Kendrick Perkins Joins Jackson State; Tennessee State Suspends Hockey Program
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Posted By: Will Moss on July 01, 2026 Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins is heading to Jackson State University, while Tennessee State University has announced the suspension of its hockey program, marking significant developments across the HBCU athletics landscape. The dual announcements highlight both the growing profile of HBCU sports programs attracting high-profile figures and the financial challenges some institutions face in maintaining non-traditional sports offerings. Key Takeaway: Perkins’ move to Jackson State continues the trend of prominent sports figures joining HBCU programs, while Tennessee State’s hockey suspension reflects ongoing resource allocation decisions in HBCU athletics. Perkins Joins Jackson StateKendrick Perkins, the former NBA player and current ESPN analyst, is set to join Jackson State University in an as-yet unspecified role. The announcement adds another recognizable name to the Mississippi institution’s growing roster of high-profile athletics personnel. Perkins, who played 14 seasons in the NBA and won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, has become a prominent voice in basketball media since his retirement. His move to Jackson State aligns with the university’s recent efforts to elevate its athletic programs and national profile. Why It Matters: High-profile hires like Perkins bring increased visibility, recruiting advantages, and mentorship opportunities to HBCU athletics programs, potentially opening doors for student-athletes and enhancing institutional recognition. Tennessee State Suspends HockeyIn a separate development, Tennessee State University has announced the suspension of its hockey program. The decision affects the Nashville-based institution’s athletic offerings and represents a significant shift for one of the few HBCUs with a hockey team. The suspension comes as universities nationwide reassess their athletic portfolios in light of budget constraints and changing priorities. Tennessee State, a member of the Ohio Valley Conference for most sports, had maintained the hockey program as part of its diverse athletics department. What to Watch: The contrasting stories from Jackson State and Tennessee State illustrate the varied trajectories of HBCU athletics programs as they navigate growth opportunities and resource challenges in today’s competitive landscape. These parallel announcements underscore the dynamic nature of HBCU athletics, where institutions are simultaneously pursuing high-profile additions to boost competitiveness while making difficult decisions about program sustainability. As Jackson State continues building momentum with recognizable hires, Tennessee State faces the challenge of optimizing its athletic offerings within available resources. Both developments will likely resonate throughout the HBCU community as schools evaluate their own strategic directions in an increasingly competitive college sports environment. Originally reported by Google News HBCU. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Will Moss
Founder & CEO, HBCU CONNECT, LLC Hampton University class of 1995 Member Since June 1999 |
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