Tyrel R. Jernigan

Tyrel R. Jernigan (he, him, his) serves as the Director in the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion. He joined the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion’s team as the Coordinator of Diversity Initiatives in February 2018. In his role, he is primarily responsible for developing and implementing programs focused on the recruitment and retention of minorities and women, serving as a liaison and collaborator with university committees/commissions engaged in diversity and inclusion efforts, and providing diversity and inclusion outreach programs and initiatives by working with community groups whose focus is on underrepresented populations. He manages the Division of Access, Diversity and Inclusion's Diversity Education portfolio and coordinates the Dr. Harold Grier Doctoral Scholar's Program.

In addition to his role in the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, Tyrel has served as a student organization advisor for the Empowering Minorities In Accounting Association and Co-Advisor for the Men of Excellence Program. He has also co-instructed the First Year Experience Course " The Social Justice Experience", Instructed Freshman Success Courses, and served as a Mentor in the Day One Leadership Program and B.R.I.D.G.E.S Program.

Tyrel earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University in 2016 and completed his Master of Public Administration - Administrative Management Program at Jacksonville State University. Prior to joining the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion’s staff, Tyrel served as the Assistant Residence Life Coordinator for the Apartment Area in the Office of Residence Life at Jacksonville State University.