Jackson State Approves $379,000 Westin Hotel Lease for Doctoral Housing
The IHL Board of Trustees approved an 11-month lease agreement for Jackson State University to house students in hotel rooms at the Westin Jackson.
The item came before the Board of Trustees' Finance regular agenda on Aug. 21, 2026. Dr. Pierce, presenting for IHL finance staff, told the board, "The agreement has a term of 11 months and shall not exceed $379,000." According to board staff, the arrangement is tied to Jackson State's 2026-2027 executive Ph.D. program and can be terminated for convenience. Staff also said the university reviewed several Jackson-area hotels before selecting the Westin.
The board's discussion did not further detail which students would be housed under the agreement or how the lease would be funded, whether through tuition or state appropriation, nor was a vote tally specified in the material presented.