jacksonian | 1 Apply Today!

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY

Welcome to JSUOnline JSUOnline degree programs were designed with your busy life in mind. These programs allowyou to take advantage of college studies and obtain a degree while you balance your family life and employment. You can earn a quality education and work toward achieving your long-term career goals at your convenience. No campus visits necessary. Take all classes online.

Programs offered: Undergraduate Graduate • Child Care and Family Education, B.S. • Business Administration, M.B.A. • Healthcare Administration, B.S. • Reading, M.S. • Professional Interdisciplinary Studies, B.S. • Sport Science, M.S. • Technology, B.S. • Education Administration Supervision, M.S. (Concentration in Emergency Management Technology) • Education Administration, Ed.S. (Concentration in Higher Education)

2 | jacksonianFor more info visit www.jsums.edu/jsuonline, call 601-979-0779 or email [email protected] Apply Today! CONTENTS SUMMER/FALL 2014 Volume 12, No. 2

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY 12) Cyberlearning Digital revolution mobilizes students, faculty Mobile devices, wireless service, multi-touch textbooks, online courses, overseas connections. Such is the digital learning environment that is transforming Jackson State University’s curriculum and campus at every level. From the ongoing iPad Initiative for freshmen to the recently opened INNOVATE Center for faculty and the nearly completed CREATE Center for students, JSU’s international reputation as a cyberlearning pioneer continues to grow. Cover photo by Frank Wilson Cover art by D’Artagnan Winford

Welcome to JSUOnline JSUOnline degree programs were designed with your busy life in mind. These programs allowyou to take FEATURES advantage of college studies and obtain a degree while you balance your family life and employment. You 4) A school turned around 22) A sunny forecast can earn a quality education and work toward achieving your long-term career goals at your convenience. Monica Fabre, a JSU Ph.D. graduate, leads a failing Louisiana Weather Channel veteran and alumna Vivian Brown elementary school to state recognition for academic progress brings a film crew to campus to create a special on JSU’s No campus visits necessary. Take all classes online. in her first year as principal. meteorology program, considered one of the best in the country. Programs offered: 16) Presidential Creative Awards 28) Entrepreneur’s visit to campus Undergraduate Graduate Faculty and staff explore a number of intriguing projects, from is pure “Magic” • Child Care and Family Education, B.S. • Business Administration, M.B.A. the study of a plant’s effect in reducing breast cancer tumors to Magic Johnson connects with students during a visit to JSU. the creation of a “Green Corridor” on campus. He promotes hard work, preparation and determination in • Healthcare Administration, B.S. • Reading, M.S. on-campus student engagement sessions. • Professional Interdisciplinary Studies, B.S. • Sport Science, M.S. • Technology, B.S. • Education Administration Supervision, M.S. 21) Librarian extraordinaire (Concentration in Emergency Management Technology) • Education Administration, Ed.S. Alumna Shauna Collier shares her vision as the new head (Concentration in Higher Education) librarian at one of the most prestigious libraries in the nation, the Smithsonian Institution’s new National Museum of African American History and Culture.

For more info visit www.jsums.edu/jsuonline, call 601-979-0779 or email [email protected] 8 11 The Jacksonian is published biannually by the Jackson State University Department of University Communications. The U.S. Department of Education Title III program helps fund its production.

Contact University Communications at P.O. Box 17490, Jackson MS 39217 [email protected] 601-979-2272 (phone) 601-979-2000 (fax)

Visit University Communications 1400 John R. Lynch St. H.P. Jacobs Administration Tower Second Floor

22 26 31 Executive Director of University Communications DEPARTMENTS Eric Stringfellow Director of Public Relations Student Life Alumni in Action Olivia Goodheart Honors student launches foundation 6 JSU Alum earns post at U.S. Department to provide school supplies for needy children of Education 20 Contributors Homecoming 2014 8 Mark Braboy Campus to Community Shelia Byrd University Achievements Grant prepares students for Jean Gordon Cook College of Science, Engineering and 10 emergency management careers 24 Jim Ewing Technology offers four new degree programs Gallery1 hosts Danny Simmons 25 Bette Pearce Apple, Starbucks, WOW and UPS exhibit, reading Tammy Ramsdell join campus scene 11 Congressman Alan Nunnelee tours campus 26 Darrell Robinson Jr. College of Liberal Arts launches inaugural 27 L.A. Warren Faculty and Staff visual and performing arts series Professors secure patents for groundbreaking 18 Actor Danny Glover visits campus 31 Photographers work in engineering and biology Derrick Hicks Anissa Hidouk In Brief 32 Tommiea P. Jackson Class Notes 36 Charles Smith Honor Roll of Donors 41 Frank Wilson

Graphic Design Cercle Design Studio LLC D’Artagnan Winford, art director | president’s message |

Dear Jacksonians,

At the beginning of every academic year, we witness the energy and excitement, hopes and dreams of a new class of Jacksonians eager to embark on their collegiate careers. This year, we welcomed a record- setting 9,508 students to Jackson State University. Notably, more than 40 percent of our students are enrolled in at least one online class, and 43 percent of our first-year students are male. This could not have been achieved without the dedication of our enrollment management team with the support of our faculty, staff and alumni. I invite you to read more about this significant accomplishment and about this year’s freshman class which brings a special “swagger” to campus. One JSU has been my mantra, my clarion call. And, you have responded magnificently. Please read about Dr. Jimmie James and his outstanding generosity. It will inspire you. Another individual who epitomizes the JSU can-do spirit is Monica Fabre. You will learn how, in her first year as principal, she led a failing Louisiana elementary school to achieve state recognition for academic improvements, all while pursuing her Ph.D. at JSU. And, you will be uplifted by the story of Samone Poe, a recent honors graduate who launched a foundation to provide needy children with school supplies. You will be pleased to learn of the great work being done by our alumni, including Vivian Brown of The Weather Channel and Shauna Collier, the head librarian of the Smithsonian Institution’s new National Museum of African American History and Culture being built in Washington, D.C. We also want you to learn more about Dr. James Minor, who was recently appointed to the post of assistant secretary for higher education programs at the U.S. Department of Education by the Obama Administration. Faculty and staff, of course, remain on the cutting edge of their fields. You will read about the patents earned by two of our professors and the intriguing proposals — from fighting cancer to creating an on-campus ‘‘Green Corridor”— put forth by our Presidential Creative Awards winners. Finally, at the institutional level, there is the enthusiasm being generated by the launch of our CREATE Center in the H.T. Sampson Library. It will further expand our transformation into a cyberlearning university — a transformation that is garnering national attention. Certainly, we have much to celebrate, as this edition of The Jacksonian shows. Enjoy your issue and share it with friends.

Sincerely, Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers enjoys meeting some “Baby Tigers” at Carolyn W. Meyers the Lottie W. Thorton Early Childhood Development Center as she regales faculty and staff of the College of Education and President, Jackson State University Human Development with her own stories about teaching.

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A SCHOOL TURNED AROUND ONE PRINCIPAL, ONE YEAR

By BETTE PEARCE hen a sixth-grade teacher told Monica Fabre her son just couldn’t grasp information, that he was slow, she “became an advocate for education at that very moment.” She went online and to the library, plung- Wing into every book she could find on teaching. “Today, my son is an honors student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette,” she says. “He’s going to be a teacher like his mama.” But Fabre didn’t start out as an educator. The New Roads, La., native attended Grambling State University for a year before joining the Army, getting married and having two children. When her marriage ended in divorce, she went to work as a forklift operator, remarried and had another child. “I had proved my son could learn and that learning is more than just memorizing information,” Fabre says. “I wondered, how many other kids out there need me, who need to be taught differently, who need to be motivated and gain self-confidence; to be told they can learn, they can succeed.”

BACK TO COLLEGE ically and highest in discipline problems in CHANGES Fabre returned to college in 2003, re- the state. Academic performance and expec- When Fabre arrived at Rosenwald, she ceived a bachelor’s in secondary education tations were virtually nonexistent, she says. took a deep breath and said a silent prayer in 2006, a master’s in curriculum and in- The Rosenwald middle school and high as she entered the building. She was about struction in 2009 and a second master’s in school that Fabre graduated from were to tackle one of the biggest challenges of educational leadership in 2011, all from long since closed. All that remained was her life. “I thought I’d walked into a pris- Southern University in Baton Rouge. This the elementary school with a student pop- on,” Fabre says. “The building was dirty and spring, the 45-year-old received her doctor- ulation that had dropped from almost 700 stuffy, and what paint was on the walls was ate in education administration from Jack- to about 350 over a six-year period. Parents deep blue and gray. Bars or grates covered son State University. She had interviewed were moving their children to other school every window. It was awful.” for the doctoral programs at Vanderbilt and districts. Daily attendance was about 75 per- Fabre had the building cleaned and Howard universities, but one of her profes- cent. “Not once had Rosenwald met state painted. Bars were removed to provide sors highly recommended Jackson State. achievements standards in the 14-year his- unobstructed views to the outdoors. She “When I came to interview for Jackson tory of the Louisiana State Accountability began overhauling the school’s operation State’s program, I walked around that cam- System,” Fabre says. Rosenwald seemed to that would send many faculty, staff and par- pus, and I was just in awe of its beauty. It just be viewed as a lost cause, but to Fabre, “there ents reeling. “I had to make strong decisions, immediately struck me as this is the place I are no lost causes, only big challenges.” and I was not very well-liked,” she says. “I need to be. The staff is remarkable. I wasn’t At the end of the 2012-13 school year, fired some people, others quit. I had to re- just one more face in the crowd. Jackson the state Department of Education desig- move key people from key positions, change State is more than a university. It’s a family.” nated Rosenwald a “Top Gains School” for schedules, make a lesson-plan structure and its overall 13.5 percent increase in academic put together a ‘Discipline with Dignity’ pol- A NEW JOB performance from the previous year. Daily icy. There were no policies in place when I In 2012, after spending five years as a attendance had climbed to 94 percent. got there, not one. I basically threw every- classroom teacher, Fabre was named prin- Even with the impressive gain, Rosenwald thing from the past out the window.” cipal of Rosenwald Elementary School in remains a failing school, Fabre points out. The Rosenwald faculty, she says, consisted New Roads, a small, low-income communi- “That’s just how low the performance was. largely of non-certified teachers who had ty near Baton Rouge that she had attended The fact remains, though, that the low- no formal training in education other than as a child. est-performing students achieved significant a five-week, federally funded workshop. Fabre found the school was very different improvement. They can learn, and they can “Placing an unqualified teacher in an already from the one she’d loved as a child. Rosen- succeed,” she said. low-performing school is just adding fuel to wald was ranked among the lowest academ- the fire,” she says. “Just because you’re a col-

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Alumna Monica Fabre is principal of Rosenwald Elementary School in New Roads, La. Once one of the state’s lowest-performing schools, Rosenwald was designated a Top Gains Schools by the state after only one year under Fabre’s leadership.

lege graduate doesn’t mean you can teach.” to be a music major, so we started a choral told every day they are loved.” Fabre embarked on a teacher-recruiting ensemble, too.” mission. She went to job fairs and put the New Roads Chief of Police Kevin Mc- PARENTAL SUPPORT word out in other school districts she was Donald says it was not unusual for police When a winter storm forced area schools recruiting teachers. The teachers who had to be called to the school several times a to close, LaShika Boulanger’s fifth-grade remained at Rosenwald found Fabre also week to deal with behavioral issues. “We’ve daughter was disappointed. “She loves would serve as their teacher. “I’m not the had only one call this school year, and that school, and she loves Miss Monica. She traditional principal who sits behind a didn’t concern a student.” A teacher’s cell thinks Miss Monica’s the greatest thing desk,” she says. “I have my own classroom, phone was stolen by an adult visitor. “We since sliced bread,” Boulanger says. and teachers who need help come to my have a remarkable working relationship. Before Fabre became principal, stu- classroom to observe me teaching. I wasn’t She is a strong disciplinarian, and we work dents at Rosenwald were out of control, just teaching kids, I was teaching teachers together well.” Boulanger says. “They were allowed to do how to teach, and it worked out beautifully.” McDonald says Rosenwald now has whatever they wanted to do, and parents a school resource officer who patrols the were allowed to come in and raise all kinds DISCIPLINE campus and helps diffuse problems. The of things. Now, a parent is required to come Chaos had reigned at Rosenwald for officer also interacts with the kids, talking in, but for a conference about their child years, Fabre says. “There was no discipline about bullying, drugs and other issues. and that sort of thing. It’s a lot different. policy in place, no positive support inter- Instead of criminalizing students for bad “She’s outspoken, but she speaks for the vention,” Fabre says. Add to that, the pu- behavior, Fabre says, “we recognize them kids,” Boulanger says. “She’s focused on pils had no outlet for positive interaction for good behavior.” what the children need for their education, or their energy. “They didn’t have even one Students in grades four, five and six who she’s very determined and fights for the kids. recess in an entire school day, and there were had behavioral issues but are turning around There isn’t anything that she thinks those no extracurricular activities. Nothing,” Fab- are recognized with a medal and chosen to kids need that she isn’t going to fight to get. re says. “That has changed.” act as “big buddies” to the younger kids, She doesn’t expect kids to go from an F to Along with daily recess, the kids now Fabre says. an A overnight. Their grades are going up can participate in several extracurricular While discipline is important, Fabre says, slowly, but they’re going up. I love every- activities. “We started a basketball team it’s equally important to instill confidence in thing she’s done at that school.” for fifth- and sixth-graders, a step team for the children. “They are told every morning girls, and we now have an active 4-H club,” they are great. It’s that attitude, that message Fabre says. “One of our teachers happened that sets the tone for the day. And they’re

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PAY IT

STUDENT-LAUNCHED FOUNDATION PROVIDES SCHOOL SUPPLIES

By MARK BRABOY

lot of children in dire need of school supplies are getting So it was kind of touching because I always had a soft side for kids,” them, thanks to Samone Poe, a spring 2014 honors graduate said Poe. A who majored in English. Indeed, she does. Active on campus, Poe serves as an Essence of The Greenville, Miss., native was inspired to launch the Innovated a Lady Tiger mentor and worked as an intern with Essence Maga- Young Minds Foundation following several speaking engagements zine in New York City this summer. She volunteers at Stewpot, a at schools in Jackson and her hometown. To date, the foundation local community center for the homeless and others in need. She has raised about $1,200 for school supplies in those school systems. also raises money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and is involved The search for donors and grants to continue the work is an ongoing with the local Boys and Girls Clubs and the Better off in College process, she said. outreach program. A conversation with an 8-year-old girl who loves school and excels “What I do is go to the different schools,” she said of the latter in academics, Poe said, was the impetus for the foundation. program. “I let them know that they can’t let any obstacle distract “I was inspired by this little girl. She’s a straight-A student, but she them. You come here for one reason and that is for academics. Your was just talking to me, saying that it’s hard for their momma to buy goal is to stay focused.” them school supplies and stuff because her mom is a single parent, She also talks to upperclassmen about going to college, a conver- and she really can’t afford it. There were times when the bills would sation many could never dream of having with their own families, overshadow the stuff that they needed so she would probably go she said. At the end of each speaking event, she gathers contact to class with one pencil, one tablet and that’s it,” said Poe, who has information and follows up, frequently helping students fill out enlisted her peers to help raise money. college applications and look for money to pay for school. Poe said she understands the struggles being faced by the little “People do not know their background,” she said. “You have kids girl’s family and so many other households. Her own parents, Vanessa in school who have been raped, they’re not eating at home, their and Stanley Poe, were injured in separate work-related incidents. parents are abusing them, they don’t have a mother or a father. With With two brothers also to provide for, money is tight. stuff like that happening in their households, they don’t feel worthy “My dad got hurt at work, and my mom is currently hurt. I kind enough to even birth a dream. That’s why I go. You have to let them of thought … that little girl’s situation could be my little brothers’. know that there is someone who cares about them.”

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“I was inspired by this little girl. She’s a straight-A student, but she was just talking to me, saying that it’s hard for their momma to buy them school supplies and stuff because her mom is a single parent, and she really can’t afford it.”

Samone Poe, Founder of Innovated Young Minds

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iger fans from all parts of the globe gathered in Jackson to bring alive this year’s Homecoming theme, “The Blueprint: TOne Tiger! One Roar!” Homecoming activities included a worship service hosted by New Jerusalem Church, the cor- onation of Miss JSU, a comedy show, Yard Fest, the Friday night Greek show, the Society of Golden Tigers Homecoming Reunion Luncheon, and the not-to-be-missed Homecoming 1 Parade, which was routed through our beautiful campus. This celebration was embraced by the entire city of Jackson and by Tiger fans everywhere. We are One JSU.

Miss JSU Anissa Butler is crowned 1 The Sonic Boom marches down the plaza 2 Alphas step at HC 2014 3 JSU WR Daniel Williams hauls in a pass over a 4 MVSU defender Zeta Phi Beta performs during the HC step show 5 JJ Williams hosts the HC Comedy show 6

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jacksonian | 9 | university achievement | OPEN FOR BUSINESS CSET OFFERING 4 NEW DEGREE PROGRAMS

Dr. Richard Aló, dean, College of Science, Dr. James C. Renick, provost and senior U.S. Department of Labor statistics show Labor statistics show biomedical engi- Engineering and Technology vice president for Academic and the demand is strong for engineers in the neering ranks third as the fastest-grow- Student Affairs disciplines that new JSU programs cover. ing occupation in the country.

