Commencement of Jackson State University®
Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center
Denise J. Gregory, Ph.D.
Interim President FALL 2025
FALL 2025 commencement contents
Congratulatory Messages | 4 - 9
Graduate Commencement Speaker | 10 Graduate Commencement Order of Exercises | 11 - 13
Graduate Candidates for Degrees | 14 - 19
Undergraduate Commencement Speaker | 20
Undergraduate Commencement Order of Exercises | 21 - 23
Honors and Awards and Du Bois-Harvey Honors College Graduates | 24
Undergraduate Candidates for Degrees | 25 - 29
Board of Trustees, Mississippi State Institutions of Higher Learning | 30
Jackson State University Executive Cabinet and Deans | 31
Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement Participants | 32 Commencement Committee | 33
Notations to Guests | 34
Jackson State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Jackson State University.
OFFICE of the PRESIDENT
Dear Fall 2025 Graduates,
Today marks an important milestone in your lives. As I preside over my first commencement ceremonies as interim president, I do so with deep pride as a Jackson State alumna and in honor of each of you.
Throughout your time here, you met hard deadlines, long labs, late shifts and unexpected challenges. You learned to collaborate, to persist and to lead. You now graduate from Jackson State fully prepared to solve problems, uplift communities and open new doors of opportunity.
To the families, mentors and friends who supported you along the way, thank you. I extend a special salute to our first-generation graduates, student-parents, veterans and those who returned to finish what they started. Your resilience enriches our campus community and inspires us all.
As graduates, you now join a global JSU alumni family who lead in classrooms, research labs, boardrooms, creative industries and communities around the world. I encourage you to stay connected, support future Tigers and continue strengthening the path for those who follow in your footsteps.
Lead with character. Serve with purpose. Set Thee Standard.
Wherever life takes you, remember that you will always have a home at THEE I Love. Congratulations, graduates.
In Tiger Service,
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. Interim President Jackson State
University®
December 5, 2025
Dear Jackson State University Graduates,
On behalf of the City of Jackson, I extend congratulations as you celebrate this remarkable achievement. Today marks not only the close of your studies but the beginning of an exciting new chapter defined by your drive, perseverance, and vision for the future.
Jackson State University’s enduring t radition of excellence has shaped leaders, innovators, and changemakers for generations. This institution stands as a beacon in our city, strengthened by scholarly pursuit, and service to the community. We take great pride in Jackson State’s role in cultivating talent and leadership that extends well beyond our city’s borders.
As graduates, you now become part of a legacy of distinguished alumni contributing to communities around the globe. Your success brings honor not only to your families and alma mater but to the city that has supported your journey. We trust that you will continue to exemplify the values of resilience, service, and purpose as you pursue your aspirations.
JSuNAA PRESIDENT letter
Congratulations once again on reaching this milestone. The City of Jackson celebrat es with you and looks forward to seeing the positive impact you will make in the world.
With best wishes for your future,
John Horhn, Mayor City of Jackson, Mississippi
Office of the Mayor
John Horhn, Mayor
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Mrs. Patrease Edwards, President
Mr. Willie Nathan, 1st Vice President
Mr. Je’Juan Gray, 2nd Vice President
Mrs. Brendolyn Hart-Glover, Secretary
Mrs. Tarnika Love-Anderson, Asst. Secretary
Ms. Thelma Strong, Treasurer
Mrs. Meshelle Rawls, Financial Secretary
Mr. Steven Clark, Sr., Parliamentarian
Rev. Doris Brietta Smith, Chaplain
Mrs. Kymberly Wiggins, Asst. Chaplain
Mr. Matthew Bradford, Sergeant-At-Arms
Ms. Whitney Henderson, Reporter
Dr. Earlexia Norwood, Immediate Past President
R REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS
Ms Pamela Bydon-Bunker, Far West
Mr. Larry Cameron, Midwest
Dr. Damian Thomas, Mississippi
Ms. Stephanie Hall, Northeast
Ms. Freida Dale, Southeast
Mr. Willard Hart, Southwest
B BOARD MEMBERS
F Far West Region
Mr. Michael Easter
Dr. Thelma James Day
M Midwest Region
Mrs. Angela Waller
Dr. Jacquelyn Thomas-Miller
M Mississippi Region
Mrs. Tammy Terrell-Brooks
Mr. Joshua Winsley
N Northeast Region
Dr. John Sampson Jr.
S Southeast Region
Mr. Kenneth Archer
Ms. Laura Lewis
S Southwest Region
Mr. Raymond Woodfork
Ms. Bridgshe’ Freeman
N National Board Members (Emeritus)
Dr. John Peoples
Dr. Hilliard Lackey, III
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Mrs. Lillian Wilkinson-Maynor, Awards & Recognition
Mr. Damarcus Haywood, Budget
Mr. Steven Clark, Sr, Constitution & Bylaws
Mr. Willie Nathan, Fundraising
Mr. Jerome Brown, Investment
Mr. Larry Cameron, Fellows Foundation
Mr. Darryl Pilate, Development Foundation
Mr. Michael Jefferson, ICT
Mr. Je’Juan Gray, Membership
Ms. Stephanie Hall, Political Action
Ms. Sharon Davis, Nominations & Elections
Mrs. Ranetta Goss Gay, Scholarship
Ms. Robinette Rasberry, Chief of Staff
Ms. Jewel Jackson, Assistant Chief of Staff
December 5, 2025
Congratulations, Fall 2025 Graduates!
On behalf of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc. (JSUNAA), it is my honor and joy to extend heartfelt congratulations as you join the proud and powerful ranks of our alumni family! You have reached a tremendous milestone, and as you prepare to leave “Thee I Love,” know that your relationship with Jackson State University does not end here it evolves. You now carry the legacy of JSU wherever you go, serving as an ambassador of excellence, leadership, and Tiger pride.
As you transition from student to alumnus, I encourage you to remain connected and engaged with the JSUNAA. Together with the Department of Alumni and Constituency Relations, we provide countless opportunities for involvement, networking, and professional growth at the local, regional, and national levels. Your participation is key to keeping the Tiger spirit alive. Lend your time, your talents, and your voice to make a difference not only for yourself but for future generations of JSU Tigers.
I also invite you to make your first official alumni connection by joining us at the Mid-Winter Leadership Development Council Meeting, taking place February 27 – March 1, 2026, in the beautiful Queen City of Charlotte, North Carolina. This event is an excellent opportunity to meet fellow alumni, build leadership skills, and be a face of inspiration for other young graduates.
Your JSUNAA membership is already active your dues are covered through June 30, 2026. Wear your alumni lapel pin and carry your membership card proudly as symbols of your lifelong bond with Jackson State University. Your membership opens doors to a dynamic network of alumni who are making an impact across the nation and around the world.
Stay connected by visiting www.jsunaa.org for updates on upcoming events, alumni spotlights, and new initiatives. We value your ideas and welcome your feedback as we continue to grow and strengthen our organization. Congratulations once again on your outstanding achievement. I look forward to seeing you soon and celebrating your continued success as part of the JSU alumni family. Remember you are, and always will be, Thee Jackson State University!
