Research at JSU
Vice President
Almesha L. Campbell, Ph.D. is the Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Jackson State University (JSU). In this role, she oversees critical areas including Sponsored Programs, Grants and Contracts, Research Compliance, Technology Transfer and Commercialization, Federal Relations, and JSU Global (International Programs).
With over 12 years of experience as the Director for Technology Transfer and Commercialization, Dr. Campbell has been instrumental in managing JSU’s intellectual property process, from the triage of invention disclosures to commercialization. Her efforts have positioned JSU as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in broadening the participation of underrepresented minorities in these fields.
Since 2016, Dr. Campbell has successfully secured approximately $12 million in federal grants and contracts, serving as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI for a range of impactful projects. These include the NSF Mid-South I-Corps Hub, the NIH REACH Hub, the NSF Enabling SBE Science via the Network for Transformative Research, the NSF Engines Development Award: Advancing Food Security and Climate Resilience, and the NSF Accelerating Research Translation program led by the University of Southern Mississippi.
Dr. Campbell co-led the development of the JSU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which houses cutting-edge resources such as the XR Academy, makerspace, eSports Lab, and a learning collaboratory. She also created the JSU Innovation Fellows Program and spearheaded initiatives to integrate virtual reality into STEM curricula. Her work emphasizes the inclusion of innovation and entrepreneurship in faculty tenure and promotion processes. Almesha is the creator, producer, and host of Innovate Exchange, a program showcasing women and underrepresented minorities in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Campbell’s leadership extends to fostering high-impact partnerships. She serves as the liaison for the Princeton Alliance for Collaborative Research and Innovation (PACRI) program and the Google-supported TechWise program, facilitating groundbreaking opportunities for JSU faculty and students.
Nationally recognized for her contributions to research translation and innovation, Dr. Campbell is the first Black person and the first representative from an HBCU to serve as Chair of the AUTM Board of Directors (2023–2024). She is also a member of several prestigious organizations, including the Licensing Executives Society, Society of Research Administrators International, and the American Society of Public Administration, and is an honorary member of the National Academy of Inventors.
Dr. Campbell holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida, and both a master’s degree in mass communications and a doctoral degree in public policy and administration from Jackson State University. Her dedication to advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and diversity in research makes her a transformative leader in higher education and beyond.
Almesha L. Campbell, Ph.D., RTTP, HonNAI
Vice President for Research and Economic Development
Past Chair, AUTM (2023 – 2024)
Tel: 601-979-6347
Email: almesha.l.campbell@jsums.edu
Research Administration
To really succeed in any area of research, you need supporters who believe in you. JSU’s Office of Research and Economic Development is here to help you with securing funding, finding opportunities, and bringing your work to the public.
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIEED) leverages the best of JSU’s STEM, business, and entrepreneurial capabilities to help solve some of society’s most pressing problems. By pairing our researchers with entrepreneurs, designers, and businesses, we help you bring your inventions to life.
