Jackson State University

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.

Author Biography

Lelia G. Rhodes (1921-2020) was dean emerita of libraries at Jackson State University. She was the first African American elected as president of the Mississippi Library Association.