With Tiger Pride,
Patrease Edwards, JSUNAA President president@jsunaa.org
Dr. Frazier K. Wilson, ’90 Vice President, Shell USA Foundation Director, Workforce Development & Diversity Outreach
Success is not just about what you achieve for yourself — it’s about what you inspire others to accomplish. Every opportunity is a chance to lift someone else higher. “ ”
2025 Fall graduate ceremony Commencement Speaker
Frazier K. Wilson, Ed.D., serves as vice president and director of workforce development and diversity outreach at the Shell USA Foundation. A proud 1990 graduate of Jackson State University, he earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting and later completed a master’s and doctorate in educational leadership at Texas Southern University.
Wilson is recognized as a leading corporate social responsibility strategist. He helped launch major initiatives, including the One HBCU Initiative—a multimillion-dollar effort supporting historically Black colleges and universities—and the HERO employee giving program for Shell employees.
His commitment to education led to the Shell Regional Science Lab Challenge, benefiting schools across four states. His civic work includes founding Houston’s Back to School Fest and contributing to the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee, the Houston World Cup Bid Committee and the Greater Houston Partnership Upskill Houston initiative.
Wilson has held leadership roles with the Smithsonian Science Education Center, the Texas Southern University Foundation and 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston. He serves on the board of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and on advisory councils for Jackson State University, Texas Southern University and KIPP Academy–Houston.
His honors include induction into the Texas Southern University College of Education Hall of Fame and recognition by Children at Risk as one of its Thirty Most Influential Leaders. He is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Wilson is married to the former Miki R. Bolton, a fellow Jackson State Class of 1990 graduate.
jackson state University ® fall 2025
graduate commencement
Order of exercises
9:00 A.M.
Preselfannie W. McDaniels, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Presiding Officer
Prelude.
Academic Processional Facilitator.
Processional.
“Triumphal March” from Aida
University Orchestra Lowell Hollinger, Conductor
.Giuseppe Verdi
.Preselfannie W. McDaniels, Ph.D. Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1
University Orchestra (Audience remains seated)
Sir Edward Elgar
Presentation of Colors.
National Anthem.
.JSU Joint Army and Air Force ROTC Color Guard (Audience stands)
The Star-Spangled Banner
Led by Jalen Wilson, Senior Music Performance Major, Music Technology Concentration University Orchestra (Audience remains standing)
Negro National Anthem.
Invocation.
Greetings
Musical Selection.
Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing
Francis Scott Key
J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson
Led by Julia Johnson, Senior Music Education Major, Vocal Concentration University Orchestra (Audience remains standing)
Dennis Williams, Ph.D. Interim Chair, Department of Educational, Multicultural and Exceptional Studies Pastor, New Caney Creek Missionary Baptist Church
.Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. Interim President, Jackson State University
There is a Balm in Gilead
University Chorale
Harry Cecil, DMA, Director
Arranged by Raymond Wise
Introduction of the Commencement Speaker .
.Sheila Porterfield, Ph.D. Associate Dean, College of Business Commencement Address
Presentation of Citation.
Presentation of Candidates for Degrees
Carlos Wilson, Ph.D, Interim Dean
.Frazier Wilson, Ed.D.
Vice President, Shell USA Foundation Director, Workforce Development Diversity Outreach
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.
Preselfannie W. McDaniels, Ph.D.
Graduate Studies
Nicholas J. Hill, Ph.D., Dean College of Business
Tony Latiker, Ed.D., Dean College of Education and Human Development
Ramzi Kafoury, Sc.D., Interim Dean College of Health Sciences
Rico Chapman, Ph.D., Dean College of Liberal Arts
Wilbur Walters, Jr., Ph.D., Dean College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Conferring of Degrees.
Induction of Graduates into the Jackson State University National Alumni Association.
Alumni Pledge:
.Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.
.Patrease Edwards, ’ 99, ’ 08
President, Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc.
I hereby solemnly pledge unbroken allegiance to my Alma Mater in appreciation for the opportunity for development afforded me at Jackson State University.
I pledge active membership in the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Incorporated, wherever I may be. Through association with my fellow alumni, I shall forever do my best to uphold the ideals and traditions of my Alma Mater.
I pledge, as a person, to exemplify high ideals by rendering positive and dignified service to the community, the state, the nation, and the world, thus, living to bring honor and respect to my Alma Mater.
Awarding of Degrees.
Musical Selection.
.Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.
A. Jeffrey LaVelley
Arranged by Trey McLaughlin
Closing Remarks.
Jackson Fair
University Chorale Harry Cecil, DMA, Director
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. Alma Mater (Audience stands)
T.D. Pawley
Arranged by F. D. Hall
Led by Ryan Fields, Senior Music Performance Major, Vocal Concentration University Wind Ensemble
Jackson Fair, Jackson Dear
Thee I love, my dear old college home Thee I love wherever I may roam Jackson Fair, Jackson Dear.
Jackson Fair, Jackson Dear
Thee I love thy colors rich and bright Thee I love, the blue and the white Jackson Fair, Jackson Dear.
Refrain
Hail, hail to thee, yes, hail to thee; Hail to the college of my heart, Hail, hail to thee, yes, hail to thee; Hail, to the college of my heart.
*Hymn
.William Tomer
Led by Ryan Fields, Senior Music Performance Major, Vocal Concentration University Orchestra (Audience remains standing)
God be with you till we meet again; By His counsel guide, uphold you. With His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again!
God be with you till we meet again; Keep love’s banner floating o’er you; Smite death’s threat’ning wave before you; God be with you till we meet again!
Refrain
Till we meet, till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet, Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again! Amen
*Following the custom initiated by President Luther G. Barrett, the hymn “God Be With You” has been sung at all Jackson State University Commencements since 1911.
Benediction
Recessional.
Coronation March
University Orchestra (Audience remains seated)
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Dennis Williams, Ph.D.
fall 2025 commencement
for degrees graduate candidates
* Summer 2025 Conferment
Tony Latiker, Ed.D.
Dean, College of Education and Human Development
Doctor of education
Early Childhood Education
Pearl Latham Bailey
Dissertation: An Examination of the Factors Impacting Relationship Building Among Minority Families Participating in a Home Visitation Program in Mississippi
Advisor: Dr. Tony Latiker
*Charcy Elizabeth Robinson- Rogers
Dissertation: Coaching, Culture, and Care: A Narrative Study of How Hip-Hop Majorette Dance Builds Safe Spaces for Black Girls in Jackson, Mississippi
Advisor: Dr. Kathy Bryant
*Courtney N. White
Dissertation: The Effects of Differentiated, Small Group Mather Interventions on Students’ Academic Growth
Advisor: Dr. Kathy Bryant
Trinity D. Taylor
Dissertation: An Examination of the Reading Comprehension Strategies Utilized in a Rural Kindergarten Classroom in a Central Mississippi School District
Advisor: Dr. Tony Latiker
Doctor of Philosophy
Educational Administration
Gregory L. Anderson
Dissertation: Instructor’s Perceptions of Their Self-Efficacy when Integrating a Multicultural Curriculum
Advisor: Dr. Jeton McClinton
Jerrica D. Frierson Davis
Dissertation: Factors that Lead to High Turnover of Employees at an Urban HBCU.
