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Jackson State University’s interim President Dr. Rod Paige will be presented the Outstanding Educator Award from Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston on Thursday, Feb. 16.
Issued by the institution’s Excellence in Education Selection Committee, the award recognizes Paige for exemplifying characteristics of a “caring, committed, competent and culturally responsive educator.”
Before rising to the Cabinet ranks of U.S. secretary of education in the administration of George W. Bush, Paige already had developed extensive credentials in education.
The native of Monticello, Miss., earned his bachelor’s degree at JSU and would eventually serve his alma mater as head football coach, 1964-1968.
Later, Paige would join TSU, where he served in numerous roles: head football coach, 1971-1975; athletic director, 1971-1980; professor, 1980-1984; and dean of the College of Education, 1984-1994.
As a result of his many accomplishments, Paige will be honored by TSU during the awards gala on Thursday, Feb. 16.