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Gene Goldman
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(JACKSON, Miss.) - In an effort to strengthen ties between Jackson State University and NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center, the center's new director paid a visit Feb. 18 to Jackson State's College of Engineering, Science and Technology.
"We would like to see all of the universities and NASA have a real connection," said Arthur "Gene" Goldman, who selected Jackson State as his first stop on a tour of Mississippi's universities. "I think we'll be able to have a closer collaboration with where we're headed."
Located north of Bay St. Louis, Miss., the Stennis Space Center is NASA's largest rocket engine test complex. Over the years, it has evolved into a multiagency, multidisciplinary center for federal, state, academic and private organizations engaged in space, oceans, environmental programs and national defense.
NASA and Jackson State University have a continuing partnership that supports research and education. The NASA-funded grants and collaborations at Jackson State involve the College of Science, Engineering and Technology and the School of Education.
During Goldman's visit, he met with leaders of Jackson State's College of Engineering, Science and Technology's academic and research departments and with university President Ronald Mason Jr.
Mason talked about the growth of Jackson State's School of Engineering - which was founded in 2000 - and how its new building is just the latest example of how campus construction is raising the profile of the university.
"If you had been here seven years ago, you would have seen a different place," he said. "Now that we're helping people see us, the next task is to get them to work with us."
Goldman toured the newly opened School of Engineering building and the university's research centers housed at the Mississippi e-Center @ JSU. The new engineering building is Mississippi's first state-funded construction project designated as a LEED certified project, which is a national designation given by the Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council.
The 90,000-square-foot building is situated on its lot to maximize the use of natural light indoors, and interior materials include recycled content and low-maintenance finishes. Its storm water management system captures rainwater in underground wells and recycles it for landscaping uses.
In addition to being green, the new School of Engineering building has wireless communications, tiered classrooms and high-bay laboratories with reinforced concrete floors that allow students to perform sophisticated experiments.
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About Jackson State University: Challenging Minds, Changing Lives
Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically black, high research activity university located in Jackson, the capital city of the state of Mississippi. Jackson State's nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research and service. Officially designated as Mississippi's Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive economic development, health-care, technological and educational initiatives. The only university in the Jackson metropolitan area, Jackson State is located near downtown, with three satellite campuses throughout the city. For more information, visit www.jsums.edu.
