Jackson State University IVCJ/Global host Nigerian delegation

JANS – The Jackson State University (JSU) International Visitors Center of Jackson (IVCJ), with the assistance of JSU Global, recently hosted a Nigerian delegation sponsored by the International Visitor Leadership Program of the U.S. Department of State. Here they are pictured at a reception at the home of IVCJ program consultant, Shirley Harrison. Another group, hailing from a  multi-regional area covering the Near East and North Africa, is currently in Jackson through September 23. 

Established in 1986, the International Visitors Center of Jackson (IVCJ) is Mississippi’s only visitor center and the only center in the country located on the campus of an HBCU. IVCJ is committed to improving and strengthening cultural and economic understanding between citizens of Mississippi and foreign dignitaries.

As a member of Global Ties U.S., IVCJ helps build international understanding by promoting the importance of tolerance, global commonalities, and best practices within a democracy. IVCJ also acts as a local sponsor for Global Ties’ International Visitor Leadership Program that arranges professional visits to the United States for current and emerging foreign leaders. The visits reflect the visitors’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the U.S. government. Through these encounters, the participants gain a greater understanding of the cultural and political influences in U.S. society and enjoy a firsthand experience of the U.S., our people and our culture.

Tomaz Cunningham serves as  director of JSU Global in the Division of Academic Affairs. He oversees the processing of student and professional visas and works directly with instructors in the university’s English as a Second Language program. 

JSU Global manages orientation and cultural programming as well as JSU’s study abroad program. The office offers cultural support for admitted international students, faculty, and staff.

Both IVCJ and JSU Global were hailed as great hosts by Fred Kitchen, Team Lead, International Visitor Leadership Program Team, Institute of International Education, Washington, DC. “I have really enjoyed working with you both. You’re  so on top of things and communicate really well! I will be singing your praises to the rest of my IIE IVLP team and encouraging them to work with you on future projects,” he conveyed in his thank you letter.