“My hope is for her to continue to be authentically her and don't let anybody distract her on her path and on her journey as being the new president of Jackson State University,” said Peterson. “And I hope to come back within the next two to three, five years, whatever the case may be, and see a lot of. A huge significant change on campus.”
Peterson said since he has been on campus, he has seen how involved Gregory has been with students and making them feel like they are at home.
“She makes students actually feel known. She makes the students actually feels seen. Prior to even speaking to her, she will come to you first before you come to her,” said Peterson. “And also to have a president that’s a JSU alum, that's major, because not only one graduated from here, but you understand the institution. So to have a president who can understand students in all different aspects of, you know, leadership. It's a blessing and I'm just so excited that she got this role in this position of title. It's well deserved.”
Teryn Winn has been a student at Jackson State for two years. Originally a transfer student from a community college, she said her experience with Gregory has been amazing.
“When I found out that Dr. Gregory is going to be the president, I was extremely excited. I've been waiting on this,” said Winn. “I love Dr. Gregory. I haven't heard a bad thing about her. I've actually talked to her multiple times and she has a great energy. She's very personable. She always talks with the students and so I love that she's president. I think that she is a great fit. She's been doing a good job.”
Before Gregory was interim president, she was provost and vice president of academic affairs at the university. She has 20 years of experience in higher education and had previously taught chemistry at Samford University in Ala., later serving as associate provost. She was also a faculty member in chemistry at Tuskegee University.
Mark Dawson, chairman of The 1877 Project, said Gregory is the perfect choice for president. He met with her last summer and said Gregory understands the importance of protecting and preserving the legacy of Jackson State.
“We were talking just as parents. She has a college student as do I. My child looked into Jackson State and we were talkin' about housing and she said, "I am not going to put any student in any situation that I would not put my own daughter in,” said Dawson. “And I was so happy to hear that. And in fact, in the conversation that she and I had recently, within the last couple of weeks, she got it (president). So, happy to have someone who is an experienced leader. A leader with high integrity, but also understands and shares the values of the community of students and families that she will be serving.”
Dawson also said that there still needs to be transparency and accountability from the Institute of Higher Learning.
“We (Thee 1877 Project) are happy and pleased with the outcome of having Dr. Gregory be the next president of Jackson State University. They got that part right,” said Dawson. “What may seem to be opposed to that is IHL continues to not be transparent. We said, ‘hey, can we know who the three finalists are?’ That's a practice that's done across the country in states red and blue to name the finalists. Two finalists, three finalists, or who's on the list. And also to have meaningful input at determining state in selecting the next leaders. IHL did not provide any of that, they still have not been accountable for the failures in past presidential appointments. So IHL did get it right with Dr. Gregory, but the process is still very flawed. And that's just that that is something that I think that each of the universities in the state should be concerned about, and all the citizens should be concerned about. Getting the process right is still on the table.”
Gregory takes over as the 10th person to lead the university in 16 years, finally putting a long-term leader in the top spot.
In a statement, Gregory said, “Jackson State University has shaped my life in profound ways, so it is a distinct honor to serve as president of the university that helped shape me. As an alumna and longtime member of this community, I know the strength, promise and responsibility that come with leading JSU. I am grateful to the Board of Trustees for its confidence, and I look forward to continuing to work with our students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters to advance this institution with focus, integrity and deep pride in who we are. This is truly a full circle moment for me.”
Gregory is a 1994 graduate of the university and received her doctorate in chemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Mayor John Horhn released a statement regarding the Jackson State alum being chosen as president.
“On behalf of the City of Jackson, I extend my congratulations to Dr. Denise Jones Gregory on her selection as the 14th President of Jackson State University,” said Horhn. “Dr. Gregory’s appointment marks an important moment for JSU, and I am confident her leadership, experience, and deep connection to the university will serve the institution well. Jackson State University is a cornerstone of Jackson’s economic growth and development, driving innovation, and preparing a talented workforce that strengthens businesses across our city. We congratulate President Gregory and look forward to the bright future ahead for Jackson State University and the many students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters who make JSU a treasured institution.”
Kamryn Patterson is a rising senior at Jackson State. She will serve as Miss Jackson State University for the 2026-2027 school year. She said Gregory knows what it takes to be a leader for the university. She also said Gregory’s appointment is special to her because her parents graduated from Jackson State the same year as Gregory and are very close.
“The way she shows up, and even the small things for everyone, it's truly just warmed our hearts, especially just throughout everything that we've been through these past few years,” said Patterson. “ It's good to finally know that we have somebody we can trust in positions, and everybody around this campus calls her Auntie.”
Students and alums say they believe Gregory will put Jackson State in a great direction for years to come.
