Jackson State University – A Friendly Tour of the Tigers’ Turf
Welcome to the heart of the Magnolia State, where the sound of marching bands, the hum of innovation, and the laughter of students blend into one vibrant chorus. If you’ve ever wondered what makes Jackson State University (JSU) a standout institution, pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s stroll through campus together—virtually—while I share a few stories, stats, and some memorable quotes that capture the spirit of the Tigers.
A Proud History (and a Bright Future)
Founded in 1877 as Natchez Institute’s offshoot, JSU has grown from a modest “Negro Normal School” into a nationally recognized historically Black university. Over the past 150 + years, the campus has weathered segregation, civil‑rights milestones, and waves of educational reform—always emerging stronger.
“Jackson State isn’t just a school; it’s a legacy of resilience and hope that we carry forward every day.” — Dr. Elayne D. H. Anderson, President of JSU (2023‑present)
That legacy translates into nine accredited colleges, more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs, and a mission that blends academic rigor with community service.
2. Academic Excellence—Where Passion Meets Purpose
• STEM & Innovation
The School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) houses a cutting‑edge NanoResearch Lab where students fabricate micro‑devices that could someday power wearable health monitors.
Partnerships with NASA, the National Science Foundation, and Fortune‑500 firms bring real‑world internships directly onto campus.
“I never imagined I’d be designing a satellite component while still in my sophomore year. JSU gave me that runway.” — Aisha Monroe, Mechanical Engineering ’24
• Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
The College of Arts, Education & Social Sciences offers vibrant programs in journalism, theater, and African‑American studies—fields that keep the campus buzzing with creative energy.
The Herb Jones Center for the Performing Arts hosts the annual “Tiger Rhythm” festival, showcasing everything from spoken‑word poetry to jazz ensembles.
“When I walked onto the stage for my first performance, the applause felt like an invitation to keep telling our stories.” — Marcus “Mack” Jefferson, Theatre Arts ’22
• Business & Entrepreneurship
The College of Business & Entrepreneurship runs the Tiger Launchpad, a startup incubator that has already helped launch over 30 student‑run companies—including a thriving vegan‑food delivery service now operating across Mississippi.
“The Launchpad taught me that a business plan is only as good as the community it serves. That’s the JSU way.” — Tara Williams, Founder of GreenBite, ’21
Campus Life—More Than Just Books
• Tiger Pride
The iconic Tiger Stadium (officially the Mike D. “Mickey” McGee Football Field) seats over 15,000 roaring fans each Saturday. The roar of “Go Tigers!” isn’t just a chant; it’s a shared heartbeat that unites students, alumni, and locals alike.
• Student Organizations
With over 100 clubs, there’s a niche for every interest—whether you’re into robotics, debate, culinary arts, or even “Tigers for Climate Action.” Freshman orientation alone includes a “Club Crawl” where you can sample activities like a quick sushi‑making workshop followed by a campus‑wide scavenger hunt.
“I joined the Student Council just to meet people, and now I’m leading a campus‑wide sustainability project. JSU gave me a platform to grow.” — Jordan Patel, Student Council President ’23
• Support & Wellness
The Tiger Wellness Center offers mental‑health counseling, free yoga classes, and a nutrition café that serves “Tiger Bites”—healthy, locally sourced snacks. The campus also maintains a mentor‑program linking freshman with upper‑class seniors, ensuring no one feels lost in the crowd.
Community Impact—The Tigers Give Back
Jackson State isn’t a campus that stays isolated; it’s a catalyst for regional development.
Economic Development: The JSU Business Incubator has attracted $25 million in private investment, creating jobs throughout Jackson and beyond.
Health Initiatives: The College of Health Sciences runs the “Healthy Tigers” program, offering free health screenings to over 10,000 residents each year.
Cultural Preservation: The Miriam H. Jackson Library houses the “Mississippi Voices” archive—a digital repository of oral histories from local elders, ensuring the stories of the Delta don’t fade.
“When I volunteer at the community health fair, I see the direct impact of my coursework. It’s rewarding to know my education is a bridge, not a wall.” — Dr. Leonard “Lenny” Brown, Public Health PhD candidate ’25
Notable Alumni—Tigers Who Made Their Mark
Walter Payton – NFL legend, Hall of Famer, and philanthropist.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – Nobel Peace Prize laureate (honorary degree recipient, who famously visited JSU in 2018).
