JSU and city leaders open the doors to JSU's new Welcome Center. From left: David Hoard (vice president of institutional advancement), Gwen Caples (director of JSU Welcome Center), Marika Cackett (public relation manager of Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau), state Sen. Hillman Frazier, Sarah Brown (Miss Jackson State University) and Carolyn W. Meyers (president of Jackson State University) Photo by Courtesy Christianna Jackson

Today, Jackson State University opened a new Welcome Center with JSU leaders gathered to cut the blue ribbon and open the doors to the community.

"It's important to embrace the visitors with open arms, making sure that they enjoy their time on campus," JSU President Carolyn Meyers said.

The center offers a variety of services to the campus and community, such as a large rentable conference room.

"The Welcome Center will play an integral part in providing information about JSU's reputation for excellence in education, research and service," Gwen Caples, director of the JSU Welcome Center, said.

Student ambassadors are conducting campus tours at the center, where a plethora of campus maps and literature about JSU are available. A large TV screen highlighting the university's many accomplishments and future plans is mounted on the center's wall.

Center staff will administer the new JSU Retirees' Association program and serve as a liaison between the Student Life Department and parents. The university plans for the center to promote the city of Jackson as well as the campus.

"We will establish a relationship with our downtown partners, including the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau, to promote the city's attractions to prospective students, their families and other guests," Caples said.

"[W]e will share with our visitors our great landmarks and traditions."