Photo by Cameron Adams
By The Blue & White Flash Staff
The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning held a special meeting on March 2 to discuss what they called in a press release, “a Jackson State University personnel matter.”
Many students, staff and faculty were shocked to learn that the meeting was held to determine the future of JSU President Thomas Hudson.
Later that evening, the IHL board released the following statement:
The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning has placed Thomas Hudson, President of Jackson State University, on administrative leave with pay, effective immediately, and named Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony as temporary acting president of JSU at its meeting held today in Jackson, effective immediately. Dr. Hayes-Anthony currently serves as Chair and Professor, Department of Journalism and Media Studies, at Jackson State University.
“We are grateful that Dr. Hayes-Anthony has agreed to serve as Acting President,” said Tom Duff, President of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. “As alumnus and long-time administrator and faculty member at the university, she understands the campus, its students, its challenges and opportunities.”
Dr. Hayes-Anthony has served as chair of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Jackson State University since 2015. She served as professor of Communications and chair of the Department of Communications at Belhaven University from 1998 until 2015….
Hayes-Anthony, who addressed the media at a press conference on March 6 in the Student Center Ballrooms at JSU, first thanked IHL for entrusting her with the opportunity to lead Jackson State.
“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,” said Hayes-Anthony.
Hayes-Anthony also stated 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.
She added, “Together with the faculty and staff, we are willing and continue to execute the JSU Elevate Strategic Plan, which is focused on student success, academic excellence, increase research excellence and enhancing the JSU brand.
Hayes-Anthony stated that the goal of her administration would be to move the university forward with integrity, transparency and accountability.
“We recognize that trust is earned and I intend to earn your trust,” she said.
She assured those concerned about the high turnover rate in the president’s office that she would be there as long as she was needed.
“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,” Hayes-Anthony stated.
When asked about IHL’s role in selecting presidents who may not be qualified for the position, Hayes-Anthony said, “We can really bridge and go over whatever we think are troubled waters,” she said. “I think it can be done. I think the community is ready for that to be done. And I think the people that serve Jackson State, like I do, will be ready for that to be done.”
Students on campus were still reeling from Hudson’s abrupt removal. Hudson initially became Acting President before being named the 13th President of JSU on Nov. 19, 2020. The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning made the decision after then President William Bynum resigned his position after being arrested in a prostitution sting in Clinton, Miss.
Bynum resigned after the charges became public and the IHL Board named Hudson the acting president and eventually the 13th President of the university.
Hudson grew up in Jackson, Miss. where he attended and graduated from JSU in 1999. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law.
According to the JSU website, as a member of the Jackson State staff since 2012, Hudson has also served as Chief Operating Officer/Chief Diversity Officer, Chief Diversity and EEO Officer/Title IX Coordinator.
Before the move by IHL to put Hudson on administrative leave with pay, the JSU Faculty Senate issued a vote of no confidence.
The resolution, which was sent to all employees on Jan. 26 from JSU Faculty Senate President Dawn Bishop McLin, Ph.D., read in part:
WHEREAS, the Jackson State University Faculty Senate has inquired and raised concerns regarding the lack of leadership, lack of vision, shared governance, and transparency for the Division of Research and Economic Development. The Faculty Senate requested the specific research transformation process that avails itself of the expertise of the faculty and respects professional norms, and plans for allocation of resources for seeking R1 Classification for JSU. The administration has yet to provide this information. It sounds good to announce at major university events, assemblies, and press releases but essential foundational changes must be implemented with input from the faculty, and;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Jackson State University Faculty Senate Executive Committee and the Faculty Senate and are no longer confident in the leadership, and future performance of these individuals pertaining to their duties for the betterment of the university; President, Thomas K.Hudson, Vice President of Research and Economic Development, Dr. Joseph Whitaker, Vice-President of Facilities and Operations, Mr. Michael Bolden, Executive Director of Human Resources, Mrs. Robin Pack and Associate Provost, Dr. Brandi Newkirk-Turner, Many students are confused about why the change was needed and concerned about the lack of information from IHL regarding President Hudson’s temporary removal.
Students had this to say about the presidential change at JSU.
“I’m still unaware of what really happened exactly. I am somewhat disappointed with the fact that this is the second time one of JSU Presidents has had some sort of scandal or public issues in the recent years,” said Nyla Wong, a junior journalism and media studies major from Clarksdale, Miss.
Wong added, “I am happy for Dr. Anthony given that she is a black woman acquiring the current temporary position. On the one occasion that I have met her, I do think that she is well qualified. Especially since she knows how to present herself in the public eye. I take in consideration that she is an alumnus and she has seen JSU grow and hopefully this is a stepping stone for a better look for JSU’s to new students and the general public.”
Some students were confused by the selection process.
“I don’t know much about Dr. Anthony, but I thought the provost would’ve been moved to the position of President instead of someone else,” said Erykuh Cain, a sophomore psychology major from Terry, Miss.
Other students want more information from IHL on why this decision was made.
“The situation is weird,” said Shalis Tresvant, a freshman journalism and media studies major from Miami, Fla. “They should elaborate without giving too much information. It sounds suspicious and everyone has different stories going around.”
The Board of Trustees will discuss the future leadership of Jackson State at its regular Board meeting later this month.
