Author: C. Jiles

It’s Member on the Move time!

We are starting off Aug. with Arlinda Fair from Chicago, IL.
Arlinda is an ‘11 Business major of Jackson State University. She also received her MBA from the university in 2014.
While at JSU, Arlinda was active in multiple organizations including:
Delta Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., JSU Concert Chorale, SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise), and Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society.

She is currently the Graduate Program Coordinator for Rhodes College here in Memphis. Arlinda also serves her community through various non profit organizations including:
– Board Chair, Frayser Community Schools
– Cohort 3 Member, Education Reform Now Leaders of Color
– Student Recruitment and Success Committee Chair, JSUNAA Memphis Chapter
– Junior League of Memphis member.

Why did you choose JSU?
I owe my enrollment at Jackson State University mostly to the JSUNAA Chicago Alumni Chapter. The Chicago chapter provided me with a scholarship and invited me to a reception where I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Mason (former JSU President) and Dr. Lackey (former JSUNAA National President). As I received my scholarship at that reception, I’ll never forget Dr. Mason sharing how excited he was that I choosing Jackson State and that the university wanted more students like myself to attend. I received that message – and felt like JSU was the only institution that truly really recruited me and made me feel welcome.

What is your favorite or most fun memory from JSU?
I’ll never forget when Barack Obama visited campus to speak during his first presidential campaign. While I missed class to make sure I could attend (we had to canvass for the campaign that day to get tickets to enter the event) – it was an exhilarating event that I will NEVER forget.

Favorite rival game to attend?
Since my sister is an Alcornite, I love to attend the Capital City Classic/Soul Bowl! And since my twin brother is FAMU alum and they will be entering the SWAC – I’m looking forward to all future JSU-FAMU football games as well.

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter?
This JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter is comprised of dedicated alum who are passionate about expanding the educational mission of Jackson State University throughout the city of Memphis. My work with the Student Recruitment and Success committee is vital as we recruit Memphis area students to attend JSU and provide support to all current JSU Memphis area students.

Fun fact about yourself?
I come from a big family of HBCU supporters and advocates. Each of my siblings attended HBCUs:
Kelly Fair – Howard University
Kevin Fair – LeMoyne-Owen College
Joshlean Fair – Alcorn State University
Jonathan Fair – Florida A&M University
Arlinda Fair (Me!) – Thee Jackson State University

It’s Members on the Move time!
We are closing our February with Ms. Delila House from Quitman, MS. Delila is an ’07 graduate of Jackson State University with a B.S in Accounting. While attending JSU she was active in Tiger Pride, Accounting Society and Gamma Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

She is currently a Regional Training Specialist for Mid America Apartments, a property management company based out of Germantown, TN. She is also a Board member for the Apartment Association of Greater Memphis and Founder of “Friend I got you”.

Some of Delila’s recent accomplishments include:
-National Apartment Association Diversity Leadership Program – 2020
-1st Quarter MAA Corporate Support Award Recipient -2019
-Apartment Association of Greater Memphis Corporate Support MVP 201

Why did you choose JSU?
Our local alumni association would take us to the high school day every year and we were are able to have the HBCU experience. It was hard to convince my mom at first about me going to an HBCU, but she finally came around after I enrolled at another college and came back home to attend our local junior college.

What is your favorite or most fun memory from JSU?
My favorite memory of JSU was Mrs. Stephanie Chatman always reminding us that we do things A Class and in Deluxe Fashion. We still remember that to this day.

Favorite rival game to attend?
JSU vs Alcorn

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter?
When I first moved to Memphis it was a way for me to connect with a family. I have been able to make some great relationships with other alumni. It’s rewarding to be able to help future students attend our beloved JSU. As fundraising chair it has always been my goal to increase our scholarships for our future Tigers.

Please share any additional fun fact or information about yourself:
I enjoy traveling and hanging with my family. My parents are the world to me so I am always checking in on them. If you let the chapter tell it, I am always in the airport when they call. My job gives me the opportunity to do what I love and travel while doing it.

It’s member on the move time! This week we are highlighting member Valleria Sewell from Natchez, MS. Valleria is an ‘92 graduate of JSU with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. She also obtained a Masters of Business Management (M.B.A.) and Masters of Special Education.

Valleria is currently an educator for Shelby County schools. She is the Special Education chair and Teacher Lead at Ridgeway IB World school. She is also the Director of Raleigh in Motion; And a member of the Powerspot Church ministerial staff.

Some of her most recent accomplishments include:
2015 Southeast Regional Board Member JSUMEMPHIS
2016-2018 Activities and Fundraising Director

Why did you choose JSU?
Jackson State University offered me an opportunity to matriculate as a college student and to develop invaluable life-long relationships and friendships. Jackson State University open doors for me and afforded me a chance to mature in every aspect of my life to become an educator that impacts minds and continues to change lives.

