Following its receipt of Dr. Lester C. Newman’s letter of resignation as President of Mississippi Valley State University effective July 15, 2007, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) Board President Dr. L. Stacy Davidson, Jr., said in a statement, “The Board appreciates Dr. Newman’s years of service to Mississippi Valley and to our state. We wish him well as he explores other opportunities.” Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Thomas C. Meredith added that, “President Newman has moved Mississippi Valley forward on many fronts. We are indebted to him for his efforts."

The Board will name an interim President for Mississippi Valley prior to July 15. Next steps will be announced by the Board as they are determined.

Under the leadership of the Board of Trustees, IHL governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

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