Updated: Jackson State dorm reopens after power outage displaces 500 students

Jackson State University students who were displaced from the Alexander Hall dormitory because of a weekend power outage can return, officials announced Monday.  

Officials evacuated and closed the building because of problems that included the fire suppression system igniting. They blamed severe weekend storms for the damage.

Alexander Hall houses more than 500 students, and about half of them, 223, requested temporary relocation.The damage was repaired overnight, said Vance Siggers, the vice president of campus operations. After two rounds of inspections, officials confirmed it was safe for students to return, he said. 

The university’s response team handled the situation well, Siggers said. “Moving forward, we are ready again in case something like this happens again.” 

But on Sunday, some students said the university’s handling of the situation created chaos and confusion. 

Leslie Williams, a freshman studying journalism and media studies, said she woke up to fire alarms blaring in Alexander Hall. Later, she said, university housing officials told residents they had 10 minutes to pack up to three days worth of clothes and belongings, she said.The email sent to students, and shared with Mississippi Today, said the emergency housing was based on availability.

Before that, Williams said, she and other residents roamed the campus with their luggage, unsure of where to go and what to do. 

“I’m spending my money here and I’m waiting for you to give me an answer,” Williams said. “I still have stuff in my room valuable to me… but you still haven’t told me where I’m gonna sleep, where I’m gonna shower and where I’m gonna eat.” 

Joshua King, a sophomore studying journalism and media studies, said he spent much of Sunday helping friends who live in Alexander Hall find housing options for the night. Like Williams, he said many of his friends were in limbo awaiting official instructions on next steps. 

“They have all of these women outside,” King said of the displaced students. “I’ve seen women outside on the benches, sitting down, laying down, sleeping. It’s dangerous. It’s not safe, it’s not humane.” 

In a memo sent to faculty and shared with Mississippi Today, university officials said to make accommodations for final exams for the students who were displaced, such as offering  projects, online exams or take-home exams as alternatives to in-person tests. 

Jonas Vanderbilt, vice president of student affairs, said any student who has additional concerns can contact administrators. 

“As of now, we’ve gotten no complications back from students, which is good news,” Vanderbilt said. 

Updated 4/27/26: This story has been updated with new information.

Correction 4/27/26: This story was updated to correct the spelling of Leslie Williams’ name.