Community Engagement
The Office of Community Engagement (CE) is an initiative by Jackson State University to assist with the redevelopment of the one-mile area around the JSU main campus — and to be a good neighbor to West Jackson.
The Office of Community Engagement
The Office of Community Engagement (CE) is a Jackson State University initiative to assist with the redevelopment of the one-mile area around the JSU main campus. This office also reviews opportunities to facilitate development near all other Jackson State University campuses.
The Community Engagement Office strives to be a partner with the neighborhoods surrounding JSU, local churches, and businesses in the community. We work to forge new ties that support community leaders, innovation, and growth opportunities — while maintaining and fostering long-lasting relationships with our existing community partners.
Our office has resources to assist with small-scale developments that support our mission. We are open to hearing your ideas on ways we can better assist the community.
- Office
- Community Engagement (CE)
- Director
- Heather A. Denné, Ph.D.
- Focus Area
- One-mile radius around JSU main campus
- Hours
- 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday (except holidays)
- Phone
- (601) 979-2256
- Address
- 1400 John R. Lynch St., Jackson, MS 39217–0280
- News
- CE News Index
Mississippi's only Urban University
As the only legislatively designated Urban University in the State of Mississippi, Jackson State University believes that we are uniquely positioned to influence the cultural and governmental center of the State of Mississippi.
Jackson State University also believes in being a good neighbor. The surrounding neighborhoods offer Jackson State University colleges and educational initiatives to apply “studies to life.”
Director's message
Welcome to the Jackson State University Office of Community Engagement website. Exciting things are happening in West Jackson and we hope that we can work together to achieve great things in the community.
Our office has spearheaded several projects that include the JSU/Blackburn Learning Garden, JSU properties sale, the West JXN Blog, and the preservation of Mt. Olive Cemetery.
The Community Engagement Office strives to be a partner with the neighborhoods surrounding JSU, local churches, and businesses in the community. We want to forge new ties that support community leaders, innovation, and growth opportunities, while maintaining and fostering long-lasting relationships with our existing community partners.
Our office has resources to assist with small-scale developments that support our mission and we are open to hearing your ideas on ways we can better assist the community. Thank you for your support. Please let us know if we can be of assistance to you.
Heather A. Denné, Ph.D. Director, Office of Community EngagementOur active projects
Mt. Olive Cemetery preservation, the West JXN Blog, the JSU/Blackburn Learning Garden, and more — all in partnership with the communities around JSU.
Mt. Olive Cemetery preservation
Conservation, restoration & documentation
CE leads the ongoing preservation of Mt. Olive Cemetery — a historic African American cemetery near JSU. The project includes mausoleum stabilization, conservation treatments, and ground-penetrating radar documentation. Three project reports available below.
Featured community engagement news
Recent stories from JSU News covering Community Engagement projects, partnerships, and events.
Documents, gallery & sister offices
Let's work together
We're open to hearing your ideas on ways we can better assist the community. Get in touch.
Contact Community Engagement
Jackson State University
1400 John R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217–0280
Monday – Friday
(except holidays)