Greetings from Miss Jackson State University, 2008-2009

      Greetings, my fellow Jacksonians and welcome to my “Dear Old College Home”. It gives me great honor to represent you at this profound institution as your Miss Jackson State University 2008-2009. Without a doubt, I know you have begun your journey on the right foot because you have chosen Jackson State to be your stepping stone to success. Jackson State University is Mississippi’s Comprehensive Urban University, with over 129 years of rich heritage and traditions. Here at JSU, students experience successful and rewarding challenges from matriculation to graduation. One thing that I personally stress to you is to live a healthy and safe life. I invite all of you to become involved in my social service platform - “Just S.M.I.L.E.” (Students Maintaining Invigorating Lives with Ease”. The Smile Initiative will enhance the well-being of the Jackson State University community through health education and promotion; provide a supportive environment for making healthy, well informed choices; and aid in the development and ownership of a balanced, successful life.

      It is my goal to raise awareness by promoting educational activities on the pedestrian walkway such as noontime series, forums and seminars to improve the health and well-being of JSU students, faculty and staff.

      It is my belief that healthy students earn higher grades, miss fewer classes, and are more involved in campus activities. Improving your health will help you get the most out of your college experience and you will reap the benefit years after graduation.

      The “Smile Initiative” will teach students and other members of the JSU community concepts that will enhance both their educational experience and life management skills that they will benefit from for years to come. The initiative will seek collaboration from offices and academic units across campus.

      I challenge each and every one of you to make a decision; choose to live a healthy and safe life. Get involved and join me on my platform of “Students Maintaining Invigorating Lives with Ease”. I would like to see “The S.M.I.L.E. Initiative” be the drive that keeps health a happy expression on everyone’s face, the initiative that gets the campus focused on the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.

      You’re on the right track already. Already making good decisions. You should be proud that first of all, you have chosen to attend college; and secondly, you have chosen to attend JSU. I encourage you to keep up the good work and choose to live a healthy and safe life. Life is all about choices, so “think before you act” because the decisions you make now could ultimately determine your destiny!

      Again, I would like to welcome you to Jackson State University. I wish you all a successful year and I look forward to seeing you “S.M.I.L.E.”

Sincerely,

Alicia Brumfield
Miss Jackson State University, 2008-2009