Jackson State University

Jackson State University has a distinguished history, rich in the tradition of educating young men and women for leadership, having undergone seven name changes as it grew and developed.

Founded as Natchez Seminary in 1877 by the American Baptist Home mission Society, the school was established as Natchez, Mississippi “for the moral, religious and intellectual improvement of Christian leaders of the colored people of Mississippi and the neighboring states.” In November 1882, the school was moved to Jackson; in March 1899, the curriculum was expanded and the name was changed to Jackson College.

The state assumed support of the college in 1940, assigning to it the mission of training teachers. Subsequently, between 1953 and 1956, the curriculum was expanded to include a graduate program and bachelor’s programs in the arts and sciences; the name was then changed to Jackson State College in 1956.

Further expansion of the curriculum and a notable building program preceded the elevation of Jackson State College to university status on March 15, 1974. In 1979, Jackson State was officially designated the Urban University of the State of Mississippi. Presently, Jackson State University, a public, coeducational institution, is supported by legislative appropriations supplemented by student fees and federal and private grants.

Building on its historic mission of empowering diverse students to become leaders, Jackson State University will become recognized as a challenging, yet nurturing, state-of-the-art technologically-infused intellectual community. Students and faculty will engage in creative research, participate in interdisciplinary and multi-institutional/ organizational collaborative learning teams and serve the global community.The University produces technologically-advanced, diverse, ethical, global leaders who think critically, address societal problems and compete effectively.

The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is the chief academic and strategy officer for the University. All academic and related units, (including the colleges and departments, the library, undergraduate studies, graduate studies, international initiatives, faculty development, academic program development and review, and academic diversity) report to the Provost. Additionally, the Provost administers the budgets of these units to further mission and goals of Jackson State University.

The Provost provides oversight to special academic programs including the Honors College, University College, the Center for University Scholars, the Richard Wright Center for Writing, Rhetoric, and Research, and centralized advising for the First Year Experience. Other units under the supervision of Academic Affairs include the Center for Distance Learning and Instructional Technology, Extended Learning, and the initiatives for community college partnerships. The Division of Academic Affairs also conducts planning and assessment activities, provides reports to external boards and accreditation agencies, and ensures the continuance of regional accreditation for all of the University with the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, along with discipline-specific accreditation for academic programs.

The Provost oversees academic and budgetary policy and priorities, ensures the quality of the academic and academic support programs, and maintains an environment for educational excellence through faculty involvement in teaching, research, and service, along with appropriate academic advisement. The Provost also has oversight responsibility for recruiting, hiring, retention, the performance of faculty and academic administrators, and for the promotion and tenure process.

Undergraduate Admissions processes and admits academically qualified students.Enrollment requirements are set by the university and the governing board of the Institution of Higher Learning. Current enrollment is over 9,000 students. We are sure that you will enjoy the educational opportunities and experiences Jackson State University has to offer.

Undergraduate Studies is a student advocate unit which provides a quality assurance program for first-and-second year students. In collaboration with the academic colleges, it ensures preparation for the rigor of their intended majors, engagement in leadership, service, citizenship, and community development activities.

If you are a prospective graduate student, we look forward to welcoming you to Jackson State University. The Division of Graduate Studies' web site provides information for prospective graduate students regarding our more than 50 graduate programs, application procedures, and other information related to graduate education at Jackson State University®. As a currently enrolled JSU graduate student or a member of the faculty or staff, we hope that you find the information you are looking for on our web site. We have provided links to make it easy for you to find information regarding graduate academic procedures and policies, administrative information, calendar, and forms.

Community Engagement was established in July 2012. This new unit replaced the Division of Community Affairs and Events and is currently under the authorization of the Division of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs.The purpose of Community Engagement is to extend the vast resources of Jackson State University to the community. CE engages faculty, staff, students, and community partners through community partnerships and engagement.

The intent is to facilitate the creation of a seamless and mutually beneficial relationship between the University and Jackson, Mississippi metropolitan area. The Executive Director has direct managerial responsibilities over the following community-oriented units: Center for University-Based Development, and Metro Jackson Community Prevention Coalition. In addition, Community Engagement is the lead administrative unit providing oversight for the Sustainable Campus Committee.