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.
In 1903, Ayer Hall was constructed and named in honor of Charles Ayer, the institution's first president.
In 1934, during the Great Depression, the Baptist Society withdrew financial support from the school.
In 1940, the school became a state-supported public institution and was renamed the Mississippi Negro Training School.
In 1944, the institution's name was changed to Jackson College for Negro Teachers.
In 1947, Charles Saulsburg was band director.
In 1948, William W. Davis was appointed the first full-time band director, replacing Charles Saulsburg.
In 1963, the Jackson State College band membership increased to 88 members.
In 1967, after desegregation, the institution was renamed Jackson State College.
On May 14, 1970, during an on-campus protest, two students were killed by police gunfire, and an additional 12 students were injured.
In 1970, the Jackson State shooting occurred.
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.
In 1974, with the addition of graduate programs and expanded curriculum, the institution was renamed Jackson State University.
In 1977, Ayer Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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.
Since 2012, Jackson State University has provided all first-time, full-time freshmen brand new iPads.
In 2015, JSU became the first university in Mississippi approved by the legislature to establish a School of Public Health.
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.
In fall 2022, Jackson State's total enrollment was 6,906, of which 4,927 were undergraduate students and 1,979 were graduate.
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.
As of 2024, JSU men's basketball has won five SWAC titles and made three NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament appearances.
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