By SHELIA BYRD he Mississippi Board of Trustees of State percent for electronics engineers to 22 per- data resources that will lead to major societal Institutions of Higher Learning approved cent for environmental engineers. The trend benefits such as cancer cures, new engineering TJackson State University’s proposals to indicates a need for engineers with terminal designs and better weather prediction. offer a Ph.D. in Engineering, a Ph.D. in degrees who can either join the workforce or Labor statistics show biomedical engineer- Computational and Data-Enabled Science become educators to support such a need. ing ranks third as the fastest-growing occupa- and Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Dr. James C. Renick, provost and senior vice tion in the country. In Mississippi, the em- Biomedical Engineering and a Bachelor of president for Academic and Student Affairs, ployment of biomedical engineers is projected Science in Statistics. The Ph.D. in Chemistry said the program would significantly enhance to increase by 80 percent by 2018, which is was the last CSET doctoral program approved the university’s engineering research capability, above the national average. The Biomedical by IHL in 1996. which is consistent with the designation of Engineering Program also fits with the state’s The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical JSU as a “high-research activity” institution by plan for a healthcare corridor in Jackson. Engineering will be the only undergraduate the Carnegie Foundation. “This new program The Bachelor of Science in Statistics will program currently offered in the state. The should facilitate increased research conducted help increase the number of students seeking U.S. Department of Labor projects that the by our faculty and doctoral students,” Renick degrees in the STEM academic fields and the need for statisticians will grow by 25 percent said. number receiving STEM degrees. It also will by 2018. The Computational and Data-Enabled Sci- improve the potential for JSU graduates to “The programs are consistent with the mis- ence and Engineering program includes the land high-paying jobs in data sciences, said Dr. sion of JSU to produce graduates capable of disciplines of biology, chemistry, computer Richard Aló, dean of JSU’s College of Science, addressing critical challenges in our society,” engineering, computer science, civil and envi- Engineering and Technology. said JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers. ronmental engineering, industrial engineering, “The program provides students with a The Ph.D. in Engineering’s emphases in- manufacturing engineering, materials science strong foundation in mathematical and sta- clude computer engineering, industrial engi- and engineering, physics, mathematics, tech- tistical methodology,” Aló said. “The program neering, electrical engineering, computational nology, public health, economics, finance and will provide courses that prepare students for engineering, civil engineering, environmental other non-STEM disciplines. careers in business, government and private engineering and geological engineering. This initiative is in response to The White industry as statisticians and data scientists and U.S. Department of Labor statistics show House’s Big Data Priority plan. The plan is for graduate training in statistics and related the demand is strong for engineers in the designed to enhance the nation’s capabilities fields.” disciplines that the program covers, from 5 to create knowledge from its vast and rich

10 | jacksonian | university achievement | OPEN FOR BUSINESS BIG BRANDS JOIN CAMPUS SCENE Need an iPad or some technical advice about STARBUCKS it? Have to get a package shipped immedi- Jackson State University unveiled its new ately? Want a familiar cup of coffee to start Starbucks during a grand opening ceremo- the day? ny Jan. 24. Students, faculty and friends of Thanks to new stores that have opened with- JSU filled the room tasting everything from in the last year, you can do all three without frappucinos to veggie wraps. The facility pro- ever having to leave the campus of Jackson vides space for meetings and social gatherings. State University. SodexoMAGIC, the university’s food service Tiger Tech @ JSU, the first Apple-autho- provider, brought Starbucks to JSU. rized campus store in Mississippi, and UPS, TIGER TECH @ JSU with its first campus store in the United States, When the idea of an Apple store on campus are now located in the Student Center. Mean- was in its beginning stages, JSU Vice President while, nationally known coffee chain Starbucks of Finance and Business Michael Thomas con- can be found on the ground floor of the H.T. tacted Dr. Donald Causey, assistant professor, Sampson Library. and Dr. Mary M. White, interim vice president WOW Café American Grill & Wingery for Institutional Advancement and chairper- became the newest tenant at One Universi- son of the Department of Entrepreneurship, to ty Place, opening in early October. It offers see if a team there would work on the project. American food in a casual setting. “Dr. Meyers is pushing for excellence on cam- Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers, JSU president, UPS pus, and our job is to bring the best to Jackson called the series of store openings “a landmark JSU’s UPS Store franchise, which opened State,” explained Thomas. moment, not only for us, but also the city of this past summer, is the first of its kind in Jevon Grant (pictured, left), a graduating Jackson and the community.” the country. In collaboration with the JSU senior in Entrepreneurship, said the experience Jackson City Councilman Charles Tillman, Development Foundation and the university, was surreal. “We learned a lot about ourselves who attended the ribbon cutting for Tiger the store offers handling, distribution and and each other — how to be a team and how Tech @ JSU, reiterated the sentiment. “We processing of all campus mail and packages. to delegate tasks and make a collective push to encourage entrepreneurship. We encourage The JSU Development Foundation uses part advocate something that would cause change economic development. We encourage busi- of the revenue to support scholarships and

and growth.” ness. We’re excited about all the things that student and faculty initiatives. Joel Weathers (pictured, right), a graduating are happening at Jackson State University.” senior in Entrepreneurship, said the project allowed them “to be really creative and inno- TIGER TECH Student Center, 1st floor vative. We were actually part of something that Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday was bigger than ourselves.” Website: www.jsums.edu/tigertechstore Tiger Tech @ JSU offers discounts to stu- dents, faculty and staff on Apple computers UPS Student Center, 1st floor and products, such as iPads, iMacs, iPods and Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday MacBook Pros, as well as many Apple accesso- Website: www.jsums.edu/ups ries. Technical support is also available. The grand opening of Tiger Tech @ JSU STARBUCKS H.T. Sampson Library, 1st floor came only weeks after JSU’s designation by Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Apple Inc. as an Apple Distinguished School. Monday–Friday, closed Saturday, 6-10 p.m. Sunday The designation is reserved for institutions that WOW Grill & Wingery meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and WOW GRILL & WINGERY Wow Grill & Wingery hosted a wing eating One University Place. Hours: 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. educational excellence, and demonstrate a clear contest during Homecoming week in celebra- Monday-Thursday; 10:30 a.m.-midnight Friday; 11 vision of exemplary learning environments. a.m.-midnight Saturday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday. tion of its grand opening.

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CREATEBy L.A. WARREN

ackson State University continued its tech revolution by officially unveiling its newest Cyberlearning initiative, CREATE, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the digital intellectual commons located on the first floor of Jthe H.T. Sampson Library. Create offers an opportunity for students to complete digital projects and assignments. It is a student component to INNOVATE, another cyberlearning DR. ROBERT BLAINE development strategy that equips faculty with tools for designing, implement- Special assistant to the provost for Cyberlearning ing and teaching courses. Jasmine Douglas, a junior civil and environmental engineering major from Dallas, is a student coordinator for the new center. She says, “CREATE means the opportunity to do more because engineering majors must develop a senior design project. Now, we can discuss what it will be like, conceive and plan out projects using computer programs such as AutoCad and Photoshop to create in a 3-D space. We can take the knowledge we learn in class and create our own version of the concepts.” The event provided a showcase for students, who guided faculty, staff, peers and other guests on a tour of the facility. They displayed iPads, Mac desktops and explained the WiFi connectivity for sharing information via personal devices to television monitors. President Carolyn W. Meyers described the unveiling of CREATE as a piv- otal moment for JSU and its educational stakeholders. “No kids deserve an old education. This is the 21st century. This is a different world, and these are the people who are going to solve the problems,” she said, adding that the universi- ty must do the very best it can to prepare students for the future. Dr. Robert Blaine, special assistant to the provost for Cyberlearning, says CREATE’S technologically advanced ecosystem is a journey to new discover- ies, opportunities and knowledge. Blaine says another crucial benefit is that digital textbooks will cost signifi- DR. INGRAD SMITH cantly less for students. Associate dean, College of Education and Human Development SGA President Keonte Turner, a native of Benton Harbor, Mich., says CRE- ATE is innovative and has the potential to boost the learning experience at JSU. “It’s really pivotal for the trends of learning today,” the senior biology/pre-med major said. Turner envisions that cyberlearning will change the physical and digital land- scape of the university for years to come by continually boosting student enroll- ment. He says he hopes technology will germinate throughout the campus to “cultivate and develop the growth of our students as one university.” CREATE officially opened Thursday, Sept. 10.

12 | jacksonian | cover story | CREATE CYBERLEARNING DIGITAL REVOLUTION MOBILIZES STUDENTS, FACULTY

By SHELIA BYRD

ith iPads and smartphones in hand, a have visited the campus to see firsthand how technol- group of freshmen roam from paintings ogy has been immersed in the curriculum. to sculptures, snapping photos of the ex- Apple Inc. has recognized JSU as an Apple Distin- Whibits at Gallery1. guished School for 2013-2015. The designation is re- The art gallery located across from Jackson State served for institutions that meet criteria for innovation, University’s main campus was one feature of the stu- leadership and educational excellence, and demonstrate dents’ class assignment. The other was the digital device a clear vision of exemplary learning environments. they used to record their experience and research the artists whose works were on display. FACULTY-BASED INNOVATE CENTER Michael Minor held up his university-issued iPad This spring, JSU held the grand opening for IN- and recorded video of paintings by Danny Simmons. NOVATE. The pristine space located on the ground Minor said he would also use the device to find out floor of the H.T. Sampson Library is described as a more about Simmons, an abstract expressionist painter one-stop shop for the creation and dissemination of whose artwork features bright strokes of red and maize. digital content. CREATE, the student counterpart “I’m recording how I react to these exhibits,” said to INNOVATE, opened this fall. Minor, who was working on an assignment in his Uni- Inside INNOVATE, four Department of Music fac- versity Success class. “My iPad helps me create layers. It’s ulty members sat at a table, interviewing prospective not like all I’m doing is writing about this experience.” student musicians via Skype and a Mondopad. Minor and the other students are part of what’s be- Joycelyn Todd, a Stillman College senior who’s come a transformative, digital learning environment applying for graduate school at JSU, played three se- at JSU. Examples of the university’s digital conversion lections for the group. She later said performing via can be found in nearly every corner of the campus. Skype helped calm her nerves because otherwise “I’d Technology, specifically the use of mobile devices, is be shaking in my shoes if I was doing this in person.” the key, said Dr. Robert Blaine, JSU’s special assistant Dr. Darcie Bishop, former interim chair of the De- to the provost for Cyberlearning. partment of Music and current interim associate dean “Technology allows us to find information faster, of the Division of Graduate Studies, said the technol- but the 21st-century world requires that we actually ogy has the potential to change the way students are turn that information into knowledge,” said Blaine. recruited and retained. “Technology builds a capacity for healthy skepticism “We are able to audition music students in real of accepted wisdom. It prompts us to dig deeper, to time from other locales, thus broadening our reach. look for primary sources and first-person accounts. It The opportunity to hear them perform, talk to them takes us on a process of discovery and challenges us to and ask them to play particular passages assists us in use language and images precisely.” grasping a better sense of how they will fit into our JSU has emerged as a national leader when it comes musical environment,” Bishop said. to this learning approach. Representatives from other institutions, including Auburn and Jacksonville State,

jacksonian | 13 | cover story |

“It’s exciting to imagine that our current students, That’s all changed for him. with this technology, have the opportunity to partici- “I was fairly average in high school compared to pate in real-time master classes with professionals and here. I wasn’t nearly as serious about education as I students from other colleges and universities without am now. In my spare time, I’m writing applications ever leaving our INNOVATE lab,” she said. that could be used on mobile devices,” said Martin, The Cyberlearning Strategy began with the 2012 who has a 4.0 GPA. implementation of a scholarship program that provides Martin also credits mobile devices with helping him iPads to all first-time, full-time freshmen. Faculty de- earn an internship with the Boeing Co. velopment has been integral to the development of the “As I was waiting for the interview to begin, I decid- strategy. JSU educators who participated in the Global ed to look up information about software life cycles Inquiry Faculty Teaching Seminar (GIFTS) developed on my iPhone. As soon as I went into the interview, customized multi-touch books and iTunesU courses that was one of the questions she asked me,” Martin with the goal of creating active learning environments. said. “It definitely gave me an edge.” Now, a group of faculty is at work redeveloping the entire General Education core, Blaine said. HIGHER LEVEL OF ENGAGEMENT Dr. Nola Radford, a professor and clinical supervisor STUDENT-BASED CREATE CENTER in the College of Public Service, School of Health Sci- “The new curriculum will coincide with the opening ences, Communicative Disorders, said mobile devices of Create, which is the center for project-based learn- allow her to engage her students on a higher level than ing. With the opening of Create and the redesign of the in a traditional lecture format. curriculum, which happens through INNOVATE, we Radford created a project that required students to will have created a complete digital learning ecosystem investigate classic cases of child abuse neglect over the and will be the first in the country to do so,” Blaine said. past several decades and then determine how technol- “We’ll be a model for the rest of the nation.” ogy and new pedagogy in the field of speech pathology For Dr. Ingrad Smith, associate dean in the College might have informed those cases. of Education and Human Development, the digital “I chose a classic psychological study that most revolution has expanded the boundaries of her classes. people use in their classes. We used smartphones Smith recently co-edited a digital textbook, Global and tablets to look up information and immediately Competency. A chapter in her book is about the black these YouTube clips came up. The documentaries let market sale of infants in other countries. “The tech- us investigate the actual doctors who were involved in nology allows us to reach out to universities in those the case. Now, we have the names and dates, and we countries and have discussions with them about what’s were able to gather all of that within hours,” said Jalisa actually occurring with the baby trade,” she said. Greer, a first-year graduate student who completed Another project underway in Smith’s University Radford’s project. Success class is a good example of how technology Dr. Everett Neasman, who specializes in British lit- allows students to create new knowledge, Blaine said. erature, views the technology as a tool to bring other “The students were studying the history of the uni- parts of the world into the classroom. Neasman wrote versity and decided to create their own video documen- Shakespeare’s Tragedies, Global Awareness through Dra- tary about the 1970 police shooting of two young black matic Lenses, a multi-touch book that uses Hamlet, men on the campus,” Blaine said. “They’re building King Lear, Macbeth and Othello to discuss foreign re- their own knowledge through project-based learning. lations, interdisciplinary thought and cross-cultural They’re producing the documentary themselves on all studies. During a trip to China in 2013, Neasman used the events surrounding the shooting. They’re becoming his book at Nanjing University. historians. They are becoming writers.” He’s also created a blog about Shakespeare, which Luther Martin, a senior computer engineering major, allows his students to interact with students at Nanjing said he couldn’t imagine successfully completing his University. coursework without using digital devices. “The blog allows for an analysis of plays, such as “I use mathematical apps and an app that helps Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar, from a global you prepare for the GRE (Graduate Record Exam- perspective,” Neasman said. “A lot of what the iPad inations),” Martin said. “There was a point in time and technology do is supplement what teachers and when we were doing classwork without mobile devices. institutions have been doing for hundreds of thousands We didn’t know it was an inconvenience because we of years. It brings culture together.” didn’t know anything else.”

14 | jacksonian | cover story |

APPLE DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL NOVEMBER 3, 2014 The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and demonstrate Apple’s vision of exemplary learning environments. Jackson State is one of five public universities selected nationwide for this distinction.

www.jsums.edu Apple Distinguished School for 2013-2015 jacksonian || 15 | faculty/staff focus |

2014 presidential creative awards faculty, staff research proposals on the cutting edge

By SHELIA BYRD

he 2014 Presidential Creative Awards for Faculty and Staff features a number of intriguing projects, from the study of a plant’s effect in reducing breast cancer tumors, to the role personality plays in career choice to a plan to showcase Tthe “Green Corridor” on the JSU campus. President Carolyn W. Meyers, in announcing the Creative Awards winners, called the projects exceptional. Each of the 11 winning proposals received $5,000 in funding. “The Creative Awards program continues to be a vehicle to ignite innovative thinking. The proposals covered a variety of disciplines, and some of them have global implications,” Meyers said. “We will continue to look for ways to support the creative endeavors of our faculty and staff.” Other winning proposals will study iPad use among nontraditional students; will develop a GIS-based system to identify areas in Mississippi that are vulnerable to tornadoes; and will research the impact of skin color and hair texture on candidate evaluation. The strategic goal of the awards is to foster collaboration, innovation and creativity with a special emphasis on socio-cultural, health, behavioral, environmental, economic, educational, and technological issues. The projects also engage students in research methodology to develop their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Duanjun Lu, Ph.D., assistant Yu-Chun Kuo, an assistant Carolyn Howard, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of professor of Instructional professor in the Department Physics, Atmospheric Sciences Design and Development in the of Biology, proposed an inter- and Geoscience, proposed the School of Lifelong Learning, institutional collaboration development of a GIS-based proposed a project that aims between her breast cancer research decision support system to to increase nontraditional team and Dr. Shehla Pervin, an examine tornado hazards and risks students’ motivation to learn with assistant professor at Charles in Mississippi. Students will be iPads and shape their attitudes Drew University of Medicine and responsible for data collection, toward mobile learning; explore Science in Los Angeles. Howard’s result analysis and product nontraditional students’ learning project will study the full effect presentation. experiences with Apple apps in vernonia amygdalina (VA), an collaborative team learning and African plant, has on mammary explore the effect of apps and cancer stem cells (MCSC). instructor support on students’ Specifically, the study will examine learning achievements. whether pre-treatment with VA will reduce the number of MCSC-induced xenografts in nude mice.

16 | jacksonian | faculty/staff focus |

Gwendolyn Catchings, DBA, HuiRu Shih, Ph.D., professor Natarajan Meghanathan, Ph.D., D’Andra Orey, Ph.D., a PHR, assistant professor in the in the Department of associate professor in the professor in the Department Management and Marketing Technology, proposed Department of Computer of Political Science, proposed Department, proposed “A the creation of a remote Science, proposed the “Design “The Impact of Skin Color Pilot Study: The Personality laboratory to extend the and Development of a Local and Hair Texture on Major Career Project ‘Know traditional hands-on access to Spectrum Knowledge- Candidate Evaluation.” Orey Thyself…Chart Thy Future.’ labs and test instrumentation based Minimal Channel said scholars know little about ” The project aims to assist over the Internet. The project Switch Routing Protocol whether African-American freshmen undecided majors will deal with remote access for Cognitive Radio Ad females’ natural hairstyles in choosing an appropriate to real lab instruments using hoc Networks.” He expects influence political cognition major and career path based on computer and network cognitive radios to be the next and behavior and specifically personality type. technology. wave of wireless computing to if hairstyle affects vote choice. exploit the licensed, wireless The project will examine spectrum and maximize the whether Afrocentric hairstyles efficiency of channel usage. enhance negative stereotypes.