Advisor: Dr. Benjamin Ngwudike
Michelle N. Williams
Dissertation: Strategies for Enhancing Retention and Persistence of Adult Learners in Higher Education
Advisor: Dr. Bettye R. Graves
Urban Higher Education
Christopher Martin Avery
Dissertation: “Exploring the differences among the level of student engagement among African American male student-athletes versus African American male non-athletes”
Advisor: Dr. Walter Brown
Curtis Edward Brown
Dissertation: The Impact of Academic and Social Integration on Persistence and Academic Success
Among First-Generation African American LGBTQ+ Students at an HBCU in the Southeastern United States
Advisor: Dr. Felix Okojie
*Amy C. Davis
Dissertation: “Faculty Perceptions on The Utilization of Technology (Al) at HBCUs Through the Lens of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)”
Advisor: Dr. Walter Brown
*Linda F. Delaney
Dissertation: “A Study of the lntersective Influence of Race and Gender on the Career Advancement of Black Women Faculty at Predominantly White Institutions.”
Advisor: Dr. Felix Okojie
Sharendra L. Evans
Dissertation: Factors Influencing Persistence Towards Graduation of First Generation African American Male Students in Higher Education
Advisor: Dr. Felix Okojie
Caleb Terrell Gaines
Dissertation: “Exploring how Diversity and Inclusion DEI Initiatives Influence Campus Climate and Students’ Sense of Belonging”
Advisor: Dr. Felix Okojie
Demarcus Lynn Hopson
Dissertation: “An Exploratory Study of the Role of Community Colleges’ Leadership Practices and Organizational Culture on Black Male Students’ Success through the Lens of the Competing Values Framework.”
Advisor: Dr. Felix Okojie
*Stephen O. Okojie
Dissertation: “The Efficacy of Metacognition on the Academic Performance of International Students in a Diverse and Inclusive University through the Lens of Bandura Social Cognitive Theory”
Advisor: Dr. Walter Brown
Thandika Meshelle Rawls
Dissertation: Comparison of Key Student Engagement Indicators of Minority Students
Advisor: Dr. Walter Brown
Austin Rayford
Dissertation: Perceptions of the Impact of Cultural Engagement in Service Learning on Academic Success for First Generation Students of Color
Advisor: Dr. Felix Okojie
*Kenneth Ray Williams, Jr.
Dissertation: ”Perceptions of Impact of Student Engagement on Persistence of Black Male Students”
Advisor: Dr. Felix Okojie
Ramzi Kafoury, Sc.D.
Interim Dean, College of Health Sciences
Doctor of public health
PUBLIC HEALTH
*Valerie Childress Bailey
Dissertation: “Associations Between Job Demands, Job Resources, and Intent to Leave Nursing Workforce in Mississippi: Policy Implications”
Advisor: Dr. Yalanda M. Barner
Breniss Duffy Crosby
Dissertation: Association of Trihalomethane Concentrations with Timing of Menarche: the NHANES, 2017-2020
Advisor: Dr. Azad Bhuiyan
Ashley Marie Hollins
Dissertation: The Nature and Scope of Antibiotic Resistance Concerning Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) in Central Mississippi
Advisor: Dr. Clifton Addison
*Ryan Anthony Johnson
Dissertation: Assessment of Food Security
Classification, Self-Care Management Behaviors, and Glycemic Control Among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Mississippi
Advisor: Dr. Mary Shaw
*Eugenia King
Dissertation: Black Mothers’ Birthing Experiences in Mississippi Hospitals: An Exploratory Study
Advisor: Dr. Mary Shaw
*Keneshia LaShon Lee
Dissertation: Exploring Factors Influencing Primary Care Provider Adoption and Utilization of Telehealth Post-Covid 2019: A Qualitative Study Informed by the Diffusion of Innovation Theory
Advisor: Dr. Mustafa Younis
Katrina M. Thompson
Dissertation: An Intervention to Reduce Hypertension in One-Minority Serving Federally Qualified Health Center: Policy Implications
Advisor: Dr. Yalanda M. Barner
Da’Chiron Maree Tresvant
Dissertation: Association Between Health Literacy and Asthma among Mississippi Adults
Advisor: Dr. Vincent Mendy
Rico Chapman, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Liberal Arts
Doctor of Philosophy
Public Administration
Norah Ahmad Alghamdi
Dissertation: An Analysis of Saudi Women Unemployment and the Impact of Vision 2030 Advisor: Dr. Johnny B. Gilleylen, Sr.
Mohammed Aljohani
Dissertation: Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) of 2010: Impact Analysis on Child Poverty in the U.S Advisor: Dr. Johnny B. Gilleylen, Sr.
Blessing Ime Asuquo-Ekpo
Dissertation: Regional Variations of Gender Inequality in Healthcare: The Role of Affordable Care Act on Healthcare Access and Outcomes for Women Advisor: Dr. Andre Hines
William J. Atkins
Dissertation: An Examination of Policy Responses to the Gun Violence in K-12 Schools in the United States
Advisor: Dr. Jae-Young Ko
Tamara Bailey
Dissertation: The Perceptions of Human Resource Professionals on the Legalization of Medical Marijuana: Industry Sector Impact Advisor: Dr. Gloria Billingsley
Tyrone J. Buckley
Dissertation: A Case Study: Violent Crime and the Impact of Staffing and Funding Levels in the City of Jackson
Advisor: Dr. Johnny B. Gilleylen, Sr.
Border-Ere Fiemotonghan
Dissertation: Assessing the Impact of Cigarette Excise Tax Increase on Smoking Prevalence and Cardiovascular Disease Rates in Mississippi: Implications for Policy Interventions. Advisor: Dr. Andre Hines
Nicole E. Gholar-Harris
Dissertation: From Beats to Ballots: Hip-hop’s Role in Policymaking and Political Engagement Among Young Voters
Advisor: Dr. Johnny B. Gilleylen, Sr.
Gloria T. Hirse
Dissertation: Infrastructure Distress and Sustainable Development: A Study of the Nigerian Power Sector
Advisor: Dr. Johnny B. Gilleylen, Sr.
Wilbur L. Walters, Jr., Ph.D.
Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Chemistry
Kaelin Anthony Gates
Dissertation: Designing Photocatalytic
Nanomaterial for Capturing and Degrading PFAS
Advisor: Dr. Paresh C. Ray
MD Taohedul Islam
Dissertation: Chalcogel and ChalcocarbogelSynthesis, Local Structures and Applications in Liand Na-Ion Batteries
Advisor: Dr. M. Saiful Islam
Lucie Khachan Choufani
Dissertation: Food & Economic Security in Latin America and the Caribbean: Implications for a Resilient Food System and Sustainable Development in a Post—Pandemic
Advisor: Dr. Edmund Merem
Larry Weems
Dissertation: Perceptions of High-Rises Living Amid Rapid Urban Population Growth: A City’s Dream or a Residents’ Nightmare
Advisor: Dr. Talya D. Thomas
Tony Latiker, Ed.D.
