JSU acting president wants to move forward, not focus on what led to predecessor's ouster
Jackson State University acting president Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony said she has every intention of being in the top spot for the long term.
She made those comments Monday in front of alumni, faculty and media on Monday in the first official comments from anyone in authority since Thomas K. Hudson was placed on administrative leave Thursday by Mississippi's Institutions of Higher Learning.
However, the veteran educator could not say why Hudson was placed on leave or when, if ever, or if he would be re-instated. She referred all of those questions to the IHL. In fact, Hayes-Anthony never mentioned Hudson or his time at JSU.
The IHL, in its role, has consistently said, "(Hudson) is a personnel matter, so we will not have additional statements."
Hudson has declined an opportunity to for comment since Thursday.
Meanwhile, Hayes-Anthony, has been put in the position of leading the HBCU of around 7,000 students through a period of declining enrollment without being able to say how long she will be in this role, if Hudson will be back or if there will be a new president.
"I want to thank the Institutions of Higher Learning for entrusting me with the institution that I love, Jackson State University," she said. "I am committed to upholding the Jackson State University mission to serve the student body."
Hayes-Anthony, who most recently served as Chair and Professor of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, is the seventh president, interim or acting, in the last 14 years.
Thursday's IHL meetings came on the heels of the JSU faculty senate expressing a vote of no confidence to Hudson on Jan. 27.
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Hayes-Anthony is the seventh president or interim for the university in the past 14 years.
Despite the lack of specifics, Hayes-Anthony sounded confident about her role.
She said she was contacted by members of the IHL on Thursday and asked whether she would accept the role of acting president at JSU. While she was still traveling home from Washington, D.C., Hayes-Anthony accepted the position immediately and began work Friday morning.
She said she would begin a listening tour around campus Monday to hear thoughts and concerns. She said she would begin with students during the afternoon.
"We are going to focus on excellence in all areas of academia," Hayes-Anthony said. "I want to move the university forward with integrity."
She also said that an emphasis in her first week would be to talk with legislators about the school's future as a part of JSU's annual capital day event.
"I need to make sure and to have a look at the legislative agenda ahead of that," she said. "I plan to be there all day Wednesday so that we can talk to the proper stake holders in the legislature."
However, in a question about how much power she may have in the transition, she said that if there were a situation that came up in which she felt a need to dole out disciplinary action, she would have to consult with the IHL.
Despite not being to answer many of the questions put forth in regard to JSU's future, Hudson and the IHL, Hayes-Anthony said, "My goal is to move the university forward with integrity, also with transparency and accountability. We recognize that trust is earned, and I intend to earn your trust."
One of the first items on her agenda is to bring more students to JSU and increase enrollment. Jackson State University's numbers fell 2.5% last year.
"We will make strides and I am confident that by working as one, we will make this university great," Hayes-Anthony said. "I really and truly, as an alum, want what is best for this university."
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: JSU acting president avoids past, focuses on future of MS HBCU
