Jackson State University

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{{Infobox_University |name =Jackson State University |native_name = |latin_name = |image =Image:Jsuseal.jpg |motto =”You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” |established =1877 |type =Public university |endowment = |staff = |faculty =450 |president =Dr. Ronald Mason, Jr. |principal = |rector = |chancellor = |vice_chancellor = |dean = |head_label = |head = |students =6,820 |undergrad = |postgrad = |doctoral = |city =Jackson |state =Mississippi |country =United States |campus = |free_label = |free = |colors = |colours = |mascot = |nickname =Tigers |affiliations = |website =http://www.jsums.edu }}

Jackson State University, often abridged as Jackson State or by its initials JSU is a historically black university located in Jackson, Mississippi founded in 1877. Jackson State University has been especially noted for its successful business and computer departments, being among the highest ranking in the United States. Its current president is Dr. Ronald Mason, Jr.

1 History
2 Academic Departments
3 Famous alumni
4 Points of interest
5 External links

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History

Image:JSU.gif Jackson State University was founded in 1877 as the Natchez Seminary by the American Baptist Home Mission Society in Natchez, Mississippi. The seminary hoped to promote the moral, religious, and intellectual improvement of Christian leaders of the colored people of Mississippi and the neighboring states. In 1882, the institution moved to Jackson because of its central location in the state, and shortly thereafter the name was changed to Jackson College.

For sixty-three years the school operated as a private church school. In 1940, the college became a state institution for training rural and elementary school teachers. The first bachelor’s degrees were awarded in 1944. In subsequent years, the name changed to Jackson State College. Expansion of the curriculum and facilities elevated the college to university status in 1974; thus, the name changed to Jackson State University.

1970 marked the year of the infamous Jackson State killings, in which two students were left dead after a riot.

In 1977, the school celebrated its centennial. In 1979, Jackson State University was officially designated the Urban University of Mississippi, and as such, seeks solutions for urban problems through its programs and activities. The University is pledged to the advancement of a free society and continued progress of democracy.

In 1983, the University completed an $11.2-million capital campaign that resulted in the renovation and improvement of several campus buildings and provided for expanded programs offered in continuing education. New buildings and extended renovations had began in the 2003-2004 academic year, including processes of beautification and extension.

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Academic Departments

School of Allied Health Sciences
School of Business
School of Education
School of Liberal Arts
College of Science, Engineering and Technology
- School of Science and Technology
- School of Engineering
School of Social Work
The Graduate School

Jackson State's sports teams are called the Tigers and compete in the NCAA's Southwestern Athletic Conference at the Division I (Division I-AA for football) level.

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Famous alumni

Oil Can Boyd-former Major League Baseball pitcher
Corey Bradford-National Football League player
Walter Payton-NFL Hall of Fame running back
Jimmy Smith-NFL player for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Lindsey Hunter-NBA Basketball Player (Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Toronto Raptors.)
Jackie Slater-NFL Hall of Fame Offensive lineman
Dr. Rod Paige-Secretary of Education in G. W. Bush adminstration
Bennie G. Thompson-Member U. S. House of Representatives
Vivian Brown-Weathercaster for The Weather Channel
Eboni Deon-Weathercaster for The Weather Channel
Tonea Stewart-Actress and Educator