5 Things You Should Know About Jackson State

5 Things You Should Know About Jackson State

From hospital buildings to halftime shows, Jackson State University has a rich history with a lot to be proud of. Today, HBCU Leggings celebrates the legacy of Jackson State University by sharing some facts about this beloved HBCU. 

  1. Jackson State University is one of the largest HBCUs in the country and the fourth largest University in Mississippi in terms of enrollment. In the fall of 2019, JSU had over 7,000 enrolled undergraduate and postgraduate students.

  2. Jackson State University has endured seven name changes in its 144 year history. Founded in 1877, Jackson State was originally a seminary school named Natchez Seminary located in Natchez, Mississippi. The seminary was established in a building that had once served as the United States Marine Hospital. In 1883 the school was renamed Jackson College and relocated to the capital city. 

  3. Jackson State is home to the iconic Sonic Boom of the South marching band. Founded in the 1940s, the “Sonic Boom” is an elite precision marching band that has performed many halftime appearances for the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints and Cincinnati Bengals; a television special for Motown’s 30th Anniversary and the 34th NAACP Image Awards, with a special guest performance by Cedric the Entertainer. 

  4. The Honorable Rod Paige: Roderick Raynor Paige, commonly known as Rod Paige, served as the United States Secretary of Education from 2001-2005 under George W. Bush, making him the first African American to hold the position. Rod Paige graduated from Jackson State University with a bachelor’s degree before beginning his career in education and later, politics. 

  5. Earlier this month, JSU announced that the college of business will be offering a new supply chain management major available fall 2022. Inspired by the effects of the pandemic on the global supply chain, JSU aims to equip students to meet the demands of an industry that Business Dean, Fedelis Ikem, Ph.D says is “growing by leaps and bounds.” 


Check out the Jackson State University merch at HBCULeggings.com and remember to rep your HBCU with pride!

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bibi Mama is a first generation Beninese-American actress born and raised in Mansfield, CT. Growing up she watched her father, an English professor and author, continue the Yoruba oral tradition through storytelling, which inspired her. She earned her B.F.A. from Howard University and recently finished her MFA at the Old Globe/University of San Diego MFA Graduate Acting Program.
Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.