| university achievement |
Record enrollment Rodney Daniely, a civil engineering major from Atlanta, was drawn to JSU because of the programs offered in his major.
Growth surpasses all Mississippi schools by dominique triplett
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Freshman Simon Cotton of Chicago considered Northwestern University or Morehouse College but decided JSU was the best fit.
Junior psychology major Krystal Mooney of Memphis transferred to JSU after attending community college.
ackson State University’s fall enrollment of 9,134 marks a historical high for the university. In fact, the 3.6 percent increase over the previous fall represents the highest percentage increase of all Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. The record enrollment includes a freshman class of some 1,100 students — a more than 25 percent increase over the previous fall. Within that class is the highest number ever of incoming freshmen meeting the criteria for JSU’s W.E.B. Du Bois Honors College. “We are pleased to know we’re attracting some of the best students in Mississippi and from around the country,” JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers said. Eighteen-year-old Simon Cotton, a multimedia journalism major from Chicago, is part of that group. The Chicago native considered other options, including Northwestern and Morehouse, but said JSU seemed the best fit. “My mom and sister both came to Jackson State, plus I wanted to be a part of the band,” said the Sonic Boom of the South trumpet player. The freshman class also includes a significant number of College of Science, Engineering and Technology students. Rodney Daniely, an 18-year-old civil engineering major from Atlanta, was drawn to JSU because of the programs offered in his major. “In the engineering school, the teachers are really personable, and they want you to succeed in life,” said Daniely. “They just want you to go out there, working, preparing you for bigger things in your life.” Over the past year, JSU has added 35 faculty positions, installed more Smart classrooms, improved laboratories and made campus-wide technological upgrades. The university also has strengthened its ties with other institutions, forming partnerships with Hinds Community College and Holmes Community College with the goal of increasing the number of students who receive bachelor’s degrees. Junior psychology major Krystal Mooney of Memphis transferred to JSU after attending community college. She chose JSU because of its proximity to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. “I want to get my master’s in clinical psyschology and work in a medical setting,” she said. “I’m so happy I came to JSU. The teachers here care about what you’re actually doing and don’t mind sitting down with you and answering all of your questions.”
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