Jackson Free Press

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Jackson State University will enroll students at its new 8,600-square-foot campus in Madison as early as this summer.

The move to expand the historically black university into the predominantly white city of Madison is intended in part to help reach the school's goal of more diversity among its students.

The Clarion Ledger reports (http://on.thec-l.com/TeC9ga ) the state College Board recently approved JSU's 10-year lease agreement for the space.

Eric Stringfellow, JSU communications director, says opening the Madison campus is consistent with JSU's enrollment management plan.

Stringfellow said the new campus will focus on serving students who benefit from evening and weekend classes, such as those who also have full- or part-time jobs and are seeking to complete a degree.

The new location will be known as Jackson State University's Madison Campus.