Q&A: Jackson State President Denise Jones Gregory shares the path ahead for the university
By Candice Wilder | Originally published by Mississippi Today
Denise Jones Gregory took the helm as president of Jackson State University in a permanent capacity on May 1 after serving as the interim president. She enters a role that has been marked by years of turmoil, with several of her predecessors leaving unexpectedly or amid controversy.
Gregory, a JSU alumna, said she hopes to bring stability to the university.
As she settles into her role, Mississippi Today asked her to outline the challenges she sees ahead for the state’s largest historically Black university. Gregory said that while she, like all university presidents, is concerned about funding and budgets, she is particularly focused on relationships because effective leadership is about “trust, communication and shared purpose.”
The following email responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
On budget and funding:
Recent accomplishments include renovations at Transitional Hall and One University Place, campus-wide infrastructure improvements like sewer, line replacement and continued investment in student housing, including the renovation of McAllister-Whiteside Hall.
JSU secured more than $65 million in research grants during fiscal year 2025. Faculty also earned national recognition and multi-million-dollar awards that continue elevating the university’s profile and impact.
As we continue strengthening the university financially, I believe we must also continue advocating for opportunities to reward the dedication, talent and commitment of the people who serve our students every day. Expanding scholarships, strengthening donor participation and securing long-term financial support remain essential priorities.
On relationships with students:
I believe leadership should be visible, approachable and genuinely engaged in student life. Retention, mentoring, networking and career readiness remain central to our student success efforts. I am proud that freshman enrollment has increased for two consecutive years.
Beyond academics, we continue investing in campus life through improvements to student housing, dining and gathering spaces that strengthen the student experience and sense of belonging.
On relationships with faculty and staff:
Our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of Jackson State University. Supporting and investing in them is critical to sustaining institutional excellence.
Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to this institution and to the students we serve, and I believe it is important that they feel valued, supported, connected and celebrated. Equally important is creating opportunities for employees to engage beyond their daily responsibilities and build a stronger sense of community across campus.
Whether through employee appreciation initiatives, professional development opportunities or simply creating spaces for colleagues to connect authentically, we are continuing to foster a culture where people feel seen, appreciated and empowered to thrive alongside the institution.
On relationships with alumni:
I believe meaningful leadership requires visibility, presence and connection. This summer, I look forward to supporting alumni chapter initiatives both virtually and in person as I travel to cities, including Detroit, Atlanta and D.C.
I enjoy celebrating the accomplishments of our students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters because every success story connected to JSU strengthens our collective legacy. Expanding alumni engagement and fundraising efforts is ultimately about sustaining opportunities for future generations of students.
On athletics and campus culture:
Jackson State University earned the 2025–2026 SWAC Dr. James Frank Commissioner’s Cup, recognizing JSU as the conference’s top overall athletics program.
It was especially meaningful to witness our men’s outdoor track & field team capture a SWAC Championship for the first time since my undergraduate years.
Our football program also earned the highest academic progress rate in the SWAC, while multiple student-athletes advanced to NCAA championship competition.
JSU achieved an 88% graduation success rate, the highest in the SWAC, while the athletics department earned a cumulative 3.3 GPA this past semester, with 12 teams finishing Spring 2026 with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Those accomplishments reflect our commitment to developing not only champions in competition, but scholars and leaders prepared for success beyond college.
On state board and community officials:
Relationships with state leaders, community partners and external stakeholders are critically important because their support directly impacts how quickly we can advance infrastructure, housing and student-centered initiatives. My commitment is to advocate for Jackson State with clarity, transparency,and visible results.
Our recent Legislative Renovations and Repair Tour and dining hall groundbreaking served as an opportunity to showcase both our institutional needs and the measurable progress taking place across campus. I believe stakeholders should not only hear about the vision for Jackson State University, but also be able to see it in action.
This article was originally published by Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Source: Original Article
