Deirdra Harris Glover
Managing Editor
The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning appointed former U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige as Jackson State University’s interim president on Nov. 1.
Paige, a JSU alumnus, will fill the office vacated by Carolyn W. Meyers, whose last day was Oct. 31. Paige, who assumes the interim presidency on Nov. 7, was selected by a unanimous vote, during the IHL meeting.
“We know (Paige) will lead with a servant’s heart and guide the university well through this transitional phase,” said Doug Rouse, president of the IHL Board of Trustees.
The Monticello, Miss., native and Navy veteran, once served as JSU’s head football coach from 1964-1968. Paige was inducted into the JSU Sports Hall of Fame in 1988.
“My life has been immensely enriched by Jackson State University, and I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to join the efforts of Jackson State’s many admirers in enhancing the possibility of others receiving the benefits of a great post-secondary education,” said Paige via an IHL web release.
Paige served as the first African-American Secretary of Education under President George W. Bush, where he oversaw and implemented the No Child Left Behind initiative. He is, along with Elaine Witty, the author of “The Black-White Achievement Gap: Why Closing It Is the Greatest Civil Rights Issue of Our Time.”
Evelyn J. Leggette, acting JSU president, provost and senior vice president of Academic and Student Affairs, welcomed Paige back to his “dear ole college home.”
“I look forward to working with Dr. Paige as we continue to prepare students to become global leaders … and build on the success of the university in teaching, research and service,” said Leggette in an IHL release.
Students and alumni reactions were divided.
Maya Hughes, a senior industrial technology major from Memphis, Tenn. said, “I don’t have a problem with him. He has the credentials and he’s an alumnus. So why not?”
Greg Smith, a sophomore elementary education major from Jackson, Miss. sees the generation gap between Paige and current students as a detriment.
“Dr. Paige has an outstanding résumé, but can he relate to the students that walk the plaza everyday?” said Smith.
Some hope Paige’s appointment signals the end of a turbulent period of JSU history.
“I think it’s great that he is coming home to JSU. It should do a lot for the morale of students and alumni to have one of our own. The past few weeks have been a rollercoaster, so I hope Dr. Paige’s appointment will bring stability and confidence back to the university,” said Sharon Rosell, JSU class of 1993 and office director of the Mississippi Department of Education.
Others see Paige as the missing link between the University’s past and its future.
“With everything that has transpired over the last few months…the atmosphere on campus, the financial issues across the board, and the disconnect between the university, students and the alumni, I think Dr. Paige was the perfect choice to help bridge the gap,” said J. Jeraude Zigler, class of 2009 and President of the Metro Charlotte Alumni Chapter and JSUNAA SE Regional Board Member.
Student Government Association Vice President Isaac Gaines, a senior accounting major from St. Louis, MO agrees.
“I pretty much felt that right now what Jackson State needed was a person that knew Jackson State… I just hope that we can continue to keep the innovative side that Meyers has developed here,” said Gaines.
Karanja Norway Matory, a sophomore political science major from Jackson, Miss., doesn’t think he should get too comfortable in the Administrative Tower.
“He will do for now. He has the credentials and background. Hopefully we can find an ideal candidate to take over for the future of Jackson State after his time here,” said Matory.
Izreal Cary, a speech language pathologist and class of 1996, agrees.
“We are always proud for any native son or daughter ascending to such a prestigious post. Mr. Paige has been a steward for education at the national level. However, as an ambassador for the George W. Bush administration and the No Child Left Behind initiative, I am sure I speak for many alumni and Jacksonians by saying we should continue seeking leadership that is inclusive of our specific interests.”
Cary added: “We advocate for a leader whose interests are rooted in the development and expansion of our university, one who works with faculty, administration, staff, and students to comprehensively enhance the Jackson community, and someone who will forge the integrity of Jackson State University to rank among the best nationally, and internationally.”
Commissioner of Higher Education Glenn Boyce is confident that Paige is the right selection.
“Dr. Paige has considerable experience managing large, complex organizations and will bring these skills to bear for the benefit of Jackson State, his alma mater,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Glenn Boyce. “His story is a shining example of what Jackson State means to its students and can do for its students.”
I played quarterback for him at Jackson State University and wish him well.