JACKSON Miss.—Facing more demand than it has dormitory beds, Jackson State University will spend more than $800,000 to rent a motel to house students for the coming school year.
The College Board voted unanimously Monday to approve the plan to rent a downtown Jackson Travelodge from Bapu Hotels LLC. The money comes from student housing fees.
Higher Education Commissioner Hank Bounds says Jackson State has 250 students awaiting housing. The crunch is exacerbated by renovations at campus dorm Alexander Hall, removing those beds from use.
The university negotiated with multiple hotels before settling on the Travelodge, more than 2 miles east of campus between the Mississippi State Fairgrounds and Interstate 55. The school will provide a shuttle service, security and residence staff at what it plans to call Tiger Plaza.
