Jackson State University

The First Hundred Years, 1877-1977

Lelia G. Rhodes

• Publisher: University Press of Mississippi
• Year: 2026
• eBook ISBN:
  9781496860675
• Topic: Education
• Subtopic: Education General

Before it was Jackson State University®, it was Natchez Seminary, a school built on a vision of education and empowerment. In 1877, H. P. Jacobs and Black ministers from the Mississippi Baptist Missionary Convention, in partnership with the American Baptist Home Mission Society, founded Natchez Seminary to educate newly freed Black students. That institution grew into Jackson State University, a powerhouse of education, culture, and progress.

For decades, JSU's first official history was available only to those who could find a rare copy. Now, this landmark work is back. A story of resilience and triumph, Jackson State University: The First Hundred Years, 1877-1977 reflects the broader Black American journey, showing progress against the odds. It is a must-read for alumni and students. The book is also a vital researcher's resource for scholars studying historically Black colleges and universities, civil rights, and Black education.

In anticipation of JSU's sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) in 2027, Jackson State University: The First Hundred Years, 1877-1977 by Lelia G. Rhodes is available again for scholars, alumni, and anyone interested in the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Acknowledgments
• Contents
• Foreword
• Preface
• I The Decision for Greatness: Prologue to the Founding of Jackson State University
• II The Challenge and the Response: the Administration of President Charles Ayer, 1877–1894
• III The Exodus and the Renaissance: the Administration of President Luther G. Barrett, 1894–1977
• IV The Academic Revolution: the Administration of President Zachary T. Hubert, 1911–1927
• V A Charge to Keep: the Administration of President B. Baldwin Dansby, 1927–1940
• VI The Symphony of the Whole Individual: the Administration of President Jacob L. Reddix, 1940–1967
• VII The Advancement of Truth and Freedom: the Administration of President John A. Peoples, Jr., 1967–
• VIII The Conclusion
• Appendices
• Notes
• Index