Spring 2024 Commencement Booklet

spring 2024 commencement

graduate ceremony

friday, may 3 | 9 a.M.

undergraduate ceremony saturday, may 4 | 9 a.M.

lee e. williams athletics and assembly center

marcus l. thompson, Ph.D. President

2024 spring commencement contents

Notations to Guests | 3

Commencement Etiquette | 4

Congratulatory Messages | 5 - 9

Graduate Commencement Speaker | 10

Graduate Commencement Order of Exercise | 11 - 13

Golden Diploma Recipients | 15

Graduate Candidates for Degrees | 16 - 21

Undergraduate Commencement Speaker | 24

Undergraduate Commencement Order of Exercise | 25 - 27

Honors and Awards | 29

Du Bois-Harvey Honors College Graduates | 30 - 31

Undergraduate Candidates for Degrees | 32 - 37

Board of Trustees, Mississippi State Institutions of Higher Learning | 39

Jackson State University Executive Cabinet and Academic Deans | 40

2024 Senior Class Officers | 47

2024 Graduate Student Leadership | 48

Graduate/Undergraduate Commencement Participants | 49 Commencement Committee/Volunteers | 51

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.

notations to guests

WELCOME

Welcome to the Jackson State University Spring 2024 Commencement Exercises. Commencement is an important event in the life of the University, its students, faculty, and staff. It is a joyous yet solemn event that represents the culmination of the graduates’ years of study. Thank you for joining us and for being a part of the celebration. Again, we welcome you!

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 because of 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.

COMMENCEMENT ETIQUETTE

OUT OF RESPECT FOR OTHER FAMILIES PRESENT PLEASE:

silence all devices hold all applause until prompted no air horns or noisemakers please take all pictures with your graduate after the ceremony please avoid walking during the ceremony & please remain seated until the end of the ceremony masks are optional

Jackson state University Jackson, Mississippi 39217

Dear Jackson State University Class of Spring 2024:

It is with immense pride that I offer heartfelt congratulations as you stand on the threshold of a new chapter in your lives. On behalf of the entire Jackson State University community, I extend my warmest wishes to all of you on your remarkable achievement.

As you walk across the stage, adorned in your caps and gowns, know that you are not only celebrating a personal milestone, but also marking a significant moment in the history of your alma mater. Your dedication, hard work, and perseverance have brought you to this momentous occasion, and it is a privilege to witness the fruits of your labor.

Throughout your journey, you have undoubtedly encountered challenges, triumphs, and moments of self-discovery. Whether it was facing a difficult exam, collaborating with classmates, or engaging in thought-provoking discussions with your professors, each experience has contributed to your growth and development as scholars, leaders, and individuals.

As you reflect on your time at Jackson State, please cherish the memories made, friendships forged, and lessons learned. You have been equipped with the knowledge and skills to make an impact in your respective fields of study. Use your education for the betterment of our society.

As you enter the next phase of your journey, remember the values that Jackson State has instilled in you. Remember the importance of integrity, excellence, and service to others. Remember the importance of embracing diversity and fostering inclusion. Above all, remember the power that you hold as agents of change.

The world that awaits you is filled with endless possibilities, but it is also fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Yet, I am confident that you can overcome obstacles and defy expectations in whatever path you choose to pursue.

You are now joining a network of alumni who have gone on to become trailblazers in their respective fields, making a difference in their communities and beyond. I have no doubt that you will carry on this legacy with pride and distinction.

In closing, may your futures be bright, your dreams be bold, and your contributions significant. Remember that no matter where life takes you, you will always have a home here at Jackson State. Congratulations, graduates!

In Tiger Service,

Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D. President Jackson State University

Jackson State University 1400 John R. Lynch Street Jackson, Mississippi

May 4, 2024

Greetings Graduates:

As Mayor of the City of Jackson, it is my sincere privilege to congratulate the Jackson State University graduating class of 2024. Today, you embark on a fantastic journey directed by your determination, persistence and hard work, to place your mark on the world. The entire city joins me in wishing you the very best in your endeavors toward a bright, intentional and prosperous future.

Jackson State University carries a tremendous legacy of academic leadership, innovation, research, knowledge and creativity. It is a pillar of the Jackson community that is actively engaged with community partners to create mutually beneficial relationships connecting its students, faculty and staff to the Jackson Metropolitan area. As a city, we are proud to be home to such a profound historical institution dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders.

Graduates, you will now join a distinguished group of alumni who have entered the world and a global workforce with purpose. It is my honor to congratulate you on this milestone. Congratulations on a job well done and best wishes on your journey ahead!

One City, One Aim, One Destiny!

Sincerely,

Chokwe A. Lumumba, Mayor City of Jackson

Office of the Mayor

Chokwe A. Lumumba., Mayor

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

Dear Jackson State University Graduates,

On behalf of the National Alumni Association, I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to each and every one of you on your graduation. This is a momentous occasion that signifies your hard work, dedication, and commitment to your education. You should all be incredibly proud of your accomplishments.

As you embark on this new chapter in your lives, I urge you to stay connected to your alma mater through the National Alumni Association. By getting involved at the local level, you can continue to support and strengthen the JSU community. Your active participation is vital in ensuring the continued success of our alma mater.

I also want to encourage you to consider giving back to JSU through philanthropic support. Your contributions, whether big or small, can make a significant impact on the lives of current and future students In the past two years alone, the National Alumni Association has awarded over $81,000 in scholarships to deserving scholars at JSU Your support can help us continue to provide these opportunities to students in need

JSuNAA PRESIDENT letter

As you go out into the world, remember that you are not just representing yourself, but also Jackson State University Strive to be great in all that you do so that others can see the true value of a JSU education Your success is a reflection of the excellence that JSU instills in its graduates

Congratulations once again, and best of luck in all your future endeavors We look forward to seeing the great things you will accomplish as proud JSU alumni

With Tiger Love,

Patrease Edwards, President

Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc.

Honorable Carlton W. Reeves, ’86

United States District Judge

2024 spring graduate ceremony Commencement Speaker

United States District Judge Carlton W. Reeves, a native of Yazoo City, Mississippi, assumed office on December 30, 2010. Prior to his nomination by President Barack Obama, Judge Reeves was engaged in the private practice of law with Pigott Reeves Johnson, P.A., a law firm he co-founded in 2001.

In 2022, President Joe Biden nominated Judge Reeves as Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission. He and six other Commissioners were confirmed the same year. The Commission collects, analyzes, researches, and distributes information on federal crime and sentencing issues and serves as an information resource for Congress, the executive branch, criminal justice practitioners, the academic community, and the public.

Reeves’s career began as a law clerk to Justice Reuben V. Anderson of the Mississippi Supreme Court. He also served as staff attorney to the court and then as an associate with the Phelps Dunbar law firm before serving as Assistant United States Attorney and Chief of the Civil Division for the Southern District of Mississippi.

A former president of the Magnolia Bar Association and Magnolia Bar Foundation, Judge Reeves is a three-time recipient of the Magnolia Bar’s highest honor, the R. Jess Brown Award, the Mississippi Bar’s Curtis E. Coker Access to Justice Award as well as The Brown, Young & Hall Award of the Jackson Branch NAACP. He was named Distinguished Jurist of the Year in 2014 by the Mississippi Association of Justice and in 2016 received the Mississippi State University Department of Political Science & Public Administration and the Pre-Law Society Distinguished Jurist Award. Judge Reeves was the 2019 recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Law.

Judge Reeves earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, magna cum laude, from Jackson State University in 1986 and a juris doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1989..

He and his (late) wife, Lora, also a 1986 JSU graduate, have one daughter, Chanda, a 2016 Jackson State alumna.

jackson state University® 2024 Spring

graduate commencement

Order of exercises

9:00 A.M.

Marcus L.Thompson, Ph.D. 13th President, Jackson State University Presiding Officer

Prelude.

Processional.

“The Procession of Scholars”

Symphonic Band

Roderick Little, Ph.D., Conductor

.“Fanfare and Processional”.

Symphonic Band (Audience remains seated)

Academic Processional Facilitator

Posting of Colors.

National Anthem.

.Joshua A. Idio

.Sir Edward Elgar

Arranged by James D. Ployhar

.Alisa L. Mosley, Ph.D.

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

.JSU Army ROTC Joint Color Guard (Audience stands)

.“The

Star-Spangled Banner”

Francis Scott Key Arranged by William W. Davis

Led by Kaytie Jeffries, Bachelor of Music in Performance, Vocal Concentration Symphonic Band (Audience remains standing)

Negro National Anthem.

“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”

J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson Arranged by Kevan Johnson

Led by Jabarrie Evans, Bachelor of Music Education, Vocal Concentration Symphonic Band (Audience remains standing)

Invocation.

Greetings

Acknowledgments and Announcements.

Rev. Dr. John Williams First Baptist Church of Evergreen Evergreen, Alabama

.Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D. President, Jackson State University

Dawn McLin, Ph.D. President, Faculty Senate

Musical Selection.

“I Know I’ve Been Changed”.

University Choir

Harry Cecil, DMA, Director of Choral Activities

Introduction of Commencement Speaker.

Commencement Address.

Presentation of Citations

Recognition of the Golden Diploma Recipients

Presentation of Candidates for Degrees

.Arranged by Damon H.

Dandridge

.Precious Patrick Edet College of Health Sciences Doctor of Public Health Candidate

.Judge Carlton W. Reeves, ’ 86 United States District Court for the District of Mississippi

.Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D. President, Jackson State University

Alisa L. Mosley, Ph.D. Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Fidelis Ikem, Ph.D., Dean College of Business

Tony Latiker, Ed.D., Interim Dean College of Education and Human Development

Russell Bennett, Ph.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

Preselfannie McDaniels, Ph.D., Dean Graduate Studies

Conferring and Awarding of Degrees.

Induction of Graduates into the Jackson State University National Alumni Association.

Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D. President, Jackson State University

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.

Closing Remarks.

Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D. President, Jackson State University

“Jackson Fair”.

*Hymn

Alma Mater (Audience stands)

Led by James Fuller, Bachelor of Music Education, Vocal Concentration Symphonic Band

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.

“God Be With You”

Led by James Fuller, Bachelor of Music Education, Vocal Concentration Symphonic Band (Audience stands)

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

T.D. Pawley

Arranged by F. D. Hall

.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.

“Fanfare and Recessional”.

Symphonic Band

Roderick Little, Ph.D., Conductor (Audience remains seated)

Rev. Dr. John Williams

First Baptist Church of Evergreen Evergreen, Alabama

Sir Edward Elgar Arranged by James D. Ployer

jackson state univesity ®

50th year reunion - class of 1974

Edna Ruth Adams

Herticene Hudson Allison

Betty Watkins-Anderson

Cecilia Ward Bacchus

Jacqueline Bacchus

James Q. Bacchus

Kenneth T. Bacchus

Linda Elaine (Johnson) Bailey

Sandra Peavie Banks

Mary L Ware Barnes

Leon C. Bland, Sr.

