Careers Launched from Jackson State University are Changing the World

Like many historically black colleges and universities, Jackson State University was originally established to educate Black ministers and teachers. Founded in 1877, its first class consisted of 20 newly freed slaves. Today JSU is a Carnegie-designated high research facility with an international enrollment approaching 9,000.

Like many HBCUs, Jackson State has achieved remarkable results without a large cadre of megadonors or a huge endowment. I was honored when JSU’s president, Thomas Hudson, joined me on The Crossman Conversation to talk about how this excellent institution got to where it is and where it’s going.

A few facts about JSU:

·??????The university has more than 50,000 alumni, including doctors, lawyers, activists, engineers, entertainers, sports figures, business leaders, and more.

·??????JSU is one of the top producers of engineers in the United States.

·??????JSU is one of the top three producers of African American PhDs in the United States.

·??????JSU has the only accredited School of Public Health in Mississippi.

·??????JSU is home to the renowned “Sonic Boom,” known for intricate, precision marching and the big band sound.

·??????Former Secretary of Education Rod Paige is a JSU alumnus.

·??????Deion Sanders (Coach Prime) launched his coaching career from Jackson State University.

President Hudson and I talked about how you can support JSU in particular and HBCUs in general. One way is, of course, through financial support.

“We are the only school in Mississippi that did not raise its tuition in the last three years,” President Hudson said. “That’s very important because we want to continue to offer accessible and affordable education.”

So give money—even small amounts. Of course, if you can write a big check, do it. But if you can’t, a small check will help. And encourage others to give as well.

Another way is recruiting. Tell college-bound students about the wonderful education available at JSU and other HBCUs.

If you have a business, offer internships to HBCU students. If you can’t do an internship, look to HBCUs to fill part-time, short-term jobs with students. And for your full-time positions, recruit HBCU graduates.

If you’re a professional with relative expertise, volunteer to do guest lectures. Many professors enjoy having guests come in and talk with the students, and the students appreciate the opportunity to hear from people who are actually working in the fields they plan to go into. I can tell you from my personal experience that guest lecturing is one of the most rewarding things you can do.

To hear more about how Jackson State University is changing lives and changing the world under the leadership of President Thomas Hudson, go to:

https://www.theshepherdradio.com/podcasts/the-crossman-conversation/episode/s1e48-jackson-state-president-thomas-hudson-discusses-jsu-coach-deion-sanders-and-hbcus/

Want to know more about HBCUs?

Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Vice President for University Advancement for Florida A&M University, was my guest. Listen here:

https://www.theshepherdradio.com/podcasts/the-crossman-conversation/episode/s1e13-dr-shawnta-friday-stroud-vp-for-university-advancement-at-famu-talks-about-the-secret-sauce-at-her-school/

Lawrence Drake, interim president of Bethune-Cookman University, was my guest. Listen here:

https://www.theshepherdradio.com/podcasts/the-crossman-conversation/episode/s1e43-interim-president-of-bethune-cookman-lawrence-drake-shares-from-40-years-of-experience-in-business-and-education/

Deidre Keller, dean at FAMU College of Law in Orlando, was my guest. Listen here:

https://www.theshepherdradio.com/podcasts/the-crossman-conversation/episode/s1e45-deidre-keller-received-her-law-diploma-accompanied-by-4-of-her-children-and-is-dean-at-famu-school-of-law/

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John Crossman is the founder of Crossman Career Builders, the host of The Crossman Conversation, and the author of Career Killers Career Builders. Check out Crossman Career Builders on YouTube. Connect with John on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.