JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – Jackson State University (JSU) set Mississippi and HBCU history by receiving a flagship award from the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).

JSU announced Monday its achievement of earning the Founder’s Award from the organization with over 4,600 members. It is presented to institutions significantly contributing to NAI’s success by enhancing its reach, promoting access, diversity and a commitment to innovation and invention. The university became the first institution statewide and the first HBCU nationally to receive the NAI award.

For JSU President Marcus Thompson, the award is a testament to the impactful research and innovation at Jackson State.

“This recognition further underscores our dedication to academic excellence, economic development and societal progress,” Thompson said. “It is a significant milestone not just for JSU, but for all Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the state of Mississippi.”

JSU’s journey with the organization began as a charter member in February 2011. Since then, NAI inducted multiple of its faculty members as fellows. Ernest Izevbigie was the first, inducted in 2012 during the inaugural conference in Tampa, Florida.

At that time, Izevbigie had earned two patents, including one for a Nigerian herbal shrub formula he created. His research led to the formation of the JSU-initiated company EdoBotanics, which sells dietary supplements to boost the immune system and help with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. The government of Nigeria gave the company its approval to manufacture and sell the dietary capsules in the country.

JSU’s membership in the National Academy of Inventors continued to shine a light on the inventions of JSU faculty. Kamal Ali, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, became a fellow in 2017 for making vital contributions to the invention of Hardware in the Loop Simulator for autopilots. Danuta Leszczynska was inducted after earning a 2018 medical patent on technology to eliminate inflammation and infection in patients whose artificial implants become brittle and start chipping.

Felix Okojie further elevated JSU’s role in NAI by serving on the Board of Directors from 2013-2014, reinforcing the university’s commitment to the organization. JSU Innovation Program Manager Latane Brackett was inducted as an honorary member in 2023 for his significant contributions to the innovation ecosystem.

Assistant Vice President of JSU’s Division of Research and Economic Development Almesha Campbell accepted the Founder’s Award on behalf of the university. Campbell, a 2022 honorary member engaged with NAI since 2011, is appreciative of the university’s involvement with the organization.

“JSU’s membership in the National Academy of Inventors has been pivotal in fostering innovation and research translation among JSU faculty, empowering them to transform ideas into solutions for societal impact,” Campbell said.

As one of the NAI’s Charter Member Institutions, JSU has played an integral role in the organization since its inception. Mississippi State University and The University of Southern Mississippi are also among the over 260 institutions part of NAI worldwide.

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