JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – The president, faculty and staff of Jackson State University welcomed hundreds of freshmen and returning students.
WLBT 3 On Your Side spoke with the JSU Tigers and they say the move to their new home for the next nine months went smoothly today.
They even say it was one of the best experiences they’ve ever had.
“This is a really big moment on campus,” Deshaun Till said. “It gives everyone a chance to bond as a unit. Everyone helps each other move in. It also gives us a chance to have that early HBCU experience.”
For Till, moving-in day is a big deal.
He says that this was the first time for him as a junior that housing was provided for every student.
“I feel like it’s a little more balanced this year in terms of bringing everyone together in one place, which makes it easier to unload and pick up loads. Communication is much smoother, and time management is just much better,” Till said.
“I think they’ve handled it really well. They’ve made it easier for the girls by doing everything for girls and getting the boys to do other things and everything,” Kennedy Larkins said. “I appreciate arranging everything like that.”
As the students brought boxes and huge bags to their locations, dozens of volunteers were on hand to help them carry the items.
They all made sure that every student settled into their dorm without any problems.
“The students are the reason we are here. That always means new life for the university, (and) new traditions for the university.”
However, the process did not go as smoothly last year as the university struggled with a housing crisis on campus.
JSU President Dr. Marcus Thompson, who assisted on campus Saturday, said he wants to make sure this never happens again and that every student has housing.
“You’ve heard me say many times that students are the North Star of my administration,” said Dr. Thompson. “So I wanted to make sure that every detail of move-in was designed to make it easy for students to come and use their facilities, get information and just know that today is all about them.”
The university also approved contracts last month to house students downtown at the Courthouse, Walthall Lofts apartment complex. Students will officially begin classes on Monday, August 19.
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