Jimmy Louis Boyd

Windell Boyd

Dr. May Francis Bridges

Arthesine Watts Buckely

Viola Burley-Toaster

Billy R. Bush

Margaret Bonds Bush

Patricia Buchanan Camper

Janice Faye Carr

Hazel J.Caston

Fredrick Clark

Jermal C. Clark

Edith Perry Clay

Retired Major James H. Dallas

Clementine Donaldson

Beverly Duck-Davis

Rosie Lee Coleman-Ducksworth

Charles Harold Epps

Obra Jean Ford

Willie Ervin Frieson

Tommie Frison

Linda Crump Gayten

Barbara Scott German

Johnnie P. Montgomery Gray

David Griffin, Jr.

Debra Ann Crump-Grows

Elizabeth Owens Phillips Harper

Geraldine Sherrod (Doretha ) Haslett

Dr. Brenda A. Roby

Calvin Stanley Hill, Sr.

June Falconer Hill

Joy L. Forbes Stewart Hobson

Johnnie B. Holloway

Myron Andrew Jackson

Ronald G. Jackson, Sr.

Sherry S Jackson Wright

Linda D. Johnson-Carson

Pat Johnson

Evorn Clark-Jones

Brenda Joyce Morris

Deloris Kinnard

Annie Franks-Austin

Altamese Leggett

Willie Eugene Leggett Sr.

Bobbie Jo Brumfield Lewis

Evelyn Gordon Lewis

Willie James Lewis

Gwendolyn Lindsey Jackson

Doris A. Payne-Lockart

Helen R. Clay Longmire

Shirley Lowery LuAllen

Kenneth Wayne Mack

Marilyn Magee Martin Dunn

Leo Mason

Rayfield May, Sr.

Cecile Weems McClellian

Barbara Davis McGee

Betty Green McQuarter

Annie Kaye Milloy

Lena Yvette Hucks Mitchell

Melvin Moore

Hyrtecene Ruffin Myers

Jeanette Brown Neal

Brenda Champion Newson

Dessa M. Nicks

Sollie B. Norwood

Linda Branson Olaye

Gwendolyn Harper Owens

Marilyn Wilson Palmer

Steffie D. Simmons Patterson

Pamela Payton-Curry

Retired Colonel Joseph C. Phillips

Helen Chapman Preacely

Loretta L. Pryor

Dr. Margie Brown Pulley

Larry Rankin

Patricia Fortner Redmond

Steven Redmond

Bettie Hunt Reed

Maria Bingham Reed

Mary A. Austin Robinson

Dorris Anderson Rogers-McGee

Jimmie Sandifer

Doris J. Webb Sirgew

Mary Small Wilson

Mary Alice Rankin Smith

Susie M. Smith

Charles Franklin Stiff

Grace Wynell Stokes

Roy Straughter

Lorna Jones Thomas

Karolyn Shields Thompson

Julia Ann Tobias Harmon

George Ulmer, Jr.

Lillie Alexander Vinson

Katie R. Walker

Kenneth Walker

Wilbur L. Walters, Sr.

Johnny Belinda Washington

Willie J. Watson

Larry H. Wilkerson

Sharlyn L. Kennedy Wilkinson

Lillian Wilkinson Maynor

Joanna Rollins Williams

Renetta Howard Williams

Roberta Horton Wiliams

Rev. Timothy R.Williams

Sallie Stokes Wilson

Willa M. Woods

2024 Spring commencement

for degrees graduate candidates

Tony Latiker, Ed.D.

Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Development

Russell Bennett, Ph.D.

Interim Deam, College of Health Sciences School of Public Health; School of Social Work

Doctor of education Doctor of public health

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Kimberly Ann Rhodman, Vicksburg, MS

Dissertation: Fighting Off Gender Stereotyped Beliefs: Examining How Third- Grade Girls Form Their Mathematical Self-Efficacy

Advisor: Dr. Jianjun Yin

Doctor of Philosophy

Education Administration

Terri Lynn Bell, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: Social Media: A Contemporary Factor That Influences Alumni Giving at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Advisor: Dr. Sidney McLaurin

Jareek Monte Buck, Richland, MS

Dissertation: Mississippi School Teachers’ Perspectives on the Integration of Technology during the COVID-19 Era

Advisors: Dr. Bettye Graves

Dr. Albert Carter

Tonya Stewart-Magee, Vicksburg, MS

Dissertation: The Impact of After-School Tutoring on Third-Grade Mississippi Academic Assessment Program English Language Arts Scores

Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Wallace-Young

Chelsea Williams, Port Gibson, MS

Dissertation: A Comparative Analysis of Star Reading Progress Monitoring to Improve HighStakes Test Outcomes

Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Young-Wallace

Urban Higher Education

Shaquille K. Dillon, Franklinton, LA

Dissertation: The Impact of Social and Academic Integration on the Persistence of African American College Alumni from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominately White Institutions

Advisor: Dr. John Kuykendall

Reginald Dewayne Johnson, Shreveport, LA

Dissertation: An Examination of Capital Spending Between Public Historically Black Colleges (HBCUs) and Predominantly Whiter Institutions (PWIs) In the State of Virginia

Advisor: Dr. Walter A. Brown

Debra Patton Lloyd, Indianola, MS

Dissertation: The Impact of Mentorship-Type on African American Faculty Job Satisfaction

Advisor: Dr. Walter A. Brown

PUBLIC HEALTH

Alexis Sherise Brown, Madison, MS

Dissertation: The Association of Physical Activity Categories and the Prevalence of Hypertension in Female Participants in the Jackson Heart Study Advisor: Dr. Clifton Addison

Tamika Curtis-Holloway, Byram, MS

Dissertation: Sex-Specific Associations in Antihypertensive Medication Patterns Among African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study Advisor: Dr. Clifton Addison

Precious Patrick Edet, Warri, Nigeria

Dissertation: Self-Reported HIV Testing and Health Care Access Among Mississippi Adults: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2021 Advisor: Dr. Azad R. Bhuiyan

Chisa Lanier-Jackson, Carrollton, AL

Dissertation: The Impact of Patient and Clinical Level Factors on Retention in Medical Care among Postpartum Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Mississippi

Advisor: Dr. Marinelle Payton

Lynsey M. McQueen Keyes, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: Association Between Metabolic Syndrome, Smoking Status, and Cardiovascular Events in U.S. Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Using NHANES 2017-2020

Advisor: Dr. Jung H. Lee

Erin R. Shirley Orey, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: Association Between Insurance Type and Medication-Assisted Treatment Utilization Among Mississippi Adults Diagnosed with an Opiod Use Disorder, 2018-2022

Advisor: Dr. Yalanda Barner

Melinda N. Williams, New Orleans, LA

Dissertation: Physical Activity, Hypertension, and Community Perceptions among Mississippi Delta Adults: Findings from The Mississippi Delta Cardiovascular Health Examination Survey (CHES)

Advisor: Dr. Jung H. Lee

Doctor of Philosophy

social work

Tracye Ballard, Louisville, MS

Dissertation: Family Engagement, Social Support, and Spirituality among African American Caregivers of a Child with Sickle Cell Disease in Mississippi

Advisors: Dr. Patrice R. Jenkins

Rico Chapman, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Liberal Arts

Doctor of Philosophy

Clinical Psychology

Bridgette Renee Bell, Ft. Belvoir, VA

Dissertation: Clinicians’ Perceptions of the Cultural Factors of Grief and Grief Support Self-Efficacy

Advisors: Dr. Theresa Kearns-Cooper Dr. Bryman Williams

Public Administration

Florence M. Black, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: A Performance Examination of Mississippi’s Effectiveness in Improving Homeless Students’ Education Outcomes

Advisors: Dr. Johnny B. Gilleylen

LaWanda Dinetta Harris, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: The Impact of U.S. Federalism during the COVID-19 Crisis: A Comparative Analysis of States’ Responses to Mask Mandates

Advisor: Dr. Andre Hines

Shequite Wilson-Johnson, Indianola, MS

Dissertation: A Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Mental Health Services and Government Spending in the United States During the Pandemic

Advisor: Dr. Johnny B. Gilleylen

Wilbur L. Walters, Jr., Ph.D.

Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Doctor of Philosophy

Chemistry

Kimberly J. Madison, Philadelphia, MS

Dissertation: A Computational Study of Cyclopentadithiophene-Based Compounds for Use in Optoelectronic Devices

Advisor: Dr. Glake Hill

Olanrewaju Mistura Olafuyi, Lagos, Nigeria

Dissertation: Development of Earthworms as Bioindicators for Toxic Metals Uranium and Aluminum

Advisor: Dr. Fengxiang Han

Jing Qu, China

Dissertation: The Growth Mechanism of Preparing Iron Oxide Nanocrystals Via Polyol Method for Improving MRI/MPI Performance

Advisor: Dr. Yongfeng Zhao

Computational, Data-Enabled, Science and Engineering

Otto Mbambe Ikome, Madison, MS

Dissertation: Allostatic Load as an Early Diagnostic Tool and Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease: Using an Integrated Gompertz Logistic Random Forest Model

Advisor: Dr. Venkata Melapu

Engineering

Mokhles M. Abdulghani, Canada

Dissertation: Design of Wheelchair Controllers Based on Brain-Computer Interface and Voice Recognition

Advisor: Dr. Khalid Abed

Paul Chukwuma Ekezie, Ibusa, Nigeria

Dissertation: Modeling and Optimization of Wave Energy for Integration in Power Systems

Advisor: Dr. Lin Gong

Amber Tanay Vera Spears, Detroit, MI

Dissertation: The Hydrologic Balance of Embankments and Levees with Vetiver Grass

Advisor: Dr. Sadik Khan

Environmental Science

Irmanecia Cox, Moorhead, MS

Dissertation: Deep South Urban Ambient Particulate Matter Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Responses in A549 Lung Epithelial Cells

Advisor: Dr. Maricica Pacurari

Sanjay Kumar Tiwary, Clinton, MS

Dissertation: Evaluation of Immunomodulatory Effects of Graphene Oxide on Japanese Medaka (Oryzias latipes) Larvae

Advisors: Dr. Paul Tchounwou

Dr. Barbara Graham

Urban and Regional Planning

Tanisha Renee Hinton, Chicago, IL

Dissertation: Evaluating the Ecological Effects of Agricultural Allowance in Northern Central Illinois

Advisor: Dr. Edmund Merem

Tabaris Drakeal Smith, Orangeburg, SC

Dissertation: Equity, Justice and Economic

Inclusion: An Analysis of Climate Action Plans in African American Led Cities

Advisor: Dr. Berneece Herbert

Tony Latiker, Ed.D.

Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Development

specialist in education

EDUCATION

Patrice KeWanna Adams, Yazoo City, MS

Keara Alexander- Hester, Clinton, MS

Gertrude Cherris Billings, Gluckstadt, MS

Tony L. Blackmon Jr., Prentiss, MS

Darnecia LaTia Bolden, Jackson, MS

Erica Shri Bradley, Fayette, MS

Sabrina A. Brown, Wesson , MS

The’Andrea Brown, Greenville, MS

Shana Monica Brumfield, Brookhaven, MS

Stephanie Yolanda Campbell, Greenacres, FL

Sonya L. Chaffee, Flowood, MS

Jermellody Marie Christian, D’Iberville, MS

Laderka D. Coats, Belzoni, MS

Shenata Cantrece Cook, Jefferson, MS

Parkisha C. Davis, Byram, MS

Kiyyah Lanoyce Paige Deloney, Grambling, LA

Christine Demus, Jackson, MS

Kaminah L. Evans, Jackson, MS

Thomas Fountain, Jr., Woodville, MS

Leah J. Foxworth, Foxworth, MS

Taquela D. Garner, Clinton, MS

Jerrica J. Gross-Page, Madison, MS

Derricka Hamlin, Canton, MS

Tanisha N. Harris, Greenwood, MS

Rosanna Jenea’ Hawkins, Bolton, MS

Shannon Henderson, Canton, MS

Montoreau Hutton, Raymond, MS

JohnAlynn Ingram, Yazoo City, MS

Tiffany Denise Maiden, Jackson, MS

Octavia D. Johnson, Brandon, MS

Tiffany T. Jones, Canton, MS

Aaliyah Charneise Jones, Greenwood, MS

Kyla Deloise Kennedy, Jackson, MS

D’untee Erica Magee, McComb, MS

Chelsea A. McBounds, Jackson, MS

Jacqueline M. McCullough, Canton, MS

Latoya McNair, Magee, MS

Wanda Williams-Parker, Greenville, MS

Alexis Pauline Washington, Clinton, MS

J. Neal Price, Vicksburg, MS

Tammy L. Rankin, Jackson, MS

Jamie L. Gammage, Grenada, MS

Robbi Catreece Sanders, Jackson, MS

Brittney Me’Chelle Shelby, Raymond, MS

Shaerrecca Arkelia Short, Fayette, MS

Madison G. Sims, Oxford, MS

Kristina Me’chelle Smith, Shreveport, LA

Stephanie Patrick Thomas, Farmhaven, MS

Stephanie Smith Triplett, Brookhaven, MS

Jarmyn Cieonne Wilder, Belzoni, MS

Ahbre Williams, Leland, MS

Jansie Williams Davis, Greenville, MS

Fidelis M. Ikem, Ph.D. Dean, College of Business

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Utopia N. Baker, Brooklyn, NY

Harper Lise Bennett, Toronto, Canada

Aniecia Annette Brewste, Belleville, IL

Jo’Kobe Deon Brown, Greenwood, MS

Jasmine Sheree Cole, Byram, MS

Betty Evans-Williams, McComb, MS

Darius Bernard Harvey-Liggett, Sr., Philadelphia, PA

Bionne Shanta Hill, Pine Bluff, AR

Mary Louise Hill, Yazoo City, MS

Aletta Laporchea Liddell, Greenwood , MS

Marlon Malbry, Jackson, MS

Kavondra McCauley, Meridian, MS

Malaysia D. McCoy, Jackson, MS

Yeminya Shaunette McGee, Rolling Fork, MS

Tiara Rankin, Fayette, MS

Te’Asha Wells, Richland, MS

Professional Accountancy

Shederick White, Greenville, MS

Belinda Winston, Pearl, MS

Tony Latiker, Ed.D.

Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Development

TEACHING

Brendell Allen, Porterville, MS

Chala Brent, Isola, MS

Samantha Buchanan, Prairie, MS

Brooke Giddens Carroll, Canton, MS

Truenessa Causey, Tylertown, MS

Antoinette Renee’ Minor-Chambliss, Natchez, MS

Tammy Denise Clay, Jackson, MS

Cheryl Latonya Davis, Greenwood, MS

Pamela Garrett, Ebenezer, MS

Cassidy Nicole Gatson, Pickens, MS

Janessa Samone Griffin, Phoenix, AZ

Katisa D. Haley-Johnson, Clinton, MS

Morgan Samone Johnson, Canton , MS

Taquita Knott, Jackson, MS

Julisha Patriece Lee, Louise, MS

Virginia A. McClindon, Prentiss, MS

Vera L. McCoy, Greenwood, MS

Brittney L. McMillion, Chicago, IL

Sherida Lashay Miller, Jackson, MS

Rose M. Moore, Harrisville, MS

Maudie Owens, Madison, MS

Hope Danielle Packer, Hattiesburg , MS

Demetria Mechelle Patterson, Rienzi, MS

Calina LaShae Patterson, Calhoun City, MS

Marvin Pittman, Jr., Clarksdale, MS

Kymberlee Roberts, Bolton, MS

Artrista Jonell Saffold, Durant, MS

Kelly Slan-Adams, Woodville , MS

Tiaunna Tishaye Smith, Jackson, MS

Jasmin Sarde’ Smith, Baton Rouge, LA

Tiffani R. Stewart, Canton, MS

Cheryl Warren, Madison, MS

LaTarisha Washington-Ingram, Panther Burn, MS

Kayla Olivia White, Terry, MS

Keshia Lonta White, Adams, MS

Amanda Lorraine Williams, Magee, MS

Jamario Winston, Jackson, MS

Joyce Ann Winston, Detroit, MI

Shania Ahmir Young, West, MS

Elementary and Special Education

De Lynn Bell, Durant, MS

Natasha Howard Boyd, Goodman, MS

Ardajha Marzharnae Brooks, Canton, MS

Brittahnye LaRhoyci’A Brown, Brandon, MS

Millicente LaDetra Carter, Jackson, MS

Mariah S. Cowan, Yazoo City, MS

Santoya Edwards, Holly Bluff, MS

Bryantae Je’Quan Garrett, Camden, MS

Teraviah Jakhylah Jackson, Canton, MS

Jamerson Kentrell Johnson, Durant, MS

Arnisha Jones, Jackson, MS

Ziernicia Littleton, Yazoo City, MS

Andrea McDaniel, Jackson, MS

Sherlondi Clanell Phillips, Sallis, MS

Shannon O’hara Proby, Jackson, MS

Karleshia J. Rhodes, Greenville, MS

Nichol Rhosha Torrey, Canton, MS

Maria Antoinette West, Clinton, MS

Pequetta Robinson, Jackson, MS

Rehabilitation Counseling

Tina Marie Rutland, Silver Creek , MS

Michael Andreas Gray, Florence, MS

Sport Science

Phabian Dean, Jackson, MS

Taélyr M. Gatlin, Atoka, TN

Jefrey M. Rodriguez Castillo, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

JaKira Patrice Smith, Natchez, MS

JaMira Betrice Smith, Natchez, MS

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Julia G. Mabus, Brandon, MS

Jason Allen Reid, Chicago, IL

Zandra Denise Williams, Vicksburg, MS

Monique Gabrielle Woodson, Las Vegas, NV

Khalilah Danielle Turner, Jackson, MS

Educational Administration and Supervision

Ashley N. Austin, Jackson, MS

Early Childhood Education

Jakyla Odessa Appleberry, Moorhead, MS

LeMaurus De’Andre Bowie, Ruleville, MS

Renata LaShea Fisher, Claiborne, MS

Stevena Tre’nee King, Leland, MS

Kimberly L. Lee, Monroe, LA

Lisa Lewis, Philadelphia, MS

Lashunda McCraney, Gunnison, MS

Arnesha Polk, Jackson, MS

Yowanda Reid, Clinton, MS

Tykeya Deshae Stigler, Greenwood , MS

Regina Whalum, Columbia, MS

Angelique Wilson, Gautier , MS

Tandreka Samone Brown, Greenville, MS

Eric A. Carter, Greenville, MS

Patricia R Collins, Jackson, MS

Tekiroa Charvell Guinn, Vicksburg, MS

Anissa Renee’ Hampton, Chicago, IL

DeAmber C. Jones, Jackson, MS

Sherre A. Williams-Owens, Laurel, MS

Ja’Mareous C. Thompson, Columbia, MS

Veronica West, Clinton, MS

Johnnie Mae Martin McDonel, Jackson, MS

Trudy MarVon Tucker, Jackson, MS

Health, Physical Education and Recreation

Alexus Shunzetta Sparkman, Brandon , MS

Barbara-Jayne K. Wells, Memphis, TN

School Counseling

Joycelyn Horton, Jackson, MS

Ariel A. Spencer, Madison, MS

Russell Bennett, Ph.D.

Interim Dean, College of Health Sciences

School of Public Health; School of Social Work

master of PUBLIC HEALTH

Public Health

Deborah Nneoma Akwuiwu, Amaigbo, Nigeria

Daphyne Pace Cain, Canton, MS

Dasia Denise Dyson, New Orleans, LA

Dashiah Lend Ellis, Madison, MS

Nafiseh Gavari, Iran, TX

Jasmine D. Peoples, Terry, MS

Zhandra Aroneysa Delilah Prayer, Greenwood, MS

Kaylin Nicole Winters, Cleveland, MS

Communicative Disorders

Tionna Alexis Tina Anderson, Jackson, MS

Robert Benton Black II, Yazoo City, MS

Aja Trinae Hudson, Greenville, MS

Daija Lashae Ivy, Pontotoc, MS

Courtney Williams Landing, Flowood, MS

Kennedy Lynn Harris Neal, Jackson, MS

Kaeleigh Prince, Pelahatchie, MS

Brandon Rose Walker, Madison, MS

Social Work

Jalen Janae Anderson, Jackson, MS

Quintin George Butler, Philadelphia, PA

D’Asysa Y. Butler, Jackson, MS

Candice S. Calloway, Hattiesburg, MS

Denise Erica Harris, Richland, MS

Angelique V. Cole, Hattiesburg, MS

Ieisha Q’Zavier Davis, Port Gibson, MS

Kojo Amoaning Davis, Jayess, MS

Demecia Mynijah Edmond, Canton, MS

Elizabeth R. Edwards, Jackson, MS

Jacklyn P. Everage, Milwaukee, WI

Erin Lindsey Farmer, Little Rock, AR

James Demarcus Gant, Memphis, TN

Jayla Ardajah Gibson, Sallis, MS

Alisha Venable Graham, Hattiesburg, MS

Erica Marie Griffin, Jackson, MS

Shawn Hannah-Smith, West Point, MS

Jerica C. Harper, Jackson, MS

Alexis Katherine Hewitt, Jackson, MS

Amber Louise Jones, Batesville, MS

April Jordan, Jackson, MS

Brianna Dominique Letson, Tupelo, MS

Tamera Katina Lewis, Greenville, MS

Kevana McKay Lewis, Lafayette, LA

Rico D. Chapman, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Liberal Arts

master of arts

Criminology and Justice Services

Neya Robinson, Cahokia, IL

History

Robert Crenshaw IV, Tremont, MS

Project: Black Calvinist Grid: Suffering in the lives of Olaudah Equiano, Lemuel Haynes, and Phillis Wheatley

