Spring Commencement Book 2026

THEE STANDARD for Academics.

SPRING 2026

Commencement of Jackson State University

®

Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. President

™

Jackson State University® | 2

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.

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spring 2026 commencement

congratulatory

messages

Jackson State University® | 4

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®

5 | Spring 2026 Commencement 1400 John R. Lynch St. | PO Box 17390 | Jackson, MS 39217

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MAYOR chokwe antar lumumba letter

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Office of the Mayor

John Horhn, Mayor

219 South President Street Post Office Box 17 Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0017 Telephone: 601-960-1084 Facsimile: 601-960-2193

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, 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 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

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Jackson State National Alumni Association, Inc. P.O. Box 17820 | Jackson, MS 39217 | www.jsunaa.org Phone 601.979.2281 | Toll Free 800.578.6622 Congratulations, Spring 2026 Graduates!

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 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 BOARD MEMBERS Far West Region Mr. Michael Easter Dr. Thelma James Day Midwest Region Mrs. Angela Waller Dr. Jacquelyn Thomas-Miller Mississippi Region Mrs. Tammy Terrell-Brooks Mr. Joshua Winsley Northeast Region Dr. John Sampson Jr. Southeast Region Mr. Kenneth Archer Ms. Laura Lewis Southwest Region Mr. Raymond Woodfork Ms. Bridgshe’ Freeman 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

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 only 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 difference 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 takes 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 strength 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

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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.

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.

”

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.

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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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Triumphal March” from Aida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Giuseppe Verdi University Orchestra Lowell Hollinger, Conductor Academic Processional Facilitator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Preselfannie W. McDaniels, Ph.D. Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Processional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sir Edward Elgar University Orchestra (Audience remains seated) Presentation of Colors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JSU Joint Army and Air Force ROTC Color Guard (Audience stands)

National Anthem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Star-Spangled Banner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Francis Scott Key Led by Ryan Fields, Senior Music Performance Major, Vocal Performance University Orchestra (Audience remains standing) Negro National Anthem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson Led by Julia Johnson, Senior Music Education Major, Vocal Concentration University Orchestra (Audience remains standing) Invocation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Dennis Williams, Ph.D. Interim Chair, Department of Educational, Multicultural and Exceptional Studies Pastor, New Caney Creek Missionary Baptist Church

Greetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. President, Jackson State University Musical Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Precious Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arranged by Thomas Dorsey and Arnold Sevier University Chorale Harry Cecil, DMA, Director

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Introduction of the Commencement Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wilbur Wilburs, Jr. Ph.D. Dean, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology Commencement Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. Musical Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Didin’t My Lord Deliver Daniel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arranged by Moses Hogan University Chorale Harry Cecil, DMA, Director Recognition of the Golden Diploma Recipients Presentation of Candidates for Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preselfannie W. McDaniels, Ph.D. Carlos Wilson, Ph.D, Interim Dean Nicholas J. Hill, Ph.D., Dean Tony Latiker, Ed.D., Dean Ramzi Kafoury, Sc.D., Interim Dean Rico Chapman, Ph.D., Dean Wilbur Walters, Jr., Ph.D., Dean

Graduate Studies College of Business College of Education and Human Development College of Health Sciences College of Liberal Arts College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Conferring of Degrees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. Induction of Graduates into the Jackson State University National Alumni Association. . . . . . . . .Patrease Edwards, ’ 99, ’ 08 President, Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc.

Alumni Pledge:

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. Closing Remarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. Alma Mater (Audience stands)

Jackson Fair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T.D. Pawley Arranged by F. D. Hall Led by Jalen Wilson, Senior Music Performance Major, Music Technology Concentration University Orchestra

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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . God Be With You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .William Tomer 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Dennis Williams, Ph.D. Recessional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coronation March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky University Orchestra (Audience remains seated)

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jac k s o n s tat e u n i v e r s i t y ®

we honor thee golden class

Jackson State University® | 14

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

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spring 2026 commencement

graduate candidates for degrees

* Previous Conferment Jackson State University® | 16

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

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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

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 Doctor of Khalil Deshon Collier 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

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

Nicholas J. Hill, Ph.D. Dean, College of Business

educational specialist

master of business administration

MD Robiul Alam

Educational Administration (K-12)

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Yifang Qi, China

Tameka Joanna Battle Kenneth A. Coger, II Tranita Lacharlsha Davis Dabney Bonita Edwards Sonya Patrice Edwards

Doctor of Philosophy Chemistry Dissertation: Metal-Sulfide Functionalized Layered Double Hydroxides: Synthesis, Structural Investigations, and Chemically Versatile Ion Separation Advisor: Dr. Muhammad Saiful Islam 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

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

specialist in education Education Breanna Josideana Horn Jerhonda Carter

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

master of Science

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Matthew Temitope Adewole Monesia C. Conley Artiko D. Greer Jackson State University® | 18

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

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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

Wilbur L. Walters, Jr., Ph.D. Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology

master of arts

Randy Dwayne Allison Tyshyia Jayden Frazier Makenzie Arianna Greer Zoe Kanise Johnson Christian Darnell Mannery Kiara Janay Neal Jordan Olivia Thornton

master of Science

Sociology

Biology

Magain Williams

Armani Le’sha Daniel

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

Urban and Regional Planning Syr James Riley

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

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

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

Jackson State University® | 20

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.

