Shot JSU researcher raising funds for campus security - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS
JACKSON, MS (WLBT) – More than a month ago, Jackson State University researcher Dr.Andrea Scott was shot during a robbery while leaving work.
One arrest has been made, and she has undergone surgery to remove a bullet lodged in her neck.
It was on a rainy cold night that Scott walked into the dark headed to her car and was attacked.
Now she is trying help raise money to make the campus safer for faculty and students.
"I am not strong enough to visualize myself leaving work in the dark," said Scott.
That's why the she is trying to raise money to improve security measures at the university where she has worked for eight years.
The quantum chemist has not returned to the parking lot of the science building where she was shot and robbed.
"I think something needs to be done about the security before I'll be able to come back and be able to just walk safely and securely through the campus even in the dark," said the JSU researcher.
She looks forward to returning but is now drumming up support for donations to the JSU Development Foundation's Campus Security Fund.
The money will be used to add officers for more night patrols, another security booth, improved lighting and expanded fencing around the campus.
"Only a few weeks ago before this happened this incident happened I saw some people hanging around there just over the fence. they were I guess drinking and they could see everything that was going on," said the 36 year old.
"Safety is priority one for the university," said Dr. Curtis Johnson, Director of the Office of Accountability and Coordination.
He said a $1.5 million dollar security upgrade plan has been underway for a year.
Johnson said within 72 hours of Scott's attack more lighting was installed around the building and patrols were increased.
According to the university official, a fence is also being extended along Prentiss and Lynch Streets.
"This is an isolated incident, and it's caused a lot of sadness among the Jackson State family. We want to make this incident as positive as possible and we appreciate all of the hard work she's doing to assist us in this endeavor," said Johnson.
The director said student and faculty are encouraged to immediately report anything suspicious and can do so on the JSU home page under the Red Flag Alert System.
Meanwhile Scott faces a second surgery in about two weeks to remove bullet fragments in her inner ear in hopes of restoring her hearing.
To donate to safety improvement efforts on the campus you can make your check payable to the JSU Development Foundation P.O. Box 17144 Jackson, Ms. 39217 and write Campus Safety Fund on the memo.
For more information call 601-979-6942.
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