History of Jackson State University in Timeline

Jackson State University is a public historically black research university located in Jackson, Mississippi. As a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the university holds an 'R2' classification, signifying high research activity. The university's foundation is rooted in providing educational opportunities, particularly for African Americans, and it continues to serve as a center for research and higher learning.

1903: Construction of Ayer Hall

In 1903, Ayer Hall was constructed as the oldest structure on the main campus, named in honor of the institution's first president, Charles Ayer.

1934: Baptist Society Withdraws Support

In 1934, during the Great Depression, the Baptist Society withdrew its financial support from the school.

1940: School Becomes State Supported

In 1940, the school became a state-supported public institution, known as the Mississippi Negro Training School.

1944: Name Changed to Jackson College

In 1944, the school's name was changed to Jackson College for Negro Teachers.

1947: Charles Saulsburg Directs Marching Band

Charles Saulsburg was the marching band director in 1947.

1948: William W. Davis Appointed Band Director

In 1948, William W. Davis was appointed as the first full-time band director, replacing Charles Saulsburg.

1963: Marching Band Growth

The marching band had around 88 members in 1963.

1967: Name Changed to Jackson State College

In 1967, after desegregation, the school's name was changed to Jackson State College.

May 14, 1970: On-Campus Protest and Shooting

On May 14, 1970, during an on-campus protest, two students were killed by police gunfire, and 12 additional students were injured by gunfire.

1970: Jackson State Shooting

In 1970, the Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway was named in honor of the two young men who died in the Jackson State shooting.

1971: Sonic Boom of the South Name Adopted

In 1971, the name "Sonic Boom of the South" was adopted by the Jackson State University Marching Band after being suggested by band members.

1974: Name Changed to Jackson State University

In 1974, with the addition of graduate programs and an expanded curriculum, the school became Jackson State University.

1977: Ayer Hall Listed on National Register

In 1977, Ayer Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

2002: "Ayers Settlement" Leads to Campus Renovations

In 2002, as a result of the landmark "Ayers Settlement", the university, along with the other two public HBCUs in the state, has completed extensive renovations and upgrades to campus.

2012: iPads Provided to Freshmen

Since 2012, Jackson State University has provided all first-time, full-time freshmen brand new iPads.

Apple iPad (10th Generation): with A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life – Silver

Check it on Amazon

2015: School of Public Health Established

In 2015, JSU became the first university in Mississippi approved by the legislature to establish a School of Public Health, housed under the College of Health Sciences.

2020: Student Demographics

As of fall 2020, 67% of Jackson State's student community were Mississippi residents. 91% of students identified as Black, 6% identified as white, and 4% identified with various race categories. 31% of students were male, and 69% of students were female.

2022: Enrollment Statistics

In fall 2022, Jackson State's total enrollment was 6,906, of which 4,927 were undergraduate students and 1,979 were graduate.

2023: Faculty Senate 'No Confidence' Vote

In 2023, the university drew national attention when the faculty senate voted "no confidence" in university president Thomas Hudson. Shortly thereafter, the university's board of trustees placed Hudson on administrative leave and appointed Elayne Hayes-Anthony the acting president.