FBI collaborates with JSU students

Jackson State University and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) collaborated over a 3-day visit with students as part of the Beacon Project. The initiative aims to build a broader representation of the African American community within the federal organization. Dr. Lashanda Jordan, director of the Career Services Center, lauded the FBI for creating an opportunity for JSU students. “(I)t's a wonderful partnership." There was discussion about efforts to recruit minority students, she continued, and wanting the FBI to "look more like America." The first phase of the initiative was to engage with HBCUs to drive that point, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby, and HBCU gradiate wotj a degree om business administration. Agents provided students with information about internships and the hiring process. “I thought it was very good information and received everything I needed. I’m very intrigued,” said Darian Bracey, a senior criminal justice major. (Jackson State University 09/20/22) Jackson State University and FBI foster diversity and inclusion efforts during three-day workshop | Jackson State Newsroom (jsumsnews.com) 

JSU alum Knauss fellowship finalist

Jackson State University alumnus Willis Lyons, a native of Philadelphia, Miss., was selected as a finalist in the 2023 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program, one of the most distinguished U.S. fellowships in the field of marine policy. Lyons credits his passion for marine study to the early foundation established at JSU studying biology and chemistry. His initial focus was to go to medical school, because he's "always wanted to heal those around me, whether spiritually, mentally, physically, or emotionally,” said Lyons. After attaining his undergraduate degree, Lyons pursued getting a master’s degree in environmental science from JSU, where he began to centralize his research focus on water chemistry. Tenacious in his professional pursuit to improve the conditions of vulnerable communities, Lyons continued to shape his goals in the field of environmental science. Ultimately, it led him to Florida A&M University, where his passion, knowledge and dedication afforded him a full-ride scholarship into the environmental science doctoral program. A part of Lyon’s professional impetus is the ability to establish holistic legislative policies that encompass real experiences and needs of vulnerable populations in spaces where decisions can drastically shift every aspect of their well-being. (Jackson State 09/21/22) JSU alum named Knauss Marine Policy Fellow, strives to uplift vulnerable communities | Jackson State Newsroom (jsumsnews.com) 

JSU students meet with EPA's chief

JACKSON, Miss. – A group of Jackson State University (JSU) students had the unique opportunity to get the latest news about the city of Jackson’s water crisis from the top official at the Environmental Protection Agency. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan met with students on campus Sept. 7.  A mix of students who represented the Student Government Association, athletics and residence life attended the meeting with Ragan, the first Black man and second person of color to lead the EPA. He is the first EPA administrator to graduate from an Historically Black College and University. (Jackson State 09/21/22) EPA Administrator visits Jackson State University for student roundtable on the water crisis | Jackson State Newsroom (jsumsnews.com)