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Dr. Eric D. Griffith has defended his dissertation successfully

JSU Websites > Dept. of Public Policy & Administration | Jackson State University > News > Dr. Eric D. Griffith has defended his dissertation successfully
Mr. Eric D. Griffith has defended his doctoral dissertation (title: A Comparative Analysis of Municipal Income Tax in Birmingham, Louisville, and St. Louis: A Case Study of Possible Implementation in Jackson, MS) on March 23, 2022.
The City of Jackson, MS, continues to have a population decline due to the migration to suburbs. As the population
leaves, so does the tax base. As the population leaves, so does the tax base. Many of these lost residents are more
educated and have higher incomes, which has left Jackson in the position of providing services to a declining tax
base. This study explores the impact of a municipal tax on commuters of similar cities that have implemented
them in Birmingham, Louisville, and St. Louis for possible implementation in Jackson, MS. It analyzed the impact
of the tax on the cities’ employment, population, median income, GDP, and housing utilizing the statistical technique of MANOVA. The findings were mixed but sufficient to recommend that city should seek adoption of the policy.
Professor Johnny Gilleylen served as the committee chair and the dissertation advisor.
Professors Gloria Billingsley, Chester Robinson,  Ester Stokes, and Tayla Thomas served as the committee members.
Congratulations, Dr. Griffith !!!!!

🎉 Celebrating 50 Years 🎉

The Department of Public Policy and Administration at
Jackson State University is celebrating the
50th Anniversary of the Master of Public Policy & Administration Program.

We are hosting our first celebratory event with a reception on
October 10, 2025 on the first floor at the
Jackson State University Downtown Location,
101 W. Pearl Street, Jackson, MS.

Program Alums and current students are invited to attend but must RSVP as space is limited.
You may RSVP by scanning the barcode on the attached flyer.

📄 Scan the barcode below

Event Flyerr