ruary, Jackson State publicly discussed plans to help develop the surrounding community into what Mason calls a “true urban oasis.” The plan involves building homes, rental properties and retail shops that would seamlessly connect the campus to downtown Jackson. “We want to build a community that is a nice place to live,” Mason says. “Ideally, you’d be able to walk from the JSU campus and have anything you need taken care of.” JSU’s Administrative Council is taking up where the Blue Ribbon Commission ended and is charting the next phase of JSU. The group is looking at ways to improve recruitment, marketing, brand awareness and possibly offer online courses. “The hardest part about change is making that change stick,” says Troy Stovall, who is responsible for leading the group of vice presidents, academic deans, department chairs, administrators and major directors. “Now is the time for us to step back and look to see what we need to do. “We need to take more time to think about the future,” says the senior vice president for finance and operations. “I think President Mason says it best: ‘We need to prepare ourselves so that when the future arrives, we are ready.’ ” THE FUTURE The remnants of segregation has meant JSU’s alumni – many of whom pursued public service careers that do not demand six- and seven-figure salaries – have less wealth and do not contribute as much to their alma mater, says Mason. Therefore, Jackson State historically has had to do more with less. Moving forward means JSU has to reach out beyond its
body of alumni to businesses and private citizens. The Campaign for Jackson State is well on its way to raising $50 million for student financial assistance, faculty and staff development and program support by 2010. The Blue and White Gala, held in April, officially launched the campaign’s public phase. A first of its kind at Jackson State, the black-tie event welcomed current and potential supporters of the campaign. Less than two years after its start, but more than half way to the goal, Mason considered raising the bar. “Maybe we ought to look at $75 million, just to give my folks something to do,” Mason jokes. “The fundraising will get harder as time goes by, but so what? We might as well set a goal people can rally around. A capital campaign should really stretch you.” The results, Mason says, will be a Jackson State that stretches the normal concept of what the university should be. “I know it is different from the way higher education does it now, but in the 21st century, Jackson State will be technology-driven. Nontraditional students will become traditional students. “Today, people are having four or five careers. We will graduate people who know how to learn as opposed to learn how to know. Maybe people will study more from home, but Jackson State will look different.” Shorter, more intense classes and additional evening classes will be necessary to serve men and women who often manage work, family and community commitments while pursuing an education. Mason says a better Jackson State means a better Mississippi. “Imagine if the state had put more money here. It would be a different city, a different central Mississippi and a different state altogether.”
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Jackson State University President Ronald Mason Jr. says JSU soon will be a premier institution worthy of the Magnolia State.
J.D. SCHWALM