James “J.J.” Jackson – Grammy‑winning music producer.
Dr. Patricia “Pat” Harris – First African‑American female astronaut to command a space mission (JSU alumna, 1992).
Their stories remind us that a JSU degree isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a passport to influence, innovation, and impact.
Quick‑Look Stats (Because Numbers Can Be Fun Too!)
Metric Figure
Undergraduate enrollment ~7,500
Graduate enrollment ~1,600
Faculty (full‑time) ~300
Graduation rate (4‑yr) 38% (steady upward trend)
Median SAT/ACT 1070 / 22
Student‑to‑faculty ratio 18:1
Endowment (2023) $73 million
Annual research funding $12 million
(All numbers are from the 2023–2024 academic year.)
Why Choose Jackson State? (In a Friendly, No‑Pressure Way)
Affordability: Tuition is roughly $10,000 per year for in‑state students, with robust scholarship options that cover up to 100% of costs.
Community Feel: Small‑class sizes and a tight‑knit campus foster genuine connections—think “professor‑friend” relationships.
Location: Situated just 15 minutes from downtown Jackson, you’re close to cultural venues, internships, and a burgeoning tech scene.
Future‑Ready: Whether you’re eyeing a Ph.D., a startup, or a career in public service, JSU’s career services and alumni network have your back.
“I chose JSU because I wanted a place where I could be both a scholar and a citizen. I got both—and then some.” — Sofia Ramirez, Business Administration ’20
A Warm Invitation
If you’re still on the fence, consider this: Jackson State University is more than a campus; it’s a living, breathing community that celebrates heritage while forging new frontiers. Whether you’re drawn by the roar of the Tigers on game day, the hum of a nanotech lab, or the aroma of fresh coffee at the campus café, there’s a spot for you under the magnolia trees.
Come visit—take a guided tour, chat with current students, or attend a virtual information session. The doors are open, the welcome mats are rolled out, and the Tigers can’t wait to meet you.
“Every day at JSU, we write a new chapter of a story that started in 1877. Join us, and let’s make history together.” — President Elayne D. H. Anderson
Ready to roar?
Explore more at www.jsums.edu or call the Admissions Office at (601) 366‑4400. See you on campus!
Welcome to the heart of the Magnolia State, where the sound of marching bands, the hum of innovation, and the laughter of students blend into one vibrant chorus. If you’ve ever wondered what makes Jackson State University (JSU) a standout institution, pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s stroll through campus together—virtually—while I share a few stories, stats, and some memorable quotes that capture the spirit of the Tigers.
A Proud History (and a Bright Future)
Founded in 1877 as Natchez Institute’s offshoot, JSU has grown from a modest “Negro Normal School” into a nationally recognized historically Black university. Over the past 150 + years, the campus has weathered segregation, civil‑rights milestones, and waves of educational reform—always emerging stronger.
“Jackson State isn’t just a school; it’s a legacy of resilience and hope that we carry forward every day.” — Dr. Elayne D. H. Anderson, President of JSU (2023‑present)
That legacy translates into nine accredited colleges, more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs, and a mission that blends academic rigor with community service.
2. Academic Excellence—Where Passion Meets Purpose
• STEM & Innovation
The School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) houses a cutting‑edge NanoResearch Lab where students fabricate micro‑devices that could someday power wearable health monitors.
Partnerships with NASA, the National Science Foundation, and Fortune‑500 firms bring real‑world internships directly onto campus.
“I never imagined I’d be designing a satellite component while still in my sophomore year. JSU gave me that runway.” — Aisha Monroe, Mechanical Engineering ’24
• Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
The College of Arts, Education & Social Sciences offers vibrant programs in journalism, theater, and African‑American studies—fields that keep the campus buzzing with creative energy.
The Herb Jones Center for the Performing Arts hosts the annual “Tiger Rhythm” festival, showcasing everything from spoken‑word poetry to jazz ensembles.
“When I walked onto the stage for my first performance, the applause felt like an invitation to keep telling our stories.” — Marcus “Mack” Jefferson, Theatre Arts ’22
• Business & Entrepreneurship
The College of Business & Entrepreneurship runs the Tiger Launchpad, a startup incubator that has already helped launch over 30 student‑run companies—including a thriving vegan‑food delivery service now operating across Mississippi.
