Jackson State University is a Historically Black University (HBCU) located in Jackson, MS with a distinguished history, rich in the tradition of educating young men and women for leadership. Founded as Natchez Seminary in 1877 by the American Baptist Home mission Society, the school was established in Natchez, Mississippi “for the moral, religious and intellectual improvement of Christian leaders of the colored people of Mississippi and the neighboring states.” In 1979, Jackson State was officially designated the Urban University of the State of Mississippi. Presently, Jackson State University, a public, coeducational institution, is supported by legislative appropriations supplemented by student fees and federal and private grants.
Jackson State University's mascot is the Tigers and the University is member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Their colors are Blue and White and their motto is “Challenging Minds, Changing Lives.”
Location:
1440 J R Lynch St, Jackson, Mississippi 39217
Phone: (601) 979-2121
Website: www.jsums.edu
Type: 4-year, Public
Awards offered:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Post-master’s certificate
- Doctor’s degree
Campus setting: Urban
City: Midsize
Campus housing: Yes
Student population: 9,802 (7,475 undergraduate)
Student-to-faculty ratio: 18 to 1
History
- Founded as Natchez Seminary in 1877 by the American Baptist Home mission Society, the school was established as Natchez, Mississippi “for the moral, religious and intellectual improvement of Christian leaders of the colored people of Mississippi and the neighboring states.”
- In November 1882, the school was moved to Jackson; in March 1899, the curriculum was expanded and the name was changed to Jackson College.
- In 1902, construction on the present campus’s site began.
- In 1924, the first bachelor’s degree was awarded.
- In 1940, the school was transferred from the private control of the church to the state education system and renamed Mississippi Negro Training School.
- In 1944, Mississippi Negro Training School was renamed Jackson College for Negro Teachers
- In 1956, Jackson College for Negro Teachers was renamed Jackson State College.
- In 2004, a $20 million College of Business building was completed.
- In 2006, a new 91,000-square-foot (8,500 m2) student health wellness center opened.
- In 2013, 2014, and 2015 record enrollments of 9134, 9508, 9802 students respectively.
Campus
Jackson State University is located in Jackson, the capital city and the cultural, political, geographic and business center of Mississippi. The campus is a 250-acre campus with 51 academic and administrative buildings. The main campus is located on JR Lynch St between Prentiss and Dalton St.
Students Population
- Total enrollment: 9,802
- In-state: 7,781
- Full-time undergraduates: 6,678
- Part-time undergraduates: 797
- Graduate students: 2,327
- Ethnic/racial makeup: African American, 8,860; American Indian, 32; Asian, 103; Caucasian, 633; Hispanic, 61; Native American, 1; Multi-Racial, 112
Faculty
- Number of faculty members: 577
- Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
- Full-time faculty members: 389
- Part-time faculty members: 188
- Faculty with doctorates or other terminal degrees: 76%
Academics
A historically black Research University, Jackson State educates a diverse student population in a broad range of baccalaureate, masters, post-master's certificate and doctoral programs. The learning process is enhanced through experiential learning. Jackson State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and has a Carnegie classification of RU/H–Research University (high research activity).
JSU colleges include:
- College of Business
- College of Education and Human Development
- College of Liberal Arts
- College of Public Service
- College of Science, Engineering and Technology
- School of Public Health
Facilities
- JSU has numerous facilities for the community, faculty, staff, and students.
- The H.T. Sampson Library is a fascinating building on campus, housing the world-renowned Innovate and Create centers.
- The Student Center houses many rooms inside including the movie theater, dining arts complex, and commuter lounge.
- JSU’s newest gymnasium was named after the famous football player Walter Payton, who is an alumnus.
- Jackson State University’s Faculty Development Center aims to promote the use of technological resources in traditional learning and classroom practices. Its primary focus is targeting the infusion of technology and education while providing training and support to all faculty.
- The Office of Financial Aid at Jackson State University coordinates all financial assistance (federal, state, institutional and private) offered to students.
- The University is committed to providing distance learning students, offering over 19 online degree programs, with quality instruction, access to library resources, and all other learning resources provided to traditional face-to-face students.
Alumni
Jackson State University is home to a growing body of alumni from all walks of life and the Office of Alumni & Constituency Relations is dedicated to serving this community.
Source: Jackson State University