Advisor: Dr. Mario Azevedo

Christopher J. DiGiovanni, West Chester, PA

Thesis: Telling His Story: Oscar Micheaux and the Myth of the American West in Text and Film

Advisor: Dr. Robert Luckett

Kiffany Shurece Dugger, Houston, TX

Thesis: A Legacy of Freedom: Nance Legins-Costley Breaking the Bonds of Indentured Servitude

Advisor: Dr. C. Sade Turnipseed

Kwame Joron Mason, Baldwin, NY

Project: Colonization and its Creation of an African American Diaspora in West Africa

Advisor: Dr. C. Sade Turnipseed

Frederick Joseph Penman, Jr., Riverdale, GA

Sociology

Macie R. Kuppenbender, St. Louis, MO

master of Social Work master of

Latoria L. Lindsey, Cary, MS

Stephanie Frazier Mangafakis, Brandon, MS

Aleia McDougal, Gulfport, MS

Aquavia Keyes Wade, Colorado Springs, CO

Amiya Mckenzie Moore, Long Beach, MS

Makayla Areil Hazeil Morton, Jackson, MS

Brittney Nicole Myles, Brandon, MS

Zoe Brooks Null, Meridian, MS

Shakara T.T. Perry, Natchez, MS

Danielle Glenneshia Phelps, Vicksburg, MS

Brandi T. Pittman, Lena, MS

Heather Radcliffe, Meridian, MS

Justice Rule, Byram, MS

Alexes Nicole Sanchez, Dallas, TX

Tayla Shamiah Sanders, Jackson, MS

Asia Alexanderia Shannon Belton, Hazlehurst, MS

Erika Delanea Sledge, Philadelphia, MS

Rodrick Smith, Canton, MS

Michaela Janel Sneed, Bossier City, LA

Meiya Johnai Walker, Vicksburg, MS

Terica Williams, Clinton, MS

Project: Historical Race Insurrections Or Riots, which Shaped America’s History and the Current Black Lives Matter Movement

Advisor: Dr. C. Sade Turnipseed

Michelle Rankins, Cleveland, OH

Project: Southside for Life: An Oral History of Black Voices of the South Side

Advisor: Dr. C. Sade Turnipseed

Christina L. Winter, San Jose, CA

Thesis: Black Bodies, White Coats: The African American Pursuit of Medical Equity in 20th Century

Mississippi

Advisor: Dr. Janice Brockley

Political Science

Tiffany Pamela Edmondson, Jackson, MS

Mikieyla J. Helm, Indianapolis, IN

Angelia Carolyne Williams-Hogan, Madison, MS

Markyel C’Darrius Pittman, Grenada, MS

Jakyla Powell, Jackson, MS

Brendan Shunnmontra Inoah Robinson, Tougaloo, MS

Music Education

Daijah Shakiya Amaker, Eastover, SC

Titilola Oluwakemi Daramola, Jackson, MS

Louis Edward Lemons Jr., Coushatta, LA

master

of public Policy and Administration master of Music Education

Public Policy and Administration

Harold Bernard Collins, Memphis, TN

Nafeesa Saudah Malika Shabazz-Edges, Baltimore, MD

Kayla Hubbard, Magee, MS

Amber Necole Pack, Flowood, MS

Sir Johnathan Rucker, Yazoo City, MS

Science

Journalism and Media Studies

Morghan Jonee Chambers, Dallas, TX

Project: Journalism Podcast or Pilot Study: College Athletes After College

Advisor: Dr. Li-Jing A. Chang

Yuan Nichols, Jr., Jackson, MS

Project: Compensation for Collegiate Athletes

Advisor: Dr. Li-Jing A. Changy

Wilbur L. Walters, Jr., Ph.D.

Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology

master of arts

Urban and Regional Planning

Meagan Shontelle Ebanks, New Orleans, LA

Toya Lampkin, Jackson, MS

master of Science

BIOLOGY

Keyanna Conner, Jackson, MS

Kourtlyn Alicia Jacobs, Jackson, MS

Chemistry

Jillian Iman Pritchard, St Louis, MO

Thesis: A Computational Study of Cyclopentadithiophene to Observe Absorption and Charge Injection Properties of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Advisor: Dr. Glake Hill

Computational Data-Enabled Sciences and Engineering

Jairus I. Simmons, Jackson, MS

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Richy Thomson M. Gamo, Cameroon

Alecia E. Houston, Jackson, MS

Nikitha Ketineni, Ridgeland, MS

Namarta Kumar, Madison, MS

Karan Kumar Ravella, Clinton, MS

ENGINEERING

Lee Marie Barnes, Brandon, MS

Zaid Ahmad Ali Mustafa, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Lloyd Ndlovu, Harare, Zimbabwe

Erica L. Scarbrough, Jackson, MS

master of Science in education

Technology Education

Brianna Nicole Cannady, Tulsa, OK

Julia Orlene Curry, Hermanville, MS

Felisha Dixon, Utica, MS

“You belong in every room you are about to enter.”

- Roland S. Martin Host and managing editor of #RolandMartinUnfiltered

Senator Laphonza Butler, ’01

United States Senator

2024 spring undergraduate Ceremony Commencement

Speaker

United States Senator Laphonza Butler, a native of Magnolia, Mississippi, was selected by California Governor Gavin Newsom to fill the senate seat in 2023 following Dianne Feinstein’s death. For nearly two decades, she was an organizer and leader in the labor movement. Prior to her appointment, Butler was the first Black woman to be named president of EMILYs List, an American political action committee that aims to help elect Democratic woman candidates who support abortion rights to office.

During her tenure, EMILYs List recruited and supported over 600 women to run for elected office. Prior to leading EMILYs List, Senator Butler served as a strategist to organizations, companies, and candidates, including playing a key role in Holly Mitchell’s campaign for LA Supervisor.

Butler joined SCRB Strategies, a California-based political consulting firm, as a partner in 2018. At SCRB, she played a central role in Kamala Harris’s 2020 presidential campaign. She has been a political ally of Harris’s since the latter’s first run for California Attorney General in 2010, when she helped Harris negotiate a shared SEIU endorsement in the race.

At the age of 30, Butler was elected president of California’s largest homecare and nursing home workers union SEIU local in 2015. As president, she helped orchestrate the increasing California’s minimum wage to $15 dollars an hour and securing paid sick days for the state’s home care workers. She grew the union’s membership to over 325,000 making it the largest homecare worker union in the country.

Senator Butler is a proud 2001 graduate of Jackson State University.

jackson state University® 2024 spring

undergraduate commencement Order of exercises

9:00 A.M.

Marcus L.Thompson, Ph.D. 13th President, Jackson State University Presiding Officer

Prelude.

Processional.

Academic Professional Facilitator.

Posting of Colors.

National Anthem.

“Triumphal March” from Aida

The University Wind Ensemble Lowell Hollinger, Conductor

.“Pomp and Circumstance”.

The University Wind Ensemble (Audience remains seated)

.Giuseppe Verdi Arranged by Douglas A. Richard

Sir Edward Elgar

.Alisa L. Mosley, Ph.D. Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

JSU Air Force and Army ROTC Joint Color Guard (Audience stands)

.“The Star-Spangled Banner”

Francis Scott Key Arranged by William W. Davis

Led by Kaytie Jeffries, Bachelor of Music in Performance, Vocal Concentration

The University Wind Ensemble (Audience remains standing)

Negro National Anthem.

.“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”

J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson Arranged by Kevan Johnson

Led by Jabarrie Evans, Bachelor of Music Education, Vocal Concentration The University Wind Ensemble (Audience remains standing)

Invocation.

Greetings

Acknowledgments and Announcements.

Rev. Dr. Samuel L. Thompson

Hope Spring M.B. Church Jackson, Mississippi

.Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D. President, Jackson State University

Alexandria Williams

Senior, Class President College of Liberal Arts Political Science, Legal Studies Major

Student Reflections.

Introduction of Commencement Speaker.

Commencement Address.

Presentation of Citations

Recognition of Candidates for Commissioning.

Presentation of Candidates for Degrees

.Jason Johnson 2024-2025 SGA President College of Science, Engineering, and Technology Electrical Engineering Major

.Lauren Temple Miss Jackson State University College of Science, Engineering, and Technology Biology Major

.Senator Laphonza Butler, ’ 01 United States Senator of California

.Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D. President, Jackson State University

Lt. Colonel Rodgers Brown Army ROTC

Alisa L. Mosley, Ph.D. Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Fidelis Ikem, Ph.D., Dean College of Business

Tony Latiker, Ed.D., Interim Dean College of Education and Human Development

Russell Bennett, Ph.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 and Awarding of Degrees.

Selection.

“You Must Have that True Religion”

University Chorale

Harry Cecil, DMA, Director of Choral Activities

Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D. President, Jackson State University

Arranged by Roland M. Carter

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.

Closing Remarks.

Alma Mater (Audience stands)

Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D. President, Jackson State University

“Jackson Fair”.

T.D. Pawley

Arranged by F. D. Hall

*Hymn

Led by Julia Johnson, Bachelor of Music Education, Vocal 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

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 Julia Johnson, Bachelor of Music Education, Vocal Concentration University Wind Ensemble (Audience stands)

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” from The Prophet

The University Wind Ensemble

Lowell Hollinger, Conductor (Audience remains seated)

Rev. Dr. Samuel Thompson

Hope Spring M.B. Church Jackson, Mississippi

.Giacomo Meyerbeer Arranged by D. Eymann

.William Tomer

Candidates for Degrees

The commencement program booklet contains the names of candidates for degrees. It is possible that a candidate listed in this publication may not have completed all degree requirements. Failure to remove the name of a person(s) listed in error does not obligate the University to grant the diploma. The student’s transcript is the official record of the University. Diplomas will be mailed to the student approximately 2 - 3 months after commencement at the address indicated on the graduation application. For additional information, students may contact the Office of the Registrar and Records at 601.979.2300.

Honors and Awards

GRADUATION WITH ACADEMIC DISTINCTION

Graduation with academic distinction is based on an earned average of 3.20 or higher on a 4.00 scale for work completed at Jackson State University for all undergraduates 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.

Notes: A transfer student is eligible to be considered for honors provided: (1) the student has earned a minimum of 48 semester hours at Jackson State University prior to the semester of graduation; and (2) the student maintains a 3.20 or higher grade-point average for the coursework completed at Jackson State University. Students who already hold a baccalaureate degree are not eligible for this distinction.

††† Denotes Summa Cum Laude graduate

†† Denotes Magna Cum Laude graduate

† Denotes Cum Laude graduate

W.E.B. Du BoisMaria Luisa Alvarez Harvey Honors College

The W.E.B. Du Bois-Maria Luisa Alvarez Harvey Honors College (Du Bois-Harvey Honors College) is an enhanced collegiate experience that facilitates leadership development through self, community and global awareness; involvement in scholarship that fosters uniqueness and decision-making maturity; research-based inquiry and discovery of solutions to local, national and international dilemmas; and immersion of techonolgy usage.

