Inesha Jackson is a proud alumna of Alcorn State University (ASU) and a native of Canton, Mississippi. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications in May of 2022. Through the Mass Communications department, she developed a deep passion for photography and storytelling, gaining hands-on experience and opportunities to interview distinguished figures such as Dr. Felecia Nave, Alcorn’s first female president; Samantha Power, former Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development; and Marcia Fudge, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. In 2021, Jackson began interning with The Canton News and later became a freelance writer, producing feature stories that highlighted positivity and community pride in her hometown.
After graduation, she joined the Vicksburg Warren School District Communications Department, where she managed digital content, social media, and marketing materials while providing photography and media coverage to district events. She now serves as the Public Relations Specialist for the Simpson County School District, overseeing district-wide communications, social media, and storytelling that promote student and staff success.
She enjoys photography, videography, and graphic design, and remains passionate about mentoring students who aspire careers in media and communications.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ALCORN?
I chose Alcorn because of its welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere. It truly felt like a community that embraced you and wanted you to succeed. Whenever I visited the campus, whether on a tour or at a sporting event, it felt like home. Having several family members and close friends who attended Alcorn played a role in my decision, as I saw firsthand how much the University shaped their lives and experiences.
WHAT ORGANIZATIONS WERE YOU A PART OF?
While at Alcorn, I was actively involved in several organizations that shaped my college experience. I was a member of the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band, where I served as trumpet section leader, and participated in organizations such as Sigma Chi Iota Honor Society, Lambda Pi Eta Communications Honor Society, where I served as Vice President in 2021, The National Society of Leadership and Success, NAACP, and the Mass Communications Club. I also wrote for The Campus Chronicle (Alcorn’s online newspaper), which gave me the opportunity to grow as a writer and storyteller while building connections within the campus community.
HOW HAS ALCORN HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?
Alcorn provided me with the foundational skills I use every day such as writing, photography, and media production. From classroom instruction to media assignments and writing for The Campus Chronicle, every lesson contributed to my understanding of how to tell meaningful stories and represent organizations effectively. The Mass Communications program taught me not only the technical side of media but also how to connect with people and communicate with purpose. Those experiences helped me grow in confidence, creativity, and professionalism, shaping the way I approach my work today as Public Relations Specialist for the Simpson County School District.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT ALCORN?
I enjoyed the sense of community that Alcorn is known for and the lifelong friendships I made along the way. Being part of the band and learning more about cameras and photography were some of my favorite parts of college. Those experiences helped me discover what I love to do and gave me memories I’ll always be grateful for.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR CURRENT OR FUTURE STUDENTS ON ‘THE YARD’?
My advice for current and future students is not to wait for the perfect opportunity, create it. Use the resources and connections that you have now to build your own path. While I was a student at Alcorn, I reached out to a local newspaper with my writing samples and landed an internship that turned into a freelance position. That one step opened so many doors for me. Take initiative, stay curious, and believe that what you have to offer matters.