MS SC556

Expresses legislative appreciation to former Jackson State University President Dr. John Arthur Peoples, Jr., and Mrs. Mary Peoples for their contributions to higher education in Mississippi

Recognizes Dr. Peoples as the first JSU alumnus appointed president (March 2, 1967) and details his military service, including a Congressional Gold Medal for World War II service in the U.S. Marine Corps

Documents his academic achievements including a 1950 JSU graduation as class valedictorian, Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from University of Chicago, and induction into the JSU Sports Hall of Fame in 1977

Highlights his 17-year presidential tenure (1967-1983) which brought $108 million in outside funding, tripled student enrollment, established five schools and an Honors Division, grew the university budget from $4 million to over $30 million, and resulted in numerous athletic championships and physical campus expansions

Directs presentation of the resolution to Dr. and Mrs. Peoples on March 7, 2020, and to JSU leadership and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning