Jackson State University in Mississippi has announced that it is renaming its Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning to honor the late Alice Varnado Harden.
Harden, a graduate of Jackson State University, was the first Black woman to serve in the Mississippi State Senate. She served for 24 years in the state legislature. At the time of the her death last December, she was serving as commissioner to the Education Commission of the States.
The center attempts to connect student learning with a sense of civic responsibility. Kimberly Hilliard, executive director of community engagement at Jackson State University, stated, “Renaming the program for Senator Harden is a fitting tribute for such a dedicated public servant. We are honored for the opportunity to show our gratitude for all Harden did to advance education in this state.”