Keith Collins, manager of Glenda Windfield, Ed.D., Alamgir Hossain, Ph.D., Evornia Kincaid, Ed.D., JSUTV, Heather Wilcox, assistant professor, Special associate professor in the assistant professor in the neighborhood development Education in the College Department of Chemistry, Department of Elementary assistant, Center for of Education and Human proposed the “Development and Early Childhood University Development, Development, Tracy Harris, of Molecular Sensors for Education, proposed the Marlin King, assistant director Ed.D., associate professor, Environmentally Relevant “Interdisciplinary Teacher of projects and construction Elementary Education in the Anions.” The research will Education Course Lab management in the College of Education and focus on the development Approach to Increase Department of Facilities and Human Development and of new molecular sensors Pre-Service Education Construction Management, Brandi Newkirk-Turner, Ph.D., for selective binding Teachers’ Graduation Rate and Mukesh Kumar, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, assistant professor, and recognition of at an HBCU.” The research interim director of Urban and Communicative Disorders, environmentally important project lab is designed to Regional Planning programs, College of Public Service, anionic species. There are improve passing rates on the proposed the creation of proposed a collaborative several anions that have certification tests and improve a digital simulation of the project that examines the adverse effects on both the graduation preparation for campus’ “Green Corridor” role of teacher preparation environment and health. education majors. featuring a rain garden. programs in the clinical experiences.

jacksonian | 17 | faculty/staff focus |

bridges and ocean-going ships. The potential savings to consumers and industry is incalculable. “Just consider a company that cleans rust from the bottoms of huge ships. The ship must be pulled from the water, chemicals applied and then scraped. It takes a very long time and is very labor-intensive and costly,” Cohly said. When the gas developed by Cohly and his colleagues is applied to a corroded surface, the rust falls off, particle by particle. “There is no scraping, and you can then just vacuum up the rust that has fallen off,” he said. Colleagues also named on the patent include Bharat Subodh of India, Dr. Ra- Dr. Kamal S. Ali’s patent is for a system that Dr. Hari Cohly’s patent is for a new method of jendram V. Rajnarayanan, of East Amherst, monitors and evaluates unmanned aerial vehicles. removing and preventing rust. N.Y., and Hui Chu Tsai of Singapore. A native of India, Cohly holds a bache- lor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Toronto and a master’s and Ph.D. in mi- PATENT POWER crobiology from the State University of New 2 PROFESSORS NOTED FOR INVENTIONS York at Buffalo. He has done post-doctoral work at the University of Toronto, Baylor By SHELIA BYRD AND BETTE PEARCE College of Medicine and NASA (Johnson Space Center) in Texas. wo Jackson State University professors A copy of the system was delivered to the Dr. Loretta Moore, vice president for Re- have been awarded patents for their U.S. Air Force last December. search and Federal Relations, said universi- Tgroundbreaking work in the fields of “I’ve been working on this for five years. ty officials are excited about both projects. engineering and biology. When I came to JSU, I started doing re- “Dr. Ali and Dr. Cohly are very passionate Dr. Kamal S. Ali, a computer engineering search with unmanned aerial vehicles,” Ali about innovation, and we are proud of their professor, has been awarded a patent for his said. “It actually flies the plane inside the achievements,” she said. “We are thrilled Hardware in the Loop Simulator (HILS) computer. You can look at the plane and to be able to support our faculty, staff and for small autopilots used in unmanned aerial tell how it’s flying. If it crashes, you can just students through the process, from idea to vehicles or drones, and Dr. Hari Cohly, asso- reset and do it again.” invention to commercialization.” ciate professor of biology, has been named Ali received his Master of Science in En- an inventor on a patent for a new method gineering from West Virginia University, of removing and preventing rust. Morgantown, W. Va., and his Ph.D. in Sol- The work by the two men has wide-rang- id State Physics from Reading University, ing implications for both commercial and Reading, England. Through its Technology Transfer military applications. and Commercialization unit, Jackson RUST State University facilitates the DRONES Cohly, an associate professor of biology, invention disclosure and patent Ali’s HILS combines the best of software says the patented technology developed to application process and provides both flexibility and hardware accuracy, providing both prevent and remove rust employs a technical and financial support to the user with a powerful and realistic eval- hydrogen-based gas. It is economical to pro- ensure that the intellectual property uation tool. The system allows the user to duce, non-invasive, environmentally friend- rights to inventions are protected. compare how a plane is flying under differ- ly and can be mass-produced. The process For more information about the ent autopilots and weather conditions. The could revolutionize numerous industries patent application process, contact project is a collaboration of JSU and the U.S. that now must rely on current costly and the university’s intellectual property Army Research Laboratory. Ali teamed with labor-intensive rust removal methods, as manager, Almesha L. Campbell, at student Justin Shumaker, who currently on well as prevent corrosion on objects ranging (601) 979-1815. works for the Army Research Laboratory. from small tools to automobiles, massive

18 | jacksonian | academics |

POLLING ILLUMINATES ISSUES SURROUNDING GUN CONTROL, POLICE RELATIONS, VOTER ID By JIM EWING The Jackson State University Poll- four times as likely to report being verbally abused or profiled ing Center has released national sur- by police than those 65-plus. vey results on a number of issues of Trust in the Judiciary: While only 66 percent of Ameri- interest, including gun control, police cans had strong trust in police departments, only 55.6 percent relations, trust in the judicial system, could say they had strong trust in the judicial system of courts, and voter identification requirements. prosecutors and judges. Only 38.6 percent of African-Amer- Among them: icans had trust in the system (48.6 percent for Hispanics; Gun Control: Nearly 50 percent 61.9 percent among whites). of respondents feel that government Voter ID: Only 18.6 percent of respondents suggested Otha Burton, executive is encroaching on the Second voter fraud is very serious in the United States. Another 11.9 director of the Institute of Government Amendment right to carry and percent felt that it was not serious at all. Most fell between own firearms. A significant major- the extremes (57.8 percent) and suggested that voter fraud ity of respondents (88.7 percent) feel they have a right to was somewhat serious or not very serious. use a firearm in their home against an intruder. Nearly 30 The Polling Center operates under the auspices of the percent nationally feel that tensions in places like Ferguson, Jackson State University Institute of Government. The Insti- Mo., would be lessened with more gun control legislation tute serves and assists small-to-mid-size urban and regional in place. However, while 7.2 percent believe there should communities. be no controls on gun ownership, 79 percent support some The Institute of Government provides synergy that is licensing or restrictions on certain arms like assault rifles. channeled to meet service needs through community ser- Police Relations: Just short of one-half of all respondents vice and engagement, leadership development, training and (47.6 percent) agreed with the statement: “Based on all that education, and research and consulting. I know or have heard, African-Americans are justified when they report fearing the police.” Stop and frisk policies were METHODOLOGY: The poll sampled opinions of 900 approximately supported by 68.1 percent of whites surveyed but only 38.6 proportional to state populations nationwide. The survey was conducted September 1-9, 2014. All surveys were conducted using percent of African-Americans. Younger respondents are sig- an online survey instrument. The poll has a +/- 3.5 percent margin of nificantly less likely to feel positively (57.4 percent) toward error at a 95 percent confidence level on composite basis. local police than those 40-64 years of age (73 percent) and 65-plus (80.9 percent). Younger respondents are three to

jacksonian | 19 | alumni focus |

JSU GRAD JAMES MINOR NAMED DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY U.S. DEPT. OF EDUCATION By JIM EWING

ackson State University alumnus Dr. James T. Minor has Particularly, he said, he is grateful for “the leadership devel- advanced to a top U.S. Department of Education post in opment and opportunities at Jackson State,” and “the shared JWashington, D.C., as deputy assistant secretary for higher experience with students from different backgrounds — many education programs. of them the first to attend college.” Minor, 40, JSU Class of ’96, had previously served as senior Those JSU experiences have stayed with him, he said, since program officer and director of higher education programs for these are the students he is trying to reach in his new job: those the Southern Education Foundation in Atlanta, Ga. coming to a college or university for the first time, often from He said he’s excited about the new post, which provides overall a diverse and perhaps disadvantaged background. Outreach leadership and administration of grants for institutions and to such students and ensuring they receive a quality education other federal programs that promote equal access to — and is essential, he believes. excellence in — postsecondary education. Minor received his bachelor of science degree at JSU in so- “One of the things I’m most excited about in assuming this ciology, a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lin- post is I believe the leadership exhibited by this administration coln, and his Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy at the is unprecedented,” he said of the Barack Obama administration. University of Wisconsin-Madison. “I absolutely think it’s unprecedented as far as access, afford- He was tapped by the Obama administration to fill the ability and degree completion in postsecondary education.” post in June. Minor grew up in Detroit but came South for higher education at Jackson State, mainly due to affordability. But he said it left a lasting impact on him.

20 | jacksonian | alumni focus |

Librarian extraordinaire Smithsonian appointment opens new chapter

By BETTE PEARCE lumna Shauna Collier has been chosen to supervise would satisfy her appetite for research. “I always loved li- one of the most prestigious libraries in the nation, the braries, and I practically lived in libraries, but it wasn’t books ASmithsonian Institution’s new National Museum of themselves so much as it was finding answers,” Collier said. African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. After graduating from JSU in 1986, she spent 10 years The $500 million museum, under construction on the working as a marketing executive for a publishing company National Mall, is to open in 2015. Until then, Collier and in Atlanta and California. other museum staffers are working from the current Afri- After reading an article about how today’s libraries are can-American gallery in the American History museum. transforming into high-tech research centers, she wrote to The library is the first within a Smithsonian museum that the American Library Association to learn what is required will be accessible to the public. Collier will develop, manage to be a librarian. After earning her master’s degree in library and lead the library staff and serve as an expert in information and information studies from the University of Alabama, research in the history and culture of African-Americans. she held positions at a museum in Atlanta and at a library in “The library will share space with the museum archives and Savannah, Ga., before being hired as librarian for the Smith- house roughly 20,000 volumes in a core sonian’s Anacostia Community Museum collection of print resources,” Collier said. in Washington, D.C. Later, she became a “The collection will include the major top- librarian for the Stone Center for Black ics in African-American studies, but I’m History and Culture at the University of especially excited about family history and North Carolina at Chapel Hill. genealogy.” Collier had been at UNC for five years Interest in family histories among Af- when she learned the position of supervi- rican-Americans continues to grow, and sory librarian for the new African-Ameri- providing assistance in genealogy research can museum was open. “It was my dream will be a component of the new library, job, so I applied even though I really didn’t Collier said. think I would get it.” She was hired in De- The new Smithsonian museum was de- cember 2013. signed by renowned African-American ar- Dr. Robert Luckett, director of Jack- chitect Phil Freelon of Durham, N.C., who son State University’s Margaret Walker also designed the Mississippi Civil Rights Center, said the museum and Collier’s ap- Museum being constructed in Jackson that pointment is exciting for those who care is scheduled to open in 2017. passionately about African-American history. The fact that a For the 49-year-old Collier, the Smithsonian appointment JSU graduate is heading the leadership team “is a great honor means she’s moved into her “dream job,” as the local library for her and makes all of us at JSU proud,” Luckett added. was her favorite place growing up in Clarksdale, Miss. “Her role there will be vital, her work will be incredibly Collier studied marketing at JSU, which she thought important.”

jacksonian | 21 | alumni focus |

Vivian Brown visits the JSU Digital Media Center to provide hands-on lessons to meteorology students.

22 || jacksonian | alumni focus | A Sunny Forecast Weather Channel veteran and JSU alum celebrates meteorology program’s progress

sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday o o o o o o o 82 82 79 75 76 84 80

By SHELIA BYRD ivian Brown, a groundbreaking meteorologist top alums because of her accomplishments, and she was on The Weather Channel, says she spearheaded selected to serve as the Founders’ Day speaker in October Va project to feature Jackson State University on 2013. Soon after that visit to the campus, Brown began the national broadcast because she’s impressed with the pushing for a feature on the meteorology program. progress that’s been made in Jackson State University’s “It was my vision to highlight the entire meteorology meteorology program. program. I was glad to see the university has made so Brown, a 1986 graduate of JSU, returned to the campus much progress in embracing the broadcasting curriculum with a film crew in February for a Black History Month as it relates to meteorology, just as other universities across special about JSU that aired on The Weather Channel the country have done,” she said. that month. Beginning in 1975, JSU was the only historically black “At this time, Jackson State educates a quarter of the college or university offering a meteorology program. black meteorologists in the country,” Brown said. “I want- Today, students in the program have access to meteoro- ed the world to know that what Jackson State offers and logical observing equipment, computing platforms and delivers is as good as, if not better, than any other insti- laboratories. They also have WeatherVision, a service tution in the country.” located at the Mississippi e-Center @JSU that provides Brown said when she was a student some 30 years ago, weathercasts to more than 100 stations nationwide. the meteorology program was strictly science-based, with The site is the perfect training ground for future broad- no broadcast emphasis. She said all of her classes focused cast meteorologists. While in Jackson, Brown offered ad- on physics, atmospheric science and math. She wanted vice to meteorology students on how to deliver forecasts to go into research and become a forecaster, perhaps, for in front of the green screen at WeatherVision. the National Weather Service. Instead, during a visit to “I can’t describe how great it was to meet Ms. Brown. Atlanta for a senior-year project, she found out about “a She’s been an inspiration to me ever since I decided I new company that was going to have 24-hour weather,” wanted to be a meteorologist,” said Lenetta Mallory, a she said. freshman from Landover, Md., who was featured in the Brown began her career at The Weather Channel in JSU segment that aired on The Weather Channel. 1986 as a forecaster in its Global Forecast Center. She Kantave Greene, an instructor in the meteorology pro- was responsible for analyzing current weather conditions, gram, said Brown “represents the aspirations of many interpreting radar and creating graphics for the network. African-Americans who dream of becoming a meteo- In 1988, she moved into the role of on-camera mete- rologist and provides hope to those wishing of having a orologist, becoming the first African-American female successful career as a broadcast meteorologist.” in the position. For years, JSU has touted her among its Meteorology Program looks forward to 40th anniversary In September, visiting Jackson State University alumni netted the university more than $2 million in grant funding. employed with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric As well, JSU’s program has produced 30 percent of the Administration (NOAA) started planning for next year’s national weather service African-American meteorologists. 40th anniversary celebration of the JSU meteorology program. Eighty-four students have graduated from JSU and work Over the years, the commitment between JSU and the in various fields, including The Weather Channel. NOAA Center for Atmospheric Sciences (NCAS) has

jacksonian || 23 | campus to community |

$589K HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT WILL PREPARE STUDENTS FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CAREERS ackson State University has won a $589,000 Scien- two phases. The first primarily will go toward developing tific Leadership Award from the U.S. Department of new courses – including remote sensing and social media JHomeland Security to bolster its Emergency Manage- technologies – as well as upgrading laboratories. The sec- ment Technology program. The grant will fund collabo- ond phase will increase recruitment and exposure of the rative interdisciplinary efforts to promote and encourage EMT program as well as continue to strengthen ties with undergraduate students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the Department of Homeland Security Coastal Hazards Homeland Security-related Science, Technology, Engi- Center of Excellence (DHSCOE) housed at JSU. neering and Mathematics (HS-STEM) field. The EMT Yuan said he was especially grateful for all the support program is designed to ensure that students have the skills from the dean’s office DHSCOE Director Dr. Robert needed to manage a crisis. Whalin and team members Dr. F.C. Dancer and Dr. April “This is a team effort, in collaboration with different Tanner of the Computer Science Department; Dr. H.R. departments,” said Technology Department Professor Shih and Dr. Jessica Murphy of the Technology Depart- Dr. Pao-Chiang Yuan, Ph.D., principal investigator for ment; and Dr. Duanjun Lu of the Physics Department. the grant. The EMT program was approved in fall 2010 and began To be spread over five years, the SLA grant for Minority admitting students in spring 2011. Serving Institutions Granting Bachelor Degrees will fund

JACKSON STATE HOSTS INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND BIOMEDICAL SYMPOSIA By ERIC STRINGFELLOW

ore than 20 countries were “The media have a short attention span. It will be on to represented at the 11th In- something else next week. You have been doing this for a Mternational Symposium on very long time, and we thank you for that,” Renick said. Recent Advances in Environmental Dr. Paul Tchounwou, a presidential distinguished professor Health Research and the 13th Inter- and associate dean of the College of Science, Engineer- national Symposium on Metal Ions ing and Technology, was the key organizer and chair of in Biology and Medicine, hosted by the symposia. “The conference’s overarching objective is Jackson State University. the continued promotion of interdisciplinary discussions Dr.Paul Tchounwou, associate dean, College of The four-day conference was held and international scientific collaborations and to increase Science, Engineering and at the Jackson Convention Com- awareness of key environmental and public health issues Technology plex in September.. facing the global community,” he said. Dr. James C. Renick, provost and For the past decade the symposium has been an important senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, platform for sharing major contributions to global research greeted attendees saying, “We are glad you are here. I am and education in environmental science, biomedicine and delighted to see so many students and faculty. I want to public health. welcome our visitors from around the world.” More than 50 invited speakers presented; poster ses- Renick cited the recent media attention to the Ebola sions for faculty and professional students and another virus in thanking the scientists and researchers for their for students were held; and more than 200 abstracts were long-term work. submitted.

24 | jacksonian | campus to community |

Danny Simmons Jr. reads from his book, I Dreamed My People Were Calling But I Couldn’t Find My Way Home.

‘I Dreamed My People Were Calling’ Gallery1 hosts Simmons exhibit, reading aniel “Danny” Simmons Jr., renowned painter, poet and art impresario, visited Gallery1 at Jackson State University in February in conjunction with a solo exhibition of his work, I Dreamed My People Were Calling But I Couldn’t Find My Way Home. D Along with the series of original paintings and digital artwork created over the course of eight years, pieces from Simmons’ personal collection of Central and West African art were on display. Simmons, the brother of hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and rapper Joseph Simmons, known as “Rev. Run” of Run-D.M.C. fame, also is a writer. During his visit, he signed copies of his books, including I Dreamed My People Were Calling But I Couldn’t Find My Way Home and Three Days As The Crow Flies, a fictional account of the 1980s New York art scene. Guests also had the opportunity to engage with Simmons in a one-on-one dialogue during “Conversations with the Artist and Poetry Reading.”