The Du Bois-Harvey Honors College offers members an opportunity to:

• Follow a program of study at a pace commensuate with their ability

• Increase intellectual interaction among their peers, professors, and advisory

• Provide the opportunity for experiential learning and research

Graduation requirements for Du Bois-Harvey Honors College members:

• Complete 30 hours of Honors courses and/or contracts with one hour in an Honors Colloquium

• Participate annually in honors community service projects

• Participate in a minimum of four honors enrichment sessions, monthly meetings, or activities annually

• Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

W.E.B. Du BoisMaria Luisa Alvarez Harvey Honor College Graduates

Nikya Allen

Emani Archie

Justin Armstrong

Carrington Blair

Destiny Brown

Ka’Pri Burden

Nyla Dawson-Holliday

Jalan Drummond

T’Kylah Murrell

Nyesha Nealon

Ashantae Pillman

Miah Robinson

KC Sims

Karen Solano-Ortega

Britney Taplin

for degrees undergraduate candidates

Fidelis M. Ikem, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Business

Bachelor of Business Administration

ACCOUNTING

†Jada LaShun Alexander, Clinton, MS

†††James Michael Berggren, Flowood, MS

††Alethia Rosalind Chatfield, New Haven, CT

†Keona Sharee Crowell, Hattiesburg, MS

††Rayvan Louise Green, Mobile, AL

†††Camryn Danielle Greer, Kosciusko, MS

††Angel Treniece Lanus, Woodville, MS

††Nyesha Nicole Nealon, Greenville, MS

Curry Alexander Peeples, Winona, MS

†Kendall Rowe, Milwaukee, WI

†Caliyah Tanae Sharp, Memphis, TN

Jessica Tate, Chicago, IL

Cindy Taylor, Crystal Springs, MS

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Shakemia Montecia Anderson, Lexington, MS

††BreZhé V. Barfield, Milwaukee, WI

Deangelo Barnett, Jackson, MS

††Jakecia Burton, Jackson, MS

Catrice Leshelle Cannon, Memphis, TN

Carlos Castillo, Venezuela

Raven Lazandria Cooks, Jackson, MS

Deangelo Naitaius Wayne Dupree, Sacramento, CA

Chandler D. Echols, Jackson, MS

TiaQuana Evans, Milwaukee, WI

Kendall Farrar, Jackson, MS

Eshaun Charles Henshaw, Jackson, MS

Willie E. Hunt III, Jackson, MS

†Tamera Omya Jackson, Canton, MS

Michael Dewayne Johnson, Jr., Southaven, MS

†Kourtney Khaleah Jones, Grenada, MS

Imani Manson, Chicago, IL

Jahnari Eunicia Nelson, Chicago, IL

Jalen Norman, Chicago, IL

†Tera M. Owens, Collins, MS

Stekiara M. Perry, Chicago, IL

Vanessa Proctor, Jackson, MS

†NeKeida B. Rencher, Scooba, MS

Reonna Jevette Russell, Jackson, MS

Falishia Skinner, Lexington, MS

De’Jaynae Lakay Sullivan, Kenosha, WI

Cha’Daja Danielle Thompson, Jackson, MS

††Mikella Sherice Anquinette Townsend, Racine, WI

Reya Wilcox, Jackson, MS

Economics

††Raul Gerardo Centeno, Ecuador

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Devon K. Bankston, Sr., Jackson, MS

††Alethia Rosalind Chatfield, New Haven, CT

Brandon Evans Jr., Chicago, IL

††Brandon D. Laury-McArthur, Jackson, MS

††Jaylen Fitzgerald McDaniels, Jackson, MS

Santos Javier Medina, Dallas, TX

Zaniah N. Moore, Chicago, IL

††Alexandria Reed, Jackson, MS

Iyana Reeves, Colorado Spring, CO

Anthony Terrell Shields Jr., Jackson, MS

FINANCE

†Julia Christine Argue, Centreville, MS

††Bryan Christopher McKinney, Houston, TX

†LaTonia Nicole Peterson, Jackson, MS

Felipe Segoviano, Dallas , TX

MANAGEMENT

†Quaveon Arrington, Laurel, MS

Jasmine Grant, Jackson, MS

Dillard Raezhon McCoy, Shreveport, LA

††Jamal Anthony Miller, Gulfport, MS

†Alyssa Brianna Times, Chicago, IL

MARKETING

Larry Campbell, Natchez, MS

Eric DeWayne Clayton II, Marietta, GA

†Terran Demeritte, Jackson, MS

Carmil Devould, Tupelo, MS

Zachary Franklin, New Orleans, LA

††Kaysi Harris, Byram, MS

Falaisha J. Hughes, Memphis, TN

Cameron Rayshaun Keyes, Jackson, MS

†††Maya Janae Puryear, Memphis, TN

Austin Lott Rolfe, Little Rock, AR

Kendarius Smith, Canton, MS

†Monet Yvonne Spencer, Kansas City, KS

†††Britney Taplin, Byram, MS

Kyla Terae Thomas, Chicago, IL

Kobe Michael Vaughn, Mobile, AL

Tony Latiker, Ed.D.

Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Development

bachelor of science

CHILDCARE AND FAMILY EDUCATION

Imani Nicole Behanan, Cincinnati, OH

†††Destiny Tyquashia Brown, Lena, MS

†††Kimberly Monique Carr, Jackson, MS

†LaQuasha Tim’Meika Carter, McComb, MS

Deja Conway, Chicago, IL

†Natasha Crossley, Summit, MS

††Kimberly A. Figures, Greenwood, MS

Ruthie M. Jackson, Utica, MS

††Jayla Markia Johnson, Ridgeland, MS

†Lynda Kemp, Vicksburg, MS

Kawashia Lawrence, Jackson, MS

†Hannah M. Lee, Jackson, MS

Ashley Nicole Magee, Magee, MS

††Halley Miller, Louisville, MS

††Sandra Neal, Charleston, MS

†Lawanda TeQuila Nelson, Starkville, MS

Telese Deshun Pritchard, Edwards, MS

†††Dyon Ruffin, Laurel, MS

†††Ijha Renae Smith, Jackson, MS

Manyga Mo’ne Swinney, Bentonia, MS

Qingwei Sun, Clinton, MS

††Sierra K. Vaughn, Stockbrige, GA

Jakerra Walton, Brandon, MS

††Delesia Webb, Bay Springs, MS

Tequlia Lakiesha Wheat, Laurel, MS

†Folaurasha D. Williams, Monticello, MS

Health Physical Education and Recreation

Makiyah Sanaá Adams, Jackson, MS

Deion Allen, Ridgeland, MS

††Emanuel Alston Jr., Greenwood, MS

†KenDarius Keshawn Armstrong, Edwards, MS

††Tyus Bryant, Flowood, MS

Asia Mariah Frye, Natchez, MS

Kaitlin Nicole Funches, Raymond, MS

†Christopher Hadley, Jr., Jackson, MS

†Jahkee L. Johnson, Atlanta, GA

†Xavier Christian Likkel, Morton, MS

††Steven Antonio Little, Jackson, MS

†Alexandria Nicole Marzette, Memphis, TN

Taylor Morton, Detroit, MI

†Kymoi Noray, Moriah Highlands Tobago

†Coresha R Sherperd, Jackson, MS

††Tevin M. Thompson, May Pen

††Joseph Wade, Jackson, MS

††Alexis Ariane Williams, Manvel, TX

Professional Interdisciplinary Studies

Andriana A. Avent, Sacramento, CA

†Austin C. Boarden, Ridgeland, MS

Fredricka Brown, Walnut Grove, MS

†††Ebony Buckley, Kosciusko, MS

Keydrain Calligan, New Iberia, LA

Kendyl Elise Davis, Atlanta, GA

Kassandra Floyd, Pinola, MS

††Jacob Ford, Eupora, MS

Dmarria Foster, Jackson, MS

Javon Warren Gray, Tacoma, WA

†††Sybil S. Harper, Byram, MS

Walter Terrell Henderson, Jackson, MS

††Jalin Hughes, Fort Worth, TX

Davione Hull, Grenada, MS

†Brandon Johnson, Oceanside, CA

††Flora Toi Johnson, Sugar Land, TX

Patrece Johnson, Jackson, MS

Romelle Mansel, Los Angeles, CA

Treyon Marquel Johnson, Chicago, IL

JaDarious Martin, Wetumpka, AL

Resiuna McLaurin, Jackson, MS

Jasmine McNeil, New Orleans, LA

Marissa N. Medina, Kerrville, TX

Coynis Miller, Birmingham, AL

Ty Mathis Mongo, Denton, TX

†††Micah O’Guin, Pascagoula, MS

Jordan O’Neal, Mobile, AL

†Michael Wayne O’Neal, Tupelo, MS

††Adam Miller Pate, Jackson, MS

Zakeira RaShe’ Perkins, Greenville, MS

Victoria Porter-Bennett, Cordova, TN

CoMichael D. Roby, Goodman, MS

Kiera Ross, Vicksburg, MS

††Mattie Ruth Seals, Canton, MS

†††Philip Short, Flowood, MS

Julian Camren Smith, Glenwood, IL

Carol Cecilia Spencer, Madison, WI

†††Stevins Jerome Spurgeon Jr., Bellevue, NE

†Misti Lynn Stanton, Grand Rapids, MI

Quindarius Jontae Thornton, Jackson, MS

Brian Christian Townsend, Jackson, MS

††Kiana Kristal Tulloch, Sunrise, FL

Phillip Julian Webb, Buford, GA

††Latesha West, Waynesboro, MS

Christina Dian White, Jackson, MS

Kev’ric Wiggins, Spring, TX

Ashley Nacole Williams, State Line, MS

Stephanie Ann Williams, Grenada, MS

Jada Wilson, Jackson, MS

†Christian Alexander Womble, Pittsfield, MA

Zachary Yeldell, Middletown, DE

Special Education

††Wuchunz Butler, Wesson, MS

Courtney Jordan, Louin, MS

Elementary Education

Dejá Lenear Bland, Little Rock, AR

Orinada Roshell Bogan, Jackson, MS

††Elisha Shekinah Brown, Columbia, MS

††Arria Erma Janece Chinn, Milwaukee, WI

†Ayanna Kristina Curt, Atlanta, GA

†Jasmine Shakira Hardy, Pearl, MS

Tyrell Deshawn Hollins, Jackson, MS

Jabria C. Merrell, Newton, MS

†La’Jerrica Mona’ Miller, Daleville, MS

†††Keana Joi Montgomery, Missouri City, TX

Katie Marie Moore, Natchez, MS

†††Fakeidranique Rice, Indianola, MS

††Courtni Artrice Sutton, Jackson, MS

†††Timmia Williams, Crystal Springs, MS

Social Science Education

†Justin Gainwell, Yazoo City, MS

Nala Craft, Ridgeland, MS

††Nyla Dawson-Holliday, Omaha, NE

††Shanean L. Dille, Jackson, MS

†††Taiona Farmer-Jackson, Lewisville, TX

†††Cameron Keanu Gladney, Clinton, MS

††Asya Grant, Jackson, MS

†††Anaya Denise Harris, Acworth, GA

Jerra Jackson, Kosciusko, MS

Loren H. Lloyd, Madison, MS

†Geonna Venaye Marshall, Jackson, MS

††Destiny Sierra Pitts, Jackson, MS

†††Felicia Sheriff, Byram, MS

††Darlene Shalicia Slater, Jackson, MS

Asiaunna De’Anndrea Thompson, Fernwood, MS

University Studies

Tiffany Allen-Barner, Jackson, MS

Anthony Durrell Atkins Jr., Los Angeles, CA

Fredrick D. Brown, Jackson, MS

†Yolanda Evette Carter, Pearl, MS

Vanessa Fortune, Carthage, MS

Patricia Howard, Greenwood, MS

Frederick O’Neal McRae, Laurel, MS

Roy Melson, Jackson, MS

Valencia Smith, Jackson, MS

Madison Janell Pennaman Stanford, Jackson, MS

Russell Bennett, Ph.D.