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.

”

21 | Spring 2026 Commencement

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.

* Summer 2025 Conferment

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Triumphal March” from Aida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Giuseppe Verdi University Orchestra Mr. Lowell Hollinger, Conductor Academic Processional Facilitator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Preselfannie W. McDaniels, Ph.D. Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Processional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sir Edward Elgar University Orchestra (Audience remains seated) Presentation of Colors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JSU Joint Army and Air Force ROTC Color Guard (Audience stands)

National Anthem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Star-Spangled Banner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Francis Scott Key Led by Ryan Fields, Senior Music Performance Major, Vocal Performance University Orchestra (Audience remains standing) Negro National Anthem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson Led by Jeremy Bew, Senior Professional Interdisciplinary Studies Major University Orchestra (Audience remains standing) Invocation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Scottie Willis, Ph.D. Greetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. President, Jackson State University Musical Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Precious Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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

Jackson State University® | 22

Presentation of Citation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.

Recognition of Candidates for Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 Presentation of Candidates for Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preselfannie W. McDaniels, Ph.D. Tony Latiker, Ed.D., Dean Rico Chapman, Ph.D., Dean

College of Education and Human Development College of Liberal Arts

Conferring of Degrees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. Induction of Graduates into the Jackson State University National Alumni Association. . . . . . . . .Patrease Edwards, ’ 99, ’ 08 President, Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc.

Alumni Pledge:

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. Closing Remarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. Alma Mater (Audience stands)

Jackson Fair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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.

23 | Spring 2026 Commencement

*Hymn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . God Be With You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .William Tomer 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Scottie Willis, Ph.D.

Recessional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coronation March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky University Orchestra (Audience remains seated)

Jackson State University® | 24

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 Magna Cum Laude Cum Laude

3.80 - 4.00 3.50 - 3.79 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

25 | Spring 2026 Commencement

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

spring 2026 commencement

undergraduate candidates for degrees Co llege o f Ed u c at i o n an d H u m a n D eve l o p m ent & Co lle g e o f L i b e ra l Ar ts

††† Denotes Summa Cum Laude graduate †† Denotes Magna Cum Laude graduate † Denotes Cum Laude graduate

J Military Graduate Q Posthumous Degree Award Jackson State University® | 26

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 27 | Spring 2026 Commencement

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

bachelor of music education Music Education ††Eric Adotey Alipoe Gregory Daryl Harper II †Desi D’Cory Jenkins †Tyfarri Tywane Naheem Lee

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 Jackson State University® | 28

†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

29 | Spring 2026 Commencement

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.

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.

”

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.

* Summer 2025 Conferment

Jackson State University® | 30

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . English Folk Song Suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ralph Vaughn Williams University Wind Ensemble Dr. Roderick Little, Conductor Academic Processional Facilitator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Preselfannie W. McDaniels, Ph.D. Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Processional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fanfare and Processional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sir Edward Elgar Arranged by James D. Ployhar University Wind Ensemble (Audience remains seated) Presentation of Colors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JSU Joint Army and Air Force ROTC Color Guard (Audience stands)

National Anthem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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) Invocation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Scottie Willis, Ph.D. Greetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. President, Jackson State University Greetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Raegan Johnson ‘26 80th Student Government Association President Musical Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arranged by Moses Hogan University Chorale Harry Cecil, DMA, Director Introduction of the Commencement Speaker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treyanna Williams ‘26

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Senior Class President

Commencement Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jasmin Searcy-Pate, Ph.D. Associate Director, Office of Applied Psychological Services Clinical Assistant Professor University of Illinois Chicago Presentation of Citation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D.

Recognition of Candidates for Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 Presentation of Candidates for Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preselfannie W. McDaniels, Ph.D. Nicholas J. Hill, Ph.D., Dean Ramzi Kafoury, Sc.D., Interim Dean Wilbur Walters, Jr., Ph.D., Dean

College of Business College of Health Sciences College of Science, Engineering, and Technology

Conferring of Degrees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. Induction of Graduates into the Jackson State University National Alumni Association. . . . . . . . .Patrease Edwards, ’ 99, ’ 08 President, Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc.

Alumni Pledge:

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. Closing Remarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D. Alma Mater (Audience stands)

Jackson Fair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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

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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . God Be With You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .William Tomer 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sir Edward Elgar Arranged by James D. Ployer University Wind Ensemble (Audience remains seated)

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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 Magna Cum Laude Cum Laude

3.80 - 4.00 3.50 - 3.79 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

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spring 2026 commencement

undergraduate candidates for degrees Co lleg e o f B u si n e ss Co lleg e o f H e a l t h Sc iences & Co ll e g e o f Sc i e n ce, E n gin e e ri n g & Te c h n o lo gy

††† Denotes Summa Cum Laude graduate †† Denotes Magna Cum Laude graduate † Denotes Cum Laude graduate

J Military Graduate 35 | Spring 2026 Commencement

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

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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

37 | Spring 2026 Commencement

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

††Elianie Ester Nieves-Perez David Allen Saulter II †Terrance Scott, Jr. Christopher Deshun Washington, Jr.

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 Jackson State University® | 38

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

39 | Spring 2026 Commencement

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

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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

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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

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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.

43 | Spring 2026 Commencement

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