Like Fine Wine

Jackson State University’s Department of Speech Communications and Theater presented the play “Like Fine Wine,” a story about dreams that never die, this fall at the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium. The story revolves around Caleb “Sax” Sanders, a blue-collar cab driver from Memphis, who was once on the brink of breaking into the business as a famous jazz musician. Life threw him a curveball, and he was forced to put his dreams on hold. An old friend visits him on his 50th birthday and sees a once-renowned musician a shell of his former self. Is it too late for Caleb to pursue his once-deferred dream? Or will be he content with memories and what-ifs? Prince Duren, a 2009 Jackson State University graduate who is now a visiting instructor at the university, wrote the play. Duren received a bachelor’s degree in mass communications at JSU and a master of fine arts at the University of Arkansas.

jacksonian | 25 | campus to community |

U.S. Rep. Alan Nunnelee visits with JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers and The Washington connection students. Congressman visits campus

.S. Rep. Alan Nunnelee, R-Miss., paid W. Meyers updated Nunnelee about the a visit to Jackson State University, progress JSU had made since the Ayers Ustopping in a liberal arts classroom college desegregation settlement, including and touring the Veteran’s Services Center, the expansion of engineering programs and Community College Relations Office, the plans for a School of Public Health. Meyers College of Engineering, Science and Tech- also touted JSU’s designation as an Apple nology and the INNOVATE Cyberlearning Distinguished School, one of only five such Center. higher education institutions in the country, “I want to know what’s going on here. I and discussed how the university is emerg- want to know what your challenges are and ing as a national leader when it comes to how I can help,” Nunnelee said. cyberlearning. During the visit, JSU President Carolyn

26 | jacksonian | campus to community |

‘ARTISTIC INTENSITY’ College of Liberal Arts promotes inaugural visual and performing arts series

he Jackson State University College of Liberal Arts Photographs documented courtroom proceedings kicked off its 2013-2014 Get Ready for Artistic In- during one of the trials of the infamous case in 1933 Ttensity Visual and Performing Arts Series last fall. Alabama. Also on exhibit was art by Daniel “Danny” The inaugural series brought to Jackson an array of Simmons Jr., the co-founder of Def Poetry Jam, who high-caliber professional visual and performing artists visited campus for a reading and book signing. from around the world. Nine signature events —cover- The series also featured a performance byStep ing music, dance, art, photography, theater and lecture Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the —along with related performances and exhibits by JSU tradition of stepping, and music from Grammy-nomi- faculty and students, were scheduled from September nated Imani Winds, one of the most successful chamber through April at JSU’s Rose E. McCoy Auditorium, music ensembles in the U.S. Black Violin, another group art galleries and venues on campus. offering a blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B and The series opened with Horizon Realm: Contempo- bluegrass music, made an appearance, too. Springtime rary Art from Taiwan. brought a favorite event, Jazz on the Plaza, to the campus. Painting, sculpture, installation, video and photogra- The series also bought journalist and civil rights ac- phy by 10 Taiwanese artists emphasized contemporary tivist Charlayne Hunter-Gault to campus for the 2014 issues facing Taiwanese society. Scottsboro Boys: Outside Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Convocation. the Protective Circle of Humanity, The Fred Hiroshige

Grammy-nominated Imani Winds appears at Jackson State University as part of the inaugural Get Ready for Artistic Intensity Visual and Performing Arts Series.

jacksonian || 27 | sports |

‘MAGIC’ LIVES UP TO NICKNAME By JIM EWING

Basketball legend and successful entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson “When everybody else was at the club, I was giving my time in lived up to his nickname during a visit to Jackson State University, cast- practice,” he told them. So when the game day came, he was on the ing a spell on audiences of students, faculty and staff for several hours. court, not the bench. Johnson held a series of meetings, including one with students, His most heartfelt moment came while meeting with students at at the College of Business where he shared secrets to his business Rose E. McCoy auditorium. success and urged them to take a chance on themselves. In answer to a Twitter question from #MagicAtJSU on @Jack- “Celebrity hurt me,” he said. “Ten banks turned me down.” sonStateU, he said the hardest thing he ever had to do in his life was The bankers only wanted his autograph and to have their pictures drive home and tell his wife who was pregnant with his son at the taken with him. “He knows basketball,” Johnson said they thought time that he was HIV positive. Watching her cry, he said, “was the of him, but questioned “can he run a business?” worst moment of my life.” He admitted that he had to learn how to be a businessman but has He said his wife Cookie reared back and gave him a “Mike Tyson”- now built Starbucks and TGI Friday’s franchises, movie theaters, like punch — hard! — and then said, “We’re going to beat this.” food distributing companies, a television network, a $1 billion real They got on their knees and prayed. estate fund, a media company and other businesses. That was 23 years ago, he said, and each day is a blessing to him. “You have to know what you don’t know,” he said, to be successful. It’s important to “protect yourself ” and “educate your partner,” he Hire people “who are smarter than you” to do the things they know said. how to do. Research what could form a successful business and In answer to another question, he said: “Changing urban America, execute your plan. putting people of color to work and showing that we can be success- His businesses are aimed at minorities in urban areas where there ful, that’s important to me.” is demand but little competition. African-Americans have $1 trillion “You should be happy,” he told the students. He was the first per- in spending power, as do Latinos, he said. son in his family to go to college, he said, like many in the audience. “If I can do what I did, you can do it, too,” he said. Pointing to JSU President Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers and others, he Everywhere he went, students wanted to take “selfies” with him — said everyone on that stage was there to help them. “You’ve got to and he obliged them. take advantage of this opportunity at this university.” At the Walter Payton Recreation & Wellness Center, he met with “And when you get out, be a great alum, give money,” he said, so oth- student athletes and gave them advice on how to excel in sports — a ers can have that opportunity for an education and a better life, too. subject he also knows well as a former member of the “Dream Team” that won the 1992 Gold Medal in the Olympics. Among his tips: “The best athletes are the hardest workers in practice,” he said.

28 | jacksonian | sports |

JSU TOPS IN ACADEMICS FOR SWAC ATHLETES By JIM EWING

Jackson State University led the list with the number of SWAC institutions that has excelled across the board. It has student-athletes maintaining a 3.0-plus GPA in the South- an institutional average APR rating of 960 with the second west Athletic Conference while competing in their respective highest football and men’s basketball ratings in the league. sports, according conference officials. The Division I Board of Directors recognized the unique Four SWAC member institutions had more than 120 struggles of limited resource institutions and amended the student-athletes represented on the SWAC All-Academic benchmarks for APR compliance. The SWAC has since Team for their academic prowess. Jackson State University stepped in to help members meet the new requirements. led the group with 173, followed closely by Alabama State Included in the league’s initiatives is an APR Task Force University (158), Mississippi Valley State University (135) created in August 2012. Its 12 members are athletic direc- and Prairie View A&M University (126). tors, senior woman administrators, compliance officers, Despite previous difficulties with academic progress rates, faculty athletic representatives, and academic advisors. JSU has been steadily improving over the past four years in GradesFirst, a web-based student performance monitoring football and made great strides in men’s basketball. software system, also was provided to all 10 SWAC insti- The feat is no small one considering some very sobering tutions. The application allows academic advisors, admin- national statistics. istrators, and faculty to communicate and provide student A study released by the NCAA late last year showed only services. 61 percent of African-American male student-athletes who In coordination with the NCAA, SWAC also distributes entered college in 2005 successfully graduated within six information about grants and programs available to help years, a stark comparison to the 81 percent of white stu- bring institutions into compliance. dent-athletes who graduated in the same time. And while The All-Academic Team is representative of the SWAC’s the graduation success rates have increased across the board, progress in increasing training and focusing its shift toward a disparaging gap remains. the academic success of its student-athletes. The NCAA’s new policies mandate that programs carry over a 930 APR rating in order to be eligible for NCAA championships by 2015-16. Jackson State is one of the

jacksonian | 29 |giving back |

RECITAL HALL NAMED IN HONOR OF DR. JIMMIE JAMES JR. By ERIC STRINGFELLOW

The generosity of Jimmie and Carrie James has been memorialized by Jackson State University through the naming of the Recital Hall in the F.D. Hall Music Center in Dr. Jimmie James Jr.’s honor. James served as chair of the Department of Music and as the voice of JSU’s marching band. The Jimmie James Jr. Recital Hall was formally dedicated recently during a ceremony at the Rose H. McCoy Auditorium. An overflow crowd of JSU administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, students, community supporters and friends attended the festivities. The university’s marching band—the Sonic Boom of the South—also performed. “I am very humbled by this entire experience of receiving the honorable recognition and having the recital hall named in my honor,” James said. “I will forever be grateful for having my name permanently and visibly displayed for others to see.” James and his wife endowed a scholarship which will be matched through university resources. Jackson State President Carolyn W. Meyers said the university’s tribute to James was fitting. “Dr. James, we are extremely proud that you have chosen to leave your indelible mark on this campus, and it is only fitting that the place where you spent most of your time nurturing students and making dreams come true will now bear your name,” Meyers said. James always will be fondly remembered as the voice of “the summa cum laude of bands,” — JSU’s Sonic Boom of the South. During his 43-year tenure at Jackson State, James also served as director of musical activities, coordinator of the Graduate Music Program, director of the concert band, assistant band director, and director of the brass ensemble. Dr. Deborah Barnes, interim dean of the JSU College of Liberal Arts, applauded James for his commitment to community. “I have come to know that Dr. James didn’t just work in the JSU community. He lives in the community in the Hemingway Circle area. And, he worships in the community, at Pearl Street A.M.E. Church. His legacy will always be a part of our com- munity. And for that, the College of Liberal Arts is eternally grateful.” James received an undergraduate degree in music education from JSU where he was the first tuba major and graduated cum laude. He received his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and his doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi. At USM he was the first African-American graduate in that program. The donation from the Jimmie and Carrie James Endowment will be matched dollar-for-dollar through the university’s Title III matching fund.

30 | jacksonian | in brief | University Highlights

Fall sees record Toyota Green Initiative Wireless initiative Call Me Mister gets enrollment gives car to JSU Athletics completed at Blackburn $1.3 million in funding

Jackson State University’s The JSU Athletics Jackson State University Clemson University’s Call student enrollment grew Department has a spiffy new donated 50 iPads to Me MISTER program 4.1 percent over last fall, energy-saving car thanks to Blackburn Middle School received $1.3 million continuing the university’s the Toyota Green Initiative. and completed an initiative from the W.K. Kellogg three-year growth trend, Painted green (of course!), to make the school wireless. Foundation of Battle which totals 6.6 percent. The the Toyota Prius liftback Blackburn Principal Creek, Mich., to collaborate enrollment of 9,508 students was delivered to JSU as Justin Green said JSU with Jackson State is its highest ever. part of the fifth year of administration, faculty and University to increase “This is significant for us. the Green Initiative. “We staff invested “time and the number of African- Our enrollment management will use the car mainly as support to make Blackburn American male teachers in team did a great job of a transportation vehicle Middle School a success. Mississippi K-8 classrooms. sharing our story. We are (for Sports Medicine staff Our school could be one of Jackson State University thankful for that, and we to take student-athletes to the top middle schools in has about 10 students are thankful that parents doctor appointments, etc.),” the nation.” enrolled in the program. and students are continuing said JSU Athletic Media Jackson Public Schools Funds will be used for to embrace the reality that Relations Manager Wesley Superintendent Cedrick tuition, books, professional Jackson State University Peterson. Gray called JSU a development and a summer is a great investment.” said It gets 600 miles to a tank, “trailblazer” in the city for leadership institute. President Carolyn W. he said, and switches from its efforts to bolster the Meyers. gas to electric by itself. This school, which became a JSU The freshman class, the newer model doesn’t require laboratory school in 2013. largest in the university’s being plugged into an outlet. history, has 1,202 students. “It’s self-generating,” he said, so it recharges itself.

Actor Danny Glover and hip-hop artist Common visit campus Actor Danny Glover and Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Common drew a large crowd of students and fans to JSU’s Rose E. McCoy Auditorium. The concert was part of the multi-city Nissan Truth Tour.

jacksonian | 31 | in brief |

Chemistry major earns JSU named top Student selected for State approves JSU to train neuroscience award military-friendly school Harvard conference K-12 administrators Anissa Butler, a junior chemistry major, Jackson State University George Tan, a senior The College of Education was recognized for her was designated a Top majoring in biology and and Human Development neuroscience research Military-Friendly University chemistry, was selected received state approval presentation at the annual in Military Advanced to participate in a health for an initiative to make Biomedical Research Education’s 2014 Guide to panel at the 2014 Harvard professional development Conference for Minority Military-Friendly Colleges & Project for the Asian and training more accessible to Students held in Nashville. Universities. International Relations K-12 administrators. It is the largest professional Tim Abrams is director Conference at Harvard Jackson State University conference of its kind. More of the JSU Veterans and University. is the only university in than 3,400 people attended. Military Center that provides Tan, a native of Malaysia, the state offering such a A total of 1,600 students services to improve and is a member of Jackson State program, said Dr. Ingrad participated in presentations enhance the success of University’s International Smith, associate dean in 12 sub-disciplines of the veterans, service members Student Association, The and interim chair of biomedical and behavioral and dependents. Blue and White Flash, Educational Leadership, sciences. and serves as director of who proposed the Online Butler, among 22 students Multicultural Student School Leadership Training awarded $250 for Involvement in the Student Initiative. presentations in the division Government Association. The program provides of neuroscience, plans to He was recognized as JSU’s online courses that school pursue an M.D./Ph.D. dual “Best International Student” principals and central office degree. of 2013. administrators can access in their buildings or in their homes. Dean Daniel Watkins said the program also serves as a recruitment tool for the college’s doctoral Educational Leadership program.

32 | jacksonian | in brief |

Collaboration with university in China expanding Jackson State University met with a delegation from Yangzhou University (YZU) in China to “deepen and widen” the JSU-YZU collaboration. Three areas for future collaborations were outlined: student training and exchange, faculty exchange and research. During the previous three summers, the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Education and Human Development jointly hosted two groups of scholars from Yangzhou for professional training and internships. Students from Yangzhou are also considering JSU for furthering their studies.

Engineering, science and technology programs receive accreditation The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology(ABET) accredited the computer engineering, civil and environmental engineering and computer science programs. The Association of Technology Management and Applied Engineering accredited the technology program. Dr. Richard Aló, dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, said the programs are relatively new. “This is a real hallmark to be able to get out and say that within a 10-year period we pulled off accreditation and a new stellar building that’s recognized for using green technology.” Dr. James C. Renick, provost and senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, said the accreditation assures students they’re getting a quality education. ABET accredits more than 3,100 applied science, computing, engineering and engineering technology programs at more than 670 colleges and universities in 24 countries worldwide.

JSU wins 2013 SWAC Soccer Championship Jackson State University claimed the 2013 Southwest Athletic Conference Soccer Tournament Championship with a 1-0 win over Alabama State at Houston Amateur Sports Park. Taylor Emerson finished with three saves, posting her third consecutive shutout for the tournament. She was named Most Valuable Player, finishing the three-game span with 12 saves. Sie’Yara Wells scored the game-winning goal during the 56th minute to hand JSU its second championship in program history. The last time JSU won the SWAC title was in 2010. Wells and Emerson joined teammates Kimberlie Hernandez, Alexandra Gautier, and Jalana Ellis on the all-tournament team.

jacksonian | 33 | in brief | Faculty/Staff Notes

Director of International Burks-Berry named interim director IHL lauds Dr. Robert Smith Programs appointed of Mississippi Learning Institute for community work Dr. Lokesh Shivakumaraiah is the new Amy Burks-Berry was named interim The Mississippi Board of Trustees of director of International Programs. He director of the Mississippi Learning State Institutions of Higher Learning oversees various ac- Institute, which works with local schools named Dr. Robert tivities, including and the America Reads Mississip- Smith its 2014 Com- faculty-led programs, pi-Ameri-Corps Program to improve munity Leader. international student outcomes in teaching For the past 16 scholars and the and student learning. years, the IHL Board International Visitor MLI was estab- has honored an Center. lished in 2001. Since individual from the Shivakumaraiah holds a master’s then, MLI has been state who has made degree in electrical engineering and a successful in improv- a difference in his or her community by doctorate in computer engineering from ing the performance working to enhance the quality of life for Mississippi State University. He worked of public school children from under- not only African-Americans, but for all in the industry designing electronic served populations on standardized tests citizens of the state. chips before pursuing his other passion by creating innovative pedagogies and Smith serves as chairman of the — working with student affairs and instructional methods. advisory board for the Margaret Walker international students. Shivakumaraiah Burks-Berry has bachelor and master Center and as an associate physician at was named MSU’s Division of Student degrees in reading education from JSU JSU. The parkway that connects JSU Affairs Outstanding Professional of the and a certificate in Leadership Develop- to downtown Jackson was renamed for Year in 2010 and received the Missis- ment from Mississippi State University. Smith in 2011 to pay tribute to his work sippi World Trade Center Excellence in as a medical pioneer and his courage as a International Education Award in 2011. Burton elected president civil rights activist. of JPS Board of Trustees Retired professor’s donation leads Dr. Otha Burton Jr., executive director Professor one of 30 recipients to $100K endowed scholarship of the Institute of Government at of worldwide award from India Dr. Richard Sullivan, retired chairman Jackson State University, was elected Dr. Paresh Ray was named one of of the Chemistry Department, presented president of the Jackson Public Schools 30 recipients worldwide of the Mahat- a $50,000 check to establish the Richard Board of Trustees through the end of the ma Gandhi Pravasi and Hursie Davis 2013-2014 school year. Samman 2014 Award. Sullivan Endowed Burton was first The award recognizes Scholarship Fund, elected to the board outstanding service, which will support in 2010. In 2013, he contribution and students in the Chem- was named execu- achievement by Indi- istry and Biochemis- tive director of the an-born professionals try departments. The Institute of Govern- who live and work endowment will increase to $100,000 ment. Prior to that, outside of India. through Jackson State University’s Title he served as chair of Ray and his team of researchers in III Matching Gift program. the Department of Urban and Regional Jackson State University’s Center for Sullivan joined JSU in 1974. Shortly Planning and as associate professor and Nanoscience and Nanotechnology are thereafter, he was promoted to chair of associate dean of the School of Policy developing a method to kill cancer cells the Chemistry Department. During his and Planning. without harming healthy cells. Their re- tenure, he helped secure the first grant From 1998 to 2005, Burton worked search paves the way to establish cancer from the National Science Foundation as the chief administrative officer for the treatments without the harsh side effects for the Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance city of Jackson. of chemotherapy and radiation. It could for Minority Participation program that also lead to less expensive treatment for aims to increase graduation rates and patients. Ray’s photothermal therapy sys- numbers of students from all science and tem has been effective in the lab, killing math areas.