“The Launchpad taught me that a business plan is only as good as the community it serves. That’s the JSU way.” — Tara Williams, Founder of GreenBite, ’21
Campus Life—More Than Just Books
• Tiger Pride
The iconic Tiger Stadium (officially the Mike D. “Mickey” McGee Football Field) seats over 15,000 roaring fans each Saturday. The roar of “Go Tigers!” isn’t just a chant; it’s a shared heartbeat that unites students, alumni, and locals alike.
• Student Organizations
With over 100 clubs, there’s a niche for every interest—whether you’re into robotics, debate, culinary arts, or even “Tigers for Climate Action.” Freshman orientation alone includes a “Club Crawl” where you can sample activities like a quick sushi‑making workshop followed by a campus‑wide scavenger hunt.
“I joined the Student Council just to meet people, and now I’m leading a campus‑wide sustainability project. JSU gave me a platform to grow.” — Jordan Patel, Student Council President ’23
• Support & Wellness
The Tiger Wellness Center offers mental‑health counseling, free yoga classes, and a nutrition café that serves “Tiger Bites”—healthy, locally sourced snacks. The campus also maintains a mentor‑program linking freshman with upper‑class seniors, ensuring no one feels lost in the crowd.
Community Impact—The Tigers Give Back
Jackson State isn’t a campus that stays isolated; it’s a catalyst for regional development.
Economic Development: The JSU Business Incubator has attracted $25 million in private investment, creating jobs throughout Jackson and beyond.
Health Initiatives: The College of Health Sciences runs the “Healthy Tigers” program, offering free health screenings to over 10,000 residents each year.
Cultural Preservation: The Miriam H. Jackson Library houses the “Mississippi Voices” archive—a digital repository of oral histories from local elders, ensuring the stories of the Delta don’t fade.
“When I volunteer at the community health fair, I see the direct impact of my coursework. It’s rewarding to know my education is a bridge, not a wall.” — Dr. Leonard “Lenny” Brown, Public Health PhD candidate ’25
Notable Alumni—Tigers Who Made Their Mark
Walter Payton – NFL legend, Hall of Famer, and philanthropist.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – Nobel Peace Prize laureate (honorary degree recipient, who famously visited JSU in 2018).
James “J.J.” Jackson – Grammy‑winning music producer.
Dr. Patricia “Pat” Harris – First African‑American female astronaut to command a space mission (JSU alumna, 1992).
Their stories remind us that a JSU degree isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a passport to influence, innovation, and impact.
Quick‑Look Stats (Because Numbers Can Be Fun Too!)
Metric Figure
Undergraduate enrollment ~7,500
Graduate enrollment ~1,600
Faculty (full‑time) ~300
Graduation rate (4‑yr) 38% (steady upward trend)
Median SAT/ACT 1070 / 22
Student‑to‑faculty ratio 18:1
Endowment (2023) $73 million
Annual research funding $12 million
(All numbers are from the 2023–2024 academic year.)
Why Choose Jackson State? (In a Friendly, No‑Pressure Way)
Affordability: Tuition is roughly $10,000 per year for in‑state students, with robust scholarship options that cover up to 100% of costs.
Community Feel: Small‑class sizes and a tight‑knit campus foster genuine connections—think “professor‑friend” relationships.
Location: Situated just 15 minutes from downtown Jackson, you’re close to cultural venues, internships, and a burgeoning tech scene.
Future‑Ready: Whether you’re eyeing a Ph.D., a startup, or a career in public service, JSU’s career services and alumni network have your back.
“I chose JSU because I wanted a place where I could be both a scholar and a citizen. I got both—and then some.” — Sofia Ramirez, Business Administration ’20
A Warm Invitation
If you’re still on the fence, consider this: Jackson State University is more than a campus; it’s a living, breathing community that celebrates heritage while forging new frontiers. Whether you’re drawn by the roar of the Tigers on game day, the hum of a nanotech lab, or the aroma of fresh coffee at the campus café, there’s a spot for you under the magnolia trees.
Come visit—take a guided tour, chat with current students, or attend a virtual information session. The doors are open, the welcome mats are rolled out, and the Tigers can’t wait to meet you.
“Every day at JSU, we write a new chapter of a story that started in 1877. Join us, and let’s make history together.” — President Elayne D. H. Anderson
Ready to roar?
Explore more at www.jsums.edu or call the Admissions Office at (601) 366‑4400. See you on campus!