Dean, College of Education and Human Development
Doctor of Philosophy educational specialist
Computational Data-Enabled Sciences and Engineering
Muna Abdelrahim
Dissertation: Equitable Automation: Unraveling Bias in Machine Learning for Fair Lending Practices
Advisor: Dr. Tor A. Kwembe
Ashley N. Abraham
Dissertation: Worldwide Surface Soil Similarity Search
Advisor: Dr. Natarajan Meghanathan
*Corwin Alexander Stanford
Dissertation: Machine Learning for AnomalyBased Intrusion Detection in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems
Advisor: Dr. Tor A. Kwembe
Engineering
*Avipriyo Chakraborty
Dissertation: Effect of Deep-Rooted Vetiver Grass as a Bio-Anchor on Slope Stabilization
Advisor: Dr. Sadik Khan
Henry Kini Chia
Dissertation: Impact of Seasonal Variation on the Performance of Helical Piles in Highly Expansive Clay in Mississippi
Advisor: Dr. Sadik Khan
Li Junjie
Dissertation: Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Restoration: Biopolymer-Treated Recycled Glass Sand for Coastal Erosion Mitigation and Resilience Enhancement
Advisor: Dr. Kejun Wen
Urban and Regional Planning
Bri’Anna Baber
Dissertation: Advancing Transportation Equity through Strategic Language: A ‘Talking Bridgey’ Approach for Urban Policy and Funding
Advisor: Dr. Edmund Merem
Educational Administration and Supervision (K-12)
Sharon A. Blancher
Derek Edward Dory
Latisha L. Johnson
*Henry L. Jones
Quinton Maurice McGowan
Marcus Monger
*Autralius Sanders
*Bianca Marie Shelly
*Ashley D. Williams
Psychometry
Candace Braxton
Marnisha K. Brinston
Kashyla Shantere Brooks
Melissa Lanette Cobb
Consuella A. Davis
Allie Smith Goza
Joycelynn Horton
*Shirley Jones
*Sonia Jones
*Erica Demetris Knox
Tracy Mayes
*Joanna McMillen-Hellums
Christina Michelle Moseley
Justice R. Parker
Jason Allen Reid
Tabitha Lafaye Rollins
*Shayla Swan
Annah Elisabeth Tackett
Stephanie L. Twiner
School Counseling
Cassidy Gatson
Jennifer F. McDonald
Mercedes Phipps
specialist in education
Education
Kailyn N. Collins
Derrick Twan Curtis
*Phylicia L Holmes
Lacey James
Tegra Faye Johnson
*Carlo McClelland
*Oceana Deaundra Danielle McGowan
*Katrina McHuley
Monique L. Thomas
Deidre Lee Triplett
Erica Ward
Kira A. Williams
Nicholas J. Hill, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Business
master of business administration
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
*Mohammed Saleh AlMarri
*Deandrea Raychell Bolton
*Emily Rachel Britton
*JaLieya Nicolette Brown
Keely Patrice Burton
*Brandy Lake’sh Caston
Zionasia Brooke Cunningham
Benjamin Drake
*Austin Christopher Edmonds
*Kimberly Charisse Funchess
*Amanda Hart
*Tiffany Danielle Henderson
Joshua Jeremiah Higgins
Lacreshia Jackson
*CaDeidra L. Jefferson
*Douglas Johnson
*Kourtney Khaleah Jones
Jordan Camille Jones
Nieshia Jones
Joeonna Rowena Kidio
*Joshua A. Knight
Asif Mahmud
*Bryan C. McKinney
*Chephon LaCole Morrison
*Olanike Olagbegi
Demarcus M. Oliver
*Francia Lajoie Pressoir
Jasmine Teonia Russell
Georgia P. Sims
*Joshua T. Smith
Felicia Diane West
*Marquita S. Williamson
master of professional Accountancy
Professional Accountancy
*James Michael Berggren
*Makayla Brown
*Alethia Rosalind Chatfield
*Simone Candys Evanson
*Rayvan Louise Green
*Camryn Danielle Greer
*Tamera Omya Jackson
Cedric LaMar McCoy
*Nyesha Nicole Nealon
Curry Alexander Peeples
*Aja Catrice Purvis
*Caliyah Tanae Sharp
*Zacchaeus Ka’han Smith
*Raven Square
*Sade’ Shreen Stewart
*Jakiyah Stirgus
Kamisha VaToya Patrick Thames
Tony Latiker, Ed.D.
Dean, College of Education and Human Development
master of arts in teaching
TEACHING
*Charnessa Peyton Alexander
Latyra Nicole Ashley
Lauryn Bervine
Shanavia Kaliya Black
Amber Cowans
*Shantell Edwards
Vanesha Harris
Brandy Nicole Hicks
Kathy L. Johnson
Jaya Nadijah Jones
Shamara Latrice Littlejohn
MaRyah Rayn Lowe
Kendrick McDonald
Sharon Marie Powell
Oshayla Self
Iniki Turner
master of Science
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Schquita Coleman
Alyssa Michelle Moncrief Smith
Jamari J. Noland
Alisha M. Taylor
Chiquita Sentay Washington
Asia Haley Williams
Camilia Woods
Educational Administration and Supervision
Melanie Barnes
John-Wesley Deonte Ingram
Keisha A Knott-Wilson
*Isaiah Arnell Rush
*Tiffany Daneelle’ Young
Rehabilitation Counseling
Kindalin Blocker
Chandra Nicole Foster
Antwon Mekel Jefferson
Tangela Myles
Kaylika Bre’nay Pulphus
Laletrice Reed-Richards
Sport Science
*Brandon J. Morton
*Jacarrio D’Untez Wallace
Jacobian Montreal Morgan
Alexis A. Williams
Madisone Alauryn-Elyse Hatten
Terance Jarrod Jones
Cayman Jajuan Ruffin
Montavious Dwight Thornburg
master of Science in Education
Early Childhood Education
*D’Erica Beasley
Shamekia M. Coleman
Narrah I. Drake
Ebony Nicole Gunn
*Felicia C. Guynes
Natasha Hickman
Cortise Jones
Tori S. Keys
Hope McKines
Stephanie Poole
*Ashlyne Prince
Dyon Ruffin
Shervokie D. Seals
Dominique Sims
Tyeisha LaSha’e Smith
Jalonda Michelle Smith
Brehanna Shantel Thomas
Eddie Nat Thomas
Angela E. Williams
Dakalya Wilson
Health, Physical Education and Recreation
Dominique James
Edward Howard Benton II
School Counseling
Ta’Shayna LaTrice Dupree
Adana T. Pierre
Peyton R. Terrell
Special Education
Vanessa Pinkston-Collins
Ramzi Kafoury, Sc.D.