34 | jacksonian | in brief |

prostate, breast, skin and liver cancer First. Since joining JSU, Thomas’ efforts women to the Science, Technology, En- cells. A patent for the photothermal have helped increase the university’s gineering and Mathematics workforce therapy system is pending. minority business participation from 2 and the related need to provide female percent to nearly 17 percent. role models in STEM disciplines. Legislature recognizes The Mississippi Minority Business Stevens and Howard are associate chemistry professor and student Alliance Inc. creates and expands mu- professors of biology and part of the Dr. Ashton Hamme III, a chemistry tually beneficial relationships between JSUAdvance program, a leadership professor, and Brandon Newton, a minority-owned businesses, suppliers development program for women senior chemistry stu- and service organizations throughout faculty funded by the National Science dent, were honored the state. Alliance members include Foundation. by the Mississippi minority-owned businesses, corporate, Stevens and Howard were also Legislature during governmental and educational institu- selected as OURS Program Fellows. the 27th annual tions, and small- and minority-business The fellowship will provide tuition, fees Higher Educa- resource agencies. and travel support for the residencies tion Appreciation in Washington, D.C., and a $3,000 Day Working for Academic adviser tops Miss. field, stipend. Academic Excellence recognized at conference program. F. Janelle Hannah Jefferson was rec- Assistant professor awarded Prior to joining ognized as the “Best grant to study adult learners Jackson State Univer- of State” recipient Dr. Jie Ke was selected as the recip- sity, Hamme worked for Mississippi at the ient of the 2014 Association for Con- for Monsanto/ Region 4 National tinuing Higher Education South Wayne Pharmacia Corp., Academic Advising Whelan Research where he performed Association Confer- Grant. The topic of medicinal chemistry-related research in ence in Savannah, Ga. her research is “Afri- the area of cardiovascular drug discov- Jefferson served as can American Adult ery and was a co-inventor of more than the lead presenter of Undergraduates in 10 patents. The Detroit native earned “The iTeam: Advisement, Assessment, Focus: Motivations, his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Transition, and Retention” at a Missis- Expectations and JSU and a Ph.D. in chemistry from The sippi Adviser’s Meeting. She is a profes- Aspirations.” Ohio State University. sional academic adviser and instructor Ke credited Newton is a JSU Presidential Scholar of University Success in Undergraduate the JSU Academy for Research and and earned the title of Best Chemistry Studies. Scholarly Engagement with helping her Undergraduate Student 2011, 2012 and develop her winning proposal. She is an 2013. He is president of the American Associate professors selected assistant professor of Human Resource Chemical Society and a member of the for leadership program Development and managing editor of Pre-Health Society. Dr. Jacqueline Stevens and Dr. The Journal of Chinese Human Resource Carolyn Howard were accepted to The Management. She sits on the board of Thomas named to board of Miss. Chicago School of directors for the Center for the Healing Minority Business Alliance Professional Psychol- of Racism. Michael Thomas, vice president for ogy’s Post Gradu- Business and Finance, was named to the ate Certificate in Board of Directors Academic Leadership of the Mississippi online-blended pro- Minority Business gram, which is part Alliance Inc. of the Opportunities Thomas, a Jackson for Under-Represent- State University ed Scholars Program. alumnus, joined With funding JSU’s administration from the National in 2010 after 16 years with the Jack- Science Foundation, son Public School District, where he the OURS Program initiated a program to increase minority addresses a national business participation called Jackson need to attract more

jacksonian | 35 | class notes | Class Notes ’60s ’80s Miller Taylor (’66) has self- published a novel titled A Lady Allen K. Lewis (’80) has retired and Her Man. The story of two as a colonel in the U.S. Army and childhood sweethearts is available now resides in Atlanta. on Amazon.com. A Kindle A native of Canton, Miss., version also is available. Lewis was in the Army ROTC Taylor has been a member of at Jackson State University and the Greater Washington, D.C., Allen K. Lewis belonged to the Sigma Chi Miller Taylor chapter of the JSU Alumni fraternity. He was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant after Association for 30 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in receiving a degree in mass communications. chemistry and was president of the student body in his senior year at Jackson State University. Sylvester Taylor (’84), a banker and project manager for many years, recently began his own ’70s business, Prep Productions and Thelma J. Strong (’79) is the Promotions, in Atlanta. He offers chief financial officer for the U.S. consulting, brand marketing and Forest Service. She is responsible events planning services. Taylor for the agency’s annual financial Sylvester Taylor holds a business degree in finance. statement, internal controls, grants and funds management, reimbursable agreements, Office Dr. Cynthia G. Heard (’87) of of Inspector General (OIG) Memphis has been working Thelma J. Strong and General Accounting Office as an associate professor of (GAO) audits, financial policy, and financial reporting and optometry at Southern College of reconciliation. Optometry since 2007. Under Strong’s guidance, the Forest Service received its Heard was a clinical educator 12th consecutive unqualified financial opinion. at The Ohio State University Strong, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business, began College of Optometry from her federal career in 1978 as a cooperative education Dr. Cynthia G. Heard 1993-2007. She is a member of student with the Forest Service. Over the last 35 years, several optometric organizations she has worked in a number of jobs in different geographic and is past president of the National Optometric areas across the U.S. She is vice president of the Greater Association(NOA). She was the 1998 NOA Optometrist Washington, D.C., Alumni Chapter and former vice of the Year. president for the Northeast Region. She received a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1987 from Jackson State University and her Doctor of Optometry in Geriatric Vision and Visual Rehabilitation at Birmingham VA Medical Center, which is affiliated with the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry.

36 | jacksonian | class notes |

Dr. John L. Cornelius II (’88) Kenneth Havior (’94) was recently made his New York awarded the Modern Day debut in the production of Bob Technology Leader Award at Marley’s, “Three Little Birds,” the 28th annual Black Engineer a children’s musical based on of the Year STEM (Science, a picture book by musician Technology, Engineering and Marley’s daughter. Math) Global Competiveness Cornelius served as arranger Conference held in Washington, Dr. John L. Cornelius II and orchestrator as well as D.C. composer of additional music for the production. Kenneth Havior Havior has 17 years of systems After graduating from Jackson State University, Cornelius engineering experience at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. earned his Ph.D., studying at Washington University in St. and serves as the lead systems designer for the Embedded Louis and River University under Mississippi native Samuel Training and Air-to-Air Range Infrastructure training Jones. He is an associate professor of music at Prairie View functions and the Joint Direct Attack Munition and Small (Texas) A&M University. Diameter Bomb I weapon employment capabilities. He is the F-22 liaison for the Coordinate Seeking Weapons, working closely with the F-22 System Program Office, JDAM Joint Program Office and the SDB I System ’90s Program Office. He also is a cost account manager on F-16 Dr. Mary Sue Brown Atkins fighter programs, responsible for managing the budget for Durr (’91), a former corporate multiple control accounts. trainer for Time Warner, has Havior holds a dual bachelor’s degree in mathematics published her first book,A Cry and electrical engineering. He also is a 1996 graduate of the in the Night: The City of Lights’ Georgia Institute of Technology. Dark Side. The book details her family’s struggles during the civil rights Dr. Ruben Howard II (’95) Dr. Mary Sue Durr movement and the murder of her has been appointed dean sister, Barbara Jean. Her book is available in stores and on of the College to Careers, amazon.com and other online bookstores. Transportation, Distribution Durr was born and raised in Mississippi and holds a degree and Logistics(TDC) at Olive- in business management from Jackson State University. Harvey College/City Colleges She also attended Mississippi College and Walden of Chicago. He oversees a $44.8 University and holds degrees in business administration and million TDL facility that will instructional design and technology with a Specialist degree Dr. Ruben Howard II open in 2015. It is designed to in Training Development and Performance Improvement, prepare students for certifications and a Ph.D. in educational technology. and associate degrees in all transportation modalities. Howard previously worked as chairman of the business department and professor of logistics management at Lone Tammi A. Davis (’93) was Star College in Cypress, Texas. elected to serve a two-year Howard received a bachelor’s degree in airway term as the state president of science from Jackson State University and a master’s the Indiana Democrat African- in transportation management from Texas Southern American Caucus of the Indiana University. He also holds a Master in Business Democratic Party. The caucus Administration from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. works to increase the political in organization and management/business from Capella participation of African- University. Tammi A. Davis Americans across Indiana. Davis was a national delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention and serves as the 1st Congressional District coordinator for the Indiana Federation of Democratic Women. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English.

jacksonian | 37 | class notes |

Dr. Jacqueline Faulkner Orr Pi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and serves as co- (’97) was recently named vice chair of her local chapter’s Health and Wellness Committee. chancellor for Students Affairs She received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from JSU at Arkansas State University- and was president of her class. Newport. Before joining Arkansas State, she was assistant Michelle Bayne-Johnson vice president of Retention (’03, ’10), a third-grade teacher Management at Kentucky State and lead teacher at Johnson Dr. Jacqueline Orr University in Frankfort. Elementary School in the Jackson Orr, who grew up in Senatobia, Miss., majored in Public School District, was English and minored in education. While at Jackson chosen 2014 Teacher of the Year. State University, she was elected student body president, She holds a bachelor’s degree becoming the first female to hold that role. in elementary education. She also Orr earned a master’s degree in leadership and a Doctor of Michelle Bayne-Johnson graduated from the School of Education degree, with a concentration in higher and adult Education as a Specialist in Education/Guidance and School education, at the University of Memphis. Counseling and is a certified tutor with Sylvan Learning Center. Dewon Hall (’99) has been honored by the website Revision Dr. Ernest L. Brothers (’06) Path, which is dedicated to was elected to a three-year term featuring the best African- on the executive committee of the American graphic/web designers Conference of Southern Graduate in the creative field. Schools at the organization’s In “The Best Interviews of annual meeting in San Antonio, 2013,” Hall finished 10th out of Texas. He is assistant dean of the Dewon Hall nearly 40 interviews. Hall also graduate school, director of the won Graphic Designer of the Year in 2007 and 2012 during Dr. Ernest L. Brothers Office of Graduate Training and the annual ADDY Awards produced by the American Mentorship and adjunct assistant professor in political Advertising Federation/Mississippi Delta. science at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Hall holds a bachelor’s in marketing from Jackson State CSGS is composed of public and private institutions University and a bachelor’s in graphic design from Delta granting master and doctoral degrees. The organization State University. promotes the exchange of ideas and best practices in graduate education and research. Brothers, who also serves as associate director for diversity enhancement for the National Institute for Mathematical ’00s and Biological Synthesis at UT, holds a bachelor’s degree Dr. Danielle Hinton Hassel, in chemistry and a master’s degree in natural science from M.D., (’00) was named a Top 40 Delta State University, a Master of Public Policy and Health Care Professionals Under Administration degree from Mississippi State University, 40 honoree by the National and a Doctor in Urban Higher Education degree from Medical Association. Jackson State University. Hassel, who specializes in physical medicine and Jeffrey M. Graves (’06) works at rehabilitation, serves as medical the law firm of Copeland, Cook, Dr. Danielle Hassel director of the Baptist Skilled Taylor and Bush in Ridgeland, Rehabilitation Unit in Germantown, Tenn. She is on the Miss. His practice areas are Memphis Medical Society Board of Directors and the insurance and general litigation. Tennessee Medical Association Board of Trustees. She also Graves graduated magna cum serves on executive committees for the Bluff City Medical laude in 2006 with a bachelor’s Society and the Tennessee Association of Physical Medicine degree in music and received a Jeffrey M. Graves and Rehabilitation. juris doctorate in 2012 from the Hassel was inducted into Jackson State University’s Delta University of Mississippi School of Law.

38 | jacksonian | class notes |

Harvey J. Stribling Jr. (’07) of the National Council of Negro Women North Shore recently received a Specialist in Chapter, where in 2013 she assumed the role in a girls Educational Leadership from mentoring program. Watkins holds a bachelor’s degree in Barry University in Miami mass communications. Shores, Fla. He is currently working as an instructional Jasmine Wilson (’10) literacy coach in the Miami-Dade joined the staff of the County Public Schools System. Washington, D.C., Office on Harvey J. Stribling Jr. Stribling holds a bachelor’s Aging as one of two transition degree in social science education from Jackson State care specialists for the Hospital University and a master’s degree in reading education from Discharge Planning Team and the Barry University. He is an aspiring school administrator and Aging and Disability Resource an independent educational consultant. He plans to pursue Center. a doctorate in education administration and public policy Jasmine Wilson Wilson oversees the discharge from Howard University in Washington, D.C. of patients from 16 Washington hospitals, including the District of Columbia VA Medical Center. Wilson, who has presented research regarding elderly populations at the University of Puerto Rico, was previously ’10s employed as a clinical research assistant at the University of Kevin Itima (’10) has self- Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work. published his memoir E Ware Originally from Grenada, Miss., Wilson holds a bachelor’s Mumene (I’m Going Home). It degree in social work from Jackson State University and is the account of his journey as a a master’s of social work with a gerontology certification young, first-generation Nigerian- from the University of Pittsburgh. She was a member of the American desperately searching Gamma Rho chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at JSU. for acceptance. Born in Houston, Itima spent Duvalier Malone (’11) has been Kevin Itima part of his high school years in promoted to program analyst Lagos, Nigeria. Upon his return to Houston, he attended in the Department of Veteran’s Westbury High School and received a track scholarship to Affairs Office of Field Operations Jackson State University, where he majored in psychology in Washington, D.C. and graduated with honors. Malone was hired in 2009 as a He previously served as a firefighter and substitute teacher Veterans Service representative at in Baltimore. He now resides in Houston where he is the Jackson, Miss., Department completing work toward a master’s degree in counseling. Duvalier Malone of Veterans Affairs Regional Office where he served on the Post Determination Team. Shannon Sheree Watkins (’10) In 2011, Malone was promoted to Rating Veterans Service is director of constituent services representative. for New York State Sen. Diane J. Malone is scheduled to release his book, From the State Savino, who represents the 23rd Capitol to the Nation’s Capitol: An Awakening Moment, this District of New York City. fall. Watkins is responsible Malone graduated from Alcorn State University in 2008 for assisting the senator in with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He earned a responding to citizen inquiries master’s in political science with a minor in public policy Shannon Watkins and complaints as well as and administration from Jackson State University. He was an investigating records, laws, policies and procedures. She also active member of the Association of Political Science and the performs routine tasks for the senator and represents the Association of Public Administrators while at JSU. senator with employees, businesses, civic organizations and the public. In 2013, Watkins became a member of Lambda Kappa Mu sorority and serves as a youth leader with the sorority’s national youth group, the Kopelles. She also is a member

jacksonian | 39 | class notes |

Daphene Marie Brooks (’13) has joined the staff of U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thomson (Miss.) as assistant/legislative correspondent for his Washington, D. C., office. She assists the congressman with various administrative and Daphene Marie Brooks constituent outreach duties. A native of Terry, Miss., Brooks holds a bachelor’s degree WANTS TO in business management. SHARE YOUR Kristy Johnson (’13) was crowned Miss Black Mississippi U.S. Ambassador. NEWS! The Miss Black U.S. Ambassador and Miss Black Teen U.S. Ambassador Scholarship Pageant LLC, in partnership with the GE Institute Foundation PLEASE SEND Daphene Marie Brooks Inc., provides young African- American women with an opportunity to make a difference YOUR SUBMISSIONS by providing educational forums and events that focus on for the class notes section to health disparities, poverty, violence and other major issues in : the African-American community. Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Jackson State University University Communications P.O. Box 17490 Jackson, MS 39217 or email them to [email protected] PLEASE INCLUDE A DIGITAL PICTURE.

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jackson state university honor roll of donors

July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013

Alumni, friends, corporations, foundations and organizations continue to provide invaluable support for scholarships, academic programs, facility upgrades and other needs.

Indeed, it is our donors who help maintain the foundation on which great futures for Jackson State students are built.

We thank you for your loyalty and generosity.

The Department of Advancement Services makes every effort to verify the accuracy of its Honor Roll of Donors. If your name does not appear, is listed in the incorrect category or is misspelled, please call 601-979-0418 or email [email protected].

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jackson state university honor roll of donors - july 1, 2012 - june 30, 2013

Julie L. Miller Express Tax Service American Honda Motor Co., Inc. JSU Nashville Alumni Chapter $100,000 and William Overton ExxonMobil Foundation Anthony E. Anderson JSU National Alumni Above Saatchi and Saatchi North Fellows Alumni Foundation Jean-Claude Assad Association, Inc. America, Inc. of JSU, Inc. Rose H. Austin L.A.D. Engineering Technologies Corporation for Public Shell Oil Company Foundation Alvin L. Flowers AVS Sales, LLC L3 Communications Broadcasting Leland R. Speed Calvin C. Ford Dury L. Baggett Deloris J. Lenard National Academy of Sciences The Richard D. Stutzke E. C. Foster Bank of America Foundation Robert K. Long NCAA Foundation Rhonda G. Fulgham Bank Management Systems, LLC Belinda D. Mason Robert M. Hearin Foundation Tom Joyner Foundation Ethel Gibson Fred L. Banks Ronald Mason Thurgood Marshall Tuskegee University Percy E. Gibson Pamela G. Banks Timothy L. McCarty Scholarship Fund Maxine W. Harkless George Everett Barnes Leslie McLemore W. K. Kellogg Foundation Luther W. Williams Solomon Henderson BCDI Jackson Affiliate Cynthia A. Melvin Horne CPA’s and Business Willie C. Bell Merchant & Farmers Bank $50,000-$99,999 $5,000-$9,999 Advisors Quinton Booker James T. Minor D’An M. Howard-Carter Sebetha Lee Booker Mississippi Commission of ABT Associates Inc. Abbott Laboratories IMS Engineers Geraldine K. Brookins Volunteer Service Aramark Foundation Jackson 2000 Mary Alice Brookins Mississippi Power Foundation Blue Bengal Athletic Association AJA Management Charles G. Johnson Phillip J. Brookins Mississippi Museum of Art Alleane M. Currie & Technical Services Michaelle B. Jones Jacqueline Sarette Brown National Black College Alumni George F. Currie American Speech-Language- Roy L. Jones Timothy R. Brown Hall of Fame Entergy Hearing Association JSU Hattiesburg Alumni Chapter Jill Conner Browne National Oak Park High School Jackson Medical Mall AMIE JSU Los Angeles Alumni Chapter Vivian L. Brown-Swain Alumni Association Foundation Darsene Baggett JSU Metro New York Alumni C & B Enterprises Lois Savage Nixon Mississippi Department of Geraldine Barnes Chapter Valerie R. Campbell Olympic Health Services, Inc. Environmental Quality Eric L. Butler JSU Simpson County Alumni Billy Earl Carcamo Our C.H.E.E.R. Mississippi Institutions of Thomas C. Calhoun Chapter Gina P. Carter-Simmers Dana K. Pace Higher Learning Meredith W. Creekmore Kalamazoo Community Alveno N. Castilla Yumi Park Alma Pittman Angelita Loretta Currie Foundation Jean D. Chamberlain Gailya M. Porter Winston R. Pittman Farm Credit Bank of Texas Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Kevin Lewis Jasmin Chapman Brenda K. Rascoe Southern Beverage Co. Samuel Foster Herbert L. Loving Sr.. Clarice Clayton-Johnson Marcus Kelly Reed Lawrence B. Gordon Jeanne B. Luckett Coleman, Alexander, Prosser H. Geria Reines Malaria Research Foundation Foundation, Inc. James C. Renick $25,000-$49,999 Paul Timothy Booker Hemphill Hesselbein Tire Co., Inc Members Give Robert L. Cook Rent-A-Center Atmos Energy Joseph C. Bancroft Charitable MJT Integrated Systems Linda J. Daniels Lelia Gaston Rhodes BankPlus and Educational Fund Solutions, Inc. Deborah F. Dent Rissah Temple No. 130 Career Sports & Entertainment JSU Jackson-Hinds Alumni Sedric D. Myers Dorothy S. Thompson Realty A.E.A.O.N. MS Corning Inc. Chapter Wilfred R. Noel Ebony Pearls Foundation E. B. Robinson Entergy Charitable Foundation Joe Willie Laymon Marie O’Banner-Jackson Edo Heritage Union of Judy Robinson Ernst & Young Foundation Lyrasis Darryl Pilate Mississippi, Inc. Alix Sanders JSU Class of 1963 My Joy, Inc. Laverne Pilate Entergy Services, Inc. Betty W. Sanders Lockheed Martin Corp. Payton Family Foundation, Inc. Procter & Gamble Enterprise Sam P. Seay Regions Bank Pfizer Foundation Matching Will C. Pugh Ethel Veal Scholarship Fund Floyde J. Showers Union Pacific Corp. Gifts Program Michael A. Robinson Farish Street Heritage Festival Stanley J. Sims United Way of the Capital Porter’s Insurance Agency Myrtis Robinson Willie Sidney Farmer Spring ‘81 Heroes Area, Inc. Narayanaswamy Radhakrishnan Sanderson Farms, Inc. Eltorry Ficklin Eugene F. Stewart Wellington D. Swindall estate Lou Helen Sanders Pasquale A. Slaughter Follett Higher Education Group Penni Stone Cretonis O. Showers Ernest Smith Cecil Forbes Eric D. Stringfellow Worth Thomas State Farm Insurance Companies Velvelyn B. Foster Joe N. Tatum

