JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) announced they’re seeking proposals from executive search firms to assist with the search for a new Jackson State University (JSU) president.

The formal Request for Proposal is available on the JSU President Search page on the IHL website. The deadline for submission of proposals is 5:00 p.m. on September 12, 2025.

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.