Jackson State names new president after national search

Denise Jones Gregory has been named the 14th full-time president of Jackson State University, following her interim appointment since May 2025. A JSU alum and former provost, she was selected from a pool of 78 applicants following a national search.

Her appointment comes after years of leadership instability at the university, which has seen 10 presidents in the past 16 years. She succeeds Marcus Thompson, who resigned in 2025 amid controversy.

University leaders and alumni expressed confidence in Gregory’s ability to bring stability and lead the institution forward, marking a new chapter for one of the nation’s most prominent HBCUs.

Gregory graduated magna cum laude in 1994 from Jackson State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in chemistry. She earned her doctorate in chemistry from Georgia Tech and completed additional training through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Brandon Marshall

Brandon has over ten years of experience working in television news, social media branding and crisis communications. He has a master's degree in Public Administration and a bachelor's degree in Communications with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism. Brandon is a seven-time Emmy-nominated journalist with extensive experience and knowledge in storytelling and utilizing social media to convey stories to local and national audiences.