STANDARD™
for Academics.
SPRING 2026
Commencement of Jackson State University®
Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. President
SPRING 2026 commencement contents
Congratulatory Messages | 4 - 9
Graduate Commencement Speaker | 10
Graduate Commencement Order of Exercises | 11 - 13
Golden Class Honorees | 14 - 15
Graduate Candidates for Degrees | 16 - 20
College of Education and Human Development & College of Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Commencement Speaker | 21
Undergraduate Commencement Order of Exercises | 22 - 24
Honors and Awards and Du Bois-Harvey Honors College Graduates | 25
Undergraduate Candidates for Degrees | 26 - 29
College of Business ; College of Health Sciences & College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Undergraduate Commencement Speaker | 30
Undergraduate Commencement Order of Exercises | 31 - 33
Honors and Awards and Du Bois-Harvey Honors College Graduates | 34
Undergraduate Candidates for Degrees | 35 - 38
Board of Trustees, Mississippi State Institutions of Higher Learning | 39
Jackson State University Executive Cabinet and Deans | 40
Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement Participants | 41 Commencement Committee | 42
Notations to Guests | 43
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.
spring 2026 commencement
OFFICE of the PRESIDENT
Dear Spring 2026 Graduates,
Today we gather to celebrate an important milestone in your lives. Commencement marks the culmination of your hard work, perseverance and growth, and it is a privilege to recognize this moment with you.
During your time at Jackson State, you embraced rigorous study, discovered new perspectives and built relationships that will last a lifetime. You challenged yourselves and grew as scholars, leaders and citizens, preparing to carry forward the knowledge, confidence and purpose you developed here.
To the families, mentors and friends who supported these graduates along the way, thank you. I extend special recognition to our first-generation graduates, student-parents, veterans and those who returned to complete degrees. Your determination inspires us all.
As the Spring 2026 graduating class, you all now join a global community of over 50,000 Jackson State alumni whose influence reaches far beyond our campus.
Wherever life takes you, remember that you will always have a home at THEE I Love.
Lead with character. Serve with purpose. Set THEE Standard.Congratulations, graduates.
In Tiger Service,
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. President Jackson State University®
May 2, 2026
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 tradition of excellence has shaped leaders, innovators, and changemakers for generations. This institution stands as a beacon in our city, strengthe ned 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 cont ributing 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 service, and purpose as you pursue your aspirations.
Congratulations once again on reaching this milestone. The City of Jackson celebrates 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. Je’Juan Gray, 1st Vice President
Mr. Jerome Jones, 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 MEMB ERS
F Far We st Region
Mr. Michael Easter
Dr. Thelma James Day
M Midwest Region
Mrs. Angela Waller
Dr. Jacquelyn Thomas-Miller
M Missi ssippi 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
Mr Damarcus Haywood, Budget
Mr. Steven Clark, Sr, Constitution & Bylaws
Mr. Je’Juan Gray Fundraising
Mr. Jerome Brown, Investment
Mr. Larry Cameron, Fellows Foundation
Mr. Darryl Pilate, Development Foundation
Mr. Michael Jefferson, ICT
Mr. Jerome Jones, 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
Congratulations, Spring 2026 Graduates!
On behalf of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc. (JSUNAA, Inc.), I extend my heartfelt congratulations as you cross this historic threshold and join the distinguished brotherhood and sisterhood of Jackson State University alumni.
Commencement is not merely the closing of a chapter; it is the call to purpose. Today you leave these sacred grounds carrying more than a degree. You carry the legacy of an institution that has long stood as a beacon of knowledge, resilience, and possibility. Jackson State University has prepared you not onl y to succeed in your chosen fields, but to lead, to serve, and to help shape a more just and prosperous world.
This class holds a special place in my heart. You entered Jackson State at the same time I began my service as President of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc. Over these years, I have watched your journey unfold with pride , through challenge, perseverance, and triumph. As this commencement marks my final one serving in this role, it is especially meaningful that my closing chapter as president is shared with a class whose journey began alongside my own.
Today you officially take your place in a powerful lineage of Tigers who have gone forth from this university to transform communities, break barriers, and open doors for others. The question before you now is not simply what you will become, but what diff erence you will make.
Your alumni membership has already been secured, with dues covered through June 30, 2027. I encourage you to remain connected through the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc., and to engage with a local JSUNAA chapter wherever life ta kes you. These chapters represent the living spirit of our alumni family , places where Tigers gather in fellowship, service, and commitment to the future of our beloved university.
But membership is only the beginning. The true measure of alumnihood is what you give back. Each generation of Tigers must lift the next. I challenge you to invest your time, your talents, and your treasures so that the doors opened for you will remain open even wider for those who follow.
Remember always that Jackson State did not simply educate you it entrusted you with a legacy. Walk boldly in that responsibility. Lead with courage. Serve with purpose. And wherever your path may lead, let the world see the excellence, dignity, and strengt h that define a Jackson State Tiger.
Please remain connected by visiting www.jsunaa.org to stay informed and engaged in the ongoing work of strengthening our alumni community.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as President of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc. Sharing this final commencement message with the Class of 2026, a class whose journey began when mine did , makes this moment especially meaningful.
Go forward with confidence. Go forward with purpose. And never forget that you will always have a home at Jackson State University.
With Tiger Pride,
Patrease Edwards, JSUNAA President president@jsunaa.org
Jelani C. Zarif, MS., Ph.D.
JSU Alumnus ’05 & ’07
The Robert E. Meyerhoff Endowed Professor Associate Professor of Oncology
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
Always remember that you belong in every single room that you will enter. “ ”
2026 spring graduate Ceremony Commencement Speaker
Dr. Jelani Chinelo Zarif is an Associate Professor of Oncology and holds the Robert E. Meyerhoff endowed Professorship at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is also a faculty member in the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy.
A Chicago native, Dr. Zarif obtained both his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Biology from Jackson State University. While a student at Jackson State University, he conducted prostate cancer research under the mentorship of the late Dr. Stephen Ekunwe and was a member of the trumpet section in the Sonic Boom of the South Marching band. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from Michigan State University in the laboratory of Dr. Cindy Miranti. Upon Ph.D. completion, he then completed two post-doctoral fellowships in Urology and Oncology in the laboratories of Drs. Kenneth Pienta and Drew Pardoll at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, respectively.
Dr. Zarif leads a research laboratory at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His laboratory focuses principally on targeting tumor-associated macrophages in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, elucidating the problem of therapeutic resistance in metastatic prostate cancer, and investigating novel biomarkers expressed on macrophages that could predict clinical response to standard of care treatments. He has published over 25 peer-reviewed research articles in prostate cancer biology and immunology. He has trained post-doctoral fellows, Ph.D. students and one M.D./Ph.D. student in his laboratory. In addition, he has mentored dozens of high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students many of whom are under-represented in science and medicine. Dr. Zarif has been the recipient of several awards and research grants, including the 2023 Michigan State University College of Natural Science recent Alumni award, the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Young Investigator award, the Department of Defense Translational Research grant, the Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Idea Development grant, a NIGMS T32 – Bridges to the Doctorate grant, the NCI K22 Career Transition grant, and the Biden Cancer Moonshot Scholar R01 grant from the National Cancer Institute. He is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a member of Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc., and a life member of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association (JSUNAA). He is married to Mrs. Chante Zarif and they are proud parents of two sons.
jackson state University ® spring 2026
graduate commencement Order of exercises
Friday, May 1, 2026 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
.Giuseppe Verdi University Orchestra Lowell Hollinger, Conductor
.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 Ryan Fields, Senior Music Performance Major, Vocal Performance 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)
Rev. 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. President, Jackson State University
Precious Lord
University Chorale
Harry Cecil, DMA, Director
Arranged by Thomas Dorsey and Arnold Sevier
Introduction of the Commencement Speaker .