Interim Dean, College of Health Sciences

School of Public Health; School of Social Work

bachelor of university studies bachelor of science

COMMUNICATIVE DISORDERS

†Olari Obadele Barfield, Jackson, MS

††Rena’ Cain, Vicksburg, MS

Anansia Qadriyah Carter, Drew, MS

†Madisyn Simone Washington, Jackson, MS

†Tashianna Alexis Washington, Bogue Chitto, MS

††Mackenzie Victoria Williams, Jackson, MS

HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION

††Yvette Janine Burton, Picayune, MS

Tyjuanna Michelle Dorsey, Jackson, MS

††Destiney Fleming, Memphis, TN

†Summer Nicole Gillespie, Tupelo, MS

††Quandaveus Jamar Gilliam, Forston, GA

††Sekena F. Green, Plainfield, NJ

Breonna Gregory, St. Louis, MO

††Jalyn L. Jones, Pickens, MS

Gabrielle Knight, Memphis, TN

Ambresis Kiara Mack, Jackson, MS

Jelanta M. Mason, Matteson, IL

††T’Kylah Nikayla Murrell, Carthage, MS

Meriah L. Parker, Natchez, MS

††Joshua Parron, Brandon, MS

††Mya Z. Pigott, Crawford, MS

††Aaliyah Rave, Milwaukee, WI

†Bryson Taylor Reems, San Ramon, CA

Anitra Tashay Sims, Yazoo City, MS

††James Michael Skiles, Pelahatchie, MS

†Cammara Stallworth, Moss Point, MS

††April Washington, Vicksburg, MS

††Laparish Ricial Williams, Jackson, MS

Ashley Nicole Wright, Jackson, MS

bachelor of

social work bachelor of Science in Education

SOCIAL WORK

Nakyeria Aushay Allen, Memphis, TN

†††Adaisha L. Bailey, Clinton, MS

Vanessa Burkett, Richland, MS

Iasha Chaney, Chicago, IL

††Chasity Kiara Dudley, Long Beach, CA

††Miah Ford, Racine, WI

†Marice Anne Graham, Braxton, MS

Jasmine Janáe Griffin, Ridgeland, MS

Yasmine Renáe Griffin, Ridgeland, MS

†††Kennedy Celeste Hampton, Chicago, IL

††Keyaura Pa’Trice Handy, Canton, MS

Aubrey Gracyn Haynes, Columbus, OH

††Takyla Marshae’ Heard, Bolton, MS

Janiya Laverne Hicks, Chicago, IL

††Brianna Jeshay Lakes, Jackson, MS

††Aalijah Zhane Lewis, San Antonio, TX

††Cherrye Tynae Lewis, Ridgeland, MS

†††Gloria Magnolia-Nicole Lewis, Ridgeland, MS

†KeLeshia A’Nia Locke, Pearl, MS

†††Jordyn Miller, Memphis, TN

††Ghabriel Symone Mossop, Tulsa, OK

†††Alisia Kenea Nash, Jackson, MS

†Destiny Arion Noel, Clinton, MS

†††Ayanna Pinder, Markham, ON

††Ashton Pittman-Macon, Foxworth, MS

†††Karen Solano-Ortega, Canton, MS

Cedaysha S. Triplett, Moss Point, MS

K’Veona Iveree Trotter, Hattiesburg, MS

Kalyn Shantrell Turner, McComb, MS

Asia I’mari White, Minden, LA

†De’Kayliyah Satoria Whitsett, Hattiesburg, MS

Moses Lanell Williams, Jackson, MS

Rico D. Chapman, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Liberal Arts

bachelor of arts

ART

†Charnell Elisha Bolin, Jackson, MS

†††Howard Brown III, Brandon, MS

††Zakayla A. Buchanan, Tupelo, MS

†Solomon Bartholomaux Burks, Stockbridge, GA

Eric Jamar Dixon, Jackson, MS

†Cedquoia Jamalyiah Hudson, Jackson, MS

Jamie D. Johnson, Beaumont, TX

†Jordan Desjuan Smith, Greenville, MS

Amber L. Snell, Jackson, MS

James Wilson Jr., Birmingham, AL

ENGLISH

††Grace Ann Elinski, Jackson, MS

††Quensey Orange Hopkins, Shreveport, LA

†††Kaitlyn Cierra Taylor, Jackson, MS

Foreign Languages

Edith Mendez, Dallas, TX

HISTORY

†Jeremiah Hudson, Dallas, TX

†††Layah Leilani McDonald, Belleville, IL

††Noah Christopher Walton, Ridgeland, MS

Derykah Tálandrea Watts, Jackson, MS

Political Science

††Alicia Arnold, Gulfport, MS

†††Maisie Brown, Jackson, MS

Micah J. Cooley, Riverdale, GA

Zosetta D. Flowers-Cooks, Jackson, MS

Tiquara Lashon Goree, Grand Rapids, MI

†Kaylyn Faith Harper, Tulsa, OK

Jory Jackson, Chicago, IL

†††Helayna Shontai Loggins, Little Rock, AR

Chalmers Mayers III, Ridgeland, MS

Amir Ali Nasiruddin, St. Louis, MO

††Naya Jenai Singleton, Atlanta, GA

†Claudaysha Jeanise Spann, Memphis, TN

Faith Olivia DeShaé Spies, Paris, TX

†Jacobe Mallique Weaver, Albany, GA

Alexandria A Williams, North Little Rock, AR

Sociology

††Ezra Snell II, Clinton, MS

Myles Terron Taylor, Chicago, IL

Speech

Dominique De’Jean Allen, New Orleans, LA

†Miles Duplantier-Jenkins, Inglewood, CA

Alexander De’Shawn Price, Byram, MS

bachelor of music

Music

Juston Steele Goldston, New Orleans, LA

††Savion DeAnthony Lucious, Columbus, MS

bachelor of music education

Music Education

†††Alexandria Brooks, Aurora, IL

†Christopher Dixon Jr., Bellwood, IL

†Grant Parker Harris, Montgomery, AL

††Stephanie LaShae Hughes, St. Louis, MO

†††Hugh Taylor, Atlanta, GA

††Joshua Isaiah Vasquez, Albany, GA

bachelor of science

Criminal Justice and Correctional Services

Yasmine Dominique Anderson, Gulfport, MS

††Brenda Anthony, Arlington, TX

††Carrington Agyei Blair, Houston, TX

†Cameron D. Brookshire, Edwards, MS

†††Davieon Depaul Center, Phoenix, AZ

Dorian Amari Coleman, Chicago, IL

Michelle Conaway, Jackson, MS

†Chiquitia Cooks, Walnut Grove, MS

Austin Jamal Crudup, Baton Rouge, LA

†Cedriah Gladys Cyrus, Minneapolis, MN

††Andrea Monae Gaines, New York, NY

Jamiee Gathrite, Jackson, MS

††Carlos Marlon Gray, Madson, MS

†Corey Ramon Gray, Madison, MS

†Zephaniah Harris, Milwaukee, WI

††Megan Briann Hatch, Baton Rouge, LA

†††Rodnesea Michaela Hubbard, Puckett, MS

††Armaun D. Jackson, Canton, MS

Latavius Latrell Johnson, Lambert, MS

†Ronald Darnell Jones, Jr., Jackson, MS

Tiyana Jordan, Minneapolis, MN

Iyana Renee Lee, Rockford, IL

††Vanisha Marie Marshall, Miami, FL

†Danah Junae McNair, Magee, MS

†Adrean Alise Meriweather, St. Louis, MO

††Keiran K. Mitchell, Memphis, TN

†Asha Francia Moore, Jackson, MS

†††Katlyn Derrinisha Moreland, Jackson, MS

†Christopher Nash, Houston, TX

Shenikwa Shwuan Nash, Lake Charles, LA

††Kelsey A. Oliver, Jackson, MS

Noyiya Mona Ousley, Canton, MS

†Ashantae Makayla Pillman, Chicago, IL

†††Avani Elizabeth Poindexter, Columbus, MS

††Fahja De’Erica Reed, Jackson, MS

††Talia Janae Roby, Atlanta, GA

†Riann Tierra Spencer, Berkeley, IL

†Kendra Chanel Sutton, Jackson, MS

Darneisha Thompson, Memphis, TN

†Kayla Ebony Tucker, Union, MS

Charles A. Williams, Farmhaven, MS

Jeremy Williamson, Magee, MS

Journalism and Media Studies

†††Cameron Adams, Byram, MS

Bryson Tobieus Blackmon-George, Jackson, MS

Nijah Brister, Jackson, MS

†Sade Marie Gaines, Milwaukee, WI

Courtland Groves, Jackson, MS

* Summer 2024 Conferment

††Miriam Howard, Clarksdale, MS

†Antonio Jackson, Biloxi, MS

††Elijah Karriem, Columbus, MS

††LaNyla McGregory, Clarksdale, MS

†Terrence L. McGrew, Conyers, GA

Skylarr Bryanna Mitchell, Atlanta, GA

†Jazmine E’Lisha Moering, Jackson, MS

†Kyler Dujuan Patton, Bogue Chitto, MS

Henri Pegues Jr., Clinton, MS

††Johnkeria Le’Sha Pete, Greenville, MS

†††Jordan Avery Pleasant, Jackson, MS

†††Darien Christopher Raymore, Atlanta, GA

Jalen Drew Smith, Detroit, MI

††Kiden-Aloyse Smith, Hamden, CT

Martavian A. Thompson, Hattiesburg, MS

Deven Jejuan Ward, Blue Island, IL

Psychology

†††Jessica Renae Alexander, Rex, GA

†J’Meiha D’Xonia Allen, Vicksburg, MS

††Amari Lashe Campbell, Milwaukee, WI

Adrian Antonio Cargo, Memphis, TN

††Britney Lizzetta Cox, Drew, MS

Niya Ellis, New Orleans, LA

Diane Chanel Fleming, Memphis, TN

Sandi Gillespie, Blytheville, AR

D’Nyla Adele Graham, New Orleans, LA

Brianna Gunn, Jackson, MS

Latrice Jovon Hunter, Ellenwood, GA

†Tramariea Z. James, McComb, MS

††DeShala L. Jett, Memphis, TN

†††Jessica B. Johnson, Jackson, MS

Chardonnay Lafrancine Jones, Sacramento, CA

†Jamiah Elizabeth Jones, Corinth, MS

††Reaghan Alexandria Perkins, St. Louis, MO

†Destiny L. Robinson, Chicago, IL

Rahael I. Robinson, Clinton, MS

††Dejzanna Smith, Jackson, MS

†Ja’Miyah Stokes, Hazel Crest, IL

Mary Odamise Taylor, Albany, GA

†Shaunacy FreD’shay Waller, Muskegon, MI

Imani Me’Shel Webb, Florence, MS

Speech

†††Meredith Michele Hairston, Jackson, MS

†††Myles Lee White, Mobile, AL

Wilbur L. Walters, Jr., Ph.D.

