Jean Gordon Cook
601-979-1517
jean.g.cook@jsums.edu
Sen. John Horhn (left), Entergy Mississippi, Inc., president and CEO Haley Fisackerly, JSU College of Science, Engineering and Technology dean Mark G. Hardy, JSU School of Engineering associate dean Robert Whalin, JSU Development Foundation executive director Evangeline Robinson, Sen. Hillman Frazier and Entergy Mississippi, Inc. major projects director Jeff Richards.
(JACKSON, Miss.) – Entergy Mississippi, Inc., presented Jackson State University with a $50,000 check on July 12 toward the company’s $500,000 commitment to JSU’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology. The grant is part of the company’s support of JSU’s Entergy Power Systems Laboratory and scholarships for the university’s engineering students.
In 2009, Entergy Mississippi, Inc., pledged $400,000 to Jackson State to establish the Entergy Power Systems Laboratory in the School of Engineering and an additional $100,000 for scholarships. The grant also helps fund the power systems track in Jackson State’s proposed electrical engineering program anticipated to being offering classes in 2012.
The availability of engineering graduates is especially critical for the utility industry, where a large percentage of the work force is nearing retirement. To guarantee a steady supply of qualified replacements, Entergy has increased efforts to renew interest in engineering-related fields and work with schools to expand degree programs.
Speaking at a press conference when the $500,000 award was announced. Entergy Mississippi, Inc., president and chief executive officer Haley Fisackerly said, “The students who graduate from this program will be an incredible resource not only for Entergy, but for businesses and industry throughout Mississippi.”
The Entergy Power Systems Laboratory at Jackson State is being equipped to enable students to conduct experiments in power simulation, power electronics, electrical machines and other subjects related to managing and modernizing the nation’s energy transmission systems. Students also will learn about electric grid infrastructure, energy conservation, renewable energy and large-scale smart grids.
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Kudos to Entergy, the school of engineering, faculty members, students and all those whose work made this project possible. (This is excellent leadership.)
I think Entergys’ financial commitment to JSU acknowledges the strength of the engineering programs and recognizes the value of JSU’s student and faculty collective. I am confident the college of engineering will successfully implement the electrical engineering degree program in 2012.