(JACKSON, Miss.) – Jackson State University (JSU) announces the appointment of Preselfannie E. Whitfield McDaniels, Ph.D., as interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, following the elevation of Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D., to interim president. In addition, Carlos D. Wilson, Ph.D., has been named interim dean of the Division of Graduate Studies, succeeding McDaniels in that role.
“These appointments reflect the depth of talent within our academic leadership,” said Gregory. “Dr. McDaniels and Dr. Wilson are prepared to lead with focus and integrity. Their experience will support continued progress in student achievement, faculty excellence and the expansion of graduate education. I am confident in their ability to uphold our mission and move Jackson State forward with purpose.”
McDaniels previously served as dean of the Division of Graduate Studies and is a professor of English in the College of Liberal Arts. A member of the JSU faculty since 1999, she has chaired an academic department, led major accreditation initiatives and secured competitive funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the National Science Foundation via the Council of Graduate Schools. She has also served as project director of National Endowment for the Humanities grants via the Mississippi Humanities Council. Her scholarship includes research in African American women’s literature, service-learning pedagogy and portfolio assessment.
McDaniels is a lifetime member of the JSU National Alumni Association (JSUNAA) and the Jackson-Hinds Alumni Chapter, where she serves as scholarships committee chair.
As interim provost, she will oversee the university’s academic strategy, faculty affairs and curriculum development across all colleges and schools. Her leadership will also help guide ongoing planning efforts, support for student learning outcomes and preparation for future institutional milestones.
“It is an honor to serve in this role at a time when our focus on academic excellence and student success remains more important than ever,” McDaniels said. “My priority is to support our faculty and students and to strengthen the academic systems that sustain excellence across every college and program.”
Wilson previously served as associate dean of Graduate Studies and brings more than 15 years of academic and administrative experience to his new role. A three-time JSU graduate, he earned his bachelor’s degree in 2004, a master’s degree in 2006 and a Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education in 2012. He is a tenured associate professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and has led adult learning initiatives across the university.
In his role as director for the School of Lifelong Learning in JSU’s College of Education and Human Development, Wilson expanded access for returning learners through programs such as Complete 2 Compete and workforce partnerships. He has secured more than 20 grants in support of adult education, literacy and international training, and recently helped modernize graduate admissions and dissertation guidelines.
“Graduate education drives innovation and prepares our students to meet the needs of today’s workforce,” Wilson said. “I look forward to strengthening the graduate experience, expanding access, and elevating the presence of our programs as we work to grow enrollment and deepen impact.”
Under Wilson’s leadership, the Division of Graduate Studies will continue advancing initiatives that promote research excellence, student success and broader awareness of JSU’s graduate offerings. As Mississippi’s only urban public research university, Jackson State plays a vital role in developing graduate-level talent across the region.
Both appointments are effective immediately.