Dr. James Minor, the U.S. deputy assistant secretary for higher education programs and an alumnus of Jackson State University, will deliver the institution’s 139th spring graduate commencement address to nearly 350 students, along with family and community members.
The ceremony, presided over by JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers, will be at 6 p.m. Friday, April 22, in the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center on the main campus.
“The highlight of each ceremony is our honored graduates, but we are extremely pleased to have our distinguished alumnus Dr. Minor as our featured speaker,” Meyers said. “He epitomizes what Jackson State can accomplish because of the impact that our quality faculty and staff have on graduates preparing for the next chapter in their lives.”
Minor grew up in Detroit but ventured South to attend JSU. He received his bachelor’s degree in sociology at JSU, a master’s degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
As deputy assistant secretary, he is responsible for administering grants available for post-secondary institutions such as State College Access Challenge Grants, GEAR-UP, and Title III and Title V programs.
Commencement will be open to the public. In addition, Livestream webcast will provide viewing of the ceremony at www.livestream.com/jacksonstateu. For more information, contact University Communications at 601-979-2272.