Years of Jackson State Engineering.
The first engineering program at any HBCU in Mississippi. Built by a 27-year civil rights fight. Sustained by the alumni who came through it.
How we got here.
Ayers v. Fordice filed
Jake Ayers Sr. sues the State of Mississippi on behalf of his son, a JSU student — arguing the state still ran two segregated higher-ed systems.
Settlement
Mississippi settles the 27-year case for $503 million. JSU's share: $141.8M — for the College of Engineering, Public Health, and Public Service.
The doors open
The Jackson State College of Engineering opens — the first and only engineering program at an HBCU in Mississippi.
First alumni cohort at scale
First large graduating class fans out to NASA, Southern Company, and defense contractors nationwide.
Foundation formed
JSU STEM Foundation files 501(c)(3) paperwork. EIN 82-5380898.
25 Years — Nov 7
The foundation's first major activation: alumni weekend, faculty recognition, and the founding scholarship cohort at the JSU vs. Valley State game.
The professors who built it.
Every scholarship in the founding cohort carries a founding professor's name.
Jake Ayers Sr. spent 27 years suing the State of Mississippi so his son could study at a school the state wasn't starving. We inherited that legacy — and the work of sustaining it for the engineers still coming up.
— Ivan Walker, Founding Chair
25 years in. Just getting started.
Fund the next 25 years of JSU STEM.