Interim Dean, College of Health Sciences
master of Public Health
Public Health
Ariana Allie Mae Holman
Jakayla Janae Lipsey
Deandria Manuel
Ja’Kela V. Reese
Shalaeria Williams
master of Social Work
Social Work
Pernetta B. Brown
*Lakevis Chandler
*Toni Lachelle Cockerham
*Chasity C. Cornelius
*Lakeshia T. Ellis
Alexis Ingram
*Zerquita Jamison
*Katrinna Miller
Kambrea Deshunte Shaw
Tomica Shintia Stowers
Rico D. Chapman, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Liberal Arts
master of arts
Criminology and Justice Services
Victoria S. Kelly
English
Larry C. Clark III
Thesis: Horatio, The Watcher
Advisor: Danielle L. Littlefield
History
Xavier W. Frink
Thesis: Justice and Reconciliation: From Henry
Highland Garnet to Harvey Johnson
Advisor: Dr. Kofi Barima
Political Science
Elissa McCorkle Hudson
Yolanda Catrice Howard
*Jamaurea Smith
master of Music Education
Music Education
John L. Caster
Tyler D. Coleman
Makayla A. Miller
Nicholas David Organ
Thesis: The Kuumba Approach: Combating Miseducation by Teaching Music from an Afrocentric Perspective
Advisor: Dr. Lisa Beckley-Roberts
master of public Policy and Administration
Public Policy and Administration
LaTricia MaShel Bailey
Kristen Wright Williams
master of Science
Journalism and Media Studies
*Te’Jah Den’e Fuller
Jasmine Monique Sanders
Project: Journalism Podcast or Pilot Study: Nature
Hair vs. Newsroom
Advisor: Dr. LI-jing A. Chang
Wilbur L. Walters, Jr., Ph.D.
Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology
master of arts
Urban and Regional Planning
Susan S. Q. Johnson
Satara D Patrick
master of Science
Biology
*Keyanna L. Conner
*Denver T. Hall
*Kourtlyn Alicia Jacobs
*Kambrial J. Love
Thesis: Phytoplankton Community Composition: Integrating Morphological and Molecular Approaches
Advisor: Dr. Brent Thoma
*Reneisha K. Sweet
Thesis: Development and Validation of QPCR Assays for Detecting and Monitoring Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus Argus) in Environmental DNA Samples
Advisor: Dr. Brent Thoma
Computational Data-Enabled Sciences and Engineering
Nivetha Murugesan
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Terry Dewayne Haygood
Lakshmi Sowjanya Maguluri
Mahdi Zulfikar
ENGINEERING
*Abdulraheem Sami Alzghoul
Thesis: The Use of the Fiber-Reinforced Recycled Plastic (FR2P) to Produce High-Strength Structural Members
Advisor: Dr. Sadik Khan
Cihuai Chen
Thesis: Sustainable Enhancement of Cement-Based Grouting Materials Using Chitosan Biopolymer
Advisor: Dr. Kejun Wen
Clairice Simone Magee
Anika Mahzabin
Thesis: Phytoremediation Using Vetiver Grass in Leachate Contaminated Soil and Water
Advisor: Dr. Kejun Wen
*A. Q. M. Zohuruzzaman
Thesis: Assessment of Railway Ballast Fouling Using Resistivity Sensor
Advisor: Dr. Sadik Khan
Hazardous Materials Management
Joseph Bobby Latham
Thesis: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of EMR
Preparedness: *Hurricane Harvey
Advisor: Dr. Danuta Leszczynska
master of Science in education
Technology Education
Samyetta S. Shelby
*Kenya Tawanza Washington
Dr. Mark
G. Henderson,
’91 Chair of the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre God doesn’t always choose the qualified, but He always qualifies the Chosen. “ ”
2025 Fall undergraduate Ceremony Commencement Speaker
Mark G. Henderson, Ph.D., serves as chair of the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre at Jackson State University. He received a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication studies and dramatic art from Jackson State, a Master of Arts in communications and urban studies from Michigan State University, a master’s in theatre from Texas A&M University and a doctorate in communications from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Henderson is the founder and artistic director of MADDRAMA (Making a Difference Doing Respectable and Meaningful Art), a nationally recognized student theatre troupe known for original plays and specialized performances. His students call him the “Star Maker,” a nod to the many former students and mentees now performing on local, regional and Broadway stages, as well as in television and film.
As a theater director, motivational speaker and performer, Henderson uses his skills to both entertain and educate. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the National Communication Association, the National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts Inc., the Jackson State University National Alumni Association and the Rho Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
jackson state University ® fall 2025
undergraduate commencement Order of exercises
2:00 P.M.
Preselfannie W. McDaniels, Ph.D. Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Presiding Officer
Prelude.
Academic Processional Facilitator.
Processional.
Presentation of Colors.
National Anthem.
Shine You No More
Joella H. Gipson String Ensemble LaTannia Ellerbe, DMA, Conductor
.Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen Arranged by Douglas A. Richard
.Preselfannie W. McDaniels, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Pomp and Circumstance
Joella H. Gipson String Ensemble (Audience remains seated)
Sir Edward Elgar Arranged by James D. Ployhar
.JSU Joint Army and Air Force ROTC Color Guard (Audience stands)
The Star-Spangled Banner
Led by Jalen Wilson, Senior Music Performance Major, Music Technology Concentration
Francis Scott Key
Negro National Anthem.
Invocation.
Greetings
Musical Selection.
Joella H. Gipson String Ensemble (Audience remains standing)
Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing
J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson
Led by Julia Johnson, Senior Music Education Major, Vocal Concentration
Joella H. Gipson String Ensemble (Audience remains standing)
Dennis Williams, Ph.D.
Interim Chair, Department of Educational, Multicultural, and Exceptional Studies Pastor, New Caney Creek Missionary Baptist Church
.Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. Interim President, Jackson State University
Glory, Glory, Glory to the Newborn King
University Chorale
Harry Cecil, DMA, Director
.Arranged by Moses Hogan
Introduction of the Commencement Speaker.
Commencement Address.
Presentation of Citation
Recognition of Candidates for Commissioning
Lacey Mason
Bachelor of Arts in Speech, ’ 25
.Mark G. Henderson, Ph.D. Chair, Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Founder/Artistic Director, MADDRAMA Performance Troupe
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.
Justin M. Smith
Major, United States Army Department Chair, Army ROTC Professor of Military Science
Presentation of Candidates for Degrees
Nicholas J. Hill, Ph.D., Dean College of Business
Preselfannie W. McDaniels, Ph.D.
Tony Latiker, Ed.D., Dean College of Education and Human Development
Ramzi Kafoury, Sc.D., Interim Dean College of Health Sciences
Rico Chapman, Ph.D., Dean College of Liberal Arts Wilbur Walters, Jr., Ph.D., Dean College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Conferring of Degrees.
Induction of Graduates into the Jackson State University National Alumni Association.
Alumni Pledge:
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.
.Patrease Edwards, ’ 99, ’ 08 President, Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc.
I hereby solemnly pledge unbroken allegiance to my Alma Mater in appreciation for the opportunity for development afforded me at Jackson State University.
I pledge active membership in the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Incorporated, wherever I may be. Through association with my fellow alumni, I shall forever do my best to uphold the ideals and traditions of my Alma Mater.
I pledge, as a person, to exemplify high ideals by rendering positive and dignified service to the community, the state, the nation, and the world, thus, living to bring honor and respect to my Alma Mater.
Awarding of Degrees.
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. Musical Selection.
F. James Clark and the Shalom Church City of Peace Mass Choir
University Chorale
Harry Cecil, DMA, Director
Closing Remarks.
Alma Mater (Audience stands) Jackson Fair
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.
Led by Ryan Fields, Senior Music Performance Major, Vocal Concentration
Joella H. Gipson String Ensemble (Audience stands)
Jackson Fair, Jackson Dear
Thee I love, my dear old college home
Thee I love wherever I may roam
T.D. Pawley Arranged by F. D. Hall
*Hymn
Jackson Fair, Jackson Dear. Jackson Fair, Jackson Dear Thee I love thy colors rich and bright Thee I love, the blue and the white Jackson Fair, Jackson Dear.
