Thank you for your interest in inviting Interim President Dr. Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D., of Jackson State University to your event. As the leader of Mississippi’s only urban research institution, Interim President Gregory welcomes opportunities to contribute to events that align with the university’s mission to foster leadership, scholarship, and positive societal impact.
Please complete the form with as much detail as possible about your event, audience, and the role you envision for the president. Requests should be submitted at least three months in advance, though we will consider shorter timelines on a case-by-case basis. You can expect a response within 10 business days.
For questions, please contact us at 601.979.2323.
Dr. Gregory
Dr. Denise Jones Gregory, a proud Jackson State University alumna, serves as the university’s interim president. She brings more than two decades of leadership in higher education, including her recent service as JSU’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.
During her tenure, the university strengthened student advising, supported accreditation renewals and secured major federal grants to advance academic programs and research capacity. She previously served as associate provost for student success and diversity at Samford University and began her career teaching chemistry at Tuskegee University. She holds a doctorate in organic chemistry from Georgia Tech.
Dr. Gregory is a vocal advocate for STEM access and founded the Minority Youth Science Academy to mentor high school students of color pursuing careers in science and technology. Her community engagement includes mentoring young women, leading a Girl Scouts troop and serving on the board of Holy Family Cristo Rey School. She has been honored as a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts and twice named Advisor of the Year by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
She and her husband, JSU Sports Hall of Famer Shawn Gregory, are life members of the JSU National Alumni Association. They are the parents of two children. Her family’s JSU legacy includes her alum parents and triplet sisters.