Situated across 500 acres straddling Hinds and Madison Counties, Tougaloo College occupies a geographically strategic position near key transportation routes including Interstate 55, Interstate 220, and Highland Colony Parkway—one of Mississippi’s fastest-growing commercial corridors. However, the construction of I-220 in 1981 divided the campus, limiting direct access to economic opportunities on the adjacent Highland Colony Parkway. This physical barrier, established through eminent domain during federal highway expansion, disrupted the continuity of the historically Black institution’s land holdings—a pattern seen in many communities of color during mid-20th century infrastructure projects.
A new proposal aims to reverse this historical constraint by establishing a dedicated exit ramp from I-220 directly connecting to both the college and Highland Colony Parkway. Such infrastructure investment could unlock the campus as a mixed-use development zone integrating research facilities, student and faculty housing, healthcare services, retail spaces, and innovation centers. The initiative is projected to generate sustainable revenue streams for the college while catalyzing regional economic growth.
Tougaloo has already begun advancing its role in health and scientific research, with support from the National Institutes of Health for a biomedical research center targeting prevalent conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease among Mississippi residents. Additionally, the Robert L. Smith, M.D., Center for Excellence in Rural and Community Health is training future healthcare providers, and the college remains a key partner in the Jackson Heart Study for another decade.
With its location at the intersection of major transportation arteries and growing suburban development, Tougaloo is uniquely positioned to serve as an anchor institution for economic revitalization. Drawing parallels to universities like Duke and Johns Hopkins, which have spurred development in their surrounding areas, Tougaloo could replicate such models through public-private partnerships, tax increment financing, and interlocal agreements with Jackson, Ridgeland, and county governments.
Creating seamless access would not only correct a past disruption caused by infrastructure planning but also transform the campus into a hub for workforce development, technology collaboration—including partnerships with AI firms—and community-centered innovation. By leveraging its land assets and academic programs, the college could help shape a new economic landscape for central Mississippi.
The vision reflects more than physical connectivity—it represents a pathway toward long-term institutional sustainability and inclusive regional advancement. As policymakers and community leaders consider infrastructure priorities, reconnecting Tougaloo’s fragmented campus may offer one of the state’s most promising opportunities for equitable economic transformation.
— news from The Clarion-Ledger
— News Original —
The next economic development breakthrough can be born at Tougaloo College
Tougaloo College’s 500-acre campus is strategically located for economic development near major interstates and a growing commercial corridor. n nThe college’s land was previously divided by the construction of Interstate 220, which currently limits access to economic opportunities. n nA proposal suggests creating direct interstate access to transform the campus into a mixed-use hub for research, housing, and healthcare. n nThis development could generate new revenue for the historically Black college and stimulate economic growth for the surrounding Mississippi region. n nThe next breakthrough in Mississippi’s economic development future can be born on the campus of Tougaloo College. n nThis idea was pitched in front of students, faculty and friends of the College on Aug. 27, 2025. n nFor generations, Tougaloo College has been known as a beacon of education, social justice and leadership. As we write these words, Tougaloo is currently investing in a biomedical research center with support from the National Institutes of Health. n nThis research center will focus its efforts on Mississippians with health issues that include, but are not limited to diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and heart disease. n nTougaloo also recently established the Robert L. Smith, M.D., Center for Excellence in Rural and Community Health which will assist in preparing new cohorts of healthcare professionals committed to improving rural and community health, and Tougaloo College was recently renewed as the Jackson Heart Study Undergraduate Training and Education Center for the next 10 years. n nOne of Tougaloo’s least-known treasures is its central proximity to compelling economic growth opportunities. The 500-acre campus which sits at perhaps one of the most strategic and opportunistic geographic locations in America can advance developing that new landscape. n nThe college is primed to partner with state, regional and federal economic development organizations by aligning Tougaloo’s curricula and training programs to foster transformational economic growth. n nTougaloo College’s property lines stretch across Hinds County and Madison County reaching into the jurisdictions of both the City of Jackson and the City of Ridgeland. n nThese 500 acres are located between Interstate 55 (I-55) and Interstate 220 (I-220) and adjacent to Highland Colony Parkway (literally within a few feet), one of the fastest growing economic corridors in the state of Mississippi and the southern region of America. n nThe I-220 bypass was coordinated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Office in 1958. I-55 was completed in 1971, while I-220 was completed in 1981. n nThese historic highways loop around the west and north sides of central Mississippi and run directly through the northwest side of Tougaloo College’s property line. The main exit for the college is near the interchange with U.S. Highway 51, which is just north of where I-220 terminates at I-55. The location of I-220 prevents the Tougaloo community from gaining direct access to Highland Colony Parkway. n nThere are three things that matter in real estate: location, location, location. In the game of economic development and commercial real estate development, few institutions of higher learning are positioned so uniquely, both geographically and historically. If Tougaloo College gains access to Highland Colony Parkway, it would be a game changer. n nA highway runs through It n nWhen I-220 began construction as part of a federal highway effort dating back to 1910, the highway expansion through Hinds and Madison counties permanently altered what was once uninterrupted College property. This eminent domain process is a known concern throughout the Federal Highway Administration. n nWhat was taken from Tougaloo in the name of “progress” is not unlike what many historic properties owned by persons and entities of color endured in that era. For example, roads, interstates, and urban renewal projects were carved through disadvantaged communities, communities of color and HBCU landholdings, often with little regard for their long-term economic sustainability. For Tougaloo, the result is that its campus, though still expansive, is now split by a concrete barrier. That impairment years ago, can be turned into a real strength. n nA vision for the future n nIn every challenge there is opportunity. Tougaloo College’s economic future is tied to reimagining what can be built through local and private legislation, tax increment financing, urban renewal, tax credits, interlocal agreements between the college and the governmental bodies of Jackson, Ridgeland, Hinds County and Madison County. That vision begins with creating direct interstate access to both I-220 and Highland Colony Parkway. With the right infrastructure investment from both state and federal government, Tougaloo’s 500 acres can be transformed into a mixed-use hub for housing, workforce development, research, healthcare, retail, and education. n nThis new development would not only generate diversified revenue for the College but also serve as a catalyst for growth in the surrounding region. Imagine a Tougaloo research park that partners with major industries, healthcare institutions and technology firms including artificial intelligence (AI) companies that are flocking to the state. Picture new student housing that attracts top scholars from across the globe, alongside residential communities for faculty and staff. Now, envision medical facilities, retail centers and innovation spaces such as a Data Center Infrastructure Institute in collaboration with AI companies locating in the region which could serve both the College and the larger metro area. n nTougaloo as an anchor institution n nThe role of anchor institutions in economic development is well documented. Universities across the nation, from Duke University to Emory University to Johns Hopkins University, have transformed surrounding corridors by leveraging their land assets in partnership with local governments and the private sector. Tougaloo is poised to do the same for Mississippi. Its history of producing leaders in law, medicine, education, and Civil Rights is a foundational component for endeavors like these. Tougaloo’s existence in a growing corridor gives the College a competitive site location advantage and certain curricula could be created to augment, supplement and enhance this growth as we look to create jobs while also protecting our environment. n nA path forward n nThe government once used its power to divide Tougaloo’s land. Today, government, business and community leaders should come together to use that same power to reconnect it creating access to build a bridge (literally) towards more opportunity, and to ensure Tougaloo’s economic sustainability for the next century. Creating the Tougaloo College exit ramp at I-220 with direct access to Highland Colony Parkway and the College will open the floodgates of commerce channeling investment and traffic into transactions with a potential to generate sustained revenue streams for the region. n nThe rich history of Tougaloo has cemented it as more than a college. It is a symbol of resilience and excellence. The next breakthrough born through this effort for Tougaloo College could serve as the blueprint for how historically Black colleges turn history’s disruptions into tomorrow’s economic advantage. The next big idea and the next economic transformation can be born at Tougaloo College where we are open for business. For questions regarding the College and its economic development efforts, please contact the Office of the President at (601) 977-7730 or president@tougaloo.edu