Commencement Address
Wilbur Wilburs, Jr. Ph.D. Dean, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
.Jelani C. Zarif, MS., Ph.D.
The Robert E. Meyerhoff Endowed Professor Associate Professor of Oncology
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
Presentation of Citation.
Musical Selection.
Didin’t My Lord Deliver Daniel
University Chorale
Harry Cecil, DMA, Director
Recognition of the Golden Diploma Recipients
Presentation of Candidates for Degrees
Carlos Wilson, Ph.D, Interim Dean
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.
.Arranged by Moses Hogan
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.
Closing Remarks.
Jackson Fair
Alma Mater (Audience stands)
.Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.
T.D. Pawley
Arranged by F. D. Hall
Led by Jalen Wilson, Senior Music Performance Major, Music Technology Concentration University Orchestra
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.
Led by Jalen Wilson, Senior Music Performance Major, Music Technology 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)
Rev. Dennis Williams, Ph.D.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
*Hymn
God Be With You
.William Tomer
jackson state university ®
Constance Alexander
Elaine Allen
Jeffery Allison
Linda Anderson
Linda H. Baker
Vernita Baldwin
Yvonne Bardwell-Cox
Beverly Baskin
Addie Baugh
Fletcher Beaman
Michael Black
Shirley Bolton
Juanita Boose
Shirley J. Boyd
Leon Bracey
Charles Bradley
Rolean Brinson
Carl Brown
Roland Brown
Vickie E. Brown
Larry Burks
Gwendolyn Byrd
George Carter
Ottowa Carter
Leon Clincy
Jane Crowner
Jerry Daniels
Betty Easterling
Priscilla W. Edwards
Rosetta Edwards
Beatrice Eurby
Linda Evans
Robert Fortson
Billy Foster
Cornelia Gardner
Naomi Gray-Sims
Anthony Green
Elizabeth Green
E. Loraine Green Lee
Shiralyn Hampton
Connie Harrington
Larry Heard
Mary Holden
Howard Hollins
Elaine Hulitt
Josephine Jackson
Mozella Jackson
Marlene Williams Jordan
Geneva Jenkins
Alfrenett Johnson-Orr
Brenda Johnson
Stella Johnson
Vivian Johnson-Walker
Cynthia Jones
L.D. Jones
Beatrice King
Johnnie Leslie Knight
Sarah Lewis
Sara Lewis Martin
Reverend Dr. Stephen F. Mason*
Vickie Mason
Edna McCallum
Rose McGee
Thelma McLaurin-Anderson
Florence McLin
Cynthia Miller
Michael Moore
Gracie Norman-Pitts
Linda Odom Hoze
Fredia T. Parker
Vanessa Patton
Dennis Perkins
Samuel Perkins
Francine Roberson
Willie Sims, Jr.
Florence Viola Sinclair-Walker*
Jacqueline Terry Smiley
Harriet Speech
Dr. Ethel Stokes
Dowell Taylor
Linda Taylor
Vivian Taylor
Don Thigpen
Dorothy Sanders Thompson
Diccy Thurman
Linda Walker
Cassandra Washington
Carrie Williams
Eleanor Williams
James Williams
Kathleen Williams
Wilma Wilson
Robbie Kay Younger *deceased
* Previous Conferment
Tony
Latiker, Ed.D.
Dean, College of Education and Human Development
Doctor of education
Early Childhood Education
Zhijuan Sun
Dissertation: Chinese American Parents’ Dispositions Toward the Implementation of HomeBased Activities Supporting School Readiness for Preschool-Aged Children
Advisor: Dr. Tony T. Latiker
Doctor of Philosophy
Educational Administration
Yoby Cheniece Allen
Dissertation: An Examination of Teacher Perceptions of Professional Development Components in a Rural K-12 District
Advisor: Dr. Sidney McLaurin
Joy Austin
Dissertation: Teachers’ and Administrators’ Knowledge of Adequate Implementation of Tier 3 Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) in Four Upstate New York Schools
Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace
Marquita Shantaria Davis Cole
Dissertation: Learning While Living: Nontraditional Students’ Lived Experiences with Student Support Services
Advisor: Dr. Jeton McClinton
Terrance C. Hill
Dissertation: Experiences and Perceptions of Early Childhood Education Programs on the Academic Performance of Third Grade African American Students on Standardized State Reading Assessments
Advisor: Dr. Albert Carter
Edith A. Mobit
Dissertation: Challenges that High School Administrators and Teachers Face Working with Children with High-Functioning Autism
Advisor: Dr. Benjamin Ngwudike
Lekesha L. Tubbs
Dissertation: The Impact of Academic Disciplines on the Leadership Styles of Administrators in Higher Education
Advisor: Dr. Albert Carter
*Sherree T. White
Dissertation: African American Undergraduate Students’ Experiences in their Technology Classes at a Selected HBCU in Mississippi
Advisor: Dr. Carrine Bishop
Urban Higher Education
Tretha T. Harris
Dissertation: Impact of University Senior Leadership During Institutional Transformation Through the Lens of Kotter’s Eight Step Model for Change Implementation
Advisor: Dr. Felix A. Okojie
Sheila A. Lewis
Dissertation: Sisterhood in Margins: Exploring the Influence of Black Greek Sororities on the Sense of Belonging and Academic Success of African American Women at Two Predominantly White Institutions in the Southern United States
Advisor: Dr. Felix A. Okojie
Rhondilyn Nix
Dissertation: Factors Influencing African-American Male College Choice
Advisor: Dr. Walter Brown
Armando Angel Rijo
Dissertation: In Unity, There Is Academic Strength: Exploring the Influences of Cultural Greek-Lettered Organizations on Members’ Academic Success, Through Perceptions of Belonging
Advisor: Dr. Walter A. Brown
Charles Entree Stallworth
Dissertation: A Quantitative Study of First-Year African American Male College Student Engagement Differences Between Historically Black Colleges & Universities and Predominantly White Institutions
Advisor: Dr. Walter A. Brown
Scottie Dywane Willis
Dissertation: The Impact of Spirituality in the Persistence of African American Male Students at a Faith-Based Historically Black College and University
Advisor: Dr. John Kuykendall
Ramzi Kafoury, MPH, Sc.D.
Interim Dean, College of Health Sciences
Doctor of public health
PUBLIC HEALTH
Bever-Leigh Holden
Dissertation: Understanding the Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Minorities in Mississippi: A Multifactorial Perspective
Advisor: Dr. Clifton Addison
Poteat Porter-Medley
Dissertation: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Postpartum Care Services and Maternal Health Outcomes: Policy Implications
Advisor: Dr. Yalanda M. Barner
Queen A. Meredith
Dissertation: Association Between Socioeconomic Factors and Violent Crime Among Young Men in Mississippi: Implications for Policy Recommendations
Advisor: Dr. Yalanda M. Barner
Ebele Christiana Okoye
Dissertation: Maternal Obesity and Pregnancy
Complications Among Mississippi Women Using the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2016–2022
Advisor: Dr. Vincent L. Mendy
Jewel Lacrista Robertson
Dissertation: Health Literacy and Cardiovascular Disease Among Mississippi Adults
Advisor: Dr. Vincent L. Mendy
Carmen Adriana Taylor
Dissertation: Knowledge of the HPV Vaccine and Intentions to Vaccinate Among African American Parents in Mississippi: A Pilot Study
Advisor: Dr. Mary Shaw
Rico Chapman, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Liberal Arts
Doctor of Philosophy
Public Administration
Nada Alotaibi
Dissertation: Saudi Vision 2030: A Summative Evaluation of Tourism (Investment and Revenue)
Advisor: Dr. Johnny B. Gilleylen Sr.
