Hudson resigns as Dr. Elayne H. Anthony assumes duties as Acting President of JSU

Welch

Alivia

Managing Editor

Almost two weeks after former President Thomas Hudson was placed on administrative leave following a confidential meeting with the Board of the Institutions of Higher Learning, Hudson resigned as JSU’s 77th President.

According to a press release issued by the IHL Board, Hudson will remain on paid leave until March 31, 2023. Elayne Hayes-Anthony, Ph.D., who was appointed temporary acting president when Hudson was first place on leave, will continue in that role until further notice.

Although the leadership has changed, students are adamant about voicing their concerns to Anthony and have full confidence in her abilities.

Madison Cathey, a senior accounting major and president of the Student Government Association (SGA), said the SGA has met with Anthony and are ready to move forward.

“We have started to work with the new acting president to get her acclimated. We’re having those intentional conversations to make sure she’s in the loop about everything concerning student life,” said Cathey.

With Hudson having the shortest tenure as president at JSU, it has students speculating on whether or not the student body has been affected by the abrupt change in the president’s office.

“Jackson State is a machine that doesn’t rely and live and die on the shoulders of one person and transitions are something that we have and will continue to work through. I don’t think it has a high impact on the university’s ability to serve students and be a great place to matriculate.”

Student engagement and awareness of the changes going on around JSU is their top priority, said Markyel Pittman, a senior political science major and president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

(NAACP) JSU Chapter. He said that he and the JSUNAACP want to keep President Anthony engaged as much as possible.

The JSU Day held at the State Capitol was the starting point.

“We want to get her involved politically as much as possible with our campus and students especially because of the new bill 1020 that was recently passed,” said Pittman.

House Bill 1020 will allow the Capital Police to takeover and be the primary police force for certain areas and set a new district for the city of Jackson.

Pittman said that the new police force would put new levels of fears in students because of the short history that the Capital Police have already established.

“We’re concerned with the safety of our students because we will no longer be advised by the Jackson Police Department, who are more than capable of doing their job properly,” Pittman stated.

After not receiving a reason as to why former President Hudson requested resignation, students claim that the lack of communication and transparency from the university is not making the transition easier.

Deja Butler, a freshman political science major said that the university not being straightforward with Hudson and potential allegations, which makes room for suspicions.

“It blindsided us you know. We don’t know why he left or the situation around it. We don’t know if it was him personally or the administration under him,” said Butler. “I think the university owes us at least a faceto-face explanation. After all, we’re paying their salaries with our tuition.”

Butler refers to the special meeting held by the IHL Board on March 2 to discuss what they called in a press release, “a Jackson State University personnel matter.”

Many students, staff and faculty were shocked to learn that the meeting was held to determine the future of President Hudson.

Later that evening, the IHL board released the following statement:

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning has placed Thomas Hudson, President of Jackson State University, on administrative leave with pay, effective immediately, and named Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony as temporary acting president of JSU at its meeting held today in Jackson, effective immediately. Dr. Hayes-Anthony currently serves as Chair and Professor, Department of Journalism and Media Studies, at Jackson State University.

“We are grateful that Dr. HayesAnthony has agreed to serve as Acting President,” said Tom Duff, President of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. “As alumnus and long-time administrator and faculty member at the university, she understands the campus, its students, its challenges and opportunities.”

Dr. Hayes-Anthony has served as

JSU advances legislative priorties at Day at the Capitol event

Kyle Kidd-Buckner

JSU Public Relations

Yesterday, the Jackson State University delegation filled the halls of the Mississippi State Capitol in large numbers and high spirits in support of JSU programs and legislative priorities, as well as acknowledging the 2022 SWAC Championship teams programs, including football, women’s soccer, women’s tennis, and men’s cross country.

“From our studentathletes, our coaches and other representatives, we deeply appreciate the fact that you recognize JSU excellence in this chamber today,” said JSU Acting President Elayne H. Anthony, Ph.D. “We are so very pleased to be a part of this, and I want to thank each and every one of you for what you do to support our fine university.”

Mississippi state legislators assembled inside the Senate and House chambers to salute the efforts of Jackson State University athletes, both in and outside of the classroom. In attendance among state legislators were JSU alums Sen. Sollie B. Norwood, Sen. Derrick Simmons, Sen.

Hillman Frazier, Rep. Chris Bell, Rep. Bo Brown and Rep. Rufus Straughter.

Anthony further greeted the assemblage of supporters and esteemed guests, expressing deep gratitude toward JSU faculty, coaches, and staff who work tirelessly to uplift the institution’s vision.

In the latest NCAA Graduation Success rate report for the 2021-22 academic year, the Tigers of JSU touted a graduation success rate of 90%, securing the top spot amongst other SWAC institutions and tied with University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University athletics for the highest position in the state.

Head JSU Football Coach T.C. Taylor offered timely flowers to his forward-looking football team reminding all in attendance that the athletes are the reason he will continue to press toward the mark of excellence.

