Jackson State University makes history as first HBCU to receive prestigious award for promoting innovation and invention

Jackson State University is the first HBCU to receive recognition from the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).

The NAI is a nonprofit organization that promotes academic inventors. Founded on the University of South Florida in 2010, the NAI has admitted 757 members since 2012. To qualify as a member, one should be listed as an inventor on a minimum of one U.S. patent.

After receiving the Founder’s Award from the NAI, JSU became the first school within the state of Mississippi receive this distinction. It is given to institutions that contribute to “the success of the organization by increasing its reach, promoting access, diversity, and commitment to innovation and invention.” After becoming a founding member of the NAI in February 2011, JSU inducted several faculty members as fellows.

The first, Ernest Izevbigie, was inducted in 2012 after earning two patents and research that ultimately led to EdoBotanics, an organization launched by JSU that sells dietary supplements to help boost the immune system and help cancer patients deal with the uncomfortable side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Other inductees include 2017 fellow Kamal Ali, a professor of computer and electrical engineering, and Danuta Leszczyńska, who was inducted for a 2018 medical patent for technology that eliminates inflammation and infection in patients when their artificial implants begin to flake and turn out to be brittle.

“This distinction further underscores our commitment to academic excellence, economic development and social progress,” said JSU President Marcus Thompson. “This is a significant milestone not only for JSU, but for all historically black colleges and universities and the state of Mississippi.”

With greater than 4,600 members and 260 institutions, the NAI continues to have fun individuals and schools like JSU which are committed to using technology to improve the world. Almesha Campbell, JSU’s associate vp for research and economic development, accepted the Founder’s Award on behalf of the college. She is an honorary member since 2022, h. However, she has been with the NAI since 2011.

“JSU’s membership in the National Academy of Inventors has played a key role in promoting innovation and translating research into the language of JSU faculty, giving them the opportunity to transform ideas into solutions that have an impact on society,” she said.

Founded in October 1877, JSU is considered one of the biggest HBCUs within the country and the fourth largest university within the state of Mississippi by student enrollment. In addition to being a Thurgood Marshall College Fund, JSU can also be a member classified amongst “R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity”.