Shernica L. Ferguson
Dissertation: Vulnerable Communities, Variable Recovery: Examining Disaster Resilience Patterns Across Mississippi (2010–2020)
Advisor: Dr. Johnny B. Gilleylen Sr.
Clinical Psychology
Khalil Deshon Collier
Dissertation: Black Men’s Mental Health
Utilization: Barriers, Help-Seeking Attitudes, Ethnic Identity Affirmation, Restrictive Emotionality, and Distress
Advisor: Dr. Cheryl Moreland
Chelsea Nicole Florence
Dissertation: In the Age of TikTok: The Effects of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Upon Social Comparison in Youth
Advisor: Dr. Kaye Sly
Bianca Chanaye Pointer
Dissertation: The Relationships Among SelfEfficacy, Stress, Coping Styles, and Parenting Behaviors of Therapeutic Foster Parents
Advisor: Dr. Pamela Banks
Wilbur L. Walters, Jr., Ph.D.
Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Tony Latiker, Ed.D.
Dean, College of Education and Human Development
Chemistry
MD Robiul Alam
Dissertation: Metal-Sulfide Functionalized Layered Double Hydroxides: Synthesis, Structural Investigations, and Chemically Versatile Ion Separation
Advisor: Dr. Muhammad Saiful Islam
Yifang Qi, China
Dissertation: Optimization of Optoelectronic Devices by Interface Modification
Advisor: Dr. Qilin Dai
Computational Data-Enabled Sciences and Engineering
Morgan Lindsey Smith
Dissertation: An Automated Machine Learning Cyber Intrusion Detection System
Advisor: Dr. Tor A. Kwembe
Paris D. Smith
Dissertation: Investigation of a Sharp-Interface Lattice Boltzmann Method for High Density Ratio Multicomponent Flows
Advisor: Dr. Yonghua Yan
Urban and Regional Planning
Christopher Ron Davis
Dissertation: A Comparative Case Study of the Evolution of Publicly Financed Sports Facility Development Projects Using Community Benefits Agreements in Los Angeles, California, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Advisor: Dr. Berneece Herbert
Jeran Orea Herbert
Dissertation: Food & Economic Security in Latin America and the Caribbean: Implications for a Resilient Food System and Sustainable Development in a Post-Pandemic Environment
Advisor: Dr. Edmund Merem
*Patryce Terrell
Dissertation: Faith-Based Leaders’ Perceived Roles in Filling the Food Security Gap During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Central Mississippi
Advisor: Dr. Edmund Merem
Educational Administration (K-12)
Tameka Joanna Battle
Kenneth A. Coger, II
Tranita Lacharlsha Davis
Dabney Bonita Edwards
Sonya Patrice Edwards
Psychometry
Courtney Briana Brown
Latashsie Olivia Brown
Brigette Capallia Burks
Kimberly Janell Carson
Millicente LaDetra Carter
Portia Craft
Terrica Crawford
Kacie Carol Daniels
Latoya A. Davis
Jacinda High
Latasha Holt
Kolandra R Jackson
Heather Baggett Merideth
Shaneka Christine Moore
Michael T. Mozee
Montoya Yvette Parson
Jordan M. Phillips
Ashley M. Taylor-Jennings
Kelisha Telectra Turner
Charlotte Vashon Wallace
Ezandra Y. Washington
Angela B. Younger
School Counseling
Latipah Sharde Johnson
Deseree Montgomery
Delawese Ratliff
Vanessa L. Sibley
Kimberly Stiff
Marshona Kesha Straughter
Bethany Lynnae Williamson
Nicholas J. Hill, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Business
Doctor of Philosophy educational specialist specialist in education master of Science
Education
Breanna Josideana Horn
Jerhonda Carter
master of business administration
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Devin Walter Brown
Jakecia April Burton
Zionasia Brooke Cunningham
Brenda Lavon Thomas
Destiny J’Bore Ware
Darius Weatherspoon
David C. White
Tamia Marshae Whittaker
Professional Accountancy
*Al Simmons
Tony Latiker, Ed.D.
Dean, College of Education and Human Development
master of arts in teaching
TEACHING
Ronnal Le’Tre Boyd
Curtis Gwen Carter
Shayla Vanette Coleman
Sonja C. Coleman
Tyronza Davis
Alex M. Gittens-Fryer
Achantis Harvey
Gabrielle Patrice Jones
Brittany Marshia Kennedy
Keyunna J. Mcneil
Artesia M. Porter
Derrick Jerrell Roach
Timmy L. Steward, II
Courtni A. Sutton
Talasha R. Wells
Stephanie A. Williams
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Matthew Temitope Adewole
Monesia C. Conley
Artiko D. Greer
Cherie L. Hornbeak
Adria R. Lewis
Kyiesha Lewis
Juanita Marsha Robinson
Danyelle N. Tillman
Anthony O’Neal Young
Educational Administration and Supervision
Kimberly N. Patton-Swims
Sport Science
David Richmond
Khamauri Rogers
Eboni Be’na White
master of Science in Education
Early Childhood Education
Markeeta Shantae’ Barnes
Kal Louise Brown
Jasmine Symone Caldwell
Cassandra Lencole Ealy-McDonald
Youlanda Denise Garrett-Trotter
Jasmine Johnson
Alexia Lewis
Kiana Kierra McDaniel
Lashunda Edwards Millsaps
Jasmine Roby
Latonia Sawyer Brown
Reading Education
A’Jaylyn Caldwell-Harris
Nova S. Odum
Vanessa Pinkston-Collins
Brittany L. Webb
Breanna Nicole Webb
Special Education
Daphne Kyles
Vanessa Pinkston-Collins
Ramzi Kafoury, MPH, Sc.D.
Interim Dean, College of Health Sciences
master of PUBLIC HEALTH
Public Health science
Shadrack Awuah Barffour
Siddig M. Fageir
Brianna Denise McCollum
Princess Chineye Sule
master of science
Speech-Language
Pathology and Audiology
Katherine Elizabeth Arthur
Shanean Lee Dille
Cameron Keanu Gladney
Ansley Gordon
Alexis B. Green
Ebonea IyVanna Harrison
Ebonee Iyanna Harrison
Toya S. Leflore
Bayleigh E. Morgan
Riley Kathryn Scoles
master of Social Work
Social Work
Latonya Atkinson
Delilah Shandra Barnes
Chardonnay Beck
Sylvia Nicole Bentley
Tischaundra Rondrea Berry
Takayla Tashyra Blanchard
Brianna Desiree’ Blunt
Jessica Kanae Bohanna
Ashley Dorian Bracey
Joyce Braithwaite
Latonya Miranda Bullie
Janetria Antwonette Burnett
Ja’Niya D. Burse
Mykia Shuntrell Cannon
Fredrika Janelle Christian
Annissia J. Crump
Ivory Davis
Kaylashia A. Davis
Keasia Moriah Fatemi
Sherita S. Fletcher
Maliyah Terriuana Ford
Stephanie Garcia
Tearia R. Gladney
Marice A. Graham
Johnnie Hardy
Ke’Ari Daeon Hayes
Loren Grace Hill
Qunajia Hill
Shaqunna Shonta La’Shay Howard
Renay Jackson
Amber Kristina Johnson
Cordelia Rena Kimble
Shalandria Roshell Kince
Shaqueena Loper
Faith A. Mayfield
Doneika Lashea McCraw
Rosalyn Mcgowan
Carmon McNair
LeTasha KaShae Miller
Jailyn Asiana Myers
Emmanuela Ngozi Onyia
Zaria M. Owen
Andrea Michelle Parker
Tracy Lynn Parker
Aaliyah Patrice Patton
Jeremy Rayvance Pegues
Haley Michelle Quinn
Makayla Kimbria Rollins
Kadejahi Shernell Smith
Amy Snyder
Reagan E. Sumrall
Cambria Tatum
K’Veona Iveree Trotter
Milalai J. Walden
Jimmel Walker
Cur’Tashia D. Warner
Elonna Marrisa Washington
Asia I’Mari White
Kyia Monai White
DeKayliyah Satoria Whitsett
Mia Wilkinson
Kelsea Wright
Rico D. Chapman, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Liberal Arts
master of arts
Criminology and Justice Services
Victoria S. Kelly
English
Anndria Marie Norris
History
Michael De’Shawn Jones
Project: Terror, Publicity, and Reform: Leopold II and the Congo Free State, 1884-1914
Political Science
Randy Dwayne Allison
Tyshyia Jayden Frazier
Makenzie Arianna Greer
Zoe Kanise Johnson
Christian Darnell Mannery
Kiara Janay Neal
Jordan Olivia Thornton
Sociology
Magain Williams
master of Music Education
Music Education
Tyeisha Denise Franklin
Leonard Terrell Martin
Jaren Micah Nickerson
Tyaqwavius Deonta Rucker
master of public Policy and Administration
Public Policy and Administration
Temma Davis
Roosevelt Hawkins, Jr.