“Jackson State University student athletes. That is what it is all about. They are champions,” said Taylor. “We appreciate being here. We are excited for the future and ask that you continue to support our students.”

Serenading the rapidly growing rotunda was JSU’s very own Jazz Ensemble, while the University’s various academic colleges exhibited their graduate and undergraduate program offerings. The Department of Alumni Relations displayed a variety of avenues to support the university’s mission.

In addition to the celebratory festivities, the university also presented several fundamental priorities to advance the university strategic vision, including a new student residence hall, campus sustainability and infrastructure, and a campus safety project.

“We appreciate the support extended to us on what has been an excellent day,” said Anthony. “I thank you for what you do to support us, and please know that in the coming days, weeks, and months to come, we will call upon you for that.”

Editor-in-Chief supports appointment of Dr. Anthony

presidents since 2010. To put this into perspective, the article states that, “The national average for a college president’s tenure is six and half years, according to a recent study in the American Council on Education.” appointment of Dr. Elayne Anthony could act as the ray of sunshine Jackson State students need. concerns of students.

This isn’t the history I want Jackson State to be known for.

Jackson State University is home to the brightest and most talented minds in the world. Despite our academic and athletic achievements being prominent on campus, this is not reflected in the media.

Dr. Anthony serves as the Chair of the Journalism and Media Studies Department before adding Acting President of Jackson State University to her resume.

During one of her first press conferences, it was good to know that Dr. Anthony has a history with the university.

The meeting contained multiple student leaders seeking some answers regarding the president’s immediate resignation and safety concerns. After hearing her responses to the controversies and plans for the school, I believe that Jackson State will get the positive recognition it deserves.

Cameron Adams Editor-in-Chief

During my time as an editor for The Blue and White Flash, I learned that a team is only as strong as its leader.

With this lesson in mind, I believe it’s safe to say that Jackson State is in desperate need of a good leader.

According to The Clarion-Ledger, JSU has had seven different

The news of Dr. Hudson’s resignation was nothing short of disappointing because I knew that this would lead to another month of negative coverage of Jackson State. Our constant change in leadership due to controversy has not only formed a dark cloud over the Administration Tower but caused the students of JSU to be caught in the eye of the storm.

I believe that the

“I’m an alum of this institution. I love it. I’ve walked these halls and received two degrees from Jackson State and then went on to take the Ph.D. in organizational and broadcast law from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale; but I’m indeed grateful to have the opportunity that’s been entrusted to me through IHL to really transition the process at Jackson State,” she told the crowd.

During the first few days of Dr. Anthony’s tenure, she also met with students to give a formal introduction and hear out the pressing

During this meeting, she stated that her first focus would be the students at JSU.

“I’m committed to upholding the Jackson State University mission to serve our student body. The first people on my list for service will be students. That’s why I’m here and I will be carrying those traditions forward,” she said.

Dr. Anthony’s emphasis on the importance of the safety and well-being of students caused me to gain an immediate connection with her.

Since students haven’t been able to choose past presidents, I began to normalize that I had no say in the future of my college experience.

With Dr. Anthony incorporating the concerns of students into the future of Jackson, it feels like the students will have the chance to establish a strong voice on campus. One of the most reassuring comments she made however addressed the concerns over the high turnover rate in the president’s office.

“I’m homegrown. I’m not going anywhere. This is not something for me as a resume builder. I love this university, and I think it shows,” she stated.

Despite the promises that were made, these are plans that have yet to be put into action. It will take time for noticeable changes to be present on campus, but I believe that Dr. Anthony will make the right moves to ensure a successful future for Jackson State students.

The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.

Compiled by: Shakell James

“I’m excited to see what she does, meaning putting words into actions. As long as her words match up with her actions, I’m open to her.”

“I don’t know her but I’ve heard that when it comes to business, she’s successful.”

“As long as she does her job the right way, especially with anything concerning the university, it should be okay.”

“I feel like I’m excited to see what she does, but also scared. I don’t want to take it into her own hands just for the power she has been given.”

“I’m glad she was appointed early instead of us not having a president. I really hope we can get a better quality of living for the dorms and academics.”

“It’s weird having a new president in the middle of the semester. I assume it was for a legit reason.”

Genesis Brown Freshman Psychology Dermott, Ark.

“I feel like having a new president will brighten the future for JSU as far as students, academics and financially. The money would go for things we actually need.”

Kasey Gibbs Junior Communicative Disorders Los Angeles, Calif.

“I understand she is a part of the journalism and media studies department, so she will be able to address the problem in a respectful public manner.”

“I think it’s very suspicious that we are getting a new president at the end of the school year. It was strange that they couldn’t say anything about why we were getting one so abruptly.”

Miss.

“I don’t know how I feel about the situation entirely. I’m hoping that there will be more campus improvements.”

“I just she is a better representative than the previous presidents. As a freshman, I would like to see plenty of beneficial changes to better the environment.”