Mississippi legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Mississippi SC521: Extend congratulations of Legislature to Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., President Emeritus of JSU and oldest living HBCU President.
Status: Passed both chambers, March 18, 2026
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE SINCEREST CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO DR. JOHN A. PEOPLES, JR., PRESIDENT EMERITUS OF JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY, AND THE OLDEST LIVING HBCU PRESIDENT.
What the bill says
A concurrent resolution extending the sincerest congratulations of the mississippi legislature to dr. john a. peoples, jr., president emeritus of jackson state university, and the oldest living hbcu president.
From the enrolled text, March 18, 2026:
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE SINCEREST CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO DR. JOHN A. PEOPLES, JR., PRESIDENT EMERITUS OF JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY, AND THE OLDEST LIVING HBCU PRESIDENT. WHEREAS, we celebrate Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., President Emeritus of Jackson State University (JSU), an extraordinary leader who has set the gold standard for university presidents; and WHEREAS, Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., the visionary former President of Jackson State University from 1967-1984, is a legendary figure in the HBCU world, cited for his transformative leadership, and celebrated for his longevity, nearing 100 years old in 2026; and WHEREAS, he is believed to be the oldest living HBCU president, and is celebrated for his enduring impact at Jackson State University, marked by significant institutional growth; and WHEREAS, during Dr. Peoples' tenure as President of JSU from 1967-1984, he naturally had many legacy highlights. *SS08/R774* S. C. R. No. 521 ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2 26/SS08/R774 PAGE 1 (rdd\kr) ● Spearheaded JSU's transition from college to university status; ● Expanded academic programs to doctoral levels; ● Improved enrollment and infrastructure; ● Oversaw massive, nearly quadruple growth in student numbers and the construction of new buildings; ● Contributed to academic expansion; ● Established key schools (Business, Education, Science and Tech); ● Elevated faculty degrees; ● Authored To Survive and Thrive and How We …
Sponsors
- Norwood, Sollie B. (D, 28) · primary sponsor
- Blount, David (D, 29)
- DuPree, Johnny L. (D, 45)
- Mumford, Kamesha B. (D, 26)
- Derrick Simmons (D, 12)
- Thomas, Joseph (D, 22)
Latest actions
- : Enrolled Bill Signed
- : Returned For Enrolling
- : Immediate Release
- : Adopted
- : Title Suff Do Be Adopted
- : Referred To Rules
- : Transmitted To House
- : Adopted
- : Title Suff Do Be Adopted
- : Referred To Rules
Votes
- Adopted (February 4, 2026): 52 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is SC521?
- SC521 is a bill in the Mississippi Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Extend congratulations of Legislature to Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., President Emeritus of JSU and oldest living HBCU President.
- What does SC521 do?
- In its own words: A concurrent resolution extending the sincerest congratulations of the mississippi legislature to dr. john a. peoples, jr., president emeritus of jackson state university, and the oldest living hbcu president.
- What is the status of SC521?
- Passed both chambers as of March 18, 2026. Latest action: Enrolled Bill Signed (March 18, 2026).
- Who sponsored SC521?
- Norwood, Sollie B. (D, 28), with 5 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SC521?
- On the Mississippi Legislature website: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SC/SC0521.xml
Source: official Mississippi record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.