It’s no surprise that Jackson State University’s Sandra L. Hodge described herself as a servant in her new role as “special assistant to the president for strategic initiatives” because previously she worked as a regional CEO of the American Red Cross for the Mississippi Region.
Hodge said, “This new role will allow me to assist Dr. (Carolyn W.) Meyers in advancing the university’s mission and making a difference in higher education.”
President Meyers said, “JSU and I are so fortunate to have a consummate professional and brilliant leader to rejoin the family. God has blessed us once more.”
Indeed, Hodge is no stranger to JSU. From 1995 to 2001, she shared her talents with various campus departments, including psychology. Most of her time, however, was spent in research and development, handling budgets and working as a grant and contract specialist. In addition, Hodge is a graduate of Jackson State University, Class of 1997.
Returning to the university is a calling that the self-described servant says she does not take lightly. “This is an opportunity to help the institution move forward. Dr. Meyers is such an intellectual, and she challenges people every day to perform better. It’s not just a mantra; it’s action-oriented. The president’s ‘One JSU’ shared vision energizes me.”
Hodge praises the president for enhancing the culture, campus environment and academic programs. “JSU has soared to another level. Dr. Meyers is extraordinary. I admire leaders who are trailblazers, tread their own paths and are innovative and cutting-edge. This spawned my interest to return.”
Beforehand, working for a nonprofit was Hodge’s biggest dream. “I thought serving as CEO was the pinnacle of my career because I provided leadership to strategic initiatives and helped promote the organization’s brand and vision. However, my new role will allow me to work with President Meyers to advance and execute the university’s mission.”
At JSU, she said she aims to become an even greater servant than in her previous career. As Meyers’ Special Assistant, Hodge will work closely with the president; act as the liaison for the president with the internal and external community and constituencies; and support strategic initiatives of the Office of the President and the university.
“Because I’ve worked with HBCUs, I understand budgets and financial resources. I’ve been a chief fund-raiser, and I have a network of donors and partners throughout the state. I hope to share these resources and assist with strategic initiatives, branding and the mission. Ultimately, the goal is to continue expanding the University’s ability to be proactive and leverage resources.”
And, if given the ability to gaze into a crystal ball, Hodge says she would expect to see a commitment to “lifelong learning,” with her relationship with JSU producing a reciprocal benefit.
While not a prognosticator, she, nevertheless, foresees a future “in higher education with opportunities to grow as a leader, administrator and educator. I desire to teach a course in nonprofit social entrepreneurship that will allow me to shape the minds of students in nonprofit management in a global society.”