Candace Chanbers
Staff Writer
In celebration of Women’s History Month, these four influential women graduates of Jackson State University have made their national marks in the areas of meteorology, theatre, golf, and politics. Through their broad areas of specialty, the former Lady Tigers each have a success story and can serve as an example for those to follow in their footsteps of success.
Vivian Brown
Meteorology
For over 25 years, Vivian Brown has been forecasting sunny days, snowstorms, and rainy washouts on the Weather Channel. This Jackson State graduate has broken color barriers as the first African-American female meteorologist on the channel. Brown graduated from JSU with a Bachelors of Arts degree in meteorology. While at Jackson State University, Brown received a full-athletic scholarship in track and was ranked 5th in the world in the 50-yard dash. During her career, she has worked as a product specialist and also as an on-camera meteorologist. She is a member of the National Weather Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and the American Meteorology Society. Brown appears each weekday on “Day Planner.”
Tonea Stewart
Actress
Best known for her role as Aunt Etta Kibbee on the television series, “In the Heat of the Night,” Dr. Tommie “Tonea” Stewart has made her spotlight as a graduate of Jackson State University. She received her Bachelors of Arts degree in speech and theatre from JSU. She was crowned Miss JSU in 1969. Dr. Stewart taught at her alma mater for 20 years and is currently the dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Alabama State University. “A Time to Kill” and “Mississippi Burning” are two of her other debuted films.
Angela Cockerham
Miss. State Representative
Angela Cockerham is a democratic member of the Mississippi House of Representatives. Since 2005, she has served District 96, which includes the counties of Adams, Amite, Pike, and Wilkinson. Cockerham received her Bachelors of Arts in English from Jackson State University and is an attorney. In the legislature, she has served on the committees of ethics, energy, public property, and Judiciary A, to name a few. Cockerham is a member of the Mississippi and Louisiana Bar Associations.
Shasta Averyhardt
Golfer
Professional golfer Shasta Averyhardt is the fourth African-American member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Averyhardt earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in accounting from Jackson State University. While at JSU, she played golf for four years under the leadership of Coach Eddie Payton. As a scholar athlete, Averyhardt achieved nine collegiate wins and made the Dean’s List each year she was eligible. Upon receiving membership into the LPGA, she followed the paths of African-American women athletes, Althea Gibson, Renee Powell and LaRee Sugg.
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