JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) Board of Trustees announced the beginning of the search process for a new Jackson State University (JSU) president.

“The work of selecting a university president is not easy. The search committee must walk a very fine line, respecting the need for transparency and input from stakeholders, while also respecting the need for confidentiality related to those individuals who are being recruited and interviewed,” IHL Board President Gee Ogletree said. “The students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters of Jackson State University deserve our very best efforts in this process, and those efforts will ultimately result in a dynamic leader who will help Jackson State realize its greatest potential.” 

Trustee Dr. Steven Cunningham, a graduate of JSU who also serves as vice president of the IHL Board of Trustees, will serve as chair of the search committee. All other trustees will serve on the committee.

Former JSU President Dr. Marcus Thompson submitted his resignation in May 2025. The Board of Trustees named Dr. Denise Jones Gregory, provost and vice president of academic affairs, as interim president.

The IHL named Thompson the 13th president of JSU in November 2023. Before he was president, Thompson served as deputy commissioner and chief administrative officer of the IHL.

Updates on the status of the search process will be available on the IHL website. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters of Jackson State University are also invited to submit comments through the webpage.