Jackson State University’s New President Officially Begins Tenure

Dr. Marcus L. Thompson has officially begun his duties as the 13th president of Jackson State University.

Jackson State University, known for its football program and being the largest HBCU in Mississippi, has a new president on its campus. Dr. Marcus L. Thompson has started his duties leading the institution.

A JSU alumnus, Thompsonm was most recently the deputy commissioner and chief administrative officer for the Mississippi State Institutions for Higher Learning. As reported by the Associated Press, the educational leader follows Thomas K. Hudson, who resigned March 31, leading to the IHL’s Board of Trustees to embark on a search.

Thompson began his new role as the university’s 13th president in November, with the Mississippi university welcoming him via a post to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

The JSU family welcomes Dr. Marcus L. Thompson as the 13th president of Jackson State University. pic.twitter.com/52qWSfk13l
— Jackson State U. (@JacksonStateU) November 27, 2023

The school’s board of trustees voted Thompson in during a Nov. 16 meeting.

“The Board selected a leader who knows the unique historic importance of the university who will articulate a bold vision for the future and will be indefatigable in the pursuit of excellence for Jackson State University,” said Dr. Steven Cunningham, trustee and chair of the search committee, in a press release.

Thompson has dedicated the past 15 years of his work to uplifting those of all backgrounds in Mississippi’s public collegiate system, including the ADA/Accessibility Services Task Force and initiatives to increase accessibility for underserved and diverse scholars. The former educator received his doctorate in philosophy from the university he now leads.”

“I’m very honored to be named President of Jackson State University because I believe in its mission, purpose and most of all, the outstanding faculty, staff, alumni and students who embody our school’s motto of challenging minds, changing lives,” Thompson said in a statement.

“I look forward to working closely with all of them to develop a consensus about strategic goals and objectives we can achieve by working together.”