Thomas Hudson will continue to serve as president at Jackson State University. The Board of Trustees of the Institutions of Higher Learning made the announcement yesterday. An alumnus and member of the Jackson State staff since 2012, Hudson has also served as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Diversity Officer, and Title IX Coordinator. During the announcement, Hudson said his roots in the JSU and capitol city community run deep.
"I've been around the university as long as I've been on this earth. So, for me it's personal," said Hudson. "For me it's about family, for me it's about history, it's about legacy, it's something that I'm already very much apart of. Something that I won't have to learn."
Hudson has served as acting president since February. He is replacing former president William Bynum, who resigned following his arrest in a prostitution sting.
The college board hosted a series of listening sessions with JSU students, faculty and staff and alumni. IHL Commissioner Alfred Rankins says they did not initiate a nationwide search because a number of constituents had already decided he was their choice for the university.
"There was overwhelming support for Thomas Hudson and the job he was doing at Jackson State University," said Rankins.
"So, that input that the board received from the Jackson State family was the impetus for the decision that we have here today."
Rankins says alumni expressed desires for stability, an alumnus, and someone who's proven leadership at the university.