Dean, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology

bachelor of science

BIOLOGY

†Keon L. Allen, Nashville, TN

††Amony Anderson-Mack, Jackson, MS

††Emani Elizabeth Archie, Little Rock, AR

†Sydney Alexandria Ballard, Olive Branch, MS

Tyra S. Brown, Jemison, AL

†Annie Marie Caston, Vicksburg, MS

†Alexis Monique Cook, New Orleans, LA

†Maciya Nicole Cook, Nashville, TN

Isjah Amirake Cooper, Gulfport, MS

†Kymoria I. Daniels, Utica, MS

†††Jalan Micah Drummond, Lafayette, AL

††Mikayla Olivia Franklin, Stonecrest, GA

Nahveyah M. Graham, Jackson, MS

††Ja’Kiya La’Shele Hanford, Baton Rouge, LA

†Trinity JeDonna Renee Harris, Atlanta, GA

†Teandrea Y. Henderson, Carpenter, MS

†Jayda Hill, Atlanta, GA

†Jalia Lei Hubbard, Brunswick, GA

†Di’Avionne Irving, Chicago, IL

†Aniah V. Johnson, St. Louis, MO

††Jordan Camille Jones, Memphis, TN

†Diana Sherie Lester, Memphis, TN

Aamiya DeNae Martin, Edwardsville, IL

Marvin Garcia Meda Jr., Dallas, TX

†Dakarai Josiah Menefee, Big Sandy, TX

George Moore III, Jackson, MS

†Tianna Aneshia Moore, Jackson, MS

†Kayla Mulan Morrow, Chicago, IL

Donovan DeWaun Morton, Canton, MS

La’Lexia Teresa Martavia Murrell, Laurel, MS

††Imani V. Ogletree, Lawrenceville, GA

†††Olasade Olagbegi, Jackson, MS

Olakemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Jackson, MS

†Haley Robin Owens, Gulfport, MS

Arthur Tyler Pearson, Florence, MS

†††Raegyn N. Phillips, Carthage, MS

†Rakhaya Randle, Baton Rouge, LA

Essence E. Riley, McDonough, GA

Zoe Savage, Las Vegas, NV

†K.C. Sims, Shreveport, LA

Ashlyn Tiana Spinks, Meridian, MS

††LaNeia Janae Taylor, Brunswick, GA

†††Lauren Alexis Temple, Slidell, LA

†Crishonti Thornburg, Natchez, MS

Jennifer Ann Wallace, Hazlehurst, MS

†T’aira Warnsley, Ludlow, MS

Michaela Auriel Wells, St. Louis, MO

†Terran Darielle Whitaker, Country Club Hills, IL

Cinnamon Nicole Williams, Forest, MS

†Laila Alanna Woodfork, New Orleans, LA

Chemistry

†Nikya Zerneece Allen, Memphis, TN

Taliyah C. Burton, Jackson, MS

Brigitte Lucille Carter, Jackson, MS

Amani J. Dickenson, Fishers, IN

†††De’Ja Renee Doucet, Lake Charles, LA

Kameron Green, Texarkana, TX

Civil Engineering

Robin Alston, Rockhill, SC

Spencer Emaan Ballenger, Atlanta, GA

†Alon Jonathan Barnes, Jackson, MS

Selicia Ayodele Basden, Nassau, Bahamas

Ronnisha Davis, Vicksburg, MS

Tavis L. Dixon, Woodville, MS

Aaron A. Lewis, Merrillville, IN

Noreion Kenyetta McClendon, Jackson, MS

†Yahmir Muhammad, Rockford, IL

Stanley LaMar Ratcliff Jr., McComb, MS

Delmoney Shadanetric Robinson, Jackson, MS

†Steven John Soublet Jr., New Orleans, LA

†Tyra-Nicole Whyte, London, England

Computer Engineering

†††Xavier J. Hall, Albany, GA

Isiah JaMorris Mikell, Jackson, MS

Computer Science

†Brendon Bradford, Chicago, IL

†††Ka’Pri Burden, Grenada, MS

†Mikayla Yolanda Chandler, Conyers, GA

††Kamryn Gillespie, Memphis, TN

††Alicia S. Grant, Jackson, MS

†Samiyyah Deena Huckabee, Conyers, GA

††Khadari Johnson, Jackson, MS

†Trinitee J. Johnson, Jackson, MS

†John Calvin Kobé Shaquille O’Neal Jones, Jackson, MS

Gregory Dewon King II, Columbus, MS

Sheona Maddela, Ridgeland, MS

†††Joshua Moaton, Jackson, MS

†††Emmanuel U. Onung, Abuja, Nigeria

Nau’Kee L. Parker, University Park, IL

††Miah Aymir Robinson, Terry, MS

††Kevin O. Truss, Lexington, MS

LaPatrick Barak Walker, Byram, MS

†††Yizhe Wang, Yangzhou, China

Cameron Weems, Jackson, MS

Electrical Engineering

Trevion Cobbins, Chicago, IL

†Terrence Darnell Conley Jr., Marks, MS

LaNiya Crooms, Cincinnati, OH

†Brandon Fisher, Jackson, MS

†Tyilar Hanney, Forney, TX

Sean Christopher Harris, Montgomery, AL

†Trayveon Hart, Byram, MS

Jason A. Johnson, Belleville, MI

Joshua Johnson, Jackson, MS

Cherrod Yisra’el Jones, Brandon, MS

†Malcolm Moore, Monroe, LA

Industrial Technology

†Delisha Shereese Alexander, Bolton, MS

††Justin Davenport Armstrong, Jackson, MS

Cameron Nicholis Courtney, Edwards, MS

††Downie Grim III, Mount Olive, MS

Avery Latrell Jackson, II, Jackson, MS

Antonio Terrell Richardson, Lansing, IL

Marvin Wayne Thompson Jr., Clinton, MS

Amarion Marques Vaughn, Canton, MS

Mathematics

Chyna Jones, Jackson, MS

†Shala Wells, Meridian, MS

Physics

Mercedes BriAnn Carson, Florence, MS

††Jada Emodogo, Collierville, TN

Cassidy B. Thompkins, Memphis, TN

Stephon Wheeler, Fairburn, GA

bachelor of Science in Education

Mathematics Education

Savion L. Ficklin, Gluckstadt, MS

†Kennedy Walker, Madison, MS

COLLEGE

Board of Trustees

MISSISSIPPI INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING

Alfred Rankins, Jr., Ph.D., Commissioner of Higher Education Greenville, Mississippi

BOARD MEMBERS

Alfred E. McNair, Jr., M.D., President Ocean Falls, Mississippi

Bruce Martin, Vice President Meridian, Mississippi

Ormella Cummings, Ph.D. Tupelo, Mississippi

Steven Cunningham, M.D. Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Tom Duff Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Teresa Hubbard Oxford, Mississippi

Jeanne Carter Luckey Ocean Falls, Mississippi

Chip Morgan Stoneville, Mississippi

Gee Ogletree, J.D. Jackson, Mississippi

Hal Parker Bolton, Mississippi

Gregory Rader Columbus, Mississippi

J. Walt Starr, DMD Columbus, Mississippi

Jackson State University Executive Cabinet and Academic Deans

Executive cabinet

Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D., President

Alla Jeanae Frank, Special Assistant to the President and Chief Transformation Officer

Alisa L. Mosley Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Fran’Cee Brown-McClure, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs

Howard Brown, Vice President for Business and Finance, Chief Financial Officer

Gwen Caples, Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Deborah F. Dent, Ph.D., Chief Information Officer

Van Gillespie, J.D., Chief of Staff

ConSandra McNeil, Ph.D., Interim Vice President of Research and Economic Development

Mickie Parker, Interim Executive Director of Human Resource

Ashley Robinson, Vice President and Director of Athletics

Vance Siggers, Ph.D., Interim Executive Director of Campus Operations

Alonda Thomas, Chief Communications Officer and Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications

Onetta S. Whitley, J.D., General Counsel

Kylon Alford-Windfield, Vice President for Enrollment Management

deans

Fidelis Ikem, Ph.D., College of Business

Tony Latiker, Ed.D., (Interim), College of Education and Human Development

Russell Bennett, Ph.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

Preselfannie McDaniels, Ph.D., Graduate Studies

Locord D. Wilson, Ph.D., (Interim) Libraries

Jackson State University Seal and Mace

THE SEAL

The University Seal was designed by Freddy Norman, graphic artist. The Seal displays the University’s motto: Excellentia, Academica, Investigatio et Officium (Academic Excellence, Research, and Service). Three significant elements are presented in the design. At the center of the configuration is a winged torch. The flame signifies the light of learning and the search for truth. It leaps upward, borne aloft by outspread wings symbolic of the quest for excellence. Within the wing on the left side is an open book symbolic of research and publication. The globe inscribed within the wing on the right side symbolizes the University’s commitment to service to the state, the nation, and the world. The year 1877 represents the founding date of the university. The laurel wreath, which is reminiscent of the victor’s crown awarded to the best competitors in the arts and sciences during the Classical Era, encircles the design and represents the pursuit of excellence in every field. On March 15, 1974, the Seal was revised to include the institution’s university designation.

THE MACE

The Mace was originated and first used in Egypt, where it represented creativeness, achievement, and the assertive tendency in man. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a weapon of war. Today, however, the mace represents deputized authority and dignity.

The Jackson State University Mace is carried in all formal University convocations. It was carved from a piece of solid American black walnut. The upper portion of the Mace is in the shape of a pentagon and contains the University’s logo and Seal. Dr. Sam Cobbins, retired Professor of Technology and Industrial Arts, designed and constructed the Jackson State University Mace.

The Presidential Chain of Office and Medallion

THE presidential Chain of office

The Chain of Office is a symbol of office dating from medieval times. It is worn by the President with academic regalia on ceremonial occasions. The Chain of Office honors the highest official at an educational institution as a symbol of leadership and responsibility vested in that office.

