Columbus celebrates native, JSU President with fundraiserMore than 300 people attend the First Mother's Tea in Columbus. COLUMBUS, Miss. That’s how Mississippians celebrated the Columbus native and recently appointed Jackson State University President, Dr. Denise Jones Gregory. The event raised funds for her upcoming presidential inauguration while also honoring the legacy of her mother, Linda Irby Jones. Event organizers said they raised more than $56,000 for the inauguration of Jones Gregory.