Written By Jackson State University
JSU President Marcus Thompson, Ph.D. and JSU’s Student Government Association Vice President Morgan Graves joined the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson as he announced a promotional partnership between the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) and Jackson State University (JSU).
“We wholeheartedly support Commissioner Gipson and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s efforts to promote our state institutions. Their initiative showcases the diversity and spirit of our universities and symbolizes our commitment to collaboration and mutual support,” said President Thompson. “I also want to highlight the significance of collaboration with our community partners because it helps foster growth not only for Jackson State but also for the city of Jackson and the state of Mississippi as a whole.”
This partnership is part of an initiative to promote universities within the state through MDAC’s Bureau of Regulatory Services inspection stickers. Each year, these inspection stickers feature the school colors of a different Mississippi university for 12 months. MDAC’s Bureau is divided into area-specific divisions that regulate certain businesses within the state. Four divisions – Weights and Measures, the State Metrology Laboratory, Petroleum Products Inspection and Consumer Protection – administer these stickers throughout retail locations statewide upon passing inspection. The 2024 MDAC inspection stickers feature JSU’s colors, Navy Blue and Thee I Love Blue.
“We’re proud to have Jackson State University represented on our 2024 Bureau of Regulatory Services inspection stickers,” said Commissioner Gipson. “It may seem like a simple thing, but I believe it’s an important partnership that can have a profound impact. We value Jackon State and the great work that they do, and this initiative not only educates the public on what the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce does to ensure fairness in the marketplace for our citizens but also raises awareness of our local universities and the unique opportunities they provide.”
This collaborative effort between MDAC and institutions of higher education around the state is designed to strengthen the relationship between the agriculture community and universities, promote awareness of Mississippi’s colleges and create opportunities for both the public and students to learn more about their state agency’s regulatory functions.
MDAC inspection stickers are awarded to ensure fairness and equity in the marketplace. From produce scales at the grocery store to gas pumps at service stations and much more, MDAC inspectors work hard for the citizens of Mississippi. In 2023 alone, MDAC’s Bureau of Regulatory Services tested 17,178 various scales and 58,607 devices found at gas stations.
