Editor-in-Chief reacts to appointment of Dr. Elayne Anthony as the Acting President of JSU

Cameron Adams
Editor-In-Chief 

During my time as an editor for The Blue and White Flash, I learned that a team is only as strong as its leader. 

With this lesson in mind, I believe it’s safe to say that Jackson State is in desperate need of a good leader.

According to The Clarion-Ledger, JSU has had seven different presidents since 2010. To put this into perspective, the article states that, “The national average for a college president’s tenure is six and half years, according to a recent study in the American Council on Education.”

This isn’t the history I want Jackson State to be known for.

Jackson State University is home to the brightest and most talented minds in the world. Despite our academic and athletic achievements being prominent on campus, this is not reflected in the media. 

The news of Dr. Hudson’s resignation was nothing short of disappointing because I knew that this would lead to another month of negative coverage of Jackson State. 

Our constant change in leadership due to controversy has not only formed a dark cloud over the Administration Tower but caused the students of JSU to be caught in the eye of the storm.

I believe that the appointment of Dr. Elayne Anthony could act as the ray of sunshine Jackson State students need. 

Dr. Anthony serves as the Chair of the Journalism and Media Studies Department before adding Acting President of Jackson State University to her resume.

During one of her first press conferences, it was good to know that Dr. Anthony has a history with the university. 

“I’m an alum of this institution. I love it. I’ve walked these halls and received two degrees from Jackson State and then went on to take the Ph.D. in organizational and broadcast law from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale; but I’m indeed grateful to have the opportunity that’s been entrusted to me through IHL to really transition the process at Jackson State,” she told the crowd. 

During the first few days of Dr. Anthony’s tenure, she also met with students to give a formal introduction and hear out the pressing concerns of students. 

The meeting contained multiple student leaders seeking some answers regarding the president’s immediate resignation and safety concerns. After hearing her responses to the controversies and plans for the school, I believe that Jackson State will get the positive recognition it deserves. 

During this meeting, she stated that her first focus would be the students at JSU.

“I’m committed to upholding the Jackson State University mission to serve our student body. The first people on my list for service will be students. That’s why I’m here and I will be carrying those traditions forward,” she said.

Dr. Anthony’s emphasis on the importance of the safety and well-being of students caused me to gain an immediate connection with her. 

Since students haven’t been able to choose past presidents, I began to normalize that I had no say in the future of my college experience.

With Dr. Anthony incorporating the concerns of students into the future of Jackson, it feels like the students will have the chance to establish a strong voice on campus. 

One of the most reassuring comments she made however addressed the concerns over the high turnover rate in the president’s office.

“I’m homegrown. I’m not going anywhere. This is not something for me as a resume builder. I love this university, and I think it shows,” she stated.

Despite the promises that were made, these are plans that have yet to be put into action. It will take time for noticeable changes to be present on campus, but I believe that Dr. Anthony will make the right moves to ensure a successful future for Jackson State students.