





Jackson State University has a distinguished history, rich in the tradition of educating young men and women for leadership, having undergone seven name changes as it grew and developed. Founded as Natchez Seminary in 1877, the school was established as Natchez, Mississippi “for the moral, religious and intellectual improvement of Christian leaders of the colored people of Mississippi and the neighboring states.” In 1882, the school moved to Jackson, and in 1899, was renamed to "Jackson College".
Notable alumni include Walter Payton, Hall of Fame football player; Carlton W. Reeves, federal judge; Rod Paige, US Sec. of Education; DeMarco Morgan, CBS News anchor for their west coast KCBS station, many more.