(JACKSON, Miss.) – The Jackson State University Division of Institutional Advancement along with the JSU Development Foundation have named Jennifer Clark, MBA, as executive director of the JSU Development Foundation.
In her new role, Clark will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Foundation. She brings to her new position more than 16 years of experience in finance, accounting, financial reporting, regulatory compliance, banking and portfolio management. Clark previously held other financial leadership roles while serving as vice president of Investor Relations at Hope Enterprise Corporation and as a director of finance with the State of Mississippi.
“Jennifer’s background is a tremendous asset to the Foundation,” said JSU Development Foundation Board Chair, LaSonya Hall, Ph.D. “We are confident her leadership will advance the infrastructure and sustainability of our work in meaningful ways and contribute to JSU’s viability.”
Clark holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from Jackson State University. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and the Junior League of Jackson.
“Bringing on Jennifer as the Development Foundation’s executive director marks a significant moment for the Foundation,” said Sloan D. Cargill, JSU Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs. “With her extensive financial experience and management skills, Jennifer will be an essential leader as she collaborates with the board and JSU giving community to sustain and grow donor relationships and increase endowments.”
About the JSU Development Foundation
The JSU Development Foundation is a private nonprofit (501c3) organization that works in collaboration with the JSU Division of Institutional Advancement to secure tax-deductible donations for student scholarships, the university’s endowments, planned giving opportunities, annual fund, naming opportunities and other institutional priorities. As the primary bridge between the University’s academic leadership and its donors, the Foundation is operated exclusively for the benefit of Jackson State University. At the end of 2025, the Foundation’s investment portfolio had a market value of approximately $57 million, and for the 2025-2026 academic year, the Foundation awarded $1.5 million in scholarships to JSU students. For more information, visit sites.jsums.edu/jsudf.
About Jackson State University
Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically Black, doctoral university classified R2 by the Carnegie Classification for its substantial research activity and doctoral degree production. Jackson State’s nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research and service. Officially designated as Mississippi’s Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive economic development, healthcare, technological and educational initiatives. The only public university in metropolitan Jackson, Jackson State is located near downtown and has four satellite locations throughout the area. For more information, visit jsums.edu.