Despite a few sprinkles earlier, Mother Nature generally cooperated Saturday as Jackson State University rolled out the welcome mat for an expected 1,100 underclassmen during “Freshman Move-In Day” that also included more than 200 transfer students.
The occasion was also a media bonanza for JSU as local broadcast stations captured images of volunteers sharing special moments, helping to ensure parents that JSU would be a “home away from home” for the new enrollees who traveled from as far away as Minnesota and beyond.
Dr. Vance Siggers, JSU’s executive director of Housing and Residence Life, described move-in as a monumental success.
“Today went off without a hitch,” Siggers said. “These past few months have been a rebuilding era for housing, but campus supporters have made the process run very smoothly. I’m eternally grateful. This has been a festive day.”
Siggers said he was most impressed with the teamwork displayed by administrators, faculty, staff, students and alumni.
“Everyone came together on one accord to make this a successful move-in day for the Class of 2020,” he said.
He especially thanked the broad-based move-in committee that formed in January. The group began meeting monthly before eventually assembling biweekly to “vet the entire process – move-in logistics, transportation, traffic flow and communications between students and their families.”
A cadre of JSU volunteers
Those helping with move-in represented a wide swath of the university. Assisting with hauling luggage and other tasks included volunteers from the Student Government Association (SGA), Greek and non-Greek organizations, the JSU football team and regular students with a Samaritan heart.
Among the volunteers was reigning Miss JSU Destiney Lawrence, a senior biology major. She said Move-in Day has been “amazing.”
The 77th queen of JSU from Fairhope, Ala., said, “I just love ‘JSU 2020’ already. “They’re really sweet and energetic – everything that I was as a freshman,” she said with a hearty laugh.
As for emotions that she witnessed, Lawrence said, “I’ve seen some reaction between the mom and son, the dad and daughter. It’s bittersweet,” she said. “You think you’re going to be strong, but I cried like a baby when I was an incoming freshman. … It’s encouraging to know that they chose JSU.”
SGA President Kendall Bunch, an accounting major from Olive Branch, said, “Every year the number of volunteers keeps getting larger and larger. Students, parents and family worked well together to give newcomers a ‘home away from home’ experience.”
Bunch said the fast pace of move-in eliminated parents from getting too emotional about their children leaving for college. He said, “The adults were especially happy that they didn’t have to unload vehicles by themselves because of the large number of volunteers doing much of the heavy lifting. … I heard parents say ‘thank you’ many times. It helped to have volunteers such as the football team show up along with President (Carolyn W. ) Meyers because this kind of support provides a level of comfort to parents dropping off their children,” he said.
Residence Hall Association President James Jefferson was also present. He’s a native of Jackson, a graphics design major and ROTC cadet. Assisting at McAllister Whiteside Hall, Jefferson said move-in this year is much smoother despite the slight drizzle earlier. Furthermore, he said the assistance being provided to newcomers is important because “they will need a mentor throughout the year, and volunteering is just a good thing to do in general.”
Datraonna Horton, a native of Jackson and sophomore mass communications major in the School of Journalism and Media Studies, also volunteered. Working as an “unloader,” she said, “I believe that it’s always great to help others. By volunteering, I’m able to give back to the campus community. So far, I’ve helped move more than 30 people,” said Horton, who briefly switched roles to dispense bottled water.
Abrianna Milton, a sophomore from Little Rock, Ark., volunteered in her role as a residential hall community assistant. She noted the positive attitude displayed by everyone associated with move-in. “We’re all pulling together for a successful move-in experience. It’s working out well.”
Volunteer Claude Davis Jr., a junior class senator for SGA and Chicago native, said, “It’s been fun meeting new people. In my freshman year we didn’t have this much help, but this amount of assistance today is extremely great. … I’m excited everyone here chose JSU. I think we’re the best HBCU in the country,” the accounting major said.
Andre Lloyd, a JSU Tiger linebacker, joined his teammates helping freshmen move their belongings. “It’s a great experience to be able to give back. A couple years ago, I was in their shoes.” The criminal justice major who was assisting in Alexander Hall urges newcomers to have fun but make studies a priority. He said he noticed long embraces between proud parents and their young adult children.
His fellow teammates swarmed the campus working in various residence halls. “Today was well organized with the football team breaking up into groups based on their positions on the football squad: offensive line, defensive line, running backs, linebackers, defensive backs and wide receivers,” Lloyd said.
A ‘phenomenal’ experience for the Class of 2020
Also, administrators deployed across the campus to assist with move-in efforts.
Sandra Hodge, interim vice president of Institutional Advancement, was equally impressed with the preparations and smoothness of operations.
“This day has been phenomenal. There has been great support from volunteers. It has been such a smooth transition. We really worked hard to put in processes and procedures this year to make sure today was a great JSU experience for our new families and the Freshman Class of 2020.”
Hodge’s message to parents?
“We want to say thank you for entrusting us to care for your child who will become a part of the legacy that JSU has championed for 138 years. As a result, we are committed to their matriculation and educational successes and achievements. You are a Tiger now,” said Hodge, who expressed that move-in is also an opportunity to welcome our community partners, fans, legislators and other supporters to the JSU experience. “We need each of them to help sustain us for another 138 years.”
Upcoming activity:
Opening Convocation, 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center: Faculty and staff will don academic regalia. Dr. Vance Siggers, JSU’s executive director of Housing and Residence Life, said, “The event will mirror commencement so as to give students a first glimpse of their ultimate goal four years from now. “We want them to march across the stage to receive their welcome. Then, we want them to march across the stage to receive their diploma in 2020.” Click here to watch live.