$10,000-$24,999 Tri State Voluntary Organizations Steven James Insurance Frito-Lay, Inc. (TX) Wilson Taylor BankPlus (Ridgeland) Active in Disaster Agency Vivian L. Fuller Tabatha Terrell-Brooks Tarita L. Benson-Davis Robert W. Whalin Target Charles A. Gibson Texas Instruments Foundation Blue Cross & Blue Shield Margaret A. Wodetzki Herman A. Taylor Jeff Good The Clorox Company Foundation of Mississippi, Inc. Zion Travelers Baptist Church The Dayton Foundation Maryemma Graham The Property Store, LLC Juanita Bluntson The Links Incorporated, Vanessa Green Andre Towner Comcast Foundation Jackson Chapter Gloria J. Hardiman James K. Turner C Spire Foundation $2,000-$4,999 Beverly G. Toomey Mark G. Hardy Annie Ulmer Jimmie L. Harmon 100 Black Men of Jackson Willie A. Travis Andrell D. Harris United Way of Metropolitan JSU Chicago Alumni Chapter BancorpSouth Byron A. Turner Harold J. Haughton Nashville JSU Greater Washington, Malcolm Mazique Black Jacqueline D. Williams Thomas Paula E. Haynes-Hicks University Press of Mississippi D.C. Area Alumni Black College Football Hall Bobbie J. Wilson Mary K. Heard Vercell P. Vance Chapter, Inc. of Fame Frazier K. Wilson Betty J. Hill Wa l g re ens JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter Donald Causey Stephanie E. Wilson-Coleman David W. Hoard Ed. Herman Walker JSU Metro-Atlanta Chapter Marcus A. Chanay Demetrice Wraggs Charles Holmes Mary Lois Walker JSU Scott County Alumni Susan D. Clifton Lindsey Horton Walmart Stores Inc. Chapter Lawrence Cotton Tyree Irving Vernon Weakley Robert Earl Kelly Mark A. Dawson $1,000-$1,999 Sherman E. Jackson WePay Jerry L. Kennedy Tellis B. Ellis J. Herbert Adams Jackson Music Awards, Inc. West Jackson Community John W. McGowan Enterprise Holdings Foundation James Allen Maxine Johnson Development Corp. Charles Victor McTeer Environmental Management Alpha Kappa Alpha, Rho Ronald G. Johnson Clemontine Whitaker Carolyn W. Meyers Plus, Inc. Lambda Omega Chapter JSU Houston Alumni Chapter

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Wilkinson County-Chancery Shawanna Fowler Bonita Reed Arthur A. Ayo-Aghimien Dwayne L. Buckingham Clerk Jean C. Frazier Vernon Ross Mario Joaquim Azevedo David S. Buford Jackie Lynnett Williams Larry Goodwin Denice Rena Ruffin Helen J. Bailey Amy Burks-Berry Miki R. Bolton Wilson Graduate Services, Inc. Richard L. Russell Josephine Bailey Annie C. Burney William F. Winter Graduate Supply House John B. Sampson Clinton Baker Ralph E. Burns Nellie Winters Tolliver Johnnie P. Gray Larry Sehie Ezra Baker Otha Burton Terry L. Woodard Tiffiney R. Gray Cedric L. Shannon Debbie A. Ballard Billy Bush Jennie B. Griffin Jane Shaw Jackson Mamie L. Ballard-Crockett Clifton DaCarols Butler H.D. Catching Insurance Agency Shell Oil Co. Latonia L. Banks Damarr M. Butler $500-$999 Obra V. Hackett Lecluster Sherrod Banks, Finley, White & Co. Edith J. Butler Jamea Adams-Ginyard Rosalind E. Hal Simmons and Simmons, PLLC Mabel Barial Yvonne Buttross Haydel Harry James Allen Legert Hamilton Gordon Skelton Valda Rae Barksdale Christine Byrd Thelma Louise Mclaurin Bonita L. Harris Alean C. Smith J.K. Barnes Jason M. Cable Anderson Alferdteen B. Harrison Herman D. Smith Johnnie Barnes Eva Elissie Caldwell ARC Thrift Stores Harvey’s Fish Hut Sodexo Ken Hall Barnett Marion D. Calhoun Della R. Archie Joseph L. Henderson Eric C. Strothers Vincent Barnett Fred A. Calloway James Q. Bacchus Henry Ford Health Systems Tatum & Wade Gabrielle Nicole Barrow Brenda C. Campbell Bancorp South Perjetta K. Hightower Gloria Tatum Rushing Webster F. Bartee Delora G. Campbell Barron Banks Cecil L. Hill TCL Financial & Tax Services Audrey F. Bass Lillie Campbell Robert Banks Theresa Howland Matthew Thomas Evelyn B. Bass-Haley Phylis P. Campbell Banks, Finley, White & Co. Jacqueline L. Humphrey Lee Ethel Thompson Ashley M. Battle Zahra K. Campbell Joseph Bartee Susan L. Huntington Rochel Y. Thornton Camarian Bays Carol Cannon Marie Burnett Belay Florida Catchings Hyde Thomas Carroll Tolliver Robert A. Beck Hazel L. Carlos Pamela D. Berry Jack and Jill of America United States Tennis Allen P. Bell Ruby Jayne Carlson Louis Beverly Ethel Rae Jackson Davis Association, Inc. Cheryl L. Bell Lora Carmicle Stanley Blackmon Jackson Municipal Airport Victory Personnel Services Howard Bell Deandre M. Carr Marilyn Christmon Bolden Authority Paul Wade Vanessa Bell-Calloway Sheri L. Carr Bolden Body Shop & Wrecker Linda D. Johnson Cora B. Wade-Seals Adero M. Bell-Carter Sherrye L. Carradine Service Luberta Johnson Michael L. Walker Melverta M. Bender Carla Carter Dennis Laron Bowman Cheryl E. Jones-Shaw Rosetta G. Walker Clyde B. Benjamin Edith B. Carter John A. Brookins JP Morgan Chase Foundation Daniel Watkins Mary E. Benjamin George Carter Bonnie Jean Brown JSU Alumni Players Vera D. Watson Sylvia K. Bennett Sonya V. Carter Veronica M. Brown Association Wells Fargo Bank Lee Arthur Bernard Syd Carter Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church JSU Madison County Alumni Anthony D. Wilcher Willie H. Bernard Mike Casey Brenda Bunley Chapter Dorothy P. Williams Mattie Bester Nichols Artrie L. Caston Chris Burkett JSU Meridian Alumni Chapter Victor T. Wyatt Charles C. Bingham Martha G. Catchpole Butler Snow O’Mara Stevens JSU Warren-Vicksburg Alumni Freddie Zeigler Lillie Bingham Daphne R. Chamberlain & Cannada Chapter Jeffrey Zubkowski Charles E. Bishop Sharon D. Chambers Anthony Calloway Inez Keys-Johnson Loraine K. Bishop Milton J. Chambliss Capital City Beverage Dejonnette G. King Phyllis W. Bishop Brenda J. Chapman Company Mario R. Kirksey $100-$499 William E. Blakney James T. Chapman Gwendolyn Caples Kathy L. Knighton-Rondon A & L Heating and Air Aubrey Bland Stephanie I. Chatman Howard D. Catchings Angela Mae Kupenda Ameen Abdur-Rashied Eddie D. Blanton Chevron Humankind Douglas C. Causey Eddye L. Lane Demetrius N. Abram Joan F. Blanton Matching Gift Program Natalie Willa Chadwell Richard G. Lawson Jamie D. Abrams Blue Bell Creameries, LP Helen O. Chukwuma Will T. Chambliss Marjorie Kelly Lee ABS Construction Co. Lorean Blue-Hubbard Laura Claiborne James Clark Roosevelt Littleton Tom Adams Bobby Boone Alfred Clark Pearl M. Clark Lynch St. C.M.E. Church Tonya L. Adkism Jimmy L. Boyd Jennetta Levorn Clark Coca-Cola Foundation Magnolia Adult Baseball League Tim Adler Charles Bradley Stant Clark Kenn D. Cockrell Mahaffey’s Quality Printing, Inc. Sherika W. Aikens Tamika R. Bradley Classic Creations, Inc. Jimmie D. Coins Audrey Martin Fred W. Aldridge Glynn Allen Bradshaw Kimberly C. Claxton Mary E. Coleman William McElroy Joyce Alexander London Branch Ethyle Dean Starks Clay Comcast Barnie A. McGee McKinley Alexander Brandon Supply Corp. Henry Clay Community Foundation William E. McHenry Thomas W. Alexander Douglas M. Breland Jennie E. Clay of Greater Jackson, Inc. Debra McKinney Chester Allen Gregory W. Brent Jether M. Clay William M. Cooley Midsouth Institutes of Accty., LLC Alpha Phi Alpha Omicron Delta Lenard G. Brent Lapearl Clayton James C. Cox Minact, Inc. Lambda Chapter Annie S. Brew Melissa K. Clayton Steven G. Cunningham Mississippi Minority Business Amel Anderson Robert Brewster Jr. Todd Clayton Frances Chevonne Dancer Alliance Melvin Anderson May F. Bridges Diane L. Clemons Ella Jean Davis Patricia B. Mitchell Rosia Anderson Paulette Bridges Leon Clincy William Davis Angela L. Moore Ulos Anderson W. Joan Bright Marjorie W. Cole Michelle D. Deardorff Charlie L. Moore Valeria A. Anderson Hunnando Brim Carolyn Coleman Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Eddie R. Munson Victor B. Andrews Rolean S. Brinson Jimmy L. Coleman Inc. Jabberwock New Horizon Church Johnny Anthony Angela Diane Brooks Earsell Collier Johnny R. Demyers Catherine Nichols Rosalyn Anthony James Brooks Jimmie C. Collier Desert Mashie Golf Club Novartis Gregory Alfred Antoine Dorothy Jean Brooks Reddix Keith R. Collins Diamond Jacks Novartis US Foundation Donna Antoine-Lavigne Angela Brenay Brown Phyllis G. Collins Diverse Business Consulting Novo Nordisk, Inc. Annie H. Archie Arthur L. Brown Trence E. Collins Louisa O. Dixon Barbara Russ Ousby Jeremy D. Armstrong Ben Brown Zelda M. Collins-Moore Matthew D. Dockins John N. Palmer Ashley Photography C. Jerome Brown Ricardo C. Comegy William Donan Minnie Ethel Peggs AT&T Federal Political Action Fran’Cee L. Brown Elaine M. Coney Kendall Duffie Jim L. Perry Committee Yolanda T. Brown Louvenia Conner Michelle M. Dunn PGA of America Anita Gail Turner Atkinson George Lester Bruce Helena Cook Debra Ann Estes Kesia T. Pope Mable S. Austin Erika R. Bryant Jean G. Cook Finley Services Della R. Posey Mose Austin John E. Bryant Michael E. Cook Carolyn S. Fletcher Annette K. Pridgen Saul Austin Shelia F. Bryant Cooke-Douglass-Farr-Lemons, Ltd.

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Rhonda C. Cooper Cynthia M. Z. Fields Marcus Dale Griffith Mildred D. Jenkins Barbara Stewart Large Rebecca J. Corley Florece Fields Marcus A. Griffith Rashida S. Jenkins John Large William H. Cotton Latasha Nicole Fields Henry Grimes Rose J. Jenkins Ketra Lashley Robert M. Cowherd Sonja M. Fields Johnnie L. Gross Thomas M. Jenkins Last Call, LLC Linda Cox Jannie Fishback Virgil Hall Victoria Jenkins Lekisha R. Laster Mary H. Cox George F. Fisher Alonzo N. Hamilton Mildred Jennings Lynell Lawless Milton Craft Lucy B. Flanagan George C. Hamilton Patricia Ann Jernigan Belinda Lawson Christine Crate Brandon G. Florence Jo-Ann Hammons Betty W. Johnson Constance V. Lawson Ernestine Crate Marvell Foard Haywood I. Hannah Brenda Faye Johnson Eric C. Lawson Jert-Rutha L. Crawford Sarah L. Foote Deborah O. Hannon-Armstrong Carolyn Palmer Johnson Gloria D. Mitchell Lawton-Wilson Crysenthia L. Crockett Robert Forbes Joyce Marie Hansford Deidra Johnson Wardell Leach Levernis E. Crosby Vera Y. Ford Lovely M. Hardy Gloria B. Johnson Andrew D. Lee Cynthia Denise Cross-Green Franshell M. Fort John A.W. Harkless Harvey Johnson Clara B. Lee Billy L. Crowther D.D. Foster Terry Harper Jerry C. Johnson Zelma D. Leflore Ronnie Cornelius Crudup Sunyetta Foster-Jones Perry D. Harrington Kay F. Foard Johnson Andrew Lenoir William J. Crump Golda Franklin Margaret J. Harris Kenyone Landra Johnson Edward Z. Lewis Annie Currie William Franklin Shirley J. Harrison Kevan L. Johnson Xuejun Liang Mercidee Curry Hillman Terome Frazier Jacqueline R. Harvey Kira L. Johnson Reginald F. Liddell Veronica Dampier Marvie W. Frazier Traci T. Hayes Lee Morris Johnson Susan R. Lindsay Dessie R. Daniel-Mayfield Sunny Smith Fridge Elaine L. Haynes Leslie Carol Cristal Johnson Robert List Jerry L. Danner Dorothy M. Funches Keesha Haynes Marie Johnson Sandra S. LLoyd Charles J. Darden Ada Pearl Funches-Nelson Taurean D. Hearn Marlene L. Johnson Feleica A. Lockhart-Wilson Charles L. Daron Bobby Dean Gaines Beverly D. Hearns Pat Johnson Frank J. Logan Diane Thomas Davis James Andrew Galloway Avis L. Heath Rita L. Johnson Barbara P. Longmire Edna L. Davis Virgia D. Gambrell Larry D. Heck Roosevelt Johnson Clarence Lovelady Emerson Davis James L. Gardner Heeers, P.A. Schantate O. Johnson Dorothy Lucas Kevin E. Davis Carol N. Garrett Paula F. Hellens Thomas E Johnson Hersie Leon Lucas Nathaniel Davis Martha Dunbar Bennye S. Henderson Theresia Johnson-Ratliff Luretha F. Lucky Rita J. Davis Gathings-Williams Lionel Henderson Abram Jones John Lundy Ronald P. Davis Morris R. Gearring John Hendricks Doris Dodd Jones Carolyn J. Mack Roosevelt Davis General M.B. State Derek C. Henson Freddie Jones Carolyn Regina Macon Ruth Davis Convention of Mississippi Michael A Herrington Glinda Hankins Irene D. Magee Samuel Davis Etherlene H. Gentry Pamela A. Hervey Maxcine Jones Martha Magee Yolanda Davis Lepolian Gentry Nahum Hickman Henry Lee Jones Connie Lorryane Mallory Hursie Davis-Sullivan Ruben Gentry Charles Eugene Hicks Lakelia I. Jones George L. Mallory Jr. Diane S. Day Angela Y. Getter Clara Lee Higgins Lela Ann Jones Cassandra Malone Larry L. Day Ella Ray Gibbs Barbara J. Hill Ronald E. Jones Susan S. Maneck Charity Dean-Cannon Joe Gibbs Dennis Hill Shirley Jean Jones George A. Manning Gregory Delahoussaye Gerrick J. Gibson Sam Wallace Hines Tommie Jones James L. Manning Delta Air Lines Foundation Howard O. Gibson Rodney M. Hodge William E. Jones Marilyn Manning Willie Demus Jonathan Gibson Charles Holbrook Velina Jones-Dixon Tammy M. Manning-Payne Willie Don Denard Yancy Gideon Henry B. Holbrook Lamar Jordan Tarae I. Manogin Dorcas Denton Giles and Associates, Inc. David E. Holliday Tommy R. Jordan Myrtle Manuel-Paige Reuben Earl Dilworth James H. Gillespie Pauline Cannon Hollins Joyce M. Jordan Gooden Mahmoud A Manzoul Carolyn K. Divinity Brenda Gilmore Earnestine Perry Holmes Leroy G. Jossell Carl L. Marks Lynn M. Dixon Maxine Odom Gilmore Sungbum Hong JSU Alumni J-Settes Daphne L. Marshall-Moore Surina Renay Dixon John L. Gilner Charles Everett Hooker JSU St. Louis Alumni Chapter Etta L. Martin Charles Dockery David Gilson Sherree T. Hooker JSU Tupelo/North Mississippi Darvi Matthews Matthew D. Dockins Paul D. Gipson Dorothy J. Hornbuckle Alumni Chapter Tricia M. Mayes Koffi Dodor Ida Givens Joseph M. Horton Patricia E. Juday McAlister’s Corp. Carolyn D. Donerson Roger A. Givens Willie Horton Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Annie Hazel McCants Charlean Douglas James Glass Rosella L. Houston Sunitha Kareddy Preston E. McClenty Lorraine Dozier Vanella Glass Benard Hubbard Katy Smith Campbell Spencer L. McClenty Juanita Duncan Wykeshia W. Glass Thomas K. Hudson & Associates, P.C. Gilberto Valdez McClung Thomas J. Durant Angela M. Gobar Paul Hulin Mildred Delores Burney Kelley Cheryl A. McCoy Theodore Jr. Ealy Shameka Y. Golson Charles Hull Monica L. Kelley Pamela D. McCoy Joe E. Eckford Herve R. Gordon Laverne Hutchins Tangelia T. Kelly Vivian D. McDaniel Latonya Boyd Edmond Loria Brown Gordon Independent Chapter-NNGA W. Darron Kendrick Preselfannie W. McDaniels Dorothy L. Edwards Gordon Productions ING Kerimax Communications Mary D. McElroy Toya J. Edwards Cynthia Gordon-Benson Catherine A. Irvine Matthew J. Kersh Debra McGee Nichelle R. Eichelberger Ellis Levorn Goss Archie L. Ivy Rosie Kersh Delicia D. McGee Doris J. Eiland Otis Gowdy J P Morgan Chase Bank Elizabeth Kesner Lillian F. McGee Candice Elliott Lillie S. Grant Angelica Jackson Sandra Keyes Phylicia E. McGee Eric K. Elliott Bettye R. Graves Ben Welch Jackson Tyrone Kidd Lajuan R. McGill Wanda Delilah Elliott Summer E. Graves Christianna W. Jackson Hyunju Kim Shirley McGowan Bobbie L. Ellis James E. Graves, Jr. Judy C. Jackson Carolyn Hill Kimble-Singleton Ladonna McGrew Yvonne Ellis Albert W. Gray Kenneth L. Jackson Martha Kincaid Joyce McLaurin Alta Faye Ellis-Babino Duncan M. Gray Lee Wilbert Jackson McKinley Kincaid Sidney E. McLaurin Cleotis Wade Emerson Rica M. Gray Mary E. Jackson Robert J. Kincaid Vonceal McLaurin Antionette Epps Willie Gray Tommiea P. Jackson April Nicole King Keith L. McMillian Ayanna N. Evans Annie Grays Jackson Marriott Janice N. King Bonnie G. McNeal Jacqueline D. Evans Anthony L. Green Aaron C. James Lisa King John H. McPherson Marilyn Anita Evans Knoxine G. Green Maurice James Eva Faye King-Bartley Dwain C. McSwain V. Lynn Evans Peggy A. Green Mavis L.P. James Melissa C. Knight Donald McWilliams Sheila Evers-Blackmon Ethel Loraine Green Lee Mary Jarrett Hilliard Lackey Erin Mercer Hong Fang Claudia M. Greene JBL, Inc. Gennie Lacy Jones Jerry L. Miller Peggy L. Felty Jerry Lee Greenwood Robert E. Jefferson Ladies of Distinction Social Joseph Miller Jean Powell Ficklin Isaac J. Gregory James Jenkins & Civic Club Vanessa C. Miller

