Rising prominently before you is JSU's iconic Administration Tower, a landmark visible from across campus. Built in 1968—a year of tremendous social upheaval—its modernist design symbolized JSU's forward trajectory during a period of rapid growth and transformation.
The tower's construction coincided with JSU's transition from a college to a comprehensive university, physically embodying its expanded mission and ambitions. Inside these offices, administrators fought for equal state funding for HBCUs, challenging Mississippi's long history of educational inequality. The view from the top floor overlooks a campus that has grown from a few buildings to a sprawling urban university serving thousands of students.
During the tumultuous late 1960s and early 1970s, this tower witnessed student protests demanding Black history courses, more diverse faculty, and greater student representation in university governance—many of which succeeded in transforming JSU's curriculum and policies. Today, it houses offices that continue advancing JSU's mission of providing quality education to students regardless of background. As the tallest structure on campus, the tower stands as a beacon of JSU's enduring commitment to excellence, opportunity, and progress—visible reminders of how far the institution has come and the heights to which it continues to aspire.
The H.P. Jacobs Administration Tower and the Legacy of Jackson State University Presidents
The H.P. Jacobs Administration Tower and the Legacy of Jackson State University Presidents
Introduction: A Symbol of Leadership and Legacy
The H.P. Jacobs Administration Tower is one of the most prominent structures on the campus of Jackson State University (JSU), symbolizing the leadership and continued growth of the university. This administrative center serves not only as a physical landmark but as a representation of the vision and progress JSU has experienced under the leadership of its presidents.
Over the years, the Administration Tower has housed the offices of university leadership, standing as a reminder of the long‑standing legacy of educational empowerment, activism, and academic excellence that has defined JSU. Each president who has served at JSU has contributed to shaping the institution into the distinguished university it is today, and the tower is a tribute to that enduring legacy.
Rev Henry P. Jacobs
Rev. Henry P. Jacobs: The Visionary Founder
Before we dive into the history of JSU presidents, it is essential to acknowledge Rev. Henry P. Jacobs, the founding visionary of Jackson State University. Born in 1825, Jacobs was an escaped enslaved person who went on to become a Baptist minister, educator, and community leader. In 1877, he founded Natchez Seminary in Natchez, Mississippi, which later relocated to Jackson and evolved into Jackson College, and eventually Jackson State University in 1883.
Jacobs' mission was to establish an educational institution where Black Americans could receive a quality education in the post‑Reconstruction South. His vision laid the foundation for the institution's enduring role in empowering African American communities through education. The H.P. Jacobs Administration Tower stands today as a tribute to Jacobs’ legacy of self‑determination and educational empowerment.
The Presidents of Jackson State University
The leadership of Jackson State University is integral to its development and growth. The presidents who have served at JSU over the years have made lasting contributions to the university's academic offerings, campus infrastructure, and community engagement. The Administration Tower serves as a testament to their collective efforts in guiding the university to its current status as a prominent institution of higher education.
Historical image of JSU leadership
Dr. Zachary T. Hubert (1911–1927):
Dr. Zachary T. Hubert served as president during a foundational time in the university's history. He helped transition Natchez Seminary into Jackson College, solidifying the university’s commitment to higher education for Black students in Mississippi. Hubert’s work established the early foundations of the university, contributing to its eventual growth and development into a significant educational institution.
Dr. Jacob L. Reddix
Dr. Jacob L. Reddix (1940–1967):
Dr. Jacob L. Reddix served as the president for 27 years, making him JSU's longest‑serving president. He led the university during a period of great growth, overseeing the expansion of academic programs and physical infrastructure. Under his leadership, JSU was granted regional accreditation, paving the way for graduate programs and broader educational opportunities for Black students.
Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr.
Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr. (1967–1984):
Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr. was the first president to lead Jackson State University after it achieved university status. Under his leadership, the university experienced significant enrollment growth, increasing from 2,200 to 7,800 students. Dr. Peoples expanded academic programs, increased graduate‑level offerings, and firmly established JSU as a leading educational institution for African Americans.
Dr. James A. Hefner
Dr. James A. Hefner (1984–1991):
Dr. James A. Hefner served as president during a time of modernization and expansion at JSU. His presidency focused on improving academic quality and research capabilities, ensuring that JSU continued its trajectory as a respected institution in Mississippi and beyond.
Dr. Bettye Ward Fletcher (Interim, 1999–2000):
Dr. Bettye Ward Fletcher served as the interim president during a transitional period at JSU. She ensured the continuity of university operations and played a key role in maintaining academic standards during this time.
Dr. Ronald Mason, Jr.
Dr. Ronald Mason, Jr. (2000–2010):
Dr. Ronald Mason, Jr. was president during a time of significant infrastructure development at JSU. Under his leadership, JSU expanded its academic programs, secured funding for campus improvements, and strengthened community partnerships. His focus on research and community engagement enhanced the university’s visibility and prestige.
Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers
Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers (2011–2016):
Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers made history as JSU’s first female president. Her tenure was marked by academic innovation, strategic planning, and a focus on student success. Dr. Meyers worked to modernize JSU’s infrastructure and strengthen its position as a leading HBCU.
Dr. Rod Paige (Interim, 2016–2017):
Former U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Rod Paige served as interim president following Dr. Meyers' departure. He worked to stabilize the university during a time of transition, providing strategic direction for the university’s growth.
Dr. Thomas K. Hudson
Dr. Thomas K. Hudson (2017–2023):
Dr. Thomas K. Hudson led JSU with a focus on student success, research excellence, and community engagement. His presidency emphasized expansion of academic offerings, building partnerships, and securing funding for university initiatives. Dr. Hudson led JSU into a new era of growth and visibility.
Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony (Acting, 2023):
Following the departure of Dr. Hudson, Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony served as the acting president of Jackson State University in 2023. During her tenure, she focused on maintaining university operations, addressing community concerns, and ensuring the continuation of the university’s educational mission during the leadership transition. Her leadership helped ensure stability and a smooth transition.
Dr. Marcus L. Thompson
Dr. Marcus L. Thompson (2023–Present):
Appointed in November 2023, Dr. Marcus L. Thompson is the 13th president of Jackson State University. His leadership focuses on student success, research excellence, and institutional impact. Dr. Thompson aims to build upon JSU's rich legacy while steering the university toward a dynamic future that continues to uphold the principles of educational empowerment, community service, and academic excellence.
The Administration Tower: A Symbol of Continuity and Progress
The H.P. Jacobs Administration Tower is a constant symbol of the university's ongoing progress and the pivotal role of presidential leadership in JSU’s development. Standing tall at the center of the campus, the tower represents both tradition and growth, linking the history of JSU’s leadership to its modern‑day efforts to continue shaping the future of African American higher education. The tower serves as the nerve center of JSU's operations and continues to be an essential part of the university's mission and legacy.
