Over 1500 Jackson State University students are President or Dean’s List honor students for Fall 2022.

The President’s List is composed of students who, during a regular semester, complete a minimum of fifteen (15) semester hours with a semester grade-point average of 4.00. The Dean’s List is composed of students who, during a regular semester, complete a minimum of fifteen (15) semester hours with a semester grade-point average of 3.00 to 3.99.

JSU seniors Maney Darby, a double major in psychology and social work, and Sydney Nelson, an elementary education major, are no strangers to making the dean’s and president’s list with a full plate of academic and extracurricular activities. 

As a National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Student Conduct Committee, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member, Darby says that sacrifice and studying go a long way. 

“My parents have always pushed for academic achievement, but they also introduced me to many things in the world. So, in order for me to continue to see that on my own, I have to excel in school and get the best job, but I also want to do something that I love,” said Darby. “That is why I’m pushing myself to go to graduate school and get a doctoral degree so I can continue to live the type of life I want to live after undergrad.”  

Throughout her matriculation, Nelson has achieved rank as a president and dean’s list scholar. While she says that managing an off-campus part-time job, balancing student teaching, and serving as a mentor across various organizations can be challenging, family is her drive and inspiration. 

“I am a first-generation student, so that’s a big thing for me. I would say my family plays a big role in my grades. In high school, I didn’t have the best grades, so I said I’m going to redeem myself in college,” Nelson said. 

Jalan Drummond, a junior biology pre-med major, balances being a full-time band student while making the president and dean’s list five times; two president’s lists and three dean’s lists. 

“It’s not for the weak. You have to have good time management skills. It’s a lot of staying up later, getting up early, and sometimes studying while practicing with the band by reviewing notes in your head,” said Drummond, a native of LaFayette, Alabama. “It gets a little challenging at times, but I think it’s all a part of the college experience.” 

He added that the band staff is a valued support system, in conjunction with his hometown of LaFayette being a pivotal change agent along his journey.  

“The staff of the band program, my friends, my family, and even my roommates help me sometimes. It’s the community surrounding me. I’m a first-generation student, and I think a lot of what pushes us is where we come from,” Drummond said. “Our population is about 2500 and probably 95% African American. So, being from that type of demographic, I want to inspire people coming behind me and say, ‘You can get out of here. You don’t have to stay here your whole life. You can make an impact on the world and your hometown at the same time.'”

View the Fall 2022 President’s List Scholars and Dean’s List Scholars.