JANS – Jackson State University’s Division of Student Success held its inaugural Student Success Summit: Bridging Silos to Increase Equity & Student Success on June 27-28, 2023, at the Jackson Convention Complex. 

The summit builds upon JSU’s Elevate Strategic Plan goal, entitled Student Success, by highlighting and showcasing the many areas of the institution that focuses on student success. 

“Our goal is to become one of the most student-centered universities in the country by implementing relevant and appropriate student success strategies, developing students holistically, and ensuring student return on investment,” said Mitchell Shears, Ed.D., JSU associate vice president for Student Success and executive director of Title III. 

The program included presentations by JSU faculty and staff, ranging from the Department of Public Safety, Academic Advisement Center, registered student organization advisors, and more. 

“We have a plethora of services at Jackson State, so sometimes you need a refresher to hear from all of the individuals conveniently gathered in one location. When you have the large faculty and staff population that Jackson State has, it can be easy to forget all of the services and resources that are readily available to you,” said Shears.

Guest speakers included JSU alum and comedian Rita Brent; Vice President of Student Affairs at Alabama A&M University, Braque Talley, Ph.D.; and President of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, Aaron Thompson, Ph.D. Thompson’s book, ‘Thrive! Your Guide to Success in College and Beyond,’ is being introduced to JSU’s University Success courses. 

The featured student speaker was Maisie Brown, JSU’s first Truman Scholar. Tina E. Grimes, another JSU alum, also spoke to the students about the “Art of Connecting.”