master of Science
Journalism and Media Studies
Eddie Howard III
Project: Journalism Podcast or Pilot Study: Understanding Anxiety in Emerging Adults through Research and Storytelling
Advisor: Dr. Li-jing A. Chang
Leatrice Daniels
Project: Journalism Podcast or Pilot Study: Different Types of Grief and Ways to Deal with Grief
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
Syr James Riley
master of Science
Biology
Armani Le’sha Daniel
Thesis: The Relationship of Fasting Plasma Glucose, Fasting LDL Cholesterol, and BMI to Stroke Risk in African Americans: A Comparative Analysis of the Jackson Heart Study Cohort (2000–2011)
Advisor: Dr. Tammi Taylor
Hayleigh Harrison
Thesis: Evaluating Pennisetum Purpurem for Soil Remediation, Stress Tolerance, and Bioenergy Applications
Advisor: Dr. Naira Ibrahim
Talija Amerya Johnson
Thesis: Evaluation of Combretum Micranthum as a Novel Therapeutic Candidate for Ovarian Cancer
Advisor: Dr. Ariane Chitoh
Ramiyah Iman Thompson
Thesis: Influence of Soil Properties on Cadmium in Nerium Oleander Rhizospheres
Advisor: Dr. Naira Ibrahim
Chemistry
Zoe Janelle Edorodion
Thesis: Carbon Dots from Fruit Waste for Cancer Cell Imaging Applications
Advisor: Dr. Paresh Ray
Trinity Nicole Stark
Thesis: Exopolysaccharides (EPS) from Rhizobium Tropici as Natural Agents for Improving Phosphorus Bioavailability and Wheat Productivity
Advisor: Dr. Fengxiang X. Han
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Kwadwo Amponsah Ampofo
Thesis: A Canonical Correlation Analysis of the Structural Properties of Undirected, Complex Networks
Advisor: Dr. Natarajan Meghanathan
Zakeia L. Davis
John Calvin Kobe Shaquille O’Neal Jones
Iftakhar Al Mahmud
Miah Aymir Robinson
Thesis: Evaluating the Performance of Reinforcement Learning Agents for Safe Environmental Navigation in Unity
Advisor: Dr. Khalid Abed
Mahdi Zulfikar
ENGINEERING
Nikitha Sangem
Mathematics
Shala Ebresheiara Wells
master of Science in Education
Technology Education
Brenica Mallet
Washanda Dominique Patton
Tramell Tillman, ’08 Emmy Award Winning Actor
We have roles and functions. United, we’re a force of nature. Know your role. Know your function. Do your part. You aren’t expected to save the world. “ ”
2026 spring undergraduate Ceremony Commencement Speaker
Emmy Award-winner Tramell Tillman is widely known for starring as the character Seth Milchick in the Apple TV+ series Severance. For that role, he received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, making history as the first African American actor to win in the category, and also received Golden Globe, SAG and Independent Spirit Award nominations.
Tillman can be seen in Sony’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day, this July, alongside Tom Holland and Zendaya, and recently wrapped filming Paramount’s Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, starring Johnny Depp and Ian McKellen. He starred opposite Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, which had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Tillman’s additional film credits include the upcoming Amazon/MGM film Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother starring Mahershala Ali, Lena Dunham’s Netflix film Good Sex starring Natalie Portman, HBO Max’s Sweethearts and the crime drama Barron’s Cove. His television credits include Marti Noxon’s AMC series Dietland, Godfather of Harlem, Marvel’s Hit Monkey and Hunters. In 2024, Tillman starred with Neil Patrick Harris and Jane Krakowski in Manhattan Class Company’s Shit. Meet. Fan. In 2022, Tillman starred opposite Sean Hayes in the Goodman Theater’s Good Night, Oscar, where he originated the role of Alvin and continues to serve as creative consultant for the Broadway production.
In 2008, Tramell Tillman graduated Summa Cum Laude from Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications. During his matriculation at the university, he was involved with several social and civic organizations, such as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Student Government Association, Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools, Kids Kollege, National Association of Black Journalists, MADDRAMA Performance Troupe, Tiger Pride, and was inducted into several honor societies. The D.C. and Maryland native graduated top of his class from the University of Tennessee’s Master of Fine Arts acting program in Knoxville, becoming one of the first African American males to complete the program in 2014. While at UT, he was nominated and selected out of a population of over 25,000 students as the College of Arts and Sciences’ “UT’s Student to Watch.”
In his spare time, Tillman works in local communities supporting causes of arts advocacy, education, and LGBTQ+ rights. Tillman is committed to giving voice to the voiceless through arts and advocacy and believes in the transformative power of the arts. In his opinion, it is one of the purest channels into preserving and enhancing humanity.
College of Education and Human Development & College of Liberal Arts
jackson state University ® spring 2026
undergraduate commencement Order of exercises
Saturday, May 2, 2026
9:00 A.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.
“Triumphal March” from Aida
.Giuseppe Verdi University Orchestra
Mr. Lowell Hollinger, Conductor
.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
.JSU Joint Army and Air Force ROTC Color Guard (Audience stands)
The Star-Spangled Banner
Led by Ryan Fields, Senior Music Performance Major, Vocal Performance 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 Jeremy Bew, Senior Professional Interdisciplinary Studies Major University Orchestra (Audience remains standing)
Rev. Scottie Willis, Ph.D.
.Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. President, Jackson State University
.Arranged by Moses Hogan
University Chorale Harry Cecil, DMA, Director
Introduction of the Commencement Speaker.
Mark Henderson, Ph.D. Chair, Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Founder/Artistic Director, MADDRAMA Performance Troupe Commencement Address.
.Tramell Tillman Emmy Award Winning Actor
Presentation of Citation .
Recognition of Candidates for Commissioning
Presentation of Candidates for Degrees
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.
MAJ Justin M. Smith
Major, United States Army Department Chair, Army ROTC Professor of Military Science
LTC Michael Palmore Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force
Preselfannie W. McDaniels, Ph.D.
Tony Latiker, Ed.D., Dean College of Education and Human Development Rico Chapman, Ph.D., Dean College of Liberal Arts
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.
Closing Remarks.
Jackson Fair
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.
Alma Mater (Audience stands)
T.D. Pawley Arranged by F. D. Hall
Led by Jalen Wilson, Senior Music Performance Major, Music Technology Concentration University Orchestra (Audience stands)
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.
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.
*Hymn
God Be With You
Led by Jalen Wilson, Senior Music Performance Major, Music Technology 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
.William Tomer
*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)
Rev. Scottie Willis, Ph.D.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
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.
