Jackson State University

Jackson State University is a public historically Black research university located in Jackson, Mississippi. Founded in 1877, it is part of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning system and is classified among research universities. Jackson State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across colleges that include liberal arts, business, education, engineering, health sciences, and science and technology. The university is known for its commitment to access, community engagement, and research in areas such as public health, environmental science, and social justice. Its urban campus attracts students seeking a comprehensive academic experience within a historically Black university setting.

Jackson State University was founded in 1877 in Natchez, Mississippi, as Natchez Seminary by the American Baptist Home Mission Society to educate newly freed African Americans. In 1882, the institution relocated to Jackson and continued expanding its academic offerings. It was renamed Jackson College in 1899 and became a state-supported institution in 1940, marking a significant shift in governance and funding. During the mid-20th century, Jackson College expanded its curriculum and campus facilities while playing a central role in the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. In 1974, the institution achieved university status and adopted the name Jackson State University to reflect its broader academic mission. Since then, Jackson State University has developed graduate and doctoral programs, increased research activity, and grown into a comprehensive public research university serving students in Jackson and beyond.