After being in office for more than 70 days, Jackson State University President Marcus Thompson addressed the public discourse surrounding his path to presidency. He talked to the Clarion Ledger exclusively Thursday.
It was during the Institutions of Higher Learning’s last official meeting of 2023 when the board was about to conclude its meeting without publicly naming a permanent president for the university.
Then, just before the meeting adjourned, applause broke out behind closed doors. Executive board members did not explain why the applause was given.
The significance was later linked to the appointment of Thompson as the 13th permanent president in the university’s history. JSU does not count interim or acting presidents in this total.
“That was one of the most exciting moments of my life. Jackson State is one of the most prominent universities in the country and being selected to lead this institution was an amazing experience,” Thompson said. “I am still elated, even in my 73 days of being here. It’s one of the best feelings I can say that I’ve had as a leader. Because each day in the role, even though there are challenges, there are so many bright spots.”