2026 spring graduates:
Ty’Anna Baez
Amyari Blissett
Alaysha Brown
Erykah Cain
Janna Calhoun
Kanena Clark
Kamry Coleman
Janae Cooper
Isaiah Fultz
Karlee Garth
Marlvin Goremusandu
Mya Grimes
De’Johne Jones
Madison Jones
Aryanna Love
Brianna Michaels
JaLeah Mondy
Jerrika Nelson
Amaru Nicholson
Rita Osi
Gyana Partman
Madison Perry
Daeja Sawyer
Terrance Scott
Jaysolyn Smith
John-Xavier Thornton
Logan Tucker
Taniah Weaver
Ahan’Ye White
Colleen Williams
Myles Williams
for degrees undergraduate candidates
College of Education and Human Development & College of Liberal Arts
Tony Latiker, Ed.D.
Dean, College of Education and Human Development
bachelor of science
CHILDCARE AND FAMILY EDUCATION
††Kierra S. Armstrong
††Prashala D. Bland
Cinnamon Joy Blockmon
††Airianna Davida Booker
Deanna L. Chaney
Dexter Demond Durr
†††Andreal Hairston
††Carolyn Michele Joe
††Niya Chanel Keller
LaToya Martin
††Jynazhia Tamia McBeth
†Megan Chantel Peters
††Terrica Pope
††Quanneekia M. Thompson
Cortney Williams
†††Kalisha Nicole Williams
†Shakka S. Woodward
Health, Physical Education and Recreation
††Beija Lee Allen
†††Erykah Desmonique Cain
††Naijah Dillard
Zander Blake Henderson
††Layla Nicole Humphreys
†Kendareious Olanda Kiner
†Emari William Matthews
††Amari Monee’ Mitchell
†Christopher Morales
Caylan Laverne Nixon
††Gyana Lintoria Partman
†Jarek Isaiah Peterson
Dakari Ramsey
†Cache’ Raymon Rideout
††Erin Lynette Washington
Professional
Interdisciplinary Studies
†Calvin L. Berry III
Jeremy Tyrek Bew
Sonya Charlette Carnal
†††Skyler Christmas
††Dejuan Levardis Conley
Patrice Findley Cook
††Allison E. Cook
†Tiffany Cowan
†††Aftan Lottie Cox
QCarolyn Dart
Roland J. Davis
†††Christian Emilio Delgado Filpo
†Terrell D. Dixon
Tameka L. Fields
†Steve Arthur Fisher
†Caleb Brockton Gallant
Jameel Q. Gardner
Jasmine Gater
††Logan Lenore Garner
††Maria Fernanda Gutierrez
Camden Pierce Hardy
†Shamar Le Mone Hawkins
††Amber Necole Husband
†Terrika DeAndra Johnson
Chavoris Deion Jones
††Ornette P. Lee
Alexis Shante Lloyd
Jayden Gabriel Lopez
†††Keila Ariel Martin
Felicia Rena Middleton
Brooklyn Rana Morris
Sarah Irene Portis
Tyler Darrell Ray
Tyree Husani Reed
Camron Dion Richardson
††Larry Delano Robinson
Rodrique Daeshun Ruffin
Roniah J. Russell
Langston O’Neal Simmons
Nahshon Lecedrio Stanley
††Jalen M. Tatum
†Chariece C. Thomas
††Andrew Tyler Thompson
Darrin Tyrone Thompson
†Terri Toler
Alyssa Nicole Turner
Kanye Sharode Varner
Angela Denise Washington
†††Colleen Williams
Beautifull Wilson
†††Parker Layne Winfield
bachelor of Science in Education
Elementary Education
†Calise Desirea Adamopoulos
Asia Shanae Anderson
Brylyia Gabriel Baptiste
†Jalaysia Lynae Booker
†Jaydan Nikole Burks
Ian D. Dickson
Tamerrah Cherma’ne Donaldson
†Mykayla Lashawn Flora
††Denesha Holden
††Kyra Keona Howard
††Tristin Amari Johnson-Lewis
J†Ar’kadia Elisa McCray
††Kelcey Moore
Aniyah Jantae Riley
†††Jawana Nicole Scott
††Tashanna Mikea Smith
†††Piper Terrell
Arianna Samoan Thomas
Shantaniquia L. Walker
†Onderia Elise Whetstone
††Shacaylah Tavia Williams
Social Science
†Zhane Tyler McCorvey
bachelor of university studies
University Studies
Aleiaha Kasha Bloodsaw
†Tresheena Kallise Quinn Boyd
Williestine Guise
Joel Jalita Sharp
Rico D. Chapman, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Liberal Arts
bachelor of arts
ART
Zaria Janell Dorsey
Amani Evans
Kaylin A. Ewing
Ronald Micah Graham-Wilson
Angel Nevaeh Howard
†††Devin J. Irvin
Aniyah Jhané Jackson
††Denijah Lena Jefferson
Byron K. Johnson
†S’Kyah Keyonna Mason
††Olandrea Khadijah Morton
Nakaya Ariane Muse
Erin N. Smith
†††Destiny Abria Wilson
Miyah Nicole Wilson
ENGLISH
†Micaela Nicole Bowman
†††Amory D. Campbell
†††Jayla I. Jones
Jordan McKinley Robinson
HISTORY
Carter Jakob Cunningham
†Deona Michelle Nelson
Venson Simpson
Octavia Denise Tisdale
Political Science
Nyla Lynn Marie Anderson
††Lauren Maryann Ballard
††Koreyan Black
Karri Andrais Evans
Valencia Green
Satchel C.A. Greene
†Keiarra Huffman
†Christian Lake Jones
††Khalilah Rebeeca Karriem
Asianeka Little
Justin Tyreese Love
Gary Laron Moore
††Mason Avery Rollins
††Dylan Chad Ross
London O’Marrion Sayers
Taisonja Elise Scott
Christopher D. Smith
†Joseph B. Thomas III
Trevor Vanduan
†Tymon Dylan Wells
†Dialia Wooten
Sociology
††Jada D’ominque Almore
Lauren Nicole Carson
Gabriyelle Sade Hicks
††Senji Rebekah Johnson
†Jade McGowan
††Tylah Monet’ Morgan
†††Taniah Weaver
Speech
Zakiya N. Barnett
Kadeem Christopher Bilal, Sr.
Kaylyn Ri’Chelle Johnson
†Kamiylah Karla Maria Peoples
bachelor of music
Music
†††Ryan Cannon Fields
Lauren Galloway
††Zay’Brel Antwone Powell
††Malea Ulonda Price
†Sasha D. Stewart
Jalen Maurice Wilson
Music Education
††Eric Adotey Alipoe
Gregory Daryl Harper II
†Desi D’Cory Jenkins
†Tyfarri Tywane Naheem Lee
bachelor of music education bachelor of science
Criminal Justice and Correctional Services
††Meah Z. Almaraz
Andrew Tyrae Anderson
†Richeria Jamiya Paradice Anderson
†††Ty’Anna Sandra Baez
†††Amiyah Lianna Banks
††Aniyah Aapri Banner
†Jamya Chardé Bates
Marcus Lee Baugh
††Brooke Bennamon
Toni Le’Sha Champion
Akyra Lanae Chatman
†††Kanena LeAnne Clark
Tra’montae Jabree Coleman
†Jarvius Keshawn Collins
††Ja’Liyah Laray Cornelius
†Trinity Cupitt
Zakiya Semaj Davis
†††Tanesha Alexis Devine
††Jada Joann Dilworth
Samea Dockery
J†††Nakerrius Stepheon Eppenger
Tori Breon Lennette Estep
Victorriya Fowler
Curtis C. Hayes
†Ebony Giovanni Henderson
††Bruce Allen Hopkins
†††LaSedrick Lamond Horton
†Steteria Monae Howard
Jahid Hosson
Brianna Jenkins
††Krystian Johnson
††Tyree D. Jones
†††Amber Lofton
†Giavanni Monet Lowe
Brianna Marverlena McGee
J††Taylor Amari’ Moss
†Ariana Victoria Murillo
†††Zarriah Dakinya Myers
Myah Elyse Patrick
†Jada Patterson
†††Haley Logan Porter
Katera Ja’Lynn Raymond
Jordan Simone Elizabeth Reed
††Daeja Xiomara Sawyer
†††Lela Gabrielle Simmons
††Shemaiah Demetrie Smith
††Myla Alexis Stovall
†††Joshua Thomas
Jermani Tranice Thompson
J†Tylaya D. Varnado
††A’Jah Sa’Mya Walker
†††Latasha T. Watts
†Lamerria Teonna Webb
†Chassady Mone Whitfield
J†††Myles Williams
Alissa Williams
Erroll Young, Jr.
