Deirdra Harris Glover
Managing Editor
Jackson State University President Carolyn Meyers offered her letter of resignation Oct. 25, after a week’s worth of concerns and speculation regarding the university’s finances and her future at JSU.
In her letter addressed to Mississippi Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) leadership, Meyers cited her “genuine love of and pride in the university,” but offered no reason for stepping down. The IHL Board of Trustees accepted Meyers’ resignation, effective Nov. 1.
“We appreciate Dr. Meyers’ service to Jackson State University and wish her well in future endeavors,” said IHL Commissioner Glenn Boyce via press release.
The Jackson State University National Alumni Association President Yolanda R. Owens echoed the sentiment.
“Under (Meyers’) leadership, the University has experienced tremendous growth and further established itself as a diverse, technologically-advanced four-year university steeped in history and committed to preparing its students to become global leaders,” said Owens in a press release.
Markus Brooks, a freshman criminal justice major from Bloomington, Ill. was shocked by the announcement.
“Her contract ended in 2019 and she was a really good person so you only begin to wonder what is the real reason why she left so early,” said Brooks.
A nostalgic Oct. 18 memo previously led many to speculate Meyers was leaving the university. It read in part,
“As we approach homecoming, I have been thinking about us. Over five years ago, when I came to Jackson State University, I accepted the honor and privilege to serve as the 10th president. I have witnessed the strength and commitment of our faculty, staff, student body, alumni and friends to this fine institution. I have witnessed our university become One JSU…”
The next day, Meyers denied the letter was a farewell and refuted dramatic rumors of being physically removed from her position. “Contrary to one of the deans, I was not escorted off the campus (on October 18th). Amazing to me how creative some are,” Meyers said in an email distributed to staff and faculty.
A report presented at the Oct. 20 IHL board meeting showed JSU’s cash reserves— emergency and discretionary funds — dropped from $37 million to $4 million since 2012.
“Since May 2014, the board of trustees, the commissioner of higher education and IHL staff have communicated concerns over the university’s financial position to Jackson State University personnel, including the chief financial officer and president,” Boyce told the Clarion Ledger.
“The annual financial statement for (fiscal) 2016 received by IHL staff in August 2016 indicated that the situation has escalated from a concern to a level serious enough to require immediate intervention,” said Boyce.
“This is not uncommon,” said JSU spokesperson Olivia Goodheart in an interview with Mississippi Today. “This has happened at other state universities in the past, and they recovered so this is not an unusual circumstance.”
IHL hired accounting firm Matthews, Cutrer and Lindsay, to analyze the university’s finance records for the four-year period from 2012-2014. JSU administration is also employing measures to add $10 million into the university cash reserves by June 2017.
Kahlil Walker, a freshman elementary education major from Jackson, Miss. approves. “It’s good for the university because it’ll bring change. It’ll show the root of the problem with the money situation, because it’ll show whether or not it was really (Meyers),” said Walker.
With more questions than answers, some students are worried.
“I’m concerned with the work she has previously done and how this debt affects students,” said Erykah K. Robinson, a sophomore social work major from Chicago.
“It’s already hard paying $33,000 each year, and for the quality we get it may not be worth it. This is why I’m transferring (after) this semester,” said Robinson.
While some see this turn of events as a reason to take their talents and treasure elsewhere, IHL leadership is not so quick to dismiss the institution.
“Students remain our top priority,” said Boyce. “We are confident that Jackson State will move forward and continue to be an excellent institution and source of pride for students, faculty and alumni.”
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