History of Jackson State University in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 28, 2025

Jackson State University is a public historically black research university located in Jackson, Mississippi. As a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, it holds an R2 classification, signifying high research activity. The university contributes to higher education and research within the historically black college and university (HBCU) community.

1903: Ayer Hall Constructed

In 1903, Ayer Hall was constructed and named in honor of Charles Ayer, the institution's first president.

1934: Baptist Society Withdraws Support

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

1940: Became a Public Institution

In 1940, the school became a state-supported public institution and was renamed the Mississippi Negro Training School.

1944: Name Changed to Jackson College for Negro Teachers

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

1947: Charles Saulsburg Band Director

In 1947, Charles Saulsburg was band director.

1948: William W. Davis Appointed Band Director

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

1963: Band Increased to 88 Members

In 1963, the Jackson State College band membership increased to 88 members.

1967: Name Changed to Jackson State College

In 1967, after desegregation, the institution was renamed Jackson State College.

May 14, 1970: On-Campus Protest Shooting

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

1970: Jackson State Shooting

In 1970, the Jackson State shooting occurred.

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 having been suggested by band members. Also William Davis retired as director.

1974: Name Changed to Jackson State University

In 1974, with the addition of graduate programs and expanded curriculum, the institution was renamed Jackson State University.

1977: Ayer Hall Listed on National Register of Historic Places

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

2002: "Ayers Settlement" Leads to Renovations

As a result of the landmark "Ayers Settlement" in 2002, 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.

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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.

2020: Fall Student Demographics

As of fall 2020, 67% of Jackson State's student community were Mississippi residents, with the majority from Hinds County and Madison County. The top three feeder states were Illinois (409 students), Louisiana (269), and Georgia (220). Nigeria accounted for the highest number of international students on campus. 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: Fall Enrollment

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 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.