Jackson State University officials are preparing to name three finalists for the university’s next president. The finalists will be announced during a meeting scheduled for March 19-20, with campus interviews set for mid-April, according to sources familiar with the process.
Members of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning’s Board of Trustees, the university’s search advisory group, and consultants met in a closed session Thursday to discuss semifinalists. The March 3 application deadline yielded an undisclosed number of applicants, as officials declined to specify how many candidates applied for the role.
Although an advisory group was formed to promote transparency, members said confidentiality agreements prevent them from discussing potential candidates publicly. Patrease Edwards, president of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, confirmed that members signed nondisclosure agreements and are bound by policy. Gee Ogletree, president of the IHL board, also declined to comment on the meeting or the candidates.
Some higher education officials echoed that policies prohibit sharing details about applicants. Sen. Sollie Norwood, a Jackson Democrat and JSU alumnus, expressed confidence in the process. He said he believes the search has been transparent and is prepared to support the candidate selected. Norwood noted that leadership instability at Jackson State has hindered progress on projects like new facilities and initiatives, making a stable appointment critical.
Rep. Zakiya Summers, another Jackson Democrat and JSU alumna, emphasized the importance of a president with a clear vision. She called for efforts to prioritize student issues, including housing and athletic facilities, and stressed the need for collaboration with lawmakers and alumni who uphold the university’s legacy.
The presidency has been vacant since May, when Marcus Thompson resigned less than two years into his term. Denise Jones Gregory, the university’s interim president and former provost, is eligible to apply for the permanent role following a December vote by IHL trustees to waive policy restrictions. It is unclear whether Jones Gregory has expressed interest in the position, as she did not respond to a request for comment from Mississippi Today.
The December decision was part of broader efforts to address criticism over the transparency of the search process, which faced scrutiny last summer from alumni and stakeholders concerned about fairness and openness.
