#WomensHistoryMonth: Gloria Tatum is a nationally respected environmental protection professional, strategist and scientist whose legacy spans more than five decades. Her career has helped shape Mississippi’s approach to environmental justice and community engagement. And, it all began at Jackson State University (JSU) where she was one of the original J-Settes. A proud 1975 graduate, Tatum earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and helped launch the Alumni J-Sette Organization in 1978. That foundation in leadership, service and excellence would shape the rest of her journey. She began her career as a lab technician at the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), where she advanced over 32 years to become the agency’s first Black and first female Division Chief. She led the Field Services Division, the largest in the agency, overseeing three regional offices, an emergency response office and a laboratory with 125 technical professionals. As the state’s first Environme...