Jackson State University has eliminated eight staff positions due to a reallocation of Title III federal funding, according to a report from Mississippi Today.
Created in 1965 under the Higher Education Act, Title III aims to help HBCUs overcome historical underfunding by providing investments for building infrastructure, developing academic programs and training, and raising endowments. In 2022, Jackson State received some $8.2 million in Title III funds to support 21 projects at the HBCU during the 2022–2027 cycle.
The employees whose positions have been eliminated include staff members in the HBCU’s division of institutional advancement, which focuses on “elevating contributions from alumni and private donors.”
“The personnel actions announced by the university are the result of a compliance-driven reallocation of funds, not a reduction or cancellation of federal support,” Jackson State University’s Kelli Sharpe told Mississippi Today. While this confirms the HBCU will not lose its Title III funds, Sharpe did not provide a reason for what caused the reallocation and its resulting layoffs. Another university spokesperson confirmed the funds will be directed toward other Title III activities.
Jackson State notified the eight affected employees that their roles would be eliminated by December 31 and encouraged them to apply for internal vacancies.