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Miller Family Chiropractic Alissa D. Perteet Jackson Patricia Shields Gladys Taylor Accounting & Tax Services Mississippi Arts Commission Wesley L. Peterson Ricky Shields James A. Taylor Barbara Weathersby Frankie M. Mitchell Rodney A. Phillips John L. Shoemake Jesse Taylor Ronald R. Weathersby William Warner Mitchell June E. Phipps Bessie B. Shourts Michael Shay Taylor Marcia L. Weaver Sharla D. Mitchell-Payton James Pickens Gerald Sigers Richard L. Taylor Robert B. Weaver Andrew L. Moncure Lee Ethel Pickett Lisa I. Simien Sylvester Taylor Robert E. Wentworth Betty J. Moncure Anthony D. Pigott Almetia L. Simmons Alyce C. Thigpen Teemer Teresa Wesley Cora G. Montgomery Ria R Pinkston-Mckee Billy E. Simmons Wilson Terrell Bertha Drungole West Joseph C. Montgomery Players Golf Club Chester Lee Simmons Eric J. Terry Maurice A. Whalen Alicia D. Moore David Polk Derrick T. Simmons Murlene Terry Taylor Frances L. White Bracy Moore Nicey Polk Earnest C. Simmons The Antigua Group, Inc. Mary M. White Eltease Moore Sheila Y. Porterfield Errick D. Simmons The Baker Group Wendy R. White Emma G. Moore Bonita Powell Henry L. Simpson The Honor Club E. Marcus Wiggs Jona Moore Kenneth H. P’Pool Maxine Simpson The Koerber Co., P.A. Willie M. Wilcher Marva Moore Kenneth E. Preston Patricia A. Sims The Surgical Clinic Maria A. Wiley Ronald Dupree Moore Samantha Prim Pamela M. Skipper Associates, P.A. Mary D. Wiley Viola Morgan Vicki L. Prosser Priscilla D. Slade The Williams Companies Glenn M. Wilkerson Martha J. Morman Rosemarie E. Pryce Washington William C. Smiley The Wound & Podiatry Larry H. Wilkinson Phyllis W. Morris Carolyn J. Pryor Antonio Maurice Smith Center, PLLC Avery W. Williams Olive I. Morton Mitchell Pearl Purdy Barbara Woods Smith Carol E. Thigpen Barbara A. Williams Mariam S. Mosavizahed Patricia Quick Bettye Louise Smith Dominic T. Thigpen Carrie B. Williams Dana M. Moton-Cox Geraldine O. Rainey Carlos O. Smith Evelyn T. Thomas Dana N. Williams Emmanuel K. Muhammad Gwendolyn Rakes Curtis Smith Julia B. Thomas George H. Williams Steve Mulzac Demethria Ramseur Delores Theresa Smith Larry W. Thomas James L. Williams Percy Murdock Dharam Singh Rana Doris Nichols Smith Marvin W. Thomas Jesse L. Williams Brian J. Murphy Barbara J. Randle-Owens Edward K. Smith Olivia Thomas Jimmie L. Williams Katherine Murrell Lillie B. Ransom Ingrad C. Smith Paralee R. Thomas Juanita Williams Monique V. Myrick Boddu K. Rao Janet E. Smith Patricia La’Shon Thomas Rosalyn Williams Mildred S. Neal Ora Rawls Jeremy C. Smith Prince Thomas Thelma W. Williams Yulanda Nelson Lela M. Birch Rayborn Leroy Smith Russell Thomas Velesha P. Williams Laura Nettles Remata S. Reddy Marlena Smith Willie H. Thomas Sr. Chadrick D. Willis Gladis V. Nichols Dallas Faustina Reed Naomi H. Smith Bernice Spearman Thompkins Timothy W. Willis LaVerne A. Nichols Demetria B. Reed Rebecca Myles Smith Bernard Thompson Martin Willoughby Louise Nichols Lenora Reed Rhonda K. Smith Hugh Roger Thompson Chauncey L. Wilson Andrelle Nicholson Perry Reed Rickey Smith Robert Thompson Dura Wilson Fred T. Nolan Erwin L. Reeves Robert Smith Joyce K. Thornton Lillian Wilson Kisiah W. Nolan Willie A. Rhodes Theresa A. Smith Terri C. Thornton Linda Wilson Corbin M. Norman Bennie L. Richard Tony Smith Diccy Phillips Thurman Monica Wilson Jannifer J. Norwood Claudette K. Richmond Richard Evelyn C. Smith-Ransom James E. Thurman Janieth F. Wilson Adams Karmyn Norwood Demetria J. Richard Denise Smith-Wilson Darlene Thurston Charlie F. Wingard Joseph Nunnery Donald A. Richardson Magnoria Eliza Smothers Charles H. Tillman James R. Wingard Emmanuel C. Nwagboso Willie Richardson Kenneth W. South A.C. Tipton Jesse R. Wingard Narah Dean Oatis Velma Richmond Spann Southern Martial Arts TLJ Partners, Inc. Marline Wingard Mary A. O’Banner Eddie James Rigsby Championships James A. Torrey Aaron Witherspoon John A. Ogden Kevin J. Rigsby Charles Spann Leonia T. Townsend Elaine P. Witty Safiya R. Omari Alicia M. Shack Riley Clyde E. Speaks Aminata Traore Jack P. Witty Once for All, Inc. Kesha R. Robbins-Chestnut Dorothy Jean Spears Harris Travelers Cory Gene Wofford Kristy S. O’Quinn Carl Roberts Susie A. Spence Susie B. Travis Cecil G. Wolfe Annie L. Owens Andrea F. Robinson Alvin F. Stamps Yvette Travis Brenda Womble Willie Owens Zenotha D. Robinson Curtis W. Stapleton Patrick G. Triplett Chianti Denice Woodfork P.U.R.E. & A.C.E.P. John W. Ross Linda M. Stegall Veronica Trotter Damon L. Woodfork Fredrica S. Packnett Jon V. Rost Shirley F. Stennis-Williams TRUIST Mary Austin Woodrick Joycie R. Page Erma Jean Rule Albert Stephen Stacey Tsang Ernestine Woodruff Mary L. Paige Charles W. Russ China B. Stephens Brandel K. Tulsky Darrol Juwan Woods Cass Darrell Parker Arthur M. Russell David E. Stevenson Francis Tuluri Linda A. Palmer Wormley Stanley Lewis Parker Safe Trans LLC Charles E. Stewart Myra L. Turnage Delores J. Worthy Hopkins William L. Parker Angela Samuel Evette J. Stewart Elaine Turner Shelwilbed O. Wray Mary J. Parks Delmar C. Sanders Tonea Stewart Kevin G. Turner Louis P. Wright Harvey Parris Keshia M. Sanders Winston Stith Marvel A. Turner Xiaojun Wu Edna S. Paschall Robert F. Sanders Troy A. Stovall Tyrone Turner Robert Wynne Jennifer Pastway Myrlan A. Sandifer Rufus E. Straughter Will Perry Turner Sylvia K. Wynne Anita K. Patlolla Sarah Jones Interiors Mildred Stuckey-Butler United Technologies Wirt A. Yerger Georgia F. Patrick Bettye N. Sargent Albert A. Sturdivant Carolyn U. Upkins Henry H. Young Frank Kevin Patterson Bettye R. Saunders James O. Suber Susanne E. Vandenbosch Jervon L. Young Jesse Patterson Philip T. Saunders Suburban Sugar Land Women Charles Vincent Vernon Young Jonnie M. Patterson-Young Gary Schmallen Zakiya Summers Clara R. Wade Geungu Yui Beverly Ann Blackwell Peavie Savina O. Schoenhofer Esther Ree Sutton Lynn B. Wade Billy R. Peavie Schwab Charitable Fund Edward Swaggard Angela Katrina Walker George H. Peebles Calvin Scott Ella Swaggard Annie Walker $1-$99 Jon P. Peede James E. Scott Sweet Rest COCHUSA Beverly S. Wall G. Sakinah Abdur-Rashied Annie G. Pelt Andrea M. Sealy Reginald L. Sykes Wilbur L. Walters Angela R. Adams Cassie Pennington Karen Selestak Christopher Jerome Talbert WA P T-T V Frankie Robinson Adams John Arthur Peoples Sandra Sellers Alma Ree Tanksley Neari F. Warner Alvin Ainsworth Doris N. W. Perkins Mary Abigail Sharpe Leila B. Tanksley Sarah A. Warren-Wells Winfred Gary Aker James Perkins Larry C. Shaw April L. Tanner Otis Washington Mary Ann Akponwei Ester Perry Bernice Shelwood Horace Granvel Tate Marilyn S. Weakley Anna Irene Allen Malcolm M. Perry Jessie L. Sherrod Ada F. Taylor Weakley & Associates April Aurelia Allen

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Bobby Eugene Allen Angela P. Blaine Faye Butler Verna P. Curtis Felicia R. Farrar Janelle Allen Alma Blakley Ladawn L. Butler Jennifer R. Daniel FedEx Services Peggie Joyce Jaynes Allen James Blakley Latonya M. Butler Rickey Daniel Pamela Felder Terrell A. Allen Tasha L. Blevins Sonia O. Butler Colena Daniels Mary E. Fields-Gooden Annette Allison-Thompson Eric Bluntson Margaret P. Byrant Meme Daniels-Jones Shakealia Y. Finley Allie Louise Almore-Randle Amanda Bolden Michael R. Caldwell Ruby D. Darbandi Alva D. Finley-Martin Christopher Amos Tonya M. Bolin Ranier L. Caldwell Heather K. Darby Jerry Fisher Carla Howard Anderson Carolyn Boutte Peggy H. Calhoun Padmanava Dash Joanne Fisher James T. Anderson Howard I. Boutte Irma Calvin Diane T. Davaul Rose Jackson Flenorl Jennifer F. Anderson Matthew J. Bouwens Lauren Y. Campbell- Anthony E. Davis Elizabeth M. Ford-Howard Joyce A. Anderson Darryl M. Bowen Cummings Carolyn Jean Davis Clarence E. Foreman Kristie Anderson Reginald J. Bowens Diana M. Carey Christie L. Davis William Fortenberry Portia E. Anderson Yolanda Bowens Shirley Carpenter Kimble R. Davis Kendrick Gresham Fortune Rasheda D. Anderson Phyllis Grant Bowman Mae R. Carr Livia V. Davis Destiny J. Foster Ruby Anderson Lorraine E. Boyd Cassandra L. Carter Marquita S. Davis Jacquelyn C. Franklin Vertilla S. Anderson Vicky M. Boykins Millicente L. Carter Melvin Davis Meyers Franklin Martha Y. Andre Dois H. Bradley Tracy R. Carter Reginald S. Davis Natarica C. Franklin Carl F. Andre’ Roderick Branson Willie Earl Carthan Syanthe Y. Davis Patricia A. Freeman Alice Andy Letha A Brantley Theodore W. Caruthers Taquile Davis Quincy N. Freeman Anonymous Brenda L. Breland Cedric T. Casher Pearl Marie Dawson Porter Michelle Frisby Florence Anthony Tamieka M. Brent Candice N. Catchings Evelyn J. Days Arva Fuller Winnie E. Steward Anthony Linda M. Brent Buckley Alfred L. Celestain Margaret C. Dear Theodore J. Fykes Kim Antoine Helen I. Brewer Lessie M. Chambers Roy DeBerry Shirley Mae Gadiok Bridgett Archer Tabatha A. Brim Anthony Chambliss DEH & Associates Consulting, Loretta J. Galbreath Brenda L. Ards Jacqueline B. Brinson Seaton Louise Chambliss LLC Robin Y. Gallagher Stanley Cortez Armon Harry E. Brister Rico D. Chapman Delta Air Lines, Inc. Sonethia Galloway Elaine Armour-Word Janie M. Brister Stephanie B. Chapman Andre Denard Jayachander R. Gangasani Larry C. Armstrong Tiffiney C. Britton Marcus E. Cheeks Rodney George Denne’ Lawrence Garfinkel Shanquilla S. Arnold Jocelyn M. Brock Candice D. Cherry-Lyles Dorothy Jean Dennis John B. Garner Zikri Arslan Sentoris O. Bronner James K. Child Nedra DeSavieu Michael A. Garner Patricia Atkins Candace R. Brookins Farah L. Christmas Yvette M. Devine Mary Anna K. Garraway Mattie Pearl Atterberry Courtney W. Brookins Charity Faith Clark Bassiru Diatta Thomas Ann Gatlin Curtis R. Augustine Jason H. Brookins Edward L. Clark Noel E. Didla Douglas J. Gavin Barbara Austin Oscar Brookins Lee Eddie Clark Carolyn Diggs Lorraine Banks Gayden Sherman E. Austin Christopher C. Brooks Montique S. Clark Edward C. Dillon Shirley H. Geary Sreelatha Avanaganti Donald Ray Brooks Ruby K. Clark Levi Dillon Wilma F. Geeston Olorundare E. Aworuwa Dorothy S. Brooks Harvey Clay Q.R. Dillon Kamaca Nicole Genous Paul A. Awoseyi Marion E. Brooks Regina Clay Debra J. Divinity Gisele N. Gentry Ernestine Azevedo Myra Brooks Valarie N. Clayton Angenette S. Dixon Gerald George Deniecsa Babers Paulette Brooks Accura Cobbins Connie M. Dixon Kenneth J. George Shirley C. Babineaux Bonnie R. Brookshaw John C. Cobbins Domonick D’vantoniio Dixon Veda Getties Minnie R. Bailey Alberta Brown Marion Cockrell Tyrone B. Dixon Gail R. Gettis Travis Jordan Ballard Barbara J. Brown Nerma Cockrell Dixon’s To Go Gloria Gibson Janice Banks Brenda R. Brown Inez T. Colbert Jessica F. Donahue Joel Gibson Lee T. Banks C. Jermaine Brown Gail A. Cole Tayia L. Donald Kathy A. Gibson Shirley T. Banks Carolyn L. Brown Phyadragren Sha Cole Norman D. Douglas Gurvinder Gill Tiffany Jeanise Banyard Cedric E. Brown Sheri D. Cole Parthenia Shade Douglas Beal Doris O. Ginn Judith K. Barber Clara L. Brown Nelson Coleman Peter W. Doyle June Arnessa Gipson Darnell D. Barksdale Denise Brown Peggy W. Coleman Temple L. Draper Shirley Glenn Wilson Elsie Barnes Janie R. Brown Clara M. Collier Tonisha L. Drummer Charlinda Gooch Johnnie B. Barnes Juanita S. Brown Walter M. Collier Xiaogeng Du Mary Gooden Mary Barnes Keenan Brown Cindy Dixon Conner Bobbie J. Dubose Vivian Gorden Jane D. Barnett Lasondra Coleman Brown Phillisa R. Conner Bennie L. Ealy W.C. Gorden Barnett Law Firm Leon Brown Eugenia Renee Cook Cora Lavon Edwards Doris Gordon Ja’Nekia W. Barton Lillian Griffith Brown Johnie E. Cooks Eddie L. Edwards Eddie Gore Doris Lois Battle Walter A. Brown Carolyn W. Cooley Eugene Edwards D.L. Govan Joe L. Beard William R. Brown Leonard M. Cooper Priscilla W. Edwards Bonita M. Graham Sarah Beard Mudine L. Brown-Harris Willie A. Cooper Virginia C. Edwards Reginald Graham Eddie Jean Beard-Caston Bruno & Tervalon Kari L. Copeland Dawn M. Eiland Shavonda Benson Grammer Candice Y. Beasley Kathy J. Bryant Catherine V. Cornelius Lynette Ekunwe Monica L. Granderson Jerry L. Beavers Diane R. Bryski Doristine C. Cornelius Ebony E. Elbert Melvin Grant Sylvia Beck Joann Buchanan Michael A. Cowan Clifton E. Ellis Mynyon B. Graves Beck Funeral Home Rhonda R. Buckley Dwayne Cox John W. Ellis Teameaka C. Graves Cheryl Bell Valencia M. Buggs Cathy S. Craven Larry B. Ellis Je’Juan J. Gray D’Andra L. Bell Barbara F. Buie Kenneth M. Crawford Selena J. Ellison Katonya Gray Terri L. Bell Pamela D. Bunker Shanetta S. Crisler Dawn Elmore Le’Rosa M. Gray Tiffany T. Benson Nimba R. Burgess Walter L. Crockett Paula Epps Sarita Grayson-Witherspoon Tynisha Bentley Shirley F. Burnett Clarine Croft Anthony T. Evans Connye L. Green Juanita Benton Jacqueline A. Burns Larissia Y. Crosby Doris M. Evans Theresa B. Green Cynthia D. Berry Elaine Burnside Mary K. Cross Kalvin M. Evans Hertecine P. Greenfield Abhay Bhatt Eunice Carol Burt Marcus R. Crowley Lekisha Lashan Evans Moderick Greenfield Azad R. Bhuiyan Della A. Burt-Bradley Andrea D. Crudup Robert C. Evans Johnnie S. Gregory Ashlei Bianca Biddle Jeremiah J. Burton Helen J. Crump Victor Conwell Evans Isaac L. Griffin Marrice G. Biggers Sherry L. Burton McKenzie Crump Dianne D. Everett Lakitshia Renea’ Griffin Crystal Billingsley Evelyn Bush Bryant M. Cunningham Velma A. Ewing Yolanda S. Griffin Millard Juette Bingham Crystal L Butler Fred Cunningham Dexter O. Expose Dave A. Gross Rayna S. N. Blackshear Doris L. Butler Edward L. Curtis Fidel Ezeala-Harrison Aaron Gunn

