JSU welcomes more than 1,000 new students during annual move-in day

By Jean Gordon Cook
601-979-1571
jean.g.cook@jsums.edu

JSU freshmen and transfer students from around the country arrived on campus Aug. 13.

(JACKSON, Miss.) – More than 1,000 students and their families from across the country arrived on the Jackson State University campus for JSU’s annual move-in day Aug. 13.

“Some looked kind of overwhelmed, but I think it’s a nervous excitement,” said JSU senior Amber Thomas, who was one of 200 staff, student and alumni volunteers who helped the new students unload their belongings and carry them into the dormitories.

Students from states including Illinois, Michigan, Maryland, Indiana, Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi arrived at dormitory drop-off locations, where they were greeted by dozens of enthusiastic Jacksonians, including JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers and other university leaders.

JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers greeted new students and their families during JSU's annual move-in day.

“Move-in day at JSU is an exciting, exciting day,” said Meyers, who sported a JSU cap and T-shirt. “It is our students’ first exposure to ‘Tiger World’ and all that means.”

Christopher Chisholm of Jackson, a freshman music education major, was eager to unpack and start his college career.

“I’m just ready to have a new experience and start a new journey,” said Chisholm, who will play tuba in JSU’s famed Sonic Boom of the South marching band. “I want to be a band director after I graduate.”

JSU students, staff and families were treated to lunch during the university's annual move-in day.

Chisholm’s mother, Connie Griffin Chisholm, said she was well prepared for move-in day because her two eldest children graduated from JSU, and she knows about 100 family members who are Jackson State alums.

“This is my home away from home,” she said.

Freshman Lawanda Tabor of Chicago said she was excited to start her studies in psychology.

“I picked JSU because in my major, JSU is ranked in the top 25 in the country,” said Tabor, who was accepted into 27 schools.

Parents Yolonda and Anthony Tabor seemed ready to see their first child off to college.

“I told her to work hard, have fun and be safe,” Yolonda Tabor said. “I know she’ll do well. She’s a very good student and she loves JSU.”

Parent Anthony Tabor drove from Chicago to help his daughter get settled at JSU for her freshman year.

Anthony Tabor said he will be keeping close tabs on his daughter from his home in Chicago.

“It might be a 10-hour drive, but I will be here in five hours if I need to,” he said.

JSU move-in day kicks off the university’s Welcome Week, which will run through Sunday, Aug. 21. Welcome Week activities include workshops, social gatherings, community service projects and orientation sessions. The first day of classes is Monday, Aug. 22.

For a complete list of Welcome Week activities, visit:
http://www.jsums.edu/announcements/8.9.11Week.pdf