Alcorn State University will name its Agriculture and Extension Center in honor of alumnus Dr. Jesse Harness Sr. on Friday, November 22, at 10:00 a.m. during a ceremony on the Lorman campus.
Harness, a 1967 Alcorn State University graduate, has dedicated over 30 years to professional service, working extensively in agricultural education and community development.
A native of Magnolia, Miss., his professional journey began in 1967 as a county agent with Mississippi State University and culminated in a career at Alcorn State University, where he held numerous roles including horticulture specialist, coordinator of Civil Rights and EEO, associate division director for Administration, and administrator for the Cooperative Extension Program.
“It gives me great pleasure to honor Dr. Jesse Harness, Sr. for his many contributions to the field of agriculture,” said Dr. Tracy M. Cook, president of Alcorn State. He has been a transformative leader who has made a significant impact within the state of Mississippi and beyond through agricultural education and community advancement.”
He has been recognized with numerous honors throughout his career.
Harness was inducted into the George Washington Carver Hall of Fame in 2005, the Alcorn State University Hall of Honors in 2011, and received the 1890 University Career Exemplar Award in 2015.
His leadership extended to national platforms, serving as chairman of the National Commission on Small Farms and holding membership on advisory committees focused on agricultural development and rural communities.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture education from Alcorn State University, a Master of Arts in vegetable crops and extension education from the University of Florida, and a Doctor of Philosophy in horticulture and extension education from Louisiana State University.
Furthermore, he holds a vocational agriculture teaching certificate, certification of completion of basic training in Civil Rights and EEO.
Beyond his professional achievements, Harness has been committed to community service, serving in leadership roles across various civic, social, and religious organizations, including president of the Jefferson County School Board and president of the Alcorn State University Jefferson County Alumni Chapter.
He was married to the late Mary Harness, and they are parents to three adult children: Jesse Jr., Jeffrey, and John. He resides in Fayette, Miss.