46 | jacksonian | honor roll of donors |

Beverly J. Hackett David C. Howard Della M. Jones-Caugills Jeanette M. Magee Agnes B. Morrow J.H. Haggerty Gerard L. Howard Joyce T. Jordan Edward Magnum Marilyn Morton Philip D. Hairston Joyce Hudson Laura Jordan Sophiea A. Major-Boyd Tonya Moses Anthony Hales William Travis Hudson Quantina R. Jordan Printice Majors Alisa Mosley Katisa D. Haley-Johnson Josephine Hudson-McQueen Rose Kearney Michael J. Malouf Betty Jean Mosley-Green Jolynn Christmas Hall Adrian Hughes Shannon D. Kelly-Woods John Malvern Asia Muhaimin Kevin Hall Gerome Hughes Darius C. Kennebrew Gregory D. Manogin Vikki Mumford Mara N. Hall Kerry C. Hughes Jessica Kennedy Linda F. Mark Murchison Benevolent Jamal Halloway Stephanie S. Hughes Tiara Keyes Kendrick D. Marshall Ethel P. Murrain Levaughn Hamilton Carla Huiskamp Rose Marie Kimble Mioshi D. Marshall Linda B. Murray Freddie Hampton Dorothy F. Hulett Carlos R. King Robin R. Marshall Ardener Murray Franshaw Floressa J. Hannah-Jefferson Nekole Hulitt Lee King Krystal Martin Georgia W. Murriel Walter J. Harbin Jon R. Hultgren Nellie King Sara L. Martin Annie Hulitt Myles Alvin Hardin Arnitra R. Hunter Pamela J. King Vertie M. Martin Veda M. Myles Shelia R. Hardwell-Byrd Brian C. Hunter Sheila B. King Virginia Martin Margie R. Nash Charles Hardy Huntington’s Grille Larry J. Kirkwood Charles V. Mathews Walter L. Nason William Harkless Ray Charles Irby Bob Allen Knight Johnnie F. May Sandra Naumann Freddie Harper Akilah I. Irvin Gregory E. Knight Andreas N. Mbah Billie F. Neal Waddell Harrell Charles B. Irvin Ena C. Knott Catherine A. McAbee Nelda H. Neal Willie J. Harrell Lubertha Irving Roslyn Knox-Lockett Sharon D. McAroy Tasha Neal Shelia Harrell-Gray John D. Isaacs Orquidea Labrador James Andrew McBride Paul E. Neely Debra A. Harris Doris S. Ivy Connie Gamble Lamb Lanelle M. McClain Amirah R. Nelson Eunice M. Harris Anita L. Jackson Terrance R. Lampkin Lanetta M. McClain Brittne Nelson Jacquelyn J. Harris Classie Perkins Jackson Deidre Lang Belvely D. McClendon Gladys T. Nelson-Warner Marion Harris Dawana L. Jackson Toshineda M. Lankston Callie D. McCoy Ogochukwu C. Ngwudike Myrtis Harris Ernestine Erica Jackson Jerome H. Latham Diana McCree-Evans James A. Nickerson Rodney O’Neal Harris Janas Jackson Arthur J. Lawson Karla Lutisha McCullough Virginia Nickson Mapp Ronnie S. Harris Lou A. Jackson Rasheeda S. Lawson Donetta C. McCullum Christine M. Nielsen Samone Nicole Harris Jimmie James Chevella Mae Layne Delores McDaniel Patricia Ann Norman Timothy L. Harris Kimblee D. James Mary Leach Antonio F. McDuffey Tammie P. Norton Malcolm J. Harrison Rosalie James Deborah Fugh Lee Gerthania McGee Chaka C. Norwood Leslie Harrison-Moorehead Ruby L. James Doris M. Lee Mary R. McGee Latrina S. Norwood Regina E. Hartsuck Walter L. James Johnyelle Lee Magnolia McGlothen Legora Norwood Ashley D. Harvey Walter L. James Marcus Lee Abe McGlothin Samuel W. Norwood Shirley Lawanda Harvey Marcus D. Jamison Thelma Lee Claude L. McInnis Nspirational Communications Kristy Hathorn Arthur B. Jefferson Verdis R. Lee Tammie L. McKinney-Sledge Group Gay L. Havard Clarence Jefferson Evelyn J. Leggette Bruce B. McLemore Emeka Nwagwu Cassandra L. Hawkins-Wilson Sharon R. Jefferson Magdalena Leszczynska Darshall McMiller Charlyne Oten Shakelia L. Hayes Curtis Jenkins Albert J. Leveck Cynthia McMillian Alondria A. Owens Lydia D. Haynes Timothy Jenkins Lashonda D. Levy Marco Watson McMillian Linda R. Owens Damarcus R. Haywood Velma Rae Hill Jenkins Alice A. Lewis Adrienne McPhaul Robin Michele Pack Cheryl Hearn Amy L. Johnson Helen B. Lewis Andrew McQueen Billy D. Paige Doretha Hearon Barbara Ann Irvin Johnson Willie Lewis Lasaundra F. McQuitter Ottis J. Paige Melinda Heath Brandon K. Johnson Hui Li Angel L. Meeks Queene E. Paige Shimeka N. Henson Calvin S. Johnson Cornelia A. Liggans Natarajan Meghanathan Tiffany R. Paige Suann Hereford Chavin J. Johnson Shander N. Lindsey Judy Alsobrooks Meredith Carolyn Istolena Palmer David E. Herron Clarence Johnson Kevin Lipsey Hal A. Merritt Douglas Parker Tamara R. Herron Harriett Faychelle Johnson Avis S. Lloyd Viola LaRene Metz Julia R. Parker Donald Hewitt Hazel G. Johnson Sylvarius Lloyd Dewillican L. Middleton Angela L. Patin Carolyn M. Higgins Helmon Johnson Robert T. Lock Alonzo Miller Carlos Patino Deborah Q. Hill Jay D. Johnson Eric N. Lollis Charlotte F Miller B. Patrick Janis L. Hill Jerome Johnson Myrtle Love Laura L. Miller Isadore Patrick Samuel C. Hill Lem Johnson B. Anne Lovelady Sharon D. Miller Christian Patterson Gerri Hill Chance Lenora D. Johnson Andriae Lowe Gabrielle D. Mills Tonya Carisse Patterson Earnestine Hilliard Mary E. Johnson Mahala Lowe W.F. Minor Alco Patton Kimberly D. Hilliard Patsy LaVarne Johnson Melanie S. Lowe Oscar Miskelly Charles F. Peavie Jeremy W. Hodge Richard L. Johnson Shequita Lowe Antonio D. Moffatt Frankie Faulkner Pellerin Lajune Hodge-Crews Robert Johnson Shirley D. Lowery-Luallen Jeanette Molden Patricia D. Pempleton Miriam R. Neely Holder Ruth B. Johnson Lowe’s Home Center Steven Momon Andrew B. Pennington Neal Holliman William P. Johnson Myrtle Lucas Alexander J. Moncrief Jesse C. Pennington Lowell Antonio James Dorothea D. Johnson- Sherry G. Lucas Keith M. Moncure Perrylee Home Health Care Hollinger Campbell Florene Lucas-Jerdine Juanita J. Montgomery Services, Inc. Kaleena D. Holloway Glenda Johnson-Marshall Marilyn J. Luckett Maurice J. Moody Patricia L. Perryman Pamela Cook Holloway Annie Laura Jones Nakeesha L. Luckett Bernard Moore Gladys Peters Albert J. Holmes Betty Ann Jones Robert Luckett Dorothy Moore Henrietta Peyton Savannah D. Holmes Cynthia B. Jones Fletcher Ludgood Harvey L. Moore Joseph Carl Phillips Tasha R. Holmes Elizabeth A. Jones Carolyn Lumpkin Justin L. Moore Loran Pigott Monica Holt Evelia L. Jones Christine C. Lunt Lakiaus A. Moore Kimberlin D. Pittman Dianne M. Hooker George Aaron Jones Ike I. Lusk Latanya L. Moore Candis P. Pizzetta Stephanie D. Hooker Gregory A. Jones Naomi Lyles Moore & Moore Sports Auwilda Mason Polk Kimberly D. Horton Herbert B. Jones Barbara B. Lynch Laura Moore Smith Edrice J. Polk Kristen L. Hosey Ida Jones Brenda Walker Lynn Felicia D. Morgan Craig R. Pollard Cherylynn N. Hoskin Laronda Denise Jones George Mabry Jean E. Morgan Allen F. Poole Vincent E. Houseworth Ralph Jones Stacey A. Mack Tabather D. Moriley Charisma D. Pope Clifford Howard Tiffanee L. Jones James S. Maddirala Clemeteen C. Morris Dorothi Pope Cory Howard Willie Jones Conswella A. Magee Eva Morris Cleopatric Porter D. W. Howard Winnie A. Jones Deveesha K. Magee Versie L. Morris Marvin Porter

jacksonian | 47 | honor roll of donors |

Poteat Nicole Porter-Medley Sheila Salins Debra A. Tate Kemba A. Ware Mondella Woods Don Potts Janet A. Samuel Timothy A. Tate Kevin W. Ware Ruby Lee Woods Linda Powe Robert Sanders Bonita Taylor Allison Warnsley Shameka Woods Janice M. Powell Stephanie Kenyatta Sanders Carolyn A. Taylor Andre’ B. Warren Willie J. Woods Renato Powell Losondra Sanders-King Cathy M. Taylor Lee A. Warren Willie Woods Veronika LaShel Powe-Wilson Lillie B. Saulsbury Doris Stene Taylor Christopher C. Washington Cleveland C. Woodson III Dorothy Preston Jacqueline D. Scott Festers E. Taylor David L. Washington Patricia Wooten Tamara K. Preston Jan Scott Jeffree Taylor Dora S. Washington J. Wallace Wortham Rosie L. T. Pridgen Jason Scott Luciana Taylor George C. Washington Angela R. Wright Primos Cafe Lavern C. Scott Mary L. Taylor Kenya T. Washington Denise Wright Valerie A. Purry Troy L. Scott Mary A. Taylor Lashinda Y. Washington Joshaunda L. Wright Byron A. Quick Pamela Self Clauditte T. Tchakoua Lorin R. Washington Allen R. Yates Jitender S. Raheja David Seymour Riva B. Teague Michael Washington Alberta Yeboah Wade A. Rakes Billye Jean Sharp David M. Temple Sophia P. Washington Clement Yedjou Vernon M. Randles Cheryl D. Shaw Requel Thames Johnathan Emil Watkins Anita G. Young Aundria D. Range Nichlas Shears Lennette Tharpe Sylvia Watley Renada Michelle Young Bakhtiyor Rasulev Dardanella Shenefelt The Harris Foundation Janet Watson Brandi Jade Ratliff Ray Eldon Shenefelt Beray Thigpen Mattye L. Watson Erica Ratliff Christopher Wesley Shepard Dora E. Thigpen Willie J. Watson Deborah H. Rawls Harriette Sherrod Aurelia Thomas Ludilliar Watts George Edward Ray Tonya L. Shinn Barbaria A Thomas Curtis Weakley Patric Ray Lorna Shird Chaid Lemuel Thomas Sonya D. Webster Margaret Read Valerie A. Short Henry Thomas Tramell Weeks Marvin Read Jennifer R. Shorter Leon Thomas Curtis J. Wells Josh Collum Reagan Louella B. Sidney-Copeland Percy Thomas Patrick Wesley Dorothy B. Reddix Charles E. Silas Lula Thomas Buchanan Rosalind D. Wesley Bennie R. Reed Ross E. Simms Ashley P. Thomas-Dillon Melinda R. Wheeler Betty J. Reed Patrice M. Sims Briana Thompson Bill White Lamar Reed Ethel W. Singleton Dave Thompson Michael A. White Shameka Reed Roy W. Slater Jesse Thompson Timothy L. White Dale Reese Lawrence Sledge Kelvin D. Thompson Wynton C. White Tammye M. Reese Toyce M. Small Natissa P. Thompson Tillman Whitley Viola Reese Alice M. Smith Wilfred O. Thompson Tadji Wickham Angie M. Reeves Arnetta Smith Sterling Price Thurston Heather A. Wilcox Kourtni M. Reeves Brittany Nicole Smith Loretta Tidwell Kendrick Wiley Courtney Hardemn Reynolds Cary Smith Joyce T. Tillman Sharlyn Wilkinson Sean Ricard Derrick M. Smith Keanna Toatley Angela J. Williams Justin L. Rice Eros J. Smith Trina V. Toles Brandy Williams Kidada Rice Harold T. Smith Audrey G. Tolliver Carolyn Williams Dwayne F. Richardson Joei Smith Tiffany N. Townsend Cleotha Williams Karmon S. Richardson Latoysha Smith Townsend Consulting, Inc. Dionna R. Williams Suzanne R. Richardson Leniece T. Smith Doris T. Trammel Eloise Williams Jacquelin Rideau Rachel Smith Danny R. Trigg Floyd Williams Lei Ann Rideau Rodney Smith James A. Triplett Frederick D. Williams Julius M. Ridgway Roosevelt Smith Angela Lynette Tripp Georgia B. Williams Rebecca Riley Tremeka Rochelle Smith Patricia A. Trunnell Germaine D. Williams Kineshia K. Roark Mary Levi Smith Stowe Cathy D. Turner Kenkalelus Williams Ruth R. Robbins Rashell R. Smith-Spears Jessica G. Turner Lekendrick D. Williams Sheryl I. Robbins Annie Solomon Latrena Varnado Turner Manda Williams Brenda Roberson Gloria Southward Lucious Turner Pablo F. Williams Edward E. Roberson Tony L. Spann Quilly E. Turner Quinton L. Williams Vivian Roberts Fragelia D. Spears Randy R. Turner Ruth Williams Xavier Roberts St. Andrews Episcopal School Seth U. Twum Sophia W. Williams Ethel L. Robertson Buford Franklin Staffney University of Mississippi Torrence J. Williams Royelle J. Robertson Kelvin L. Stamps Foundation Valerie L. Williams Arrie A. Robinson Brenda J. Stapleton-Brown Christian Vance Venus Williams Dollye M. E. Robinson John L. Steel Christian O. Varnado Victor Williams Elnora Robinson Lois M. Stennis Lajuana L. Vaughn Helenstine Williams-Mabry Gilda A. Robinson Mattie Stevens Louise R. Vaughn Angela Williamson-Bratton Margaret B. Robinson Angela D. Stewart Tommisene Veal Roslyn Williams-Woodard Paul Robinson Clenistine S. Stewart Cynthia J. Veals Elbert Willis Priscilla T. Robinson Dorothy T. Stewart Doris J. Vickers Jessie Loach Willis Salena T. Robinson Irene M. Stewart Daniel C. Vogt Kathleen E. Willis Sonja A. Robinson Janita R. Stewart Chausey L. Wade Roderick Willis Tasha Robinson Leon F. Stewart Rosia Wade Crisler Bradford T. Wilson Taja Roeisha Betty J. Stewart-Norman Cheryl F. Walker Cassandra D. Wilson Judith G. Ross Vivian Ann Webb Storrs Jimmy L. Walker Cheryl E. Wilson Ozzie Ross Kenneth L. Straughter John Neail Walker Claude L. Wilson Porter L. Ross Leola Strickland Leroy G. Walker Frank E. Wilson Douglas W. Rouse Douglas E. Stringfellow Robert M. Walker James H. Wilson Pamela Rouse Barbara D. Sullivan Charlotte Vashon Wallace Vernita A. Wilson Mildred Rucker Regenia Shearrill Sulton Albert Curtis Walls G. Y. Windfield Jaquesha Q. Rule Lauren D. Summers Denise Walls Kenneth E. Windham Timothy W. Rush Margaret Swinney Rosalind T. Walls James M. Witherspoon Mary A. Rushing Ronald Swinney Mazola Walton Reginald Woodard Macy Dion Russell Carol Fuller Margaret Syvertsen Keanna N. Ward Woodard Equipment Group, Inc. Alesha K. Russey Contessa L. Talbert Milton D. Ward Sharonda Woodford

48 | jacksonian Earn Your Executive Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education One Weekend A Month (Thursday – Sunday) in Approximately 24 Months

Application Deadline: January 15 Jackson State University is accepting applications for the Executive Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education. This trans-disciplinary degree requires studies in business, public policy and administration, and urban and regional planning in combination with studies in higher education administration and research methodology and practice.

The Executive Ph.D. (EPhD) in Urban Higher Education at Jackson State University prepares students to assume leadership roles in post-secondary institutions and other organizations whose primary endeavors relate to or impact the operations of institutions of higher learning.

The audience for this unique program could include faculty seeking high- level leadership, as well as mid-entry level personnel in management from colleges and universities in urban or metropolitan settings and executive- related agencies that work either as suppliers or clients of the higher education enterprise. This could include human resource/service agencies, foundations, corporations with an adult training mission, and other sectors that represent government, industry, commerce, or technology.

To begin your application process or to request more information, please call (601) 979-EPHD (3743) or visit us online at: jsums.edu/ephd

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE jacksonian | 49 1400 John R. Lynch St. P.O. Box 17144 | Jackson MS 39217

Our students, numbering more than 9,500, are equipped to more successfully compete on both the national and international level because of their extensive support system. By making a contribution to the Excellence Fund today, you can join the 1,800-plus individuals this year who are committed to making a difference in the lives of our students.

Each gift provides a degree of flexibility in allocating financial resources to the areas of highest need. Your gift to JSU is a tangible expression of support. It also encourages outside sources such as corporations, foundations, and friends of the university to commit to our pursuit of excellence.

You can make a difference today! Give online at www.jsums.edu/giveonline, contact the Division of Institutional Advancement/Annual Giving at 601-979-1760 or mail your gift to: Jackson State University Advancement Services JSU Box 17144 Jackson MS 39217

Make checks payable to the Jackson State University Development Foundation (JSUDF). For more information about giving to JSU, please visit www.jsums.edu/giving. jacksonian | 51