Journalism and Media Studies
†Katori D’yani Blackburn
†Kelci Denise Boyd
††Janna Monique Calhoun
Callie Calicut
††Maegan Alexandria Cooks
†Apollo Jabbarr Criglar, Jr.
Deanna Kapri Gladney
††Danielle Latrive Graves
Jeremiah Joevonta Harris
Dominic Alexander Hines
†Mykia Erica Horton
†Shakell C. James
†Ryan Keishawn LeBlanc
††Racquel Destiny McCormick
Khalilah Anice Mickell
††Jerrika Remeria Nelson
††Tramani KyAsia Osley
†Sinclaire Lela Smith
Dashaun Maurice Tillman
Camille Wallace
Iyana Laniece Warfield
Imani I. Watson
Xerick La’Cirtus White
†Alexandria Gabrielle Wicks
Logan Lashonde Williams
QIsaiah N. Wilson
††Brianna Nicole Young
Mason Zetina Cabaong
Psychology
†Catherine Amaya Andrews
Ashanti Dorniece Atkinson
Kejuan Jaheim Barbee
†††Isabella Benavides Jaramillo
††Roshonda Tennell Benson
Jaylon Anthony Bonner
†Kirsten Ja’Derria Booker
††Alexia C. Booker
Juan Anthony Burchell
Essence E’Bonet Byrd
Paige Mackinze Cason
Diamond Shardae Chambers
††Ashley Brenae Cook
Takiyah Forbes
††Kira G. Gates
Darvell Rodrick Hall, Jr.
††Amyia Shunte Hasberry
Camia Sharie Hill
††De’Johne Paris Jones
Madison Skylar Kemp
†Manu Akua Aleen Kwarteng
†††Aryanna M. Love
††Shamaj Bra’naeh Lumar
†Marianna S. Madlock
Kennedi Elise Mason
Jasmine Marie Melton
†Chloe Elise Nash
Gabrielle Omoye Okojie
††Madison Janice Perry
Madison Pickett
††Federico Pieckenstainer
Murielle Pierre
††Te’Aira Tachele Prince
Jy’Kerrius Markiee Robertson
Michael Anthony Shelby
††Janiya Jacqueline Sims
Jamere Lashay Slaughter
†Marianna Marie Slaughter
Xhamani Zanae Thompson
†††Logan S. Tucker
Jasmin Searcy-Pate, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Office of Applied Psychological Services Clinical Assistant Professor University
of Illinois Chicago
I judge my progress in life by how well I am able to bless others with what God has blessed me with. “ ”
2026 spring undergraduate Ceremony Commencement Speaker
Dr. Searcy-Pate serves as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Associate Director of the Office of Applied Psychological Services, and Assistant Director of Clinical Training at the University of Illinois Chicago. A dedicated educator and scholar, she recently earned a promotion to Clinical Associate Professor, reflecting her commitment to excellence in teaching, mentorship, service, and scholarship. With nearly two decades of expertise, she specializes in trauma-informed care, pediatric and health psychology and evidence-based interventions, with a strong commitment to serving diverse and under-resourced communities.
Dr. Searcy-Pate’s research centers on the intersection of mental and physical health. Supported by NIH-funded research, her work with the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, the Jackson Heart Study, and NYU Grossman School of Medicine examines adverse childhood experiences, chronic disease disparities, and mindfulness-based approaches to improving health outcomes among underserved communities. She has presented at national and international conferences, contributing to conversations on health equity and evidence-based care.
A Life Member of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association since 2008, some of Dr. Searcy-Pate’s most defining moments trace back to the yard, the sounds of the Sonic Boom, and the sisterhood that only JSU can cultivate. From the mentors who shaped her, to honoring the beloved Little Joe, to launching Project CHANGES during her reign as Miss JSU, a community initiative designed to inspire everyday goal setting, her time at JSU was about far more than academics.
A Life Member of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association since 2008, some of Dr. Searcy-Pate’s most defining moments trace back to the yard, the sounds of the Sonic Boom, and the sisterhood that only JSU can cultivate. From the mentors who shaped her, to honoring the beloved Little Joe, to launching Project CHANGES during her reign as Miss JSU, a community initiative designed to inspire everyday goal setting, her time at JSU was about far more than academics. As she shares, “I judge my progress in life by how well I am able to bless others with what God has blessed me with.” For Dr. Searcy-Pate, success has never been measured by titles or accolades, but by the lives she has the opportunity to impact along the way.
College of Business; College of Health Sciences & College of Science, Engineering and Technology
jackson state University ® spring 2026
undergraduate commencement Order of exercises
Saturday, May 2, 2026 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.
English Folk Song Suite
University Wind Ensemble
Dr. Roderick Little, Conductor
.Ralph Vaughn Williams
.Preselfannie W. McDaniels, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Fanfare and Processional
University Wind 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
. Francis Scott Key
Led by Brooke Boatmon, Sophomore Music Performance Major, Music Technology Concentration University Wind Ensemble (Audience remains standing)
Negro National Anthem.
Invocation.
Greetings
Greetings
Musical Selection.
Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing
J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson
Led by Julia Johnson, Senior Music Education Major, Vocal Concentration University Wind Ensemble (Audience remains standing)
Rev. Scottie Willis, Ph.D.
.Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. President, Jackson State University
.Raegan Johnson ‘26 80th Student Government Association President
Introduction of the Commencement Speaker.
Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel
Arranged by Moses Hogan University Chorale Harry Cecil, DMA, Director
Treyanna Williams ‘26
Commencement Address.
Senior Class President
.Jasmin Searcy-Pate, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Office of Applied Psychological Services
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Illinois Chicago
Presentation of Citation
Recognition of Candidates for Commissioning
Presentation of Candidates for Degrees
Nicholas J. Hill, Ph.D., Dean College of Business
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.
MAJ Justin M. Smith
Major, United States Army Department Chair, Army ROTC Professor of Military Science
LTC Michael Palmore
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force
Preselfannie W. McDaniels, Ph.D.
Ramzi Kafoury, Sc.D., Interim Dean College of Health Sciences
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.
Closing Remarks.
Jackson Fair
Alma Mater (Audience stands)
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.
Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.
T.D. Pawley Arranged by F. D. Hall
Led by Joshua Taylor, Sophomore Music Performance Major, Music Technology Concentration University Wind Ensemble (Audience stands)
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
*Hymn
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.
God Be With You
Led by Joshua Taylor, Sophomore Music Performance Major, Music Technology Concentration University Wind 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
Rev. Scottie Willis, Ph.D. Recessional.
Fanfare and Recessional
University Wind Ensemble (Audience remains seated)
Sir Edward Elgar Arranged by James D. Ployer
.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.
