JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Jackson State University (JSU) took steps to ensure housing availability for students ahead of the 2025-26 academic year.

During a special session on Thursday, the Board of Trustees for the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) approved an agreement allowing JSU to lease space from a nearby hotel. As part of the deal, the university will lease 106 rooms at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites for $2.1 million, providing housing for 200 students at the location.

Board members also received an update on JSU’s ongoing efforts to expand on-campus residential facilities.

“Once completed, the facility will provide JSU with a 335 new suite styled beds, and they expect the completion date of this project is the fall of 2027,” said Brad Rowland, Associate Commissioner for Real Estate and Facilities.

This is not the first time JSU has contracted outside help to house students. Last year, a similar agreement was approved by the IHL.