The Chain of Office for Jackson State University’s President is made of antiqued silver plated bronze metal and is made up of curved banners engraved with the names of the University’s previous presidents.

From the chain hangs a medallion. A banner engraved with the President’s name is located at the center of the chain directly above the University Medallion. This banner is adorned with a leaf and inscribed with the year representing the President’s first year in office.

THE presidential Medallion

Traditionally, the medallion is a symbol of academic leadership. It is one of the oldest symbols of authority. The medallion is worn by the President as part of his/ her presidential regalia at commencement and other ceremonial occasions at the University. It symbolizes the President’s authority as the highest officer of the University. The medallion is inscribed with the Jackson State University Seal, which represents the Office of the President and the University’s commitment to academic excellence, research and service.

The three-inch circular medallion is made of antiqued silver-plated bronze metal with blue enamel. This unique mount represents a single-faced imagery in bas-relief creating a two-level projection with the three significant elements in the overall design encircled by the laurel wreath. At the center of the configuration is a winged torch. The flame signifies the light of learning and the search for truth. It leaps upward borne aloft by outspread wings symbolic of the quest for excellence. Within the wing on the left side is an open book symbolic of research and publication; the globe inscribed within the wing on the right side symbolizes the University’s commitment to service to the state, the nation and the world. The year 1877 represents the founding date of the University. The laurel wreath, which encircles the design, represents the pursuit of excellence in every field.

The Academic Costume

ACADEMIC REGALIA

The custom of wearing academic regalia stems from the Middle Ages when scholars were also clerics and wore the costumes in their Monastic orders.

The most common headpiece for the ceremony is the black square, flat topped or mortar board which is shaped like a board of the mason which holds the mortar.

The tassel on the doctor’s cap is usually gold in color and is worn on the left. The tassel on the master’s cap is usually black and is also worn on the left. The tassel on the bachelor’s cap, usually black, is worn on the right prior to graduation, then moved to the left when instructed by the presiding officer.

The hood, which is mentioned as early as 1480 in clerical literature, was originally used as a head covering, a shoulder cape, and a bag in which alms could be collected.

The gown is usually black. The traditional doctor’s gown has velvet panels down the front and three velvet bars on the sleeves. The master’s gown has no velvet but does have unusually long sleeves. The bachelor’s gown is similar to the master’s but has regular length sleeves which are pointed. Some gowns may be the color of the department granting the degree, such as “Education Blue.” Others may be “Yale Blue” or “Harvard Crimson” for graduates of these universities.

Hood and Tassel Colors

Shown below is a listing of hood and tassel colors established by the Intercollegiate Code to represent several departments of learning. (Please note that not all departments listed here are established at Jackson State University.)

Agriculture |Maze

Medicine |Green

Arts, Letters, Humanities |White

Music |Pink

Business Administration, Accountancy |Drab

Nursing |Apricot

Dentistry |Lilac

Oratory (Speech) |Silver Gray

Economics |Copper

Pharmacy |Olive Green

Education |Light Blue

Philosophy |Dark Blue

Engineering |Orange

Physical Education |Sage Green

Fine Arts, including Architecture |Brown

Public Administration, Service |Peacock Blue

Forestry |Russet

Public Health |Salmon Pink

Home Economics |Maroon

Science |Golden Yellow

Journalism |Crimson

Social Work/Science |Citron

Law |Purple

Theology |Scarlet

Library Science |Lemon

Veterinary Science |Gray

Lifelong Learning |Garnet

Academic Degrees

THE BACHELOR’S DEGREE

A bachelor’s degree is the first academic degree that is conferred by a university to students who have completed the undergraduate coursework of study. The bachelor’s degree is sometimes called a baccalaureate degree. This degree is the most common type of college degree awarded by institutions of higher learning in the United States. The bachelor’s degree provides students with a foundation for entering many professional career fields and for further education.

THE master’S DEGREE

The master’s degree is an academic degree that is conferred by a university to students who have successfully completed one or two years of approved course work beyond that of the bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree candidates are expected to exhibit and demonstrate mastery of a specialized body of theoretical and applied subject matter. A thesis or a project is usually required in many master’s degree programs.

THE specialist DEGREE

The specialist degree is common in many education and psychology programs. It is conferred by a university to students who have completed academic study beyond the master’s level and below the doctorate level.

THE doctoral DEGREE

The doctoral degree is the highest of the academic degrees conferred by a university. It is offered in most fields of study. Doctoral degrees include the professional degree and the research degree. The professional doctoral degree calls for advanced training for the practice in professional fields such as medicine, pharmacy, law or nursing. The research doctorate requires approximately four years of advanced study and independent research. The years of study and excellent research are typically accompanied by a dissertation. The doctoral candidate is expected to make a contribution to the body of knowledge in the field of study.

The Academic Procession

The academic procession dates back to the Middle Ages when universities were closely associated with the Medieval Church. Since that time, the academic procession has become a treasured tradition in higher education institutions. During the academic procession, university officers and others related to the university march in formal university events in academic regalia.

The pageantry of the academic procession is a featured part of commencement programs and other formal university events. The Academic Procession is generally initiated by the university’s mace bearer. During commencements, the mace bearer is generally followed by the chief faculty marshal. The academic procession brings into the arena the President, other officials of the university, representatives from the governing board, the guest speaker, college deans, other platform guests, administrators, faculty and graduating students.

Senior Class Officers 2024 Spring Semester

Alexandria Williams, President

Camaya Thornton, Vice President

KC Sims, Treasurer

Chrishonti Thornburg, Miss Senior

Cole Harris, Mister Senior

Mr. Brent Harris, Advisor

Graduate Student Leadership 2024 Spring semester

Daija Green, President

Austin Pierce, Vice President

Dwan Johnson, Secretary

Reneisha Sweet, Treasurer

Akinola Gonzalez, Parliamentarian

Robiul Alam, Membership Chair

Ms. Deborah Washington, Advisor

Mr. Byron Quick, Advisor

Graduate/Undergraduate Commencement Exercises

COMMENCEMENT MACE BEAREr

Dr. Dawn McLin

president’s standard BEAREr

Dr. Robert Luckett

Administration Standard Bearers

Dr. LaToya Hart

college standard bearers

College of Business

Dr. Hyunseob Kim

Dr. Young Won Rhee

College of Education and Human Development

Dr. Albert Carter

Dr. Trashonda Dixon

College of Health Sciences

Dr. Yalanda Barner

Dr. Sherita Williams-Tompkins

College of Liberal Arts

Dr. Brittany Myburgh

Dr. LaTannia Ellerbe

College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Dr. Rachel Curtis

Dr. Stacy Jones

Division of Graduate Studies

Dr. Tammi Taylor

chief/assistant Marshals

Chief Marshal

Dr. Carlos Wilson

Assistant Marshals

Dr. Kanesha Bennett

Dr. DeSuan Dixon

Dr. Trashonda Dixon

Dr. Whitney Perkins

Mr. Don Spann

Dr. Deidre Wheaton

Undergraduate and graduate

Student/faculty Marshals

College of Business

Britney Taplin

James Berggren, Jr.

Utopia Baker

Jasmine Cole

Dr. Bobbie Daniels

Ms. Lori Liddell-Jackson

College of Education and Human Development

Samantha Renae Buchanan

Shania A. Young

Tevin Thompson

Stephen Little

Dr. Karen Linstrum

Dr. Keon Catchings Shelby

College of Health Sciences

Dasia Dyson

Brandon Richardson Walker

Taiona Farmer-Jackson

Ayanna Pinder

Dr. Angela Omondi

Dr. Yalanda Barner

College of Liberal Arts

Kaitlyn Taylor

Hugh Taylor

Christina Winter

Jakyla Powell

Ms. Danielle Littlefield

Dr. Ryan Byrd nee Liu-Pham

College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Mark Jenkins

Derrick L. Cubit

Blair A. McIntosh

Jeremy M. Champion

Dr. Markessa Hughes

Dr. Kejun Wen

Readers

Dr. Mark Henderson

Dr. Ebony Lumumba

Dr. Fran’ Cee Brown-McClure

Ms. Ashley Norwood

Dr. Jennifer Young-Wallace

American Sign Language

Interpreters

Vicky Lewis

Tiffany Leach

COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM

Yolanda T. Brown

2024 Spring Commencement committee/volunteers

Dr. Mario Azevedo

Dr. Galina Bennett

Dr. Russell Bennett, Ex-Officio

Dr. Lisa Beckley-Roberts

Lt. Colonel Rodgers Brown

Colonel Rodgers Brown, Jr

Dr. Fran’Cee Brown-McClure, Ex-Officio

Dr. Rico Chapman, Ex-officio

Mrs. Dionne Conner

Dr. Deborah Dent

Mrs. Ayanna Evans

Mrs. Alla Frank

Dr. La’Tonia Harper

Mrs. Tammiko Harrison

Dr. Pamala Heard

Ms. Kamesha Hill

Mr. David Howard

Dr. Fidelis Ikem, Ex-Officio

Mr. Jason Johnson, Student

Mrs. Rachel James-Terry

Dr. Tangelia Kelly

Dr. Tony Latiker, Ex-Officio

Dr. Ebony Lumumba

Dr. Dawn Mclin

Mr. Spencer McClenty

Dr. Alisa Mosley, Ex-Officio

Dr. Dion Porter, Chair

Dr. Shelia Porterfield, Ex-officio

Dr. Aaron Richardson

Dr. Michael Robinson

Captain Eric Stanton

Mr. Don Spann

Ms. Lauren Temple, Student

Dr. Tammi Taylor

Ms. Alonda Thomas

Ms. Lakeshia Tubbs

Dr. Wilber Walters Jr., Ex-Officio

Dr. Carlos Wilson, Ex-Officio

Dr. Locord Wilson, Ex-Officio

Dr. Preselfannie E. Whitfield McDaniels, Ex-Officio

Ms. Sherree White

Ms. Alexandria Williams, Student

Dr. Jennifer Young-Wallace

volunteers

Frankie Adams

Trenecea Atkins

Darlita Ballard

Brittney Bowman

Dimitri Crain

Cheryl Davis

Shawnel Davison

Kenya Dotson

Antonio Dorsey

Toywandra Foster

Ke’Andrea Foster

Wendellyn German

Kennady Hall

Brinda Harris

Zander Henderson

Kaiden Ivey

Valleathia Johnson

Marshatta Johnson

Eriaka Jones

Patricia Leak

Carolyn Mack

Kevia Miles

Joel Murchison

Derrick Neal

Kamryn Patterson

Sheri Ross

Sykeria Ross

Marco Shelby

Raegan Smith

Majesty King Seth

Clarke Stubbs

Peggy Tisdale

Shanquell Walker

Marissa Wheat

Bobbie Wilson

Clorice Wilson

Sharlene Wilson

Tionda Yarbrough