JSU networks during Day at the Capitol event

Jordon Canada

Staff Writer

Jackson State University students, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered at Mississippi’s State Capitol in downtown Jackson on Jan. 29 to network with state legislatures and advocate funding for the 2020 fiscal year.

This annual event has proven fruitful for Jackson State over the past few years. JSU Day at the Capitol not only helps to build and maintain relationships between university leaders and Mississippi’s elected officials, but it also gives JSU the opportunity to advocate for financial assistance from the state.

During last year’s Day at the Capitol event, JSU requested a total of $6.5 million to revitalize three academic programs: School of Public Health, the Institute of Government, and the College of Education.

Autumn Moore, a sophomore biology/pre-med major from Alton Ill., explained some of the changes she has witnessed since last year.

“In the John A. Peoples building, I noticed that the lecture rooms have been renovated and has all new seats. I also noticed that the labs in that building are also being renovated,” said Moore.

This year the University leaders wanted to take a different approach from the previous year.

“What we’re trying to do is take a day during the legislative session in order to thank the legislature for all they’ve done for Jackson State. We want to also let them know that we’re an outstanding investment,” said JSU President William B. Bynum, Jr.

Bynum continued, “We’re also highlighting our School of Education. We want to let them know that we are being good stewards with the tax dollars, so we are highlighting our College of Health Sciences, School of Social Work, School of Public Health and also our School of Education.”

In the marble decorated foyer of the capital building, several booths were setup; two of those booths were organized to highlight the excellence of JSU’s College of Education and the College of Health Sciences.

The College of Education booth informed legislators and city leaders that the department has one of the highest enrollments at JSU. The booth also highlighted the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education explaining the ways in which the program prepares educators to teach in a very diverse field of learners.

The College of Health Sciences booth highlighted the School of Social work and the School of Public Health.

At the booth, students were informed of what they would receive from being enrolled in the school. The School of Social Work not only prepares students to be a social work generalist, but also focuses on the students’ identity as an ethical professional in the field of social work.

Keiterrious Powell, a senior recreation administration major from Clarksdale, Miss., said attendance was necessary so legislatures can know how passionate and hard-working students really are.

“It is important for students to show up at this event, so they can be aware of the great deal of networking that goes into getting funding for the school.” Powell continued, “Students are giving the time to come to the event, so students should be given an incentive for giving their support to the school.”

Adrienne Jackson, a senior marketing major from Grambling, La., said JSU Day at the Capitol was very beneficial.

“The event was critical to have so that state leaders can realize the importance of funding JSU,” shared Jackson,” said Jackson.