2026 spring graduates:
Ty’Anna Baez
Amyari Blissett
Alaysha Brown
Erykah Cain
Janna Calhoun
Kanena Clark
Kamry Coleman
Janae Cooper
Isaiah Fultz
Karlee Garth
Marlvin Goremusandu
Mya Grimes
De’Johne Jones
Madison Jones
Aryanna Love
Brianna Michaels
JaLeah Mondy
Jerrika Nelson
Amaru Nicholson
Rita Osi
Gyana Partman
Madison Perry
Daeja Sawyer
Terrance Scott
Jaysolyn Smith
John-Xavier Thornton
Logan Tucker
Taniah Weaver
Ahan’Ye White
Colleen Williams
Myles Williams
for degrees undergraduate candidates
College of Business
College of Health Sciences & College of Science, Engineering & Technology
Nicholas Hill, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Business
Bachelor of Business Administration
ACCOUNTING
†Jaylin Anthony Acker
Kayla Amaya Ausama
Jake Beryl Ayers
†Alvin Barnes
†Kyle Jamir Bruce
Ariunna D. Hubbard
Khyrean Hadiya Jones
†††Tierra Elizabeth Lonie
Kayla Price Mobley
Camara Michelle Morris
Diamond Mikayle Robertson
Daylen Sherrard-Butler
†Arrianna S. Smith
Davieon Tabb
†††Cecil Leroy Taylor III
Noell JAaliyah Wallace
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Avonni Lajoy Bell
†Liliana Serrano Benitez
Chasitye Brinson
†††Kristina Rei Carlson
†Andre’Anna Ke’Shayla Davis
†Austin S. Ellis
††Tiera L. Ellis
Damerius D. Fitzpatrick
Elijah Frederique
†La’Nya A. Freeman
Diamond Rena Gilmore
Briahjanay Tashunn Griffin
†Mya Elise Grimes
Kathleen D. Hall
Lazarreia Breanna Hayes
†Keiveon Hunt
Josiah Ma’Kayn Hunt
††Dorothy Marie Jackson
Jubrea D. James
Philip Antonie Kenley
Kedora L. Lacey
Layla Lewis
Christopher Ryan Logan
Shameka Spivey Longmire
JAshlin Amani-Campbell Martin
Megan O. McBride
Justice Thomas McCreary
Dylan Santana Vinson Melton
†Silas Xavier Moore
†Olasike Olateruolagbegi
Teasia M. Phillips-Chester
Reid Pulliam
Kala M. Purry
Ja-Dejah Neshay Roach
†Shamiya Christionna Rose
Marquita Ikema Singleton
Zion M. Smart
Darrell Lee Sykes Jr.
Jessica K. Washington
Broderick Demond Washington, Jr.
Elias Emmanuel Williams
Zakiya Najah Wilson
Aaliyah Marie Wright
Economics
††Ayana L. Colton
Glake Alton Hill, III
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
†Japunica Bland
Tainaya Ariel Brown
Zakyla Pe’Ja Marie Fuller
Ralyn Sky Malone
†Jayme Dondrell Mitchell Jr.
Brionna Jarda Sullivan
FINANCE
Shelicia Rakia Bennett
Caleb Anthony Hart
James Isaiah Rankin III
Mattaya Antion’et Russ
††Marco W. Shelby
†Jasmine Reed Talbert
†††John-Xavier Emmanuel Thornton
†Tikyra NiAsia Williams
MANAGEMENT
†††Amya Edbonea Anderson
†Alyissa B. Doss
†††Deanne E. Hagan
Zachary J. Nelson II
†Jared Peterson Smith
Marques De’Shun Stewart
Jamal T. Woods
MARKETING
†Tyteona Lanette Bratcher
†Kiara Aniyah Johnson
††Bethsheba Johnson
Deven Lavell Jones
Kevin Marquis Lee
†Kennedy Jana May
†Mario Antonio Moore
†Nina Nichelle Ramey
††Armoni Redmon
Juan Louis Smith, Jr.
Zhaniya R’Cari Swilley
Jordan Olivia Talbert
Cameron Lamar Tate
†Ariana Elise Walker
†Makenzie Amore Washington
††Ahan’Ye White
†Luis Zavala
Supply Chain Management
†Niel Davis
†Anterrion Jerome Theus
Ramzi Kafoury, MPH, Sc.D.
Interim Dean, College of Health Sciences
bachelor of science
HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION
††Tamesha M. Allen
Markia Sabrina Ballard
††Tashunda Brookins
††Marquaveon Bernard Chase
†Shunda Hollins Cooks
Angelique Marie Farmer
Alarrius S. Goings
†Perla Jasmin Guevarra
†Jennifer Hannah
†Morgan Marie Harris
Luke Harris Jr.
Isyss Aaliyah Henderson
Sherrita James
†††Constance Jones
†Brandi Alyssa Macon
†Kansas Mackenzie Marshall
Delton Anthony Martin
†Derriana Diane Moss
Zakiyah Amari Phillips
†Shania Sherrell Richardson
†Angela Elizabeth Scott
Briana Lashea Sims
Jessica Christina Taylor
†Jessica Evette Thomas
††Zavion C. Thompson
††Bernice Anika Watson
Kishondra M. Willis
Public Health
†Ciara Aerionna Julicia Johnson
J†Crystal Guadalupe Lopez-Salinas
††Camille Trotter
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
†Maya Abina Ahelegbe
Makaila D. Barnes
†Lyesha Melan Bland
††Madison Nicole Brown
††Janae Lanice Cooper
Ridge George
†††Raven S’imone Otis
†Shawna Lanier Pruitt
Jaliyah Sy’Rai Smith
†††Kayla Monet Williams
bachelor of social work
SOCIAL WORK
†††Diamond S. Black
Nakaelah Noel Marie Boyd
††Naya Asha Nikkiya Chadwick
Gevone Dixon
†Evacia Ducksworth
†Ayanna Latoya Griffin
†Aryonia LeAsha Hale
Danny Dekota Johnson
††Valleathia Johnson
††McKenzie Simone Johnson
Khilah N. Jones
††Jennifer Knight
Isyss Renee Lee
Jada Storm Lowery
Andrea Michele Mack
Jasmine McClenty
†††Gabrielle D. McLaurin
Jalen Amir Miller
††Lauren Chanel Miranda
†††Mia Myesha Nichols
Kiara Keuana Sly
Jaliyah T. Smith
†Raynesha Antwynette Standokes
†Martecia Antionette Stokes
†Cateria Tiyana Ward
†††Makala E. Williamson
†††Kendra B. Willis
†Delicia Demonica Young
Wilbur L. Walters, Jr., Ph.D.
Dean, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
bachelor of science
BIOLOGY
†Anaya Kemari Adams
†††Hebah Anwar Alsalmi
Khalil Jeremiah Barksdale
A’sha Janai Branch
††Alaysha Ro’kereya Qualexis Brown
Tiffany Brown
Corina Maria Brown
†Eriel Carr
TiMya Loretta Cheatham
††Kamry Shakel Coleman
Jakira Nikia Alexia Coleman
††Precious Jhane Cooper
††Jalen Deandre Dandridge
††Zandria Je-Neise Davis
†Kobe DeCuir
J††Wesley Gregory Dinkins, Jr.
