:: Mission Statement

Jackson State University is a historically black, coeducational, doctoral research intensive university of higher learning that has been designated by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning as the urban institution of Mississippi. The University functions as a community of learners in which teaching, research and service are central to its total learning environment. The University maintains a commitment to effectively serve students from diverse academic, social, economic, ethnic and geographic backgrounds. The University also utilizes its human, cultural and physical resources to enhance the surrounding metropolitan community. It further develops responsible leaders who are capable and willing to seek solutions to human, social and technological problems, with special emphasis on those relevant to the metropolitan and urban areas of the state, the nation and the world.

.: The mission of Jackson State embraces the following    core values:

Tradition - the University believes that its role as a historically black university inspires and exemplifies positive societal change.

Accountability - the University believes in the principled exercise of leadership and the sanctity of the public trust.

Learning - the University believes in an experientially enhanced learning environment where teaching, research and service are integrated and mutually reinforcing.

Nurturing - the University is committed to creating a community which affirms and welcomes persons from diverse backgrounds and experiences and supports the realization of their human potential.

Service - the University responds to the needs of society to the best of its ability and expects its graduates to do likewise.

Responsibility - the University believes in and accepts its duty to enhance each generation?s capacity to improve the human condition.

.: Expected Educational Results

The University seeks to ensure that it is responsive to the clientele it serves by producing graduates who are capable of performing responsibly, competently, and effectively in their chosen careers. Jackson State University expects its graduates to become active leaders and participants in the activities of the local community, their home community, and the world, through actions such as volunteerism, consultancies, civic and political appointments, and elections. Through numerous degree programs ranging from the baccalaureate to the doctoral levels, students are nurtured in an environment that supports research, exploration, and discovery in the learning process. The students acquire a general education and are trained to become well-rounded professionals in a variety of disciplines through the University?s academic schools and colleges. Further, Jackson State University provides continuing educational opportunities, especially to non-traditional students. Training for all students is facilitated through research laboratories, traditional and innovative classroom instruction, distance learning instruction, technically-advanced libraries and through internships and alliances with external agencies and organizations. Additionally, institutes, centers and specialized educational and research services contribute to the experiential growth of students and faculty.

.: The knowledge, experiences, skills, and qualities    acquired by graduates of Jackson State University    include the following:

The ability to communicate effectively, through both oral and written expression.

The ability to demonstrate competence and creativity in a discipline for the purpose of obtaining and maintaining rewarding employment, and/or engaging in entrepreneurial activities.

The ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate ideas and data using logic and quantitative reasoning.

A familiarity with, and the ability to effectively use current and appropriate technology.

A social consciousness which will enable one to think critically and responsibly about moral, social, economic, health, cultural, technological, and political issues, and to contribute to the improvement of society.

The achievement of a level of social maturity that will empower one to exercise good human relations skill, informed decision making, motivation and persistence.

A knowledge and recognition of the value of both one?s own ethnic and cultural heritage and of the similarities and difference inherent in a multi-cultural society.

A demonstration of leadership and professionalism through the pursuit of research and educational experiences required in ones? chosen career.

.: The Role of Jackson State University Relative to Other    IHL Schools

In many ways, Jackson State University is a metropolitan composite of the other IHL universities. Like the larger school, it offers a breadth of academic programs at all levels. Like the smaller schools, it has a special focus on the area where it is situated, the Jackson metropolitan area. In addition, because of its history and mission, Jackson State University embraces the role of providing an education not only for well-prepared high school graduates, but also encourage the growth and development of bright, hard-working students who require a rigorous yet nurturing academic environment.