Senior Consultant: William Kibler
bill.kibler@academicsearch.org
Senior Consultant: Maria Thompson
maria.thompson@academicsearch.org
Associate Consultant: Amy Bonsiero
Amy.Bonsiero@academicsearch.org
The Board of Trustees of the Institutions of Higher Learning and Jackson State University invite inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of President. The University seeks a leader who will create a bold vision for the future, has a passion for its mission, and is indefatigable in the pursuit of excellence. The position affords an exceptional opportunity to create a compelling vision that marshals the collective talents of the faculty and staff to advance Jackson State University’s position as a premier urban research university.
About the University
Jackson State University (JSU), founded in 1877, is a historically black university in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi. JSU’s nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change their lives through teaching, research, and service. Officially designated as Mississippi’s Urban University, JSU continues to enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive economic development, healthcare, technological and educational initiatives. The only public university in the metropolitan area, JSU’s main campus is located near downtown. With nearly 7,000 students, JSU is the fourth-largest institution of higher learning in Mississippi and ranks among the top 20 HBCUs in the nation. JSU offers more than 90 bachelor’s, master’s, specialist’s, and doctoral degree programs through traditional and online course offerings. Ranked #7 among top HBCUs in the country, JSU was named an Apple Distinguished School for 2013-15 and 2015-17 for uniquely implementing technology into the curriculum. JSU ranks in the top five in patents earned among HBCUs.
The Position
The 13th President of Jackson State University will be a transformative leader who builds the institution’s future on the foundation of its rich history and invests in the university’s greatest assets – its faculty, staff, and students. Guided by the principles of shared governance, the President will have an unwavering commitment to academic and research excellence, student success, economic development, and community engagement. The President will lead JSU’s forward trajectory through addressing key priorities: resource development, public engagement, brand building, enrollment growth, research enterprise, shared governance.
A full list of required and preferred qualifications as well as the leadership agenda can be found in the search prospectus link above. The 13th President is expected to assume office in January 2024.
How to apply
The search for President of Jackson State University is being assisted by Academic Search. Applications should consist of a substantive cover letter addressing the expectations of the University and the position of President; a current curriculum vitae (CV); and a list of five professional references with contact information and a brief description explaining the working relationship of each to the applicant. References will not be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate.
Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted in confidence to:
JSUPresident@academicsearch.org
The position is open until filled, but only applications received by August 21, 2023, can be assured full consideration. Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting Dr. Bill Kibler, Senior Consultant, at bill.kibler@academicsearch.org or Dr. Maria Thompson, Senior Consultant, at maria.thompson@academicsearch.org.
Jackson State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other factors prohibited by law in any of its educational programs, activities, services, admissions, or employment practices.
