JSU to hold vigil in memory of Nolan Ryan Henderson III

Jackson State University student Nolan Ryan Henderson III has been confirmed as the victim of a shooting that occurred off campus on Sunday morning. The 19-year-old Atlanta native was a freshman.

JSU will hold a candlelight vigil in Henderson’s memory at 7 p.m. Monday, March 26, on the Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway, near the Jacob Reddix Building.

Counselors and campus ministers will resume grief counseling services at 8 a.m., Monday in the Meditation Room of the Student Center. For more information on counseling or the vigil, call 601-979-0374.

“This is a very tragic loss,” said JSU President Carolyn Meyers, who spent much of the afternoon talking with students, assuring them of their safety on campus. “As a parent and grandparent, my heart goes out to Nolan’s parents, other family members and friends. We offer our sincerest condolences and prayers during this very difficult time.”

JSU’s loss came just hours after a campus shooting at Mississippi State University in Starkville where another student died.

“These are both senseless tragedies and our sympathies go out to each of their families,” said Hank Bounds, commissioner of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. “Despite these tragic occurrences, our university campuses are very safe, with many precautions taken and systems in place to protect students. University officials continue to work with law enforcement officials to solve the crimes.”

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant called Meyers on Sunday afternoon to offer support and any state resources the university may need.

In the wake of the shooting, university officials have increased security, bringing in additional officers to patrol the Lynch Street campus. JSU officials ask that students take extra safety precautions and be prepared to show official university identification when requested. JSU’s Department of Public Safety is assisting the Jackson Police Department in the investigation. Persons with information about the shooting are urged to call campus police at 601-979-2580 or Jackson Police Department at 601-960-1234.