Union Pacific Railroad presents JSU with $40K gift

October 4, 2012 3 Comments

(JACKSON, Miss.) – Representatives from Union Pacific Railroad visited Jackson State University on Oct. 4 to present a $40,000 contribution as part of the company’s long-standing relationship with the university.

“Education is an investment in our future,” said JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers. “We believe this is the right kind of partnership. When we do the business of education well, the whole society benefits.”

Over the last decade, Union Pacific has contributed more than $440,000 to JSU for scholarships and curriculum development and has recruited dozens of JSU students and graduates to work as interns and in full-time positions. Currently, 38 JSU graduates work in various capacities throughout the company.

Union Pacific college recruiter and JSU grad John McPherson Jr. (left), College of Science, Engineering and Technology dean Dr. Richard Aló, College of Business dean Dr. Glenda Glover and JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers join Union Pacific recruitment team members Kate Betsworth, Kay Ward and Lovell Cox, also a JSU alum.

Jackson State 2001 graduate Lovell Cox joined Union Pacific after graduation and today works as Director of Sales-Industrial Products for the company’s Marketing & Sales division. He returned to campus Oct. 4 to help deliver the contribution and meet with JSU students interested in working for the company.

“We’re very proud of the pipeline of students we’ve recruited,” he said of JSU students.

Union Pacific and Jackson State began formulating a strategy in 2001 to increase student interest in career opportunities with the railroad company.  Working in close coordination, qualified students were identified, interviewed and hired by Union Pacific. Additionally, the College of Business’ Career Management and Placement Center is named after Union Pacific Railroad.

Due to the strength of the relationship between JSU and Union Pacific, the company has named the university a Tier 1 school for recruiting.  The Tier 1 status provides scholarships, supports curriculum development and enables funding for recruitment at JSU.

Union Pacific offers employment opportunities to JSU graduates in a variety of disciplines including finance, information technology, marketing and sales, operations supply and distribution services.

“When JSU graduates come into our company, it really is another family they’re joining,” said Kate Betsworth, Union Pacific Executive Sponsor.