The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning invites (IHL) applications and nominations for the presidency of Jackson State University (JSU). Founded in 1877, JSU is Mississippi’s only urban research university and one of the nation’s top historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The position offers the chance to guide the next strategic planning process and lead the university into its 150th anniversary, shaping a new chapter for one of the nation’s most respected HBCUs.
Working with the IHL board, students, faculty, staff, alumni and the broader community, the next president will sustain JSU’s trajectory in research, enrollment, student achievement, and institutional reputation. This is a moment for a visionary leader to champion JSU’s people, programs, and purpose, elevating the university to new levels of research prominence, philanthropic growth, and public impact. The next president will have proven experience leading a large and complex enterprise, preferably at an HBCU, including oversight of substantial organizational structures, diverse operational units, and broad administrative or academic teams, preferably at an HBCU as well. A doctoral degree is preferred.
JSU is centrally located in Jackson, on a 245-acre campus featuring modern learning spaces, research spaces, student centered activities, and collaborative environments that support discovery and innovation. Its proximity to government, healthcare, and industry anchors collaboration that benefits the entire state. JSU holds the Carnegie Classification of Research 2 (High Research Spending and Doctorate Production). This designation affirms JSU’s expanding research enterprise and growing role in graduate education and innovation.
A complete Leadership Profile with additional information may be found above.
AGB Search is pleased to assist Jackson State University with this leadership search. Review of applications for the president will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. To apply for the position, candidates are requested to submit the following in PDF format:
To assure full consideration, applications should be received by March 3, 2026, to the AGB Search portal system here: Jackson State University President.
Please direct nominations and expressions of interest or any questions regarding the application process to: JSUPresident@agbsearch.com
Kim R. Bobby, Ed.D.
Principal
253.861.7738
kim.bobby@agbsearch.com
Carlton Brown, Ed.D.
Senior Executive Search Consultant
912.247.8661
carlton.brown@agbsearch.com
The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning 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 employment practices.
