Board approves temporary JSU student housing lease at downtown King Edward/Hilton Garden Inn

The Board of Trustees of Mississippi Public Universities approved a request from Jackson State University to lease downtown hotel rooms to temporarily house students while on-campus housing undergoes repairs.

Doctor Pierce presented Item 1, saying the agreement would “house 56 students for 47 nights” from Sept. 1, 2024, through Oct. 18, 2024. The lease is with Desai Hotel Group LLC doing business as King Edward Hotel / Hilton Garden Inn downtown Jackson. Pierce said the total cost is $199,620, based on a nightly rate of $99 per room, and that a portion of the cost would be offset by housing fees charged to students. He also said the agreement may be terminated by Jackson State University for convenience and that legal staff had reviewed the item and found it acceptable; board staff recommended approval.

A motion to approve the item was offered and seconded by Doctor Cunningham. On a roll-call vote the board chair announced the motion passed; Trustee Raider voted no and the remaining trustees voted in favor. The board’s recorded tally was nine votes in favor and one opposed. (The transcript records Trustee Griffith’s response to one roll-call prompt as “Here,” which was included in the board’s announced affirmative tally.)

The lease was presented as a short-term measure to house students during repairs; the transcript records no additional conditions placed on the agreement during the meeting. The presentation identified Jackson State University, Desai Hotel Group LLC (dba King Edward Hotel / Hilton Garden Inn downtown Jackson) and the specific dates and dollar amounts above. The item was listed as Item 1 and was approved as presented.

After approving the finance item, the board concluded the finance agenda, heard no other business, voted to adjourn and then closed the meeting.