Jackson State University (JSU) is a public, historically black university located in Jackson, Mississippi. It was founded in 1877 as Natchez Seminary and was later renamed Jackson College in 1924. In 1974, it became Jackson State University. With an enrollment of over 7,000 students, JSU offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its nine colleges and schools. It is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
JSU has a strong commitment to research and community service. It is classified as a high research activity university by the Carnegie Foundation, and its research expenditures exceed $50 million annually. The university is also a leader in addressing the needs of underserved communities through initiatives such as the Mississippi Urban Research Center and the Center for University-Based Development.
The campus is home to numerous academic and cultural resources, including the Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center, which houses one of the largest collections of African-American literature in the world. JSU is also home to the Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University, a technology incubator that provides resources and support for entrepreneurs and small businesses. JSU is also known for its strong athletic programs. The Jackson State Tigers compete in NCAA Division I sports as members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Jackson State University (Wikimedia)
To give us more information about Jackson State University, let’s take a look at these 29 interesting facts about Jackson State University.
- Jackson State University was founded in 1877 as Natchez Seminary.
- The university was originally a Christian college for African Americans.
- Jackson State University’s campus spans over 245 acres.
- The university is located in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi.
- Jackson State University is classified as a high research activity university by the Carnegie Foundation.
- The university is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
- Jackson State University has nine colleges and schools, including the College of Business, the College of Liberal Arts, and the College of Education and Human Development.
- JSU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1.
- The university offers over 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
- Jackson State University has a diverse student body, with students from over 60 countries.
- The university has a strong commitment to community service and social justice.
- JSU is home to the Mississippi Urban Research Center, which addresses the needs of underserved communities.
- The Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center, located on campus, houses one of the largest collections of African-American literature in the world.
- Jackson State University has a marching band, known as the Sonic Boom of the South.
- The Sonic Boom of the South is one of the most recognized collegiate marching bands in the United States.
- The band has performed at numerous national events, including the Super Bowl and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- JSU’s athletic teams are known as the Jackson State Tigers.
- The Tigers compete in NCAA Division I sports as members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
- Jackson State University has a long and successful football program, with two national championships and numerous conference championships.
- JSU has a number of distinguished faculty, including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Natasha Trethewey.
- The university has a strong program in STEM fields, with research in areas such as cybersecurity and biotechnology.
- Jackson State University has a partnership with NASA to provide research and internship opportunities for students.
- The university offers a variety of study abroad programs in countries such as China, Spain, and Ghana.
- JSU has a strong tradition of student activism and protest, dating back to the civil rights movement.
- The university has a student government association and numerous student organizations.
- Jackson State University has a number of academic centers and institutes, including the Center for University-Based Development and the Institute for Health Disparities Research.
- The university has a campus radio station, WJSU-FM, which broadcasts jazz, blues, and gospel music.
- JSU has a number of partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing opportunities for students to gain real-world experience.
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability, with initiatives such as a campus recycling program and a LEED-certified student center.
Jackson State University is a vibrant and dynamic institution that has a long history of academic excellence and social engagement. With its commitment to research, community service, and diversity, JSU provides a transformative educational experience for its students, preparing them for success in a rapidly changing world. Whether through its strong athletic programs, innovative research initiatives, or culturally rich campus life, Jackson State University is a place where students can discover their passions, explore new ideas, and make a difference in the world.