say ‘yes.’ There’s no need in arguing or trying to delay the decision. It’s best to get to work and get it behind you,” he joked.
Bryant said that he and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves discussed funding for the downtown facility in 2011, but he said the process started in 2009 with Watson, whom he commended for always being open to dialogue and reaching across the aisle for compromise. “With this new facility, the research that will be done here will be a great benefit to government leaders.”
Other leaders echoed Bryant’s sentiments.
Reeves described the moment as “an opportunity to teach future leaders and policymakers.” He said the dedication is important because “it encourages lawmakers to continue making investments in state institutions such as JSU because of the strong, capable leaders it will produce.”
Also, House Speaker Philip Gunn shined the spotlight on Watson, calling him a great man with a distinguished career. “Character is really how you measure the success of a man,” said Gunn, as he referenced Watson’s professionalism, gentle spirit and integrity.
Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber agreed, telling Watson that “a good name is to be valued over riches. Your name is flawless. You have favor that money can’t pay for.” He, too, gave a nod to JSU, commending visionary leaders for being “risk-takers” and “stepping out and having the audacity to see the forest despite the trees in downtown Jackson.”
Yarber described the downtown facility as “the linchpin to get us on pace for revitalization. It takes bold, courageous leadership to do the things that have not been done in the past.”
Representing Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, Chief Administrative Officer Marcus Thompson thanked Meyers for elevating the university. “She loves her university and her students.”
Thompson also recognized Watson for being a “dear friend of education and so deserving of this recognition.” Furthermore, he said, “I’ve watched him over the years, and he’s always been the same kind, humble person. … He’s always ready to assist in any way he can as a stalwart supporter at every educational level. He’s never wavered in his commitment to students. He’s a trailblazer and true servant leader.”
To salute Watson’s work, the university presented him with a plaque acknowledging his “effective leadership for setting a benchmark of excellence in higher education” and making Jackson State University’s Downtown Campus “his dream, his passion and our reality.”