Refrain
Hail, hail to thee, yes, hail to thee; Hail to the college of my heart, Hail, hail to thee, yes, hail to thee; Hail, to the college of my heart.
Led by Ryan Fields, Senior Music Performance Major, Vocal Concentration Joella H. Gipson String Ensemble (Audience remains standing)
God be with you till we meet again; By His counsel guide, uphold you. With His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again!
God be with you till we meet again; Keep love’s banner floating o’er you; Smite death’s threat’ning wave before you; God be with you till we meet again!
Refrain
Till we meet, till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet, Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again! Amen
*Following the custom initiated by President Luther G. Barrett, the hymn “God Be With You” has been sung at all Jackson State University Commencements since 1911.
Benediction
Recessional.
Palladio
Joella H. Gipson String Ensemble (Audience remains seated)
Dennis Williams, Ph.D.
.Karl Jenkins
.William Tomer
Honors and Awards
GRADUATION WITH ACADEMIC DISTINCTION
Graduation with academic distinction is based on an earned grade point average of 3.20 or higher on a 4.00 scale for work completed at Jackson State University for all undergraduate degrees. Students who graduate within this grade point average range are honored with the following:
Summa Cum Laude
3.80 - 4.00
Magna Cum Laude 3.50 - 3.79
Cum Laude 3.20 - 3.49
Graduates with academic distinction wear gold honor cords during the commencement exercises.
W.E.B. Du BoisMaria Luisa Alvarez Harvey Honors College
The following W.E.B. Du Bois - Maria Luisa Alvarez Harvey Honors College members maintained a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. and successfully completed credits in Honors Courses and other co-curricular requirements.
2025 fall graduates:
Kaylen Bolden
Courtney Brammer
Hannah Coleman
Daniel Hillman
Isaiah Howard
Siriss McLaurin
Cedrick Owens
fall 2025 commencement
for degrees undergraduate candidates
Denotes Summa Cum Laude graduate
Denotes Magna Cum Laude graduate
Denotes Cum Laude graduate
Nicholas J. Hill, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Business
Bachelor of Business Administration
ACCOUNTING
†Kevin Lamarr Barber, Jr.
Rodreckeanne La’Tontenisha Nycole Barnes
Jocelyn Danielle Brown
Myshia Yasmine Davis
†††Ayodeji Emmanuel Durojaiye
††Nyriba Rakia Findley
Wyvonna Evette Kettley
††Alexius Iyanna Pierce
Adrian Malik Ross
†Hailie Zakira Webb
Jamecia Williams
A’Shantae Willis
†Ulysses Maurice Woodard, Jr.
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Tariq Anderson
Renae Rochelle Barton
††Brittany Michelle Bridges
Shemar Shavon Bryer
†Emmanuel Rashad Burns
†Jnessa Denay Daniels
Amiya Lajoi Dixon
†Zoe-Elle Sunzhe Gorden
††Jadaia Gorman
Adrianna Goss
†††Jada R. Hytche
†Jacarya Leigh Jackson
†††Devon Johnson
*†William Kennedy Jones
†Demetria Burns Knight
Rajani Ashanti Lemon
†Ansolea Liddell
Ruth Waithera Mbugua
Zhareiyah McCoy
†Tyler Andre McMurtery J
Nikki McQuarters
Akira Miller
†Mykera La’Faye Miller
Thay Montgomery
*Dazerick Larnell Patton II
††Alejandro Pinilla
Shana Aliyah Radcliff
Ariana Rice-Reed
††Kameron Deion Robinson
†Dekendrix Larmarris Shaw
Jamie Nicole Singleton
Angel Keshana Smith
†Nathan DeWayne Stewart
†Andrea M. Terrell
††Leah Alexandria Travis
Breanna Symone Tucker
††Lola E. Walk
Reginald Dale Welch
Glorious Joy Winston
Timothy Alexander Young
Economics
†††Inioluwa Adeoluwa
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
†Aaliyah De’Mya Copeland
†Hailie Zakira Webb
Jeremiah Charles Westmoreland
FINANCE
Dawson Dubra
Cameron Mabry
Breanna R. Rupert
MANAGEMENT
Alexandria Dior Hall
Jessica Takeria Murphy
MARKETING
Keyon Jamar Dixon
Jadon Donell Farmer
Sierah Gibbs
Mydia Gsevaule Hicks
*FaLaisha J. Hughes
Jordan Paul Ross
Tyanna Angelicia Sillas
†Kiah Olivia Warner
Eric White
Tony Latiker, Ed.D.
Dean, College of Education and Human Development
bachelor of science
CHILDCARE AND FAMILY EDUCATION
D’Aydra Vanessa Beans
†††Justine R. Burks
*††Sharielle Byther
†Olinka Carter
Danaria Moshe’ Coleman
††Lucy Vee Copeland
Latedra M. Jenkins
††Rosa Donnetta Johnson
Alandria Charese Jones
†Jackie Corrine McMillan
*Tameya Michelle Norwood
†Jaida Ke’Yetta Ratliff
††Trakeyria Fre’niek Sermon
††Sierra RaQuel Smith
Demetric Smith-Terry
Mekisa Stovall
††Rachel Marie Townsend
†Dacia Young
Health, Physical Education and Recreation
††Jordan Donyell Brister
††Leon Roosevelt Gipson
†Parker Kivett
†Desmond Marquis Moore
†††Christalyn Gianna Penn
Professional Interdisciplinary Studies
*††Patrick Lee Allen
La Toya Renee Archie
Skylar Gabrielle Ballard
*Rakisha Geneva Ballinger
*Regena Antionette Bell
†Darren Amire Bennett
Benita Betts
Carmen Janae Brown
*†Kathy Brown
Hunter Burns
Dejha Asmere’ Carlisle
Raeonna Ginelle Carson
†Regina Marie Clark
Jiya Annae Clayton
Kanika Reshonda Coburn
Donerio Davenport
Trikelle Renise Dixon
Antonio Dorsey
*Edrick Galenn Franklin
*Erick Gonzalez Correa
*Tyquan Henderson
††Canesha Janae Henry
*LaShanta T. Lyles
Brianna Nicole Horton
Quincy R. Ivory
†Jyquan J. Jackson
Bernarjay Demarious Jackson
*Cameron James
Elijah S. Johnson
Cynthia J. Johnson
Ryan Carnell Kitchens
†Dimonyai Lacey
†††Khadijah Lee
Jasmine L. Lewis
Clavorn Logan II
††Richard Mays
Nicholas Miguel McDaniels
*††Bryson Moss
††Felicia Naylor
†Raven A. Qualls
†††Nathan Rembert
†Ledamian Rowell
Almetris Davon Smith
Arionia Nicole Toney
*††Marcus Damiko Watson, Jr.
*Derek A. Williams Jr.