†Hailey Keadriana Donald
††Amari J’lise Dorsey
††Jalaysia Nikole Everett
†Kierra Fox
†††Karlee R. Garth
†Lauren-Kelli Alexandria Gatlin
†Armand M. Gladney
†Sydney Louise Graham
††Taniya Shuntaria Green
Brianna S. Hargrove
††Kaleb Jozef Henry
†Kendall James Henry
†Dallas Shani Hill
††Shelby A. Hudson
†††Jace Amari Jackson
†Jayden R. James
†Alexandria Noel Jenkins
†Cantorrias Diana Marie Lacey
††Kennedy Michelle Larkins
Jayohn T. Lee
††Peyton Tayshawn Lockett
††Jada Nyree Lusk
††Jya’ Janay McLeod
†Madison Chandler Miles
††Jayla Delaina Mix
Jaylen Morris
Sharda’ Richelle Perry
†Kayla L. Perry
Kiara Makiya Phillips
†††Taylor LaDawn Rash
††Asia Robinson
Damaje Darrin Russell
†Edward Sapien
†Samuel L. Slay III
Myla Arriel Smith
††Jaysolyn Janell Smith
††Kayla M. Stubbs
†††Cecil Leroy Taylor III
Jimisha Monique Heavenly Thomas
††Miles Jarrett Thomas
Norcelia Nicole Tobias
†Cassidy D. Tolbert
Iyana Idella Williams
Kiale Loraine Winters
Meagan Patrice Young
Biomedical Engineering
Kymorah V. Carter
††Jaleah Estelle Mondy
Gavin Ellis Tolbert
Mariah Symone Williams
Chemistry
†††Selena Kainde Basden
†††Sya High
†††Brianna Michaels
††Malachi Zoe Morris
†Peighton Makenzie Powe
Civil Engineering
Jeff Alexander IV
Tywon Alexander, Jr.
†Jannifer Katelin Banks
††Sierra Taiwo Basden
†††Garrett Jameson Breithaupt
De’Jayvion Brown
Khalyl Raheem Carson
Mouch Dol
Evan Michael Henry
†Trinity Danielle Hilliard
Branden R. Humphrey
Douglas Marquis Jones
Amari Serene Little
Quincy Trevell Stoker
††Samuel Vance Terrett
Joseph Harry Thedford IV
†††Jayson James Ward
Tahjay Amarion Washington
Lanae Marshelle Williams
Decarlos Lamont Wilson
Malcolm Gemaal Yarber
Computer Engineering
†††Bethvour Newness Onyinyechi Chike
†Paris Z. Coleman
Quintasia Deonna Gordon
†††Peter Lenon Goshomi
Deontay Treyvion Jenkins
Raegan Brianne Johnson
††Madison Nicole Jones
Curtis Jea’Shaun Patrick
Bobby Ragas, Jr.
Lamont Donyea Sims II
†Marcus K. Straughter
Treyanna Leiloni Marie Williams
Computer Science
†††Binyam Assefa
†††Gokalp Ayar
Makenzie Lillian Blackwell
Jalyn Jontavius Brown
†Akiria M. Brown
†Peyton Brownrigg
Kai Anthony Crear
††Karys Laine Dove
†††Marlvin Goremusandu
††Trey Ashton Graham
†Sa’Nya Arielle Griffin
Ryan Robyn Meredith
†Aaron Robert Moore
†††Amaru M. Nicholson
†††Rita Chukwunyere Osi
Juhari Raines
†Tiara Shaniece Sparks
Amaya Renee Washington
Electrical Engineering
Nicholas Raphael Trimm Brown
††Jonas Gregory Goss
Cameron C. Lynch
Tyler Kendell McLaurin
Industrial Technology
††Amyari Denise Blissett
†Alexia Genise Catchings
Markell Javon Jones
†Daiqwan A. Littles
††Guanita Pritchard
Destiny Daronté Antoinette Suggs
J†Darnell Wilks
Mathematics
†††Toluwalope Celestina Femi-Awoyale
Meteorology
†Cameron Ivan Bennett
Physics
†Kurstan Dawn Bates
†Isaiah Marquize Fultz
Jordan Glover
††Italian Tyshae Johnson
Jazmyn Monet Littles
††Elianie Ester Nieves-Perez
David Allen Saulter II
†Terrance Scott, Jr.
Christopher Deshun Washington, Jr.
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., President
Preselfannie W. 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
Carlos Wilson, Ph.D., (Interim), Graduate Studies
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
Locord D. Wilson, Ph.D., Libraries
Graduate/Undergraduate Commencement Exercises
COMMENCEMENT
mace BEAREr
Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace
president’s standard BEAREr
Graduate Ceremony
Dr. Ramon L. Jackson
Undergraduate Ceremony #1
Dr. Chandar Lewis
Undergraduate Ceremony #2
Dr. Remata Reddy
Administration Standard Bearer
Dr. La’Tonia Fulton-Harper college standard bearers
College of Business
Dr. Sadia Khan
Dr. Nizar M. Alsharari
College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Kenya Horn
Dr. Adrianne Swinney
College of Health Sciences
Dr. Patrice Jenkins
Dr. Vincent Mendy
College of Liberal Arts
Yolanda Williams
Charles Carraway
College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Dr. Hung-Chung Hwang
Dr. Rocky Talchabhadel
Division of Graduate Studies
Dr. Patrice Jenkins
chief/assistant Marshals
Chief Marshal
Dr. Dion Porter
Assistant Marshals
Dr. Whitney Perkins
Dr. Kanesha Bennett
Dr. Yalanda Barner
Professor Mark Geil
Professor Don Spann
Undergraduate and graduate Student/faculty Marshals
College of Business
Cecil Taylor
Zionasia Cunningham
Dr. Sadia Khan
Dr. Okechukwu Anyamele
Dr. Nizar M. Alsharari
Dr. Mark Morgan
College of Education and Human Development
Jawana Scott
Tameka Battle
Dr. Kenya Horn
Dr. Keon Catchings-Shelby
Adrianne Swinney
Amirah Nelson
College of Health Sciences
Kayla Williams
Shaqueena Loper
Dr. Patrice Jenkins
Dr. LaTarsha Michael
Dr. Vincent Mendy
Dr. Tyresia Howard
College of Liberal Arts
LaSedrick Horton
Eddie Howard, II
Yolanda Williams
Dr. Jewell Davis
Charles Carraway
Dr. Jiwon Speers
College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Toluwalope Femi-Awoyale
Washanda Patton
Dr. Hung-Chung Hwang
Dr. Carolyn Howard
Dr. Rocky Talchabhadel
Dr. Xiaobing Li
Readers
Dr. Phyllis Lewis-Hale
Mr. Brent Harris
Dr. Mark Henderson
Dr. Candice Love-Jackson
Dr. Ebony Lumumba
Dr. Robert Luckett
Office of the Registrar and Records
Lekesha Tubbs
Doriecia Washington
Ella Ainsworth
Christie Mickel
Stephanie Stevens
Shadae Williams
American Sign Language Interpreters
Tiffany Leach
Loretta Sutton
Nakya Hollins Volunteer Coordinator
Dr. La’Tonia Fulton-Harper COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM designer
Yolanda T. Brown
spring 2026 Commencement committee
Ms. Tershuna Bass
Dr. Lisa Beckley-Roberts
Captain Tilmon Clifton
Ms. Ayanna Evans
Dr. La’Tonia Fulton-Harper
Ms. Kamesha Hill
Mr. Lowell Hollinger
Mr. Anthony Howard
Mr. Sedric Hudson
Dr. Candice Jackson
Dr. Ramon Jackson
Mr. DeMarcus Leflore
Dr. Preselfannie McDaniels, Ex-Officio
Mr. Victor Mills
Dr. Brandi Newkirk-Turner, Chair
Dr. Whitney Perkins
Ms. Eboni Phillips
Ms. Becky Pierson
Dr. Dion Porter, Co-Chair
Dr. Sheila Porterfield
Dr. Arron Richardson
Ms. Kentrice Rush
Ms. Janet Samuel
Ms. Kelli Sharpe
Ms. Michelle Simon
Mr. Jonathan Smith
Major Justin Smith
Mr. Don Spann
Chief Eric Stanton
Dr. Jerome Tinker
Ms. Lekesha Tubbs
Ms. Deborah Washington
Ms. Sheree White
Mr. Scottie Willis
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.