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IHL selects Academic Search to help...

IHL selects Academic Search to help find next Jackson State President

By: Anne Summerhays - May 24, 2023
Jackson State University

Jackson State University (Photo from JSU Facebook)

IHL Board Search Committee Chair says the Academic Search team brings a deep understanding of the higher education landscape.

On Wednesday, the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) selected Academic Search to assist in the national search for the next president of Jackson State University (JSU).

Since their inception, Academic Search has completed “more than 2,200 executive searches, including more than 685 presidential, vice presidential, and dean searches over the past five years.”

According to Academic Search, 59% of their searches over the last five years have originated from existing or former partner institutions who re-engage their organization after an initial successful experience. 

Trustee Dr. Steven Cunningham, Board Search Committee Chair, said the Academic Search team brings a deep understanding of the higher education landscape and extensive experience in recruiting executive leadership to this national search.

“We look forward to working with them on the national search for the 13th President of Jackson State University,” Dr. Cunningham stated.

READ MORE: IHL seeks input as Jackson State University President search moves forward

At the beginning of March, former JSU President Thomas Hudson was placed on administrative leave with pay. The Board of Trustees of IHL then named Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony as temporary acting president. Hudson formally resigned the post days later.

Several trustees were then appointed to the Board Search Committee as they continue the search for the next President of JSU. Those are:

  • Dr. Steven Cunningham, Chair
  • Dr. Ormella Cummings
  • Bruce Martin
  • Gee Ogletree
  • Hal Parker

IHL Commissioner Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr. spoke with Magnolia Tribune last month. He said he understands how important the success of JSU is to the Jackson community.

“With strong alumni and community support and a location in the Capital City, Jackson State has enormous potential,” Dr. Rankins said. “I would advise the next president to fully engage the JSU community in helping the university flourish.”

About the Author(s)
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Anne Summerhays

Anne Summerhays is a recent graduate of Millsaps College where she majored in Political Science, with minors in Sociology and American Studies. In 2021, she joined Y’all Politics as a Capitol Correspondent. Prior to making that move, she interned for a congressional office in Washington, D.C. and a multi-state government relations and public affairs firm in Jackson, Mississippi. While at Millsaps, Summerhays received a Legislative Fellowship with the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi where she worked with an active member of the Mississippi Legislature for the length of session. She has quickly established trust in the Capitol as a fair, honest, and hardworking young reporter. Her background in political science helps her cut through the noise to find and explain the truth. Email Anne: anne@magnoliatribune.com