Levi Wyatt
*Antonio Young
Special Education
†Arulan Nya Luckie
bachelor
of Science in Education
Elementary Education
†Deandre Tyreese Crutcher
†††Karrington Juamesia Davis
Alesha George
††Shantesha Tyesha Hall
†Katherine Camille Mills
†Jocelyn Danaye Puckett
*†Drameseia A. Quinn
††Lauryn Chanel Roberson
bachelor of university studies
University Studies
Marlene Marie Collins
Darryl J. Desselle
Hilda Rashell Hopkins
Charles R. Kenny II
†Jasmine L. Lee
*Seychan Ephern Lewis
Willadean Moore
*Shawn M. Rainey
Carlos D. Simpson
Kelly M. Thompson
*Greta L. Thompson
*Doris Wilson
Ramzi Kafoury, Sc.D.
Interim Dean, College of Health Sciences
bachelor of science
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Ariel Alexa-Regine Woods
HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION
††Lakisha Armon
Amber McKenzie Artis
Kadaysia Natrice Beal
†Michiya LaShun Bonds
Lauren A. Everett
††Farrin Gaddis
†††Jalyn Aaliyah Gibson
Toby Minfield Griffith
†Jayda Nikole Guyton
Cydnie Zaleah Howard
††Rakyla Kabrea Hughes
Joya Seante Hughes
†††Courtney Nicole Little
††Marion Allison Molden
*Mayah Imani Moore
Corlexus D’Shala Patterson
Jasmine Nicole Payton
††Justus Perkins
Ashley Perkins
†Ahriel Pringle
††Jessica Nicole Rae
††Kennedy R. Ransom
Bria Shanae Redeemer
Sydney Joy Sampson
Mardisa Smith
Tanika Rolanda Spann
Terrica Lafaye Talley
Char’lestinia Amina Truss
†††Heather Verdin
Dominic A. Williams
Public Health
†††Chavonte’ Lenard Boyd
bachelor of social work
SOCIAL WORK
†Denise Marie Banks
†Tacoria S. Banks
†Jamirica Tanijah Berry
Ja’Niah Shanae Burnett
††Theracia Clark
Kristin A. Coleman
††Makayla Diovionne Davis
††Abby A. Echavarria
Kiara D. Fuqua
††Simya Jai Gibson
†Neikeya Capri Glover
Anissa Diann Grant
Kaede Gunn
††David B. Johnson
†††Toni S. Kendrick
†Shayla M. Knighten
††Xarria Arnasia Leggett
Chasity La’Shuntay Lofton
††Kadedra Phinisee
Annanissah M. Rhodes
††Krystal R. Ross
Raegan Smith
††Toniyah L. Taylor
Jessica Dawnyielle Williams
Zion Amari Williams
†Lacharlotte Monique Zollicoffer
Rico D. Chapman, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Liberal Arts
bachelor of arts
ART
Jaylen Crump
Lilliann E. Dudley
*†John Robert Warren
Makayla Ayanna Willis
ENGLISH
†††Makaya T. Davis
†Mercedes C. Love
Corechia Kashuna Moore
HISTORY
Javonne Xavier Dent
Political Science
Lonnie Bennett
Tia Lena Edwards
†Jennifer Renea Jobe
Demarion Phipps
††Jordan Amaya Smith
Sociology
††Alauna Brooks
††Siriss Ma’quess McLaurin
Elijah Alexander Price
†Tayhia Racquel Shaw
††Thomya Elainey Young
Speech
†††Lacey S. Mason
bachelor of music
Music
†††Daniel Nehemiah Hillman
*Kaytie Jeffries
Dawayne M. Reed
bachelor of music education
Music Education
†Myfabian Onea’l Dupree
Joel Tyler Murchison
bachelor of science
Criminal Justice and Correctional Services
†Marcus Devon Adams
††Brooke Bennamon
*Takeyah A. Boston
†Da’Chae Burch
††Da’Niya Burch
Nakya M. Calhoun
Kennedy Tyler Carey
†††Tikhalia Ciera Coleman
††Jaileyah Lashay Cotton
†Daquan Dantae Davis
†Donna Dean-Jones
††Jada Michelle Fulton
††Jaelyn Madison Greer
††Honor C. Hamlin
Jeremy Derrell Harris
†††Latoya James
†Niya Jhane’ Love
†Za’Kiria Alexis May
Keola Kalani McGregory
†††Sydney Anise Montgomery
†Tayler Yasmine Palmer
†Dayton Andrew Paul
Catrina Perkins
Jacolby Denzel Pittman
Shari Latrice Strong
Ashley Renee Tangle
†††Joshua Freddie Thomas
††Miyeisha Sharday Thomas
†Tyraneisha Toines
*†††Santaya T. Townsend
†Isaiah James Villanueva
†††Ayauna Washington
*JaNia Williams
*†JonPaul Chituru Israel Wokpara
Journalism and Media Studies
†Matthew K. Adams
Gemal Tyree Duncan
Arrianna Elizabeth Edwards
††Jamiyah Camryn Elliott
†Masun N. Foster
Kasey Lasean Gibbs
*††Sofia Gonzalez
Jeremiah Hartman
Gary L. Haskin, Jr
Amber R. Jones
††Andranella Raqueial Lawyer
†††Latasha P. Lofton
Christopher Parker
††Kenadi Lynae Perry
Tymer B. Reynolds
*Jency Laclaire Riley, Jr.
Zeina Amr Shaaban
Elizabeth Aleigha Stamps
Dajion Montez Taylor
Christopher Jermal Thomas
Psychology
†Chloe B. Bell
Jaylon Anthony Bonner
†Rylee Kathern Braden
†††Courtney Nicole Brammer
Tatiana V. Brewer
Michael Glenn Brown
Essence E’Bonet Byrd
Empress Garnette Carr
††Charity Simone Crowley
Ariel Magdalene Harvey
†††Jahmiyah Danielle Hillard
Juwanda Nicole Horton
†Valerie Judith Joaquin
†††Genesis Ashare Jones
††Brikeidra Shanell Lewis
Leonzo Nelson
Amber Lenay Nichols
†Jordyn Denyse Petty
*Lillian Moett Rankin
*Zarria Andrea’ Rushing
Anealia Grace Ryant
*Antionne J. Sellers
†Maliyah Nakijah Smith
DeLiun Stephens
Zoe Lavee Turner
†Skyia Wedgeable
††D’Asia Symmone Williams
††Mucovia Williams
Taylor Macayle Wimberly
†Trinidee Rachel’Symone Wright
Wilbur L. Walters, Jr., Ph.D.
Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology
bachelor of science
BIOLOGY
††Isaiah Jordan Alexander
*Destyn Chanel Brooks
†Daranikka D’Ashalia Brown
Chanston Joshua Ford
Sierra Renee Harris
Robert Hooker, Jr
†Itali Aniyah Jackson
Faith Andrea Desirea Larkin
Dakoyta Sanaa Lesure
Tatianna Phil’yse Ramsey
Terin LaDon Rash
Bianca Lessie Jean Sampson
*Cecilia Jada Skinner
Kearstin Samone’ Slater
Leila Marie Van Dyke
Biomedical Engineering
Aalaysia Danielle Kelley
Donovan Duane Robbins
Kyra Genee’ Wilkerson Chemistry
†Charley Michelle Cross
Kiara Rochelle Davison
La’Deira Nicole Hall
Civil Engineering
*Azalia Jones
Computer Engineering
KeYonna Erika Bass
Michael Keith Brooks, Jr.
