Jackson State University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Jackson State University (JSU), a historically black research university located in Jackson, Mississippi, has a rich history and a strong tradition of producing notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. From athletics and entertainment to politics and civil rights, JSU graduates have left an indelible mark on society. This article explores the legacy of JSU by highlighting some of its most prominent alumni and their achievements.
A Historical Overview of Jackson State University
Founded in 1877 as Natchez Seminary in Natchez, Mississippi, by the American Baptist Home Mission Society of New York, the institution was established with the goal of providing "the moral, religious and intellectual improvement of Christian leaders of the colored people of Mississippi and the neighboring states." The first class consisted of 20 formerly enslaved men who were training to become ministers and teachers.
In 1882, the seminary relocated to Jackson, and in 1899, it was renamed Jackson College. Over the years, the institution underwent several name changes, including Mississippi Negro Training School and Jackson College for Negro Teachers, before finally becoming Jackson State College in 1956. In 1974, it achieved university status and was renamed Jackson State University.
Jackson State University's athletic teams, known as the Tigers, compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The university is also home to the Sonic Boom of the South, a renowned marching band established in the 1940s.
Notable Alumni
Jackson State University has produced a diverse array of accomplished graduates who have excelled in their respective fields. Here are some of the most notable alumni:
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Athletics
- Walter Payton: Widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, Walter "Sweetness" Payton played for the Chicago Bears for 13 seasons. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and remains an iconic figure in NFL history.
- Shedeur Sanders: A rising star in American football, Shedeur Sanders played college football for the Jackson State Tigers before transferring to the Colorado Buffaloes. He has already garnered significant recognition for his talent and potential.
- Robert Brazile: Nicknamed "Dr. Doom," Robert Lorenzo Brazile Jr. was a linebacker for the Houston Oilers from 1975 to 1984. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
- Travis Hunter Jr.: Known for his exceptional two-way playing ability, Travis Hunter Jr. played college football for both the Jackson State Tigers and the Colorado Buffaloes. He is the only player in college football history to win both the Chuck Bednarik and Fred Biletnikoff Awards.
- Dave Clark: An American former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1986 to 1998. Currently is the first base coach for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB).
- Curt Ford: An American former professional baseball outfielder, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies, from 1985 through 1990.
- Audie Norris: An American retired professional basketball player and coach. Norris played for the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers, from 1982 to 1985.
Politics and Activism
- James Meredith: A civil rights activist, writer, political advisor, and United States Air Force veteran, James Meredith became the first African-American student admitted to the racially segregated University of Mississippi in 1962. His courageous act was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement.
- Laphonza Butler: A labor union official and politician, Laphonza Romanique Butler served as a United States senator from California from 2023 to 2024. She has a long history of advocating for workers' rights and social justice.
- Bennie Thompson: Serving as a U.S. Representative for Mississippi's 2nd congressional district since 1993, Bennie Thompson has been a prominent voice in Congress. He chaired the Committee on Homeland Security and has been a strong advocate for his constituents.
- Rod Paige: Roderick Raynor Paige served as the 7th United States Secretary of Education from 2001 to 2005.
- Cornell William Brooks: An American lawyer and activist, Cornell William Brooks served as the president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 2014.
- George Flaggs Jr.: An American politician and the incumbent Mayor of Vicksburg, Mississippi. An independent, Flaggs won his first term as mayor in 2013 and was reelected in 2017 and again in 2021.
- Erik R. Fleming: An American politician who was a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives representing the 72nd District from 1999 to 2008.
- Mattie Hunter: A Democratic member of the Illinois Senate, representing the 3rd district since 2003.
- Robert G. Clark, Jr.: An American politician who served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1968 to 2004, representing the 47th district. He was the first African-American member of the Mississippi Legislature since 1894.
- Rosalind Peychaud: An American politician and community leader. She served as a Democratic state representative for Louisiana’s 91st District from 2002 to 2004.
- Emmett C. Burns, Jr.: An American politician from Maryland and a member of the Democratic Party. He served five terms in the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Maryland's District 10 in Baltimore County.
- Hillman Terome Frazier: An American politician who is a Democratic member of the Mississippi Senate; he has represented the 27th District since 1993.
Arts and Entertainment
- Cassandra Wilson: A jazz singer, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi. She has won numerous awards, including two Grammys, and was named "America's Best Singer" by Time magazine in 2001.
- Dorothy Moore: An American blues, gospel, and R&B singer best known for her 1976 hit song, "Misty Blue".
- Kiese Laymon: An American writer. He is a professor of English and Creative Writing at Rice University. He is the author of three full-length books: a novel, Long Division (2013), and two memoirs, How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America (2013) and the award-winning Heavy: An American Memoir (2018). Laymon was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship in 2022.
- Emmelie Prophète: A Haitian writer and diplomat. From November 2022 till April 2024, she served as the justice minister of Haiti.
- Vasti Jackson: An American electric blues guitarist, singer, songwriter and record producer.
Other Fields
- Bill Evans: An American meteorologist and the former weatherman for WABC-TV, the ABC affiliate in New York City.
- Rod Paige: Served as the 7th United States Secretary of Education.
- Carlton W. Reeves: A United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi and chair of the United States Sentencing Commission.
- George T. French Jr.: An American academic administrator and university president. He is the fifth president of Clark Atlanta University in downtown Atlanta, serving since September 2019.
- Judy Sullivan: An American retired biomedical engineer who worked for NASA during the Apollo 11, Apollo 10, Apollo 9, Apollo 8, and Gemini 12 missions.
- Patricia Jessamy: Was the State's Attorney of Baltimore, Maryland. She was appointed to head the office in 1995 and won reelection three times.
- Felicia C. Adams: An American attorney who served as United States Attorney for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi from 2011 to 2017.
- Reuben D. Jones: A retired United States Army major general. In his final assignment, he served as the deputy commanding general of operations for the Installation Management Command from June 3, 2011, to December 3, 2012.
These are just a few examples of the many accomplished alumni who have graduated from Jackson State University. Their achievements demonstrate the university's commitment to providing a quality education and preparing students for success in their chosen fields.
Jackson State University Hall of Fame Inductees
Jackson State University is proud of its inductees for their outstanding contributions to JSU and the community. The Hall of Fame highlights the outstanding accomplishment of alumni from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs). More than two hundred exceptional men and women have been inducted into the Hall of Fame in the fields of Arts/Entertainment, Athletics, Business/Industry, Community Service, Education, Faith/Theology, Government/Law, Medicine, Science, Lifetime Achievement and Civil Rights.
- 1988: Mr.
- 1989: Rev. Dr.
- 1993: Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr.
- 1995: Mr. Alvin O. Chambliss, Jr. (Lifetime Achievement), Mrs.
- 1996: Dr.
- 2001: Dr.
- 2007: Dr.
- 2008: Dr. Hilliard L.
- 2012: Mr.
- 2014: Dr.
- 2018: Mr.
- 2019: Dr. Lucille A.
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