What is your favorite or most fun memory from JSU?
My favorite memory is of my family, friends, and I getting all “dolled up” to attend our football games! It was the social event of every week, and it continues to be a social event we love to attend each and every football season.

Favorite rival game to attend?
Jackson State University versus Alcorn State University

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter?
Serving with the board to ensure the future of our Alma Mater will continue to thrive well into the future.

Please share any additional fun fact or information about yourself:
I love adventure, travel, good food and great times

It is Member on the Move time! This week we are featuring James Gordon, a native of Coldwater, MS. James received his Bachelors of Elementary Education and Mathematics from JSU in 05′. He was apart of the JSU Football team, JSU Choir, and the Alpha Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

James is the Principal of Hickory Ridge Elementary School and member of the Shelby County Schools Principal Association. He is a 3-Time Reward School Principal for Top 5 percent of high performing schools in TN. He is also an active member of the DeSoto Co Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma. James is the proud Husband of Ashley Gordon, and Proud father of Jade Elise Gordon.

Why did you choose JSU?
Jackson State was the only university that really recruited me (thanks to Dean Belton). They also provided me with several scholarships (academic and choir).

What is your favorite or most fun memory from JSU?
Being on the yard when they had the Greek Plots that were TREES. Going to the football games and attending homecoming.

Favorite rival game to attend?
Jackson State vs Alcorn (Soul Bowl)

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter?
Leadership and the energy from all fellow alumni.

February 2020

It’s time for our Member on the Move Spotlight! We are pleased to open February with JSU Memphis Chapter member Terel Key.
Terel is a Jackson, MS native who graduated JSU with a Mass Communications degree in ‘02. While at Jackson State he was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and Thee Sonic Boom of the South.

He volunteers weekly at the Lewis Senior Community Center with Princeton James Productions teaching the seniors acting and stage presence for their plays. He also volunteers at Hickory Ridge Elementary school teaching acting, film, and videography. Terel has performed in several stage plays and acted in local films. He also worked behind the scenes in production on theater and film projects in the Memphis area.

Why did you choose JSU?
One reason I chose JSU was because my parents are alumni of JSU. I would always attend JSU events as a kid and plus our home was full of JSU memorabilia. Another reason is because I was a musician and being in the band was my childhood dream. Lastly, I was always into cameras and learning more about production of film and TV and being on camera. JSU was the place that had my major as well. So all of those components are what made me make my final decision to be JSU.

What is your favorite or most fun memory from JSU?
My favorite fun memory has to be riding my bicycle on campus to class. During the time I was in school, there was a lot of construction going on. We were unable to park on campus. My good friend Toby Johnson and I would ride our bikes to class after parking far away. One day my professor, Rev. Barron Banks jumped on my bike in the middle of class, rode it around the room, then down the hallway. Everyone laughed at him! He and I became good friends after that and he would always ask about my bike years after graduation.

Favorite rival game to attend?
My favorite rival game to attend would be the JSU vs Southern University game.

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter?
Being a member of the JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter reminds me of my dear old college home. I enjoy coming together as alumni with the same goals. Goals of pushing our dear old college home forward and helping paving the way for future students of JSU.

January 2020

It’s time for our Member of the Move Spotlight! We are pleased to close out January with JSU Memphis Chapter member Roshanda DeBoise .

Roshanda is a Summit, MS native who graduated JSU with a Accounting degree in ‘07. She also has a Masters in Taxation from the University of Memphis. While at at JSU, she participated in the Accounting Society and Tiger P.R.I.D.E.

She currently is an Internal Revenue Service, Revenue Agent and resident of Bartlett, TN.

Roshanda is active as a volunteer for Hope 4 Kids and serves as 1st Vice-President for JSUNAA Memphis.

Why did you choose JSU?
I always dreamed of attending an HBCU. Honestly, JSU offered the first scholarship. After speaking with Dean Belton about my GPA and ACT score, he said I qualified for a full academic scholarship. JSU was the only college I applied for.

What is your favorite or most fun memory from JSU?
I lived on the third floor of Alexander with a window facing the plaza my freshman year. Those ladies made life fun every night and that window room fed into my nosinesss. I also met the love of my life at the laundromat on campus during my freshman year.

Favorite rival game to attend?
It’s a toss up between Alcorn and Southern

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter?
I love the relationships I’ve formed with members of the Chapter. I’m in a place with no family other than my husband and kids. Members of the Chapter have become my family.

Please share any additional fun fact or information about yourself.
I am the Mother of Anfernee (yes, he was named after Anfernee Hardaway) and Madison. Traveling is my passion.