Jai’Den Smith
Editor-in-Chief
The revolving door to the President’s office at Jackson State University has opened and closed once again with the resignation of 13th university President Dr. Marcus L. Thompson on May 7, 2025.
However, students, employees, and alumni were already aware that something big was on the horizon after social media posts from WAPT, a local news station, stated that IHL was meeting to discuss a personnel matter at JSU.
Later that afternoon, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning released the following statement:
“The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning has announced that Dr. Marcus Thompson has submitted his resignation as President of Jackson State University, effective immediately. The Board of Trustees has named Dr. Denise Jones Gregory, provost and vice president of academic affairs, interim President.”
JSU National Alumni President Patrease Edwards released the following statement soon after this announcement, which read in part:
Dear Esteemed Alumni,
…
In moments of transition, it’s easy to give in to speculation and division. But that’s not who we are. Jackson State has weathered many seasons, and through it all, we’ve risen—together.
Let me be clear: we support our beloved alma mater as we always have and always will. We stand with our scholars—those brilliant young minds who represent the very best of what’s next. And we affirm our full support for JSU Alumna, ’94, Dr. Denise Jones Gregory and the current leadership team as they guide Jackson State into its next chapter.
We urge all alumni to speak only with love and pride about our university. Let us lift JSU with every post, every conversation, and every action. Refrain from public comment during this sensitive time, and let our message be one of unity, dignity, and unwavering support…
Many students expressed frustration with the instability in the top administrative office and with IHL, some via social media platforms.
Nicholas Brown, a senior electrical engineering major, was one of these students.
“Four presidential figures in four years. I believe the issue isn’t just with the presidents themselves, but also with the board (IHL) responsible for hiring them. It’s time the board is investigated also,” said Brown, a Chicago native.
Calise Adamopoulos, a senior elementary education major from Dallas, Ga., believes students should be more involved in the selection process.
“I think students would definitely be willing to be more involved for sure. Right now, it seems like there are more requirements and more of a process for being Miss/Mister JSU than the literal President of the university,” said Adamopoulos.
Adamopoulos wants IHL to explain its process of selecting presidents for JSU.
“I think many students are just wondering how this same thing keeps happening. What is going on for real? Are they not running good background checks? I think students need to be involved just to ensure a process is actually taking place,” she stated.
Some JSU alumni also expressed frustration with presidents coming and going so quickly at JSU.
Since the tenure of Dr. Ronald Mason, Jr., who served for 10 years, there have been four presidents and two acting presidents.
Jay Zigler, a 2009 graduate of JSU from Little Rock, Ark., believes IHL is not selecting the best candidates to lead the university.
“While the resignation of Dr. Marcus Thompson as President of Jackson State University is welcomed, it is also an unfortunate loss and turn of events for a university that has seemingly become a revolving door for those that have served in the position over the last 15 years. It paints a picture of instability and, to a degree, a level of either willful incompetence, intentional sabotage, or both for Mississippi’s Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) Board, considering the number of highly qualified candidates over the years and the choices they have made,” said Zigler.
Zigler added: “It is frustrating for alumni across the country, but more importantly, their decisions continue to be a disservice to the current students, faculty, and staff that contribute to the day-to-day success of the university. We cannot afford to fumble this next opportunity to appoint an experienced and competent leader to take Mississippi’s only Urban and Comprehensive University to its rightful place in the City of Jackson and the State of Mississippi! IHL MUST do better. To do otherwise would be a detrimental blow to the rich history and legacy of our ‘dear old college home!'”
Cianna Reeves, a 2020 graduate of JSU, believes IHL must do better for JSU.
“When I was a student, I witnessed the resignation of two presidents. Since becoming an alum, that number is now four. These resignations aren’t happening due to a distinguished legacy – it’s because it’s the consequence of poor decisions by leadership and those who selected them,” said Reeves, a Byram, Miss. native.
Reeves added: “The Institution of Higher Learning must do a better job of vetting the leaders who will preside at the helm of our great institution. In this next chapter, it is my hope that they not only consider listening to what students and alumni want in a president but also understand what a great leader looks like in order to restore the integrity and trust that JSU was built upon.”
As the national search for the 14th President of Jackson State University begins, The Blue & White Flash will continue to update our audience on new developments.
Miss Smith,
This is an excellent column. I see why you are the editor-in- chief of the JSU Blue and White Flash newspaper.
Thee JSU family should be concerned about the state of the leadership at Jackson State.
At this stage, I contend that Thee JSU family needs to prepare to take action to protect itself from what appears to be an all out assault by the governing body on the very foundation of the legacy that is JSU.
Has any other State public university experienced this much turmoil at this critical position in the same period of time?