Cameron Elvin Garner Clark
Deontay Treyvion Jenkins
†††Cedrick Charles Owens, Jr.
††Hermariya Shanise Stephens
Computer Science
†Kai A. Crear
†††Kaylen Benae Bolden
†Quindarius Jamal Booker
†Nathan A. Mobley
Jaylon Elijah Nelson
Xavier Emil Thompson
Kaniyah White
Electrical Engineering
†††Hannah Georgia Coleman
James Henderson Evans, Jr.
††Isaiah Elijah Howard
†Obed Osewe Oluwatobi Ighalo
†Mohammed M. Jamila, Jr.
†Myesha Licole Nealon
††Makda Ashenafi Tesfaye
Earth System Science
Kentorria Da’nese Brown
Brooklyn Dechara Carter
Industrial Technology
Mekai Dillon Frye
††Kobie Rashad Jenkins
Markell Javon Jones J
*Jaylen T. Knox
*Jeremiah Ra’Mona Sturgis
Tristan Alexander Walton
Kenneth Williams
Meteorology
††Harvana Tanaya Laing
Board of Trustees
MISSISSIPPI INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING
Alfred Rankins, Jr., Ph.D., Commissioner of Higher Education BOARD MEMBERS
Gee Ogletree, President
Steven Cunningham, M.D., Vice President
Amy Arrington
Donald Clark, Jr.
Ormella Cummings, Ph.D.
Jerry L. Griffith
James H. (Jimmy) Heidelberg
Teresa Hubbard
Bruce Martin
Hal Parker
Gregory Rader
Charlie Stephenson
Jackson State University Executive Cabinet and Deans
Executive cabinet
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D., Interim President
Preselfannie McDaniels, Ph.D., Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Ashley Robinson, Vice President and Director of Athletics
Howard Brown, Jr., Vice President for Business and Finance, Chief Financial Officer
Vance Siggers, Ph.D., Executive Director of Campus Operations
Van Gillespie, J.D., Chief of Staff
Alla Jeanae Frank, Special Assistant to the President and Chief Transformation Officer
Onetta S. Whitley, J.D., General Counsel
Deborah F. Dent, Ph.D., Chief Information Officer of Information Technology
Sloan D. Cargill, Vice President for Institutional Advancement & External Affairs
Almesha L. Campbell, Ph.D., Vice President of Research and Economic Development
Jonas Owen Vanderbilt, Jr., Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs & Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management
Tangelia Kelly, Ph.D., Chief Communications Officer and Executive Director of University Communications
deans
Nicholas J. Hill, Ph.D., College of Business
Tony Latiker, Ed.D., College of Education and Human Development
Ramzi Kafoury, Sc.D., (Interim), College of Health Sciences
Rico Chapman, Ph.D., College of Liberal Arts
Wilbur L. Walters, Jr., Ph.D., College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Carlos Wilson, Ph.D., (Interim), Graduate Studies
Locord D. Wilson, Ph.D., Libraries
Graduate/Undergraduate Commencement Exercises
COMMENCEMENT MACE BEAREr
Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace
president’s standard BEAREr
Dr. Patrice Jenkins
Administration Standard Bearer
Dr. La’Tonia Harper
college standard bearers
College of Business
Mahmoud Nabulsi
Dr. Hyunseob Kim
College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Doreen Myrie
Dr. Joon Lee
College of Health Sciences
Dr. Brian Anderson
Dr. Azad Bhuiyan
College of Liberal Arts
Yolanda Williams
Dr. Ramon Jackson
College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Dr. Jacqueline Jackson
Dr. Genice V. Knight
Division of Graduate Studies
Dr. Warren Brown
chief/assistant Marshals
Chief Marshal
Dr. Dion Porter
Assistant Marshals
Dr. Whitney Perkins
Dr. Kanesha Bennett
Dr. Edith Davidson
Mark Geil
Undergraduate and graduate
Student/faculty Marshals
College of Business
Olayanju Adeoluwa
Inioluwa Adeoluwa
Jordan Jones
Kamisha Thames
Dr. Marcus Ambe
Dr. Nizar Alslharari
College of Education and Human Development
Christalyn Penn
Justine Burks
Alexis Williams
Tracy Mayes
Dr. Brieah Hudson
Dr. Karen Linstrum
College of Health Sciences
Chavonte’ Boyd
Toni S. Kendrick
Pernetta Brown
Kambrea Shaw
Dr. Sherita Williams-Tompkins
Dr. Yalanda Barner
College of Liberal Arts
Courtney Brammer
Makaya Davis
Yolanda Howard
Gloria T. Hirse
Dr. Vineeth Vijayan
Dr. Kelly Ellis
College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Isaiah Alexander
Hannah Coleman
Anika Mahzabin
Corwin Stanford
Dr. Teresa Demeritte
Dr. Tayla Thomas
Readers
Lawanda Dickens
Dr. Phyllis Lewis-Hale
Dr. Candice Love-Jackson
Dr. Ebony Lumumba
Office of the Registrar and Records
Lekesha Tubbs
Doriecia Washington
Ella Ainsworth
Christie Mickel
Stephanie Stevens
Shadae Williams
American Sign Language Interpreters
Tiffany Leach
Vicki Lewis
Loretta Sutton
Volunteer Coordinator
Dr. La’Tonia Fulton-Harper
COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM designer
Yolanda T. Brown
fall 2025 Commencement committee
Ms. Tershuna Bass
Dr. Lisa Beckley-Roberts
Ms. Ayanna Evans
Dr. La’Tonia Fulton-Harper
Ms. Kamesha Hill
Mr. Anthony Howard
Mr. Sedric Hudson
Dr. Ramon Jackson
Mr. DeMarcus Leflore
Dr. Candice Love-Jackson
Dr. Preselfannie McDaniels, Ex-Officio
Mr.Victor Mills
Dr. Emily Moses
Dr. Brandi Newkirk-Turner, Chair
Ms. Eboni Phillips
Ms. Becky Pierson
Dr. Dion Porter, Co-Chair
Dr. Sheila Porterfield
Dr. Arron Richardson
Dr. Michael Robinson
Ms. Kentrice Rush
Ms. Janet Samuel
Mr. Don Spann
Chief Eric Stanton
Dr. Jerome Tinker
Ms. Lekesha Tubbs
Ms. Deborah Washington
Ms. Sheree White
Dr. Carlos Wilson
Ms. Carol Woodson
notations to guests
PHOTOGRAPHS
Only authorized working press and University photographers are permitted on the floor to take pictures during the commencement ceremony. A professional photographer will take pictures of each graduate. These pictures will be available for order and purchase. Family and friends of the graduates may take photographs after the ceremony.
special needs
Ushers for individuals with disabilities
Ushers for attendees with special needs will be available to assist individuals with requests throughout the ceremony.
Accessible seating
Accessible seating is reserved for guests who require special seating due to age, illness or physical impairment. The accessible seating is marked with signage. Given the limited number of accessible seats that are available, please note that only one family member may accompany his or her person with disabilities. The rest of the family must sit in the stands.
American Sign Language
American Sign Language interpretation of the ceremony will be provided.
first aid
First Aid services will be available through the Jackson State University Health Center, and American Medical Response will be available for assistance during the commencement ceremony.
