Jackson’s biggest mistake, in my opinion (Gulfport, Meridian: crime, student loan)

[Mouldy Old Schmo]

Think of how different Jackson would be had it been the location of the state’s flagship university. Why was it not selected to be the site of the University of Mississippi or Mississippi A&M (now Mississippi State)?

[Sharif662]

Originally Posted by Mouldy Old Schmo

Think of how different Jackson would be had it been the location of the state’s flagship university. Why was it not selected to be the site of the University of Mississippi or Mississippi A&M (now Mississippi State)?

It wouldn't be that different in my opinion. Same type of events still would occur and people on here will still speak of it's stagnant or crime ridden landscape.

[Ivory Lee Spurlock]

I don't live there, but, respectfully, please don't hold it against me if I overstep my bounds, and if I do please forgive me.

This just my opinion. I think Jackson would probably be alot different than it is now, if it was the home of Mississippi's flagship university.

There would be alot more well educated people living in Jackson and the metro area. Well educated people generally have a higher income and more money to spend, so the economy would be alot stronger, bringing more stores and restaraunts and jobs. Public schools, roads and parks would also be alot better.

A large population of students brings a younger vibe and energy to the city, meaning more events and activities and fun things to do.

If Jackson was home to the state's flagship university, at this point in history, I would guess the city and metro of Jackson would be in a full state of population boom like never before in it's history, given the current trend of American cities that are home to Flagship State run universitys are among the fastest growing cities in their state, many of them more than doubling in population in the past 40 years.

Being that we are now living in what is called the "Information Age", the college towns seems to be the future of American cities since the employers will be recruiting people with brains rather than brawn. A city that is home to a Flagship university has a very bright future; and if that city is also home to the state capital, the future looks even brighter.

[Mississippi Alabama Line]

I'd have rather seen Ole Miss stay where it is, and Mississippi State located in Meridian. Then you could put a satellite campus in Starkville to take advantage of the soil. Then USM likely does not exist, or if it does, it stays a smaller teacher school.

Jackson is the capital city, so it's going to reflect what's going on in the whole state. There will always be something going on there, but its livelihood is reflected in the state economy. Plus, Milsaps, Belhaven, Jackson State and UMMC are already there.

I think the trends around college towns is just the current bubble, and based more around sports. When the student loan bubble pops, you'll see those areas drop back down to Earth.

[Mouldy Old Schmo]

It must have been some plantation owners from north Mississippi who got Ole Miss located where it is now. Another choice was Mississippi City, now part of Gulfport. Despite its grand name, Mississippi City was never more than a small town.

[Mouldy Old Schmo]

Originally Posted by Mississippi Alabama Line

I'd have rather seen Ole Miss stay where it is, and Mississippi State located in Meridian. Then you could put a satellite campus in Starkville to take advantage of the soil. Then USM likely does not exist, or if it does, it stays a smaller teacher school.

Jackson is the capital city, so it's going to reflect what's going on in the whole state. There will always be something going on there, but its livelihood is reflected in the state economy. Plus, Milsaps, Belhaven, Jackson State and UMMC are already there.

I think the trends around college towns is just the current bubble, and based more around sports. When the student loan bubble pops, you'll see those areas drop back down to Earth.

Is USM the “third wheel” of Mississippi universities?

[Mississippi Alabama Line]

Originally Posted by Mouldy Old Schmo

Is USM the “third wheel” of Mississippi universities?

Not necessarily IMO, they have a necessary function, but it should be more in line with Delta State.

[viverlibre]

MSU and UM should have been combined and moved to Jackson (there was a move to do that in the early 1900s - I think). The University would be 50K students and a power in athletics. Jackson would be a different city for sure.

Just in the past 10 years, dominating college football has had a huge positive impact on the University of Alabama.

[JacksonPanther]

Originally Posted by viverlibre

Just in the past 10 years, dominating college football has had a huge positive impact on the University of Alabama.

Yet no one ever says they should close Auburn.

[Mouldy Old Schmo]

Originally Posted by Mississippi Alabama Line

Not necessarily IMO, they have a necessary function, but it should be more in line with Delta State.

What is Delta State's function?