The State Board of Trustees of Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning today approved a slate of individuals proposed for service on the Search Advisory Constituency for the presidential search at Jackson State University. The slate was presented by Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Al Rankins Jr. and Trustee Dr. Steven Cunningham, who also serves as the chair of the Board Search Committee. The Board of Trustees voted at its October 16, 2025, meeting to authorize Rankins and Cunningham to develop the slate of candidates for service on the Search Advisory Committee.
The following individuals were approved for service on the Search Advisory Constituency:
- Dr. Nicholas J. Hill—Dean, College of Business, Jackson State University
- Dr. Candice L. Jackson—Secretary, Jackson State University Faculty Senate, and Associate Professor, Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Speech Communications, Jackson State University
- Dr. Deidre L. Wheaton—Associate Dean, College of Education and Human Development
- Brigadier General (Ret.) Robert Crear—Advisory Board, Jackson State University Development Foundation
- Patrease Edwards—President, Jackson State University National Alumni Association
Members of the Search Advisory Constituency will assist the Board Search Committee in the vetting of applicants in an appropriate manner as determined by the Board Search Committee. The Board Search Committee is comprised of all members of the Board of Trustees.
The formal solicitation of applicants is expected to begin in December 2025, following the completion of a leadership profile. The profile will provide applicants with an overview of Jackson State University and information regarding opportunities and priorities presented during listening sessions held on the Jackson State campus in late October.
