Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is proud of its many distinctions including being the only HBCU offering doctorates in both environmental science and early childhood education; one of only two HBCU's offering a program in marine science; and the only undergraduate program in professional meteorology in Mississippi, having the first undergraduate program in meteorology among the nation's HBCU's.

   Historic buildings on campus include Ayer Hall, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the oldest of the university's buildings which has served as the college library, dormitory, classroom, and administrative office space. Today you'll find the Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center for the Study of the 20th Century African American, an important resource for collecting, preserving, interpreting and explaining 20th Century African American History through material culture, the built environment, living memories, and archival records (presently, the Center is the only one of its kind located on a historically public African American college or university campus.

   Gibbs-Green Plaza, "the Plaza" for short, is named for Phillip Lafayette Gibbs and James Earl Green who were killed May 15, 1970 when city and state police officers opened fire on student protesters gathered in front of Alexander Hall. The Centennial Monument is located in the center of the university green, and stands as the repository of the Centennial Capsule (to be opened on the university's bicentennial in 2077), containing memorabilia of the university's first century.