Rod Paige
ALUMNI: JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY
SECRETARY OF EDUCATION

Born in 1933, Rod Paige earned his Bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University in his home state of Mississippi. He went on to earn a Master’s and Doctoral degree from Indiana University, and on January 21, 2001, the United States Senate confirmed Dr. Rod Paige as the 7th U.S. Secretary of Education – the first school superintendent ever to serve in this position.

Named one of “Houston’s 25 most powerful people” in guiding the city’s growth and prosperity, Dr. Paige’s career in education began as a teacher and coach. He served for a decade as a dean of the College of Education at Texas Southern University and established the university’s Center for Excellence in Urban Education, a research facility that concentrates on issues related to instruction and management in urban school systems. In 2001, he was named National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators.

Walter Payton
ALUMNI: JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY

Born in Columbia, Mississippi on July 25, 1954, Walter Payton is truly one of Jackson State University’s most renowned alumni. Known as “Sweetness” on and off the football field, a nickname he picked up at JSU, Walter Payton held the NFL’s all-time rushing record for almost two decades.

Payton finished his Jackson State career in 1974 with 464 points, an NCAA Division II scoring record that would not be broken until 1998. Not only was he a marvelous running back, he was also a notable receiver, return man, punter and placekicker. Those 464 points were composed of 66 touchdowns, five field goals and 53 extra points. Payton received honorable consideration for the Heisman Trophy.

In the 1985 season, Payton lead the Bears to an 18-1 record, including a 46-10 rout of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX. His career put him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 1993 and on the NFL’s 